Watch A Colbert Christmas

A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All! is a comedy holiday special created for television in 2008, starring Stephen Colbert as himself. The movie serves as a tribute to the classic Christmas TV specials of the 60s and 70s, presenting an hour-long parody of the genre. The premise of the movie has Stephen Colbert stranded in his cabin in upstate New York, as a "bear lock" has left him unable to leave. As a result, he decides to host a Christmas special with the help of some musical guests, who are on their way to perform at his cabin but are also unable to make it due to various circumstances. The list of guest stars includes famous musicians, such as Elvis Costello, Feist, and John Legend, as well as character actors such as Jon Stewart, Toby Keith, and Willie Nelson.

The special is designed to fit the tone and format of classic Christmas specials. The show is framed by Colbert’s various songs and skits, all of which are humorous and satirical in tone. For example, one skit shows Colbert being visited by a time-traveling Abraham Lincoln, who helps him write a Christmas song. Another recurring bit features Colbert exchanging sarcastic holiday greetings with a digital Snowman character (voiced by professional impressionist, Rich Dahm). The show also includes beautifully filmed and arranged musical numbers, such as a performance of "Little Dealer Boy" by Colbert and Willie Nelson.

The characters in the movie are brought to life through a combination of live-action and animated segments. The animated sections are made by some of the best animators in the industry, including DC comic artist Michael Kupperman, and capture the stylized feel of old-school cartoons. The animation is set against the backdrop of a wintry, snow-covered woodland, which gives the special a magical and dreamy feel. These fantastical elements help to create the feeling of a classic Christmas movie, with a festive and joyful atmosphere.

The movie is an excellent mix of modern humor while paying homage to classic styles. Some of the skits feature deadpan jokes, such as a segment about the threat of an all-out war between Santa Claus and Christmas Turkey. Other skits poke fun at the commercialism of Christmas, as Colbert transforms into a rapper named "Ice-T" to perform a song about getting the best deals on presents. There's even a segment that features George W. Bush leaving Colbert a voicemail at his cabin, in which he attempts to "jazz up" the Christmas story.

Despite its satirical tone, the special retains a heartwarming message at its core. The movie gently nudges viewers to remember the spirit of generosity and kindness that lies at the heart of the holiday season. This is evident in the music, which includes both traditional Christmas carols, and original songs with heartwarming messages.

Overall, A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All! is a delightful and entertaining holiday special that celebrates the joy, humor, and warmth of Christmas. It is a must-watch for fans of Stephen Colbert, classic Christmas specials, and anyone in need of some festive cheer.

A Colbert Christmas is a 2008 comedy with a runtime of 43 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.