5 80s Holiday Specials That Were Total Flops

The 1980s brought plenty of holiday TV specials, but not all became classics. Some shows and movies from that era tried to capture the festive spirit but missed the mark entirely. Here’s a look at five holiday specials that failed to impress and have since become holiday oddities.

1. “The Star Wars Holiday Special” (1978 – Replayed in the ‘80s)

Though technically released in 1978, this infamous special was heavily replayed into the ‘80s. Following Chewbacca’s family on “Life Day,” it puzzled fans with its strange plot and bizarre musical numbers. Even the Star Wars cast couldn’t save this chaotic mix of Wookiee family drama and random celebrity appearances.

Audiences hoped for a holiday adventure in the Star Wars universe, but instead got a confusing storyline that’s become more infamous than beloved. The production was so awkward that even George Lucas reportedly wished he could erase it from Star Wars history.

2. “He-Man and She-Ra: A Christmas Special” (1985)

This Christmas special tried to merge He-Man and She-Ra’s action-packed world with holiday cheer. The heroes aim to save two Earth kids while learning about Christmas, which doesn’t exist on their planet. The clash between holiday themes and sword-and-sorcery battles made for a strange viewing experience.

Though fans of He-Man and She-Ra appreciated the effort, the mix of holiday spirit with Eternia’s battles felt forced. Instead of a festive classic, it’s now remembered for its odd attempt to blend two completely different worlds into one storyline.

3. “ALF’s Special Christmas” (1987)

ALF’s holiday special took a surprisingly serious turn, showing ALF spending Christmas at a hospital and meeting a sick girl. The usual humor was set aside for a more somber story, leaving fans confused. The shift in tone made it feel out of place among ALF’s usual light-hearted episodes.

While some viewers saw it as heartwarming, many felt it didn’t suit ALF’s character. Fans expecting holiday laughs instead found a heavy-handed message about mortality, making this special a strange holiday choice for ALF’s fans.

4. “The Smurfs Christmas Special” (1982)

In this special, the Smurfs get caught in a dark holiday tale involving an evil wizard. Though meant to spread Christmas cheer, the spooky plot felt out of sync with the Smurfs’ usual adventures. Parents were uneasy with its darker themes, which didn’t align with typical Smurf stories.

The Smurfs might have aimed to add a bit of holiday magic, but this special missed the mark. Its eerie tone and unsettling plot made it one of the least festive and most confusing holiday specials from that era.

5. “Pee-Wee’s Playhouse Christmas Special” (1988)

Pee-Wee’s holiday special was an energetic mix of guest stars and quirky decorations, but its unusual humor didn’t resonate with everyone. With appearances from celebrities like Oprah and Magic Johnson, it had plenty of big names but lacked the holiday warmth viewers expected, leaving some feeling puzzled.

While Pee-Wee’s zany style had its fans, the over-the-top silliness made it feel more like a fever dream than a cozy holiday special. Its fast-paced jokes and wild antics turned off viewers looking for a more traditional festive experience.