The holiday season is upon us, and Netflix is embracing it with two distinct Christmas series that are capturing the audience’s attention. The streaming service boasts an extensive library of festive titles, continually refreshed as movies and shows rotate in and out based on their licensing agreements. This year, Netflix’s offerings for the Christmas season have included popular theatrical releases such as A Bad Moms Christmas and Journey to Bethlehem, along with a broad selection of Hallmark Channel favorites, such as Haul Out the Holly, Christmas with a Kiss, Christmas in Notting Hill, A Biltmore Christmas, and A Merry Scottish Christmas.
Since the late 2010s, Netflix has also expanded its catalog with a wide variety of original Christmas films. Notable entries include the Princess Switch and A Christmas Prince trilogies, as well as films like A Castle for Christmas and The Knight Before Christmas. In addition to these narratives, the platform has delved into themed content by introducing holiday iterations of culinary competition shows such as Nailed It! and Is It Cake?. Furthermore, this festive season features original series such as Dash & Lily, a young adult romance featuring Austin Abrams and Midori Francis, and Merry Happy Whatever, a sitcom led by Dennis Quaid and Bridgit Mendler.
Exploring The Christmas Chronicles 1 & 2: Trending Favorites on Netflix
Kurt Russell Headlines the Franchise
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Among the standout series this holiday season is The Christmas Chronicles. This delightful duology stars Kurt Russell as the iconic Santa Claus, with the first film premiering in 2018 and a sequel following in 2020. While intriguing, it is important to note that neither film is officially part of Netflix’s broader holiday movie universe, as they do not incorporate crossover characters or settings featured in many of its other Christmas films.
Designed for family viewing, the initial installment directed by Clay Kaytis showcases the adventures of Teddy (played by Judah Lewis) and his younger sister Kate (Darby Camp), who attempt to capture Santa during a challenging time following their father’s passing. The sequel shifts the narrative as it sees Kate joining forces with Santa to fend off the scheming former elf Belsnickel, under the direction of Chris Columbus, known for classics such as Home Alone and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
Reception of The Christmas Chronicles: A Mixed Bag but Still a Holiday Favorite
Diverse Reactions from Audiences and Critics
Despite their average critical reception, The Christmas Chronicles remains a beloved seasonal choice. The films hold Fresh ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, albeit just barely surpassing the 60% mark. When looking at professional critic scores, the films fall short, dipping below the Fresh threshold. Below are the details:
| Title | RT Score | RT Score (Top Critics) | Average Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Christmas Chronicles (2018) | 67% | 58% | 5.9/10 |
| The Christmas Chronicles 2 (2020) | 66% | 54% | 5.6/10 |
Interestingly, audience feedback paints a contrasting picture, with the original film receiving a warm 76% score. Viewers particularly commend Kurt Russell’s engaging portrayal of Santa, the film’s festive spirit, and its family-friendly approach. However, the sequel’s audience score drops to 45%, facing critique for its inconsistent tone. Nonetheless, the charm of the first film seems to have spurred many fans to revisit and complete their Christmas movie marathon.
Digital Fireplaces: The Unexpected Trending “Franchise”on Netflix
Yule Logs Capturing the Viewer’s Imagination
In an intriguing twist, Netflix is also witnessing high viewership for its non-traditional offerings—specifically, its digital fireplaces. Unlike the horror-themed Adult Swim Yule Log series, these calming audiovisual experiences provide static footage of crackling fires, designed to imbue a feeling of warmth and nostalgia in your home.
The surge in popularity of these atmospheric titles is indicative of a broader shift in viewer engagement with streaming services. Beyond regular movies and series, platforms like Netflix are increasingly expanding into interactive content, immersive experiences, and now, even ambiance through these cozy fireplaces. It’s clear that this trend is resonating uniquely with the audience, reimagining how traditional Christmas streaming experiences are being consumed.
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