Raging Rudolph

A violent and profane parody of the beloved 1964 Rankin/Bass stop-motion Christmas special "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," reimagined in the style of Martin Scorsese mob films like Goodfellas and Raging Bull. The classic holiday tale is transformed into an organized crime story featuring Santa, Rudolph, and other familiar characters involved in mob violence and criminal activities. Created using stop-motion claymation that faithfully reproduces the look and style of the original Rankin/Bass special, the sketch subverts the wholesome Christmas story with graphic violence, profanity (censored), and classic mob movie tropes. Characters include Rudolph as the misfit seeking revenge, Hermey reimagined as "Hermey the Drill" (a mob enforcer), and Yukon Cornelius as "Yukon Corleone" (a mob boss reference to The Godfather). The sketch features mob-style violence including an elf's head in a vice, and ends with Santa being killed.

Created by animator Corky Quakenbush of Space Bass Films. This was one of MADtv's most popular and memorable sketches from Season 1. The animation meticulously recreates the look and feel of the original Rankin/Bass special. Due to its success, it spawned two sequels: "Reinfather" (Godfather parody) and "A Pack of Gifts Now" (Apocalypse Now parody). The sketch appears in the episode that also featured guest Pauly Shore. Comments frequently cite this as a Christmas tradition viewing and praise the editing.