After concluding an eight-episode run of his popular pandemic web series “Some Good News” earlier this year, John Krasinski sat behind his host desk once more for a special holiday episode that aired on Dec. 20.
Krasinski began the web series in March, at the start of the pandemic lockdowns. The made-at-home show was designed to shed light on positive pandemic stories from around the world and thank essential service workers for their heroic efforts, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
The show’s eight episodes featured skits, musical numbers and special appearances from members of “The Office” cast and other celebrities, including Lin-Manuel Miranda and the original Broadway cast of “Hamilton.”
In May, Krasinksi decided to sell the show to ViacomCBS after it attracted millions of views in a matter of two months.
During the “Some Good News” holiday special on Dec. 20, Krasinski highlighted stories of incredible acts of kindness, celebrated the first wave of vaccines and bid farewell to this strange year that’s finally reaching its end.
“Goodbye 2020,” Krasinski said. “And here’s to a much, much happier new year.”
The holiday special did not lack in the celebrity guest department. George Clooney visited the show to give an update on the weather, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made an appearance dressed up as “Dwanta Claus.”
During Johnson’s segment on the show, the actor invited a man named Jay Abel (and his kids) to visit the set of Black Adam with him once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Abel had previously reached out to Johnson over Twitter to help spread the word that he was selling his comic book collection on eBay to pay for his kids’ Christmas presents.
“I thought Dwanta Claus can do better than a retweet,” Johnson told Abel. “I want you to take all of your stuff off of eBay, because Dwanta Claus is going to take care of all of that stuff.
“Your story is an inspiration. You are an inspiration. Not only to myself, to Dwanta Claus, but certainly to John, certainly to everybody who hears your story,” he continued. “You represent so many parents around the world who are going through the struggle this Christmas.”
Closing his show, Krasinski offered a few words of encouragement to viewers: “The next time you’re looking for some good news, just remember, you are the good news.”
You can watch the full episode here: