When we think of Jim Henson and Christmas, our minds usually go straight to The Muppet Christmas Carol or Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas. However, hidden deep in the archives of television history is the special that started it all: The Great Santa Claus Switch (1970).
Aired originally on The Ed Sullivan Show, this hour-long musical fantasy is a crucial piece of Muppet history. It wasn’t just a holiday special; it was the testing ground for the puppets, performers, and character designs that would eventually conquer the world in The Muppet Show.
If you consider yourself a pop-culture historian or a die-hard Muppet fan, here is everything you need to know about the special that introduced the world to the “Frackles”—and a little blue weirdo who would become Gonzo the Great.
What is The Great Santa Claus Switch?
Broadcast on December 20, 1970, The Great Santa Claus Switch was narrated by Ed Sullivan and featured legendary actor Art Carney in a dual role. The story follows a classic “Prince and the Pauper” format but with a holiday twist.
The Plot: Cosmo Scam (Carney), an evil wizard who lives in a dark cave, hatches a plan to kidnap Santa Claus (also Carney). Cosmo plans to impersonate Santa, slide down chimneys, and rob the world blind. To do this, he employs a henchman named Fred (played by Jerry Nelson) and a gang of reptilian monsters called Frackles.
It is a tale of redemption, magic, and classic Henson humor, featuring songs by the legendary Joe Raposo (famous for Sesame Street and Being Green).
Why It Matters: The “Firsts” in Muppet History
From a historical perspective, this special is a goldmine. It represents a major pivot point for Jim Henson, moving away from abstract variety sketches toward narrative storytelling with human actors.
Here are the key debuts that make The Great Santa Claus Switch legendary:
1. The Origin of Gonzo
If you watch closely, you will spot a small, depressed-looking creature living in a cigar box. This character, known then as the “Cigar Box Frackle” (performed by Dave Goelz’s predecessor in the role, usually attributed to various puppeteers in ensemble), is the original puppet design for Gonzo. While the personality wasn’t there yet, the nose and the fur were.
2. The Debut of Thog
Thog, the massive, gentle blue monster who appeared in the Muppet Show opening credits (and notably danced with Mia Farrow), made his first appearance here as one of Cosmo’s henchmen.
3. The Frackles
This special introduced an entire species of monsters called “Frackles.” These jagged-toothed, colorful creatures became stock characters in The Muppet Show, appearing in the background of endless sketches for decades.
The Cast: Art Carney and The Muppet Builders
The special relied heavily on the comedic genius of Art Carney (famous for playing Ed Norton on The Honeymooners). Carney’s ability to switch between the benevolent Santa and the conniving Cosmo Scam anchored the show, allowing the puppets to act as supporting character actors rather than just props.
Behind the scenes, the “Muppet Builders” were establishing the core team that would define the next 20 years of puppetry:
- Jim Henson (Kermit, various Frackles)
- Frank Oz (Boppity, various Frackles)
- Jerry Juhl (Head Writer)
- Don Sahlin (Puppet Builder)
Why Is It So Hard to Find?
For decades, The Great Santa Claus Switch was considered a “lost” classic. Unlike Emmet Otter, it wasn’t re-aired annually.
- Ed Sullivan Ownership: Because it aired as part of the Ed Sullivan production block, rights issues were complicated for years.
- Remastering: The original master tapes were aged, requiring significant restoration.
However, in recent years, the Jim Henson Company and Disney have acknowledged its importance. It has occasionally been made available on streaming platforms like Disney+ or included in DVD box sets alongside The Ed Sullivan Show collections.
Final Thoughts: A Blueprint for The Muppet Show
Watching The Great Santa Claus Switch today is like looking at the blueprints of a famous building. You can see the messy, chaotic creativity that Jim Henson would later refine. The blend of sweet Christmas sentimentality with dark, monster-centric humor became the trademark “Muppet style.”
If you want to understand where Gonzo came from, or see Art Carney rap with a bunch of fuzzy monsters, this 1970 classic is a must-watch.