The Santa Clauses – Limited Series [2022]

The Santa Clauses is another Disney+ Original that completely misses the mark. Is it time to reconsider the formula?

The show is not bad, but it lacks any imagination or new concepts. If anything, the story feels forced, rushed, and slow to develop at the same time. Let me explain.

As six half hour episodes show, I expected something interesting. Think WandaVision meets the new Home Alone. Instead, what I saw was more of a story that barely fits a forty-minute movie being stretched too thin to extend along the almost 3 hours run, with a third act that was rushed into a single episode faster than parents hiding after being caught in the act.

The Santa Clauses rushes through some moments and drags through others. The laughs are few and far between, and Allen’s fake beard is frankly terrifying. However, similar to the sometimes-cringeworthy sequels, this series often tries too hard but still manages a modicum of Christmas cheer.

Almost two years into Disney+, it’s obvious that the formula for their original shows and movies is not working. Even Tim Allen couldn’t save this one. I get that Disney is trying to balance the Netflix and Hulu formulas, but it’s just missing the mark.

Should you watch it?

Rather bundt-cake-bland series, the show might feel forced and bland. However, even when The Santa Clauses doesn’t bother trying to reinvent the sleigh, it does splash a new coat of paint on it, in mostly agreeable and mildly clever ways.

Where can I watch it?

You can stream The Santa Clauses exclusively on Disney Plus.