‘The First Snow of Fraggle Rock’ warms the holiday chill with nostalgia, friendship, and music
- CaliNewYork
- Dec 7, 2025
- 3 min read
Content courtesy of Apple TV
Written By: Christopher L. Antie
Interviewer: William Antie
A Festive Entry into Fraggle Rock’s World
December 7, 2025 — Jim Henson shaped generations with creations like The Muppets, Sesame Street, and more. His work gave us the ability to imagine and build friendships through creativity. In 1984, he introduced us to Fraggle Rock, a playful underground community that inspired many to dream beyond their “outer space.”
But what exactly is a Fraggle? Fraggles are small, colorful, anthropomorphic creatures about 18 inches tall, each with a tufted tail. They live carefree lives, working only a “thirty‑minute week” and spending most of their time playing, exploring, and enjoying themselves. Their diet consists mainly of radishes and Doozer sticks—structures built by the industrious Doozers from ground‑up radishes. For wisdom, they turn to Marjory the Trash Heap, a matronly, sentient compost heap who resides in the Gorgs’ garden, aided by her companions Philo and Gunge.
Chris and Will had the pleasure of reviewing Apple TV’s new holiday film, The First Snow of Fraggle Rock, before its release. The special rekindles childhood memories. This new holiday classic opens hearts through song, friendship, and community—something the world truly needs right now.
In the story, the Fraggles eagerly await the first snow of the season and the traditions it brings. But when only a single snowflake arrives, and Gobo cannot write the expected holiday song, the season is thrown off course. For the first time ever, Gobo journeys to the human world— “Outer Space”—to find inspiration. Meanwhile, at the Gorgs’ castle, Junior faces the arrival of a new baby sibling. Together, the Fraggles and Gorgs learn that beautiful moments aren’t always perfect, but they can be as unique and memorable as snowflakes.
As part of the review, Will sat down with John Tartaglia to discuss how the special connects with Fraggle Rock’s legacy. “We definitely wanted to make a holiday special that felt timeless… like you could watch it 30, 40 years from now and it’ll feel like that special you grew up with,” John explained. “Because it’s a holiday special, you have to make it a notch or two above what you’d normally see. We wanted to introduce new characters and take our characters to places they’ve never been before.”
John emphasized the importance of inclusion: “Everyone has value, and everyone is worthy and should be included. The most beautiful change and the most powerful is when we’re all together, and we do things together.”
The First Snow of Fraggle Rock succeeds in capturing the spirit of Henson’s original vision while offering something fresh for today’s audiences. It’s playful, heartfelt, and destined to become a holiday tradition. Apple TV has created a foundation of remembrance and joy, reminding us of the youthful wonder of the 1980s. This special earns a perfect 10 out of 10 stars for bringing back the magic of Fraggle Rock.
John joked that visitors to Fraggle Rock might want to: “Go to the Fraggle Pond for a diving contest with Red and explore the Gorgs’ garden. There’s a little bit of danger there, a little bit of adventure, which is kind of fun.”
The First Snow of Fraggle Rock is now streaming on Apple TV. More of John and Will’s interview can be found on Chris and Will’s special, The First Snow of Fraggle Rock episode, via their What About Our Life? podcast on iHeartRadio.
Source: ChrisWill Media