Ah, Christmas! A time for joy, family gatherings, and, of course, those delightfully cheesy variety shows that have graced our screens over the decades. If you think about it, there’s something beautifully nostalgic about those performances that have become holiday staples. But let’s be real—some of the moments from these shows would probably raise a few eyebrows today. So grab a cup of hot cocoa and let’s take a stroll down memory lane to revisit eight Christmas variety show moments that would likely never make it to air in our current climate!
The Over-the-Top Holiday Specials
Back in the day, it seemed like the more extravagant the holiday special, the better! Think of the lavish sets, costumes that could blind you with their sparkle, and performances that were positively over-the-top. While we still love a bit of glitz, the current trend leans toward authenticity and simplicity. Imagine a stage decked out like Santa’s workshop on steroids—just a tad excessive for today’s viewers who might prefer a cozy living room vibe instead.
Musical Numbers with Stereotypical Characters
Some of those old Christmas specials featured musical numbers that played on cultural stereotypes. You know the ones—where characters dressed in exaggerated costumes to represent different cultures. While they might have been intended as festive fun, today’s audiences are more aware of cultural sensitivity and representation. A festive number where a character dons a sombrero and sings about tacos? Yikes! These days, we’re all about celebrating cultures respectfully, not caricaturing them.
Questionable Humor That Misses the Mark
Comedy is subjective, and what was once considered hilarious can turn cringeworthy over time. Remember those skits that relied on slapstick humor or jokes that poked fun at holiday traditions? You can almost hear the collective groans of today’s viewers as they watch someone slip on a banana peel while dressed as Santa. Nowadays, humor tends to veer toward inclusivity and clever wit, leaving the old-school gags in the past.
Outdated Gender Roles
Let’s not even get started on the portrayal of gender roles in those variety shows. You had the women in frilly dresses singing about domestic bliss while the men took center stage with all the “important” performances. Fast forward to today, and we’re all about breaking those stereotypes! A Christmas special that features a woman leading a business meeting on holiday planning? Now that’s more like it!
Some “Creative” Costume Choices
Costumes in Christmas specials were often wild and wacky, but some choices would definitely not fly today. Picture a performer dressed as a reindeer with a questionable amount of fur—yep, that’s a hard pass in our current climate. With the growing emphasis on ethical fashion and body positivity, those outlandish outfits would likely be swapped for something more tasteful and comfortable.
Inappropriate Jokes About Santa
Santa Claus is a beloved figure, but not all jokes about him land well. Some of those comedy bits from vintage shows included Santa getting into some pretty questionable situations—think jokes that might imply he’s been naughty in a way that would make parents cringe. Today, we keep the magic of Santa alive and well, steering clear of anything that would make kids or parents raise an eyebrow!
Unfiltered Celebrity Roasting
Remember when celebrities would roast each other mercilessly during those variety shows? While it might have been funny in the moment, that kind of humor would almost certainly be challenged today. With the rise of social media and increased awareness around mental health, making fun of someone’s appearance or personal life just doesn’t sit well anymore. We prefer to uplift our favorite stars rather than tear them down!
The “Surprise” Guests Who Weren’t Surprising
And finally, let’s talk about those surprise guest appearances that were anything but surprising. You know, when the show would build up a guest’s entrance only for it to be someone everyone already expected? Nowadays, audiences love a good twist, and the element of surprise is key. Imagine tuning in to see who shows up, only to find out it’s the third rendition of the same old celebrity! Today’s viewers crave authenticity, not recycled surprises.
So, there you have it! A little trip down memory lane to explore how Christmas variety shows have evolved. While we cherish those nostalgic moments, it’s clear that our tastes and sensibilities have shifted.
More from Vinyl and Velvet:
Leave a Reply