Introduction
2017 animated special
A StoryBots ChristmasGenreChildren'sChristmasBased onStoryBotsDirected byEvan SpiridellisGregg SpiridellisStarringEd AsnerVoices ofJudy GreerErin FitzgeraldFred TatascioreJeff GillGregg SpiridellisEvan SpiridellisComposerGabe SokoloffCountry of originUnited StatesOriginal languageEnglishProductionRunning time24 minutesProduction companyJibJab Bros. StudiosOriginal releaseNetworkNetflixReleaseDecember 1, 2017 (2017-12-01) A StoryBots Christmas is an American Christmas television special based on the characters from the digital educational program StoryBots and the original television series Ask the StoryBots and StoryBots Super Songs. It was created and produced by JibJab Bros. Studios (now StoryBots Inc.) and premiered exclusively on Netflix on December 1, 2017. It received six nominations for the 45th Daytime Emmy Awards and won two, including for Outstanding Special Class Animated Program. The special features an appearance by Ed Asner as Santa Claus, a role he also played a few times in media such as the film Elf, Regular Show, and the television special Olive, the Other Reindeer. He received an Emmy nomination for the role.
Plot
[edit] Bo mistakenly thinks that her friends do not like her gifts, so she heads to the North Pole to ask Santa Claus for help making awesome presents for her friends. She learns along the way that Christmas is about something far more than presents.
Cast
[edit] Judy Greer as Beep Ed Asner as Santa Claus Erin Fitzgerald as Bo Fred Tatasciore as Bang Jeff Gill as Bing Gregg Spiridellis as Boop Evan Spiridellis as Hap Nate Theis as Hub and Bub
Reception
[edit] A StoryBots Christmas received positive reviews. Common Sense Media gave it a five-star review, calling it a "dynamic and positive special [that] highlights the importance of sharing time with loved ones during the holidays". The Star Tribune also named it a top TV pick and praised it as a "silly but charming animated special".
Accolades
[edit]
Award
Category
Recipient(s)
Result
Daytime Emmy Award
Outstanding Special Class Animated Program
Evan Spiridellis, Gregg Spiridellis, Meridith Stokes, Sarah Kambara
Won
Outstanding Interactive Media Enhancement to a Daytime Program or Series
Gregg Spiridellis, Evan Spiridellis, Daniel Haack, Marc Geraldez, Greg Mako, Rafael Frensley, Sarah Kambara, Jeff Gill, Jacob Streilein, Nikolas Ilic, Logan Chang, Ian Gerstel, Philip Emokpare, Dave Baer, Suruchi Shingre, Phillip Lamplugh, Samrod Shenassa, Blake Petetan
Nominated
Outstanding Performer in a Children's, Preschool Children's or Educational and Informational Program
Ed Asner
Nominated
Outstanding Writing in a Preschool Animated Program
Evan Spiridellis, Gregg Spiridellis, Nate Theis
Nominated
Outstanding Directing in a Preschool Animated Program
Evan Spiridellis, Jeff Gill
Won
Outstanding Sound Editing for a Preschool Animated Program
Jeffrey Shiffman, Nicholas J. Ainsworth, Kevin Hart, James Singleton, Jacob Cook
Nominated
Music
[edit] A StoryBots Christmas: Music from the Original Special was released on December 8, 2017 on all major digital music platforms, including iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music. The music release includes the original song "Sharing Christmas (With the Ones You Love)" from the television special, as well as "Crazy for Christmastime" from the StoryBots short-form video.
Why StoryBots Made It onto the Holiday Watchlist
Even though StoryBots started as a quirky educational app, its Christmas special hit the sweet spot for families looking for something both festive and brain‑ticking. The 24‑minute runtime fits neatly into a busy December evening, and the familiar voices – from Ed Asner’s jolly Santa to the lively child‑like bots – keep kids engaged without the sugar‑rush of typical holiday cartoons. Parents appreciate the subtle nods to curiosity; the plot weaves the classic gift‑giving dilemma into a gentle lesson about generosity and learning. That blend of humour, heart and a dash of learning explains why the special quickly became a go‑to pick‑up for Netflix families each December.
How to Get the Most Out of a StoryBots Christmas Night
Treat the special as a mini‑lesson plan instead of just background noise. Pause after the bots pose their big question about Santa’s workshop and invite your little ones to sketch their own version of a holiday invention. The bright animation makes it easy to spot hidden details – like the tiny snowflakes that spell out a message when slowed down – turning a simple viewing into a scavenger hunt. Follow up with a related StoryBots song from the series, and you’ve got a full‑fledged activity block that reinforces the themes of curiosity and giving, all while keeping the festive vibe intact.
What People Miss: The Emmy‑Winning Craft behind the Fun
Most viewers focus on the cute bots and Ed Asner’s cameo, overlooking the fact that the special earned two Daytime Emmy wins, including Outstanding Special Class Animated Program. The accolades stem from the seamless integration of high‑quality animation, original music, and tight storytelling within a brief half‑hour slot – a rare achievement in today’s streaming churn. The production team at JibJab (now StoryBots Inc.) employed a blend of traditional storyboard techniques and cutting‑edge digital tools, allowing jokes to land precisely while preserving the educational undertone. Recognising this craft adds an extra layer of appreciation for the effort that makes the special feel both polished and genuinely heartfelt.