Should a major network give voice to one of the most vitriolic, hateful personalities in Hollywood under the guise of a Christmas special?
The answer to that question should be “no.” But NBC has decided that, when it comes to guest stars on its Gwen Stefani’s You Make It Feel Like Christmas, Netflix talk show host and self-styled “political activist” Chelsea Handler is perfect for spreading holiday cheer. Nothing screams “good will towards [wo]men” like bashing and bullying White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders for her appearance.
The special, which was announced on November 10, air December 12 on NBC. Hosted by singer Gwen Stefani, the special will include several guest stars, including country singer Blake Shelton. But some of the other guests , like Chandler, are controversial, at best.
Handler’s intense, focused attacks on Sarah Huckabee Sanders had not yet begun when the special was announced, but her controversial call for a military coup to remove President Donald Trump was public knowledge. Again and again, Handler has shocked and appalled the world with her criticisms made in the name of “politics,” including one where she wanted to trade Trump for North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un.
Even if Handler’s chief criticism of Sanders is political, that’s neither a reason for her to label a woman a whore and a harlot, nor a reason for NBC to host and promote a comedian who, in a skit, calls Sanders “a dude.”
Atheist Seth MacFarlane will also participate in the special. Who knows how he feels about the Christian holiday, although a recent episode of The Orville, which he creates and stars in, swipes at people who believe in an “omnipotent being.” Newsflash: Christmas is a central holiday for people who believe in that omnipotent Being.
So this is Christmas at NBC. If only the network could be good for goodness’ sake.
