The Anniversary Brothers Podcast: Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town 50th Anniversary

Aaron and Josh Sarnecky are back for another TV anniversary. This time it’s Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town for its 50th anniversary. The classic Christmas special first aired on ABC on December 14, 1970 and has since became a television staple during the holiday season. It was directed and produced by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr., the duo behind a multitude of Christmas cartoons from the ‘60s and ‘70s. Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town was written Romeo Muller, who adapted the popular song of the same name. Muller wrote other essential Christmas specials like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman. Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town features Mickey Rooney as Kris Kringle AKA Santa Claus, Keenan Wynn as the Winter Warlock, Robie Lester as Miss Jessica, Paul Frees as Burgermeister Meisterburger and Joan Gardner as Tanta Kringle. It is narrated by Fred Astaire as Special Delivery “S.D.” Kluger. Josh and Aaron break down the special’s elements, including the “Animagic” stop-motion animation, the characters, and the music. They also discuss the show’s legacy and rate it among other Christmas specials.