The Great Christmas Light Fight is an American reality television competition show that premiered on December 9, 2013 on ABC. Season 1 Episode 1 of the Great Christmas Light Fight was seen by 5.5 million viewers. The episode was referred to as “Drive-Thru Display”. On the show Michael Moloney has to choose a winner from four entries: the Lynch family from Whitestone, NY, who use mostly vintage decorations, and retired firefighter Dad buries all the electrical lines so that visitors can get up close to the decorations without tripping; the Goff family from Canon, GA, who decorate their three acres of land with a variety of blow-molds and create scenes throughout the space that visitors can walk up to and visit; the Blount Family in Laguna Beach, CA, where programmer Dad programs a grid to sync with Christmas music they write themselves; and the Holt family in Chesapeake, VA, where Dad dresses like an elf and the house includes a snow machine.
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The series is traditionally scheduled in a double-run of two hour-long episodes, all airing Mondays in the first three weeks of December annually as part of ABC’s seasonal programming lineup. Each episode of The Great Christmas Light Fight features a series of families or groups that create elaborate Christmas light displays. The contestants are chosen in advance by producers. The displays are judged on three categories: use of lights, overall design, and Christmas spirit. Each display is first individually featured, then the judge or judges review the display and its specific details. Once all contestants have been reviewed, a winner is chosen, and the judges return to the winner to congratulate them. The winner of each week’s episode wins $50,000 and a holiday-themed trophy inspired by the Tacky Award from TackyLightTour.com that was seen presented to the Phifer family on the Crazy Christmas Lights television show on The Learning Channel.
The Great Christmas Light Fight Season 1 Episode 1 Viewership
The great reception to The Great Christmas Light Fight Season 1 Episode 1 was seen by 5.5 million viewers, making it the highest-rated premiere episode of a reality holiday special in ABC’s history and one of the most successful launches for an unscripted series on any network. It became the highest-rated show in its time slot among Adults 18-49, ranking as the No. 2 show in all of primetime broadcast television in its time period. After that great result, The Great Christmas Light Fight became a holiday staple for ABC and has been renewed each year since it premiered in 2013.
The Great Christmas Light Fight Season 1 Episode 1 Overall Success
The great reception to The Great Christmas Light Fight Season 1 Episode 1 in 2013 set the stage for great success, as it became one of the most successful launches for an unscripted series on any network. After that great result, The Great Christmas Light Fight became a holiday staple for ABC and has been renewed each year since it premiered. In addition, the show is broadcast in more than 150 countries around the world, helping to spread the joy of Christmas lights across different cultures. The great reception for this show proves that it’s not just about great light displays, but also great entertainment. It’s a great way to get into the Christmas spirit and brings out the best of holiday cheer each year.
The Great Christmas Light Fight Season 1 Episode 1 Contestants
The four families featured in The Great Christmas Light Fight Season 1 Episode 1 were the Lynch family from Whitestone, NY, the Goff family from Canon, GA, the Blount Family in Laguna Beach, CA, and the Holt family in Chesapeake, VA. Each of these families had put great effort into their light displays with unique features such as a retired firefighter burying all electrical lines so visitors can get close to the decorations (Lynch family) or a programmed grid to sync with Christmas music (Blount Family). Furthermore, the Holt family’s display included an elf and a snow machine. The judges reviewed each of these displays on three categories: use of lights, overall design, and Christmas spirit. After all contestants were reviewed, the winner was chosen and received $50,000 and a holiday-themed trophy.
About the Lynch Family Christmas Lights in Whitestone, NY
The Lynch family of Whitestone, NY was featured in The Great Christmas Light Fight Season 1 Episode 1. Retired firefighter Dad had buried all the electrical lines to allow visitors to get close to their decorations without tripping. Their light display consisted mostly of vintage decorations, with the bright and festive lights twinkling against the night sky. Visiting their display was a great way to get into the holiday spirit – plus, visitors got to learn about the great lengths the family had gone through to make the decorations safe for viewing. The Lynch’s were proud of their display, and it showed! They ended up winning $50,000 and a holiday-themed trophy.
About Christmas at the Goff’s of Canon, Georgia
At the Christmas at the Goff’s light display from Canon, GA, great effort was put into creating a festive atmosphere. Their three acres of land were decorated with over 65,000 Christmas lights and a variety of scenes throughout the space that visitors could walk up to and visit.
About Blount Christmas Lights of Laguna Beach, California
At the Blount Christmas Lights of Laguna Beach, California, great attention to detail was put into their light display. The dad had programmed a grid of lights that synchronized with original holiday music. Each tune corresponded to an intricate pattern of lights on specific areas of the house and yard. It was a great way to get in the festive spirit, and the judges were very impressed. The Blount’s did great work with their display, though they ended up not winning.
About the Holt Family Christmas Lights in Chesapeake, Virginia
Holt’s Christmas Lights in Chesapeake, VA was one of the most memorable displays from The Great Christmas Light Fight Season 1 Episode 1. Dad had gone all out – he dressed up as an elf, and even incorporated a snow machine into the display! Visitors could enjoy great Christmas music coming from the speakers and admire the amazing light show that was created with great detail and care. The Holt family’s Christmas spirit shone through in their display, although they did not end up winning the grand prize.
The Great Christmas Light Fight Season 1 Episode 1 Hosts
The Great Christmas Light Fight Season 1 Episode 1 was hosted by celebrity designer and style expert Sabrina Soto, who travels around the country to visit each of the featured light displays. In addition, Michael Moloney is a judge on the show and helps decide which contestant will be crowned the winner for each episode. He provides commentary and insight on why each light display stands out. The show’s expert judges, including Sabrina Soto, also give their opinions to help Michael make his final decision at the end of every episode. Throughout the episode Joe Cipriano’s voice can be heard as the announcer.
About Michael Moloney of the Great Christmas Light Fight
Michael Moloney has been a host on The Great Christmas Light Fight since it premiered in 2013 and his role is to provide commentary and insight on each light display so that he can help decide which contestant will be crowned the winner. In his time hosting this show, Michael has seen many great displays and has been able to experience the joy and Christmas spirit that these great light displays bring to viewers. His role on The Great Christmas Light Fight has made him a popular figure in the holiday television world as he helps millions of people get into the festive spirit each year.
Michael Moloney, born on a sparkling December day in 1964, has been creating bright moments of entertainment since 2003. His work as a designer and actor is celebrated around the world – from his memorable turns in Clean House and Less Than Perfect to captivating audiences with Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
In addition to his role on The Great Christmas Light Fight, Michael Moloney has also been featured in other great television shows. Most notably he was a part of the cast on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition for nine seasons. On this show, Michael and the rest of the design team would help transform homes in need into beautiful new homes. Michael’s role was to take the lead on the construction of each home, working closely with builders and carpenters to make sure that nothing went wrong. This great experience helped Michael develop his skills as a great contractor and enabled him to judge great designs for The Great Christmas Light Fight.
About Sabrina Soto of the Great Christmas Light Fight
Sabrina Soto is an expert judge on ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight and helps Michael Moloney decide which contestant will be crowned the winner at the end of every episode. Sabrina is a celebrated interior designer, television host, and lifestyle product designer. Her experience in design helps her provide great insight on the different light displays featured in each episode. She is great at looking for creative ideas that are unique and can help a contestant stand out from the competition. In addition, Sabrina also looks for great overall design and great use of lights which helps viewers appreciate the effort that goes into making these great light displays.
Sabrina Soto has made a remarkable career for herself – from learning design techniques at her mom’s side as she grew up in Miami to becoming the respected television host, real estate agent and interior designer we know today. With experience ranging across TLC, MTV and Yahoo!, we have Sabrina to thank each time we tune into Get It Sold (2007). Away from work you’ll find this Cuban-American appreciating nature through beach trips, hikes and cooking adventures where recipes become new creations!
About Joe Cipriano of the Great Christmas Light Fight
Joe Cipriano is the announcer of ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight. He brings great enthusiasm to the show and helps keep viewers updated on what happens each week. His role as host also includes introducing each episode, introducing contestants, introducing judges, and helping announce the winner at the end of each episode. Joe’s great energy and enthusiasm helps make The Great Christmas Light Fight a great success each year.
Joe’s career in radio began when he was still a junior at Watertown High School and kept spinning the greatest hits on hometown station, Watherbury – Connecticut. From there, his success story only had one direction to go! After meeting his wife while working for NBC inWashington D.C., they moved off to sunny Los Angeles where Joe landed DJ jobs with KHTZ, KKHR and eventually ascending as the voice of Fox Television network (1988) all before becoming CBS’ man behind the mic many years later (1997). On top of that impressive resume sits two beautiful children: Dayna born 1984 and Alex following three years after into 1987– each blessed their parents with something special. Even today you can catch him voicing promos across FOX’s airwaves plus both CBS & Food Network alike showcasing just how much love this self-made maverick has for what he does best even four decades deep!
