How Did This Get Made? The Star Wars Holiday Special w/ Matt Gourley & Eden Sher (HDTGM Matinee)
Dec 16, 2025
Join podcaster and comedian Matt Gourley, a die-hard Star Wars fan, and Eden Sher, known for her role in The Middle, as they dive into the bizarre 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special. They hilariously critique Chewbacca’s questionable parenting and the absurdity of Diahann Carroll's virtual reality segment. The guests discuss the cringe-worthy performances, chaotic production stories, and the special’s dark themes like Imperial cruelty. They marvel at Harvey Korman's comedic commitment and the lasting cult legacy of this uniquely strange piece of Star Wars history.
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Odd Tonal Shift From Film To Variety TV
- The Star Wars Holiday Special rewrites Star Wars into a somber, variety-show format centered on Wookiee domestic life.
- The hosts note the mismatch between franchise spectacle and 1970s TV variety sensibilities produces a unique, unsettling tone.
The Baffling Virtual Reality Sequence
- Matt Gourley and Paul describe the Diahann Carroll segment as intentionally softcore VR porn designed to pass censors.
- They highlight Lumpy wearing a clunky headset while visibly aroused, creating a famously baffling TV moment.
A Fractured 'TV Within TV' Structure
- The special functions as a montage of TV segments the Wookiee family watches rather than a cohesive narrative about Chewbacca going home.
- That structure explains the patchwork of musical acts, cartoons, cooking shows, and sketches.
