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Season 1 – The Santa Clauses

Play trailer 2:03 Poster for Season 1 – The Santa Clauses Nov 2022 Comedy Fantasy Play Trailer Watchlist
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57% Tomatometer 23 Reviews 62% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
The Calvin family is back at the North Pole, as Scott Calvin continues his role as Santa Claus after his retirement plans were thwarted when he failed to find a successor; now that Christmas has been saved, Scott focuses on training his son Cal.
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The Santa Clauses — Season 1

The Santa Clauses — Season 1

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Critics Consensus

The Santa Clauses is a bit ho ho ho-hum as a continuation of the holiday franchise, but it's hardly a lump of coal thanks to Tim Allen's spirited return as Father Christmas, along with a dash of yuletide nostalgia.

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Critics Reviews

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Randy Myers San Jose Mercury News 11/16/2022
2/4
Rather bundt-cake-bland series... might blossom into something special. Go to Full Review
Lauren Piester TheWrap 11/16/2022
There are clearly more stories to tell in this version of the North Pole, but if this is where the whole franchise ends, it’s a really nice way to go. Go to Full Review
Brian Lowry CNN.com 11/16/2022
The Santa Clauses doesn’t bother trying to reinvent the sleigh, but it does splash a new coat of paint on it, in mostly agreeable and mildly clever ways. Go to Full Review
Michael Cook Geek Vibes Nation Jul 17
7/10
The premise is immediately captivating, hooking you in for what’s sure to be a holiday-themed joyride. And the continued expansion of the Santa Clause mythology is as fun as it’s always been. But on the negative side, the series moves too slowly. Go to Full Review
Branyan Towe Loud and Clear Reviews 07/29/2024
3/5
Tim Allen’s Scott Calvin/Santa Claus is terrific in The Santa Clauses, and there’s some magic, but the Disney+ sequel miniseries may have worked better as a film Go to Full Review
Erin Maxwell LA Weekly/Village Voice 12/24/2022
The Santa Clauses might conjure joy for viewers with fond memories of the original franchise, however, it probably won’t make any new fans, but old ones will find it as comforting as a cup of warm cocoa. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Cade H. @cholton Jun 28 This series has an easy-to-follow plot and excellent visual effects, at times delivering the original holiday magic the previous films provided. I think the fourth “The Santa Clause” installment should have also been a movie though. There isn’t enough material for this to be a feature length series, and this is shown throughout the show via its choppy pacing and meaningless subplots. See more Kimberly G @iameos 12/26/2024 All the charm and zingers from the original series and an absolute joy to watch with family. Tim Allen was able to jump back into this role with his quirky confidence and bring together a delightful experience that entertains both adults and children alike. See more Michelle F @RT40546328 12/13/2024 This is a fun family Christmas series to watch during the holidays! Loved seeing all the original characters and enjoyed all the new characters! We get to meet Santa Claus’ new kids with Mrs. Claus. They are teenagers who were raised in the north pole, their whole lives. Love that idea, both characters were adorable! My family will keep watching this series for years to come. See more Jay W @RT52162311 12/02/2024 I saw some potential in the premise of this series. The idea of Santa trying to find a suitable replacement is a creative idea ripe with comedic potential. Since the "Santa Clause" movies are bizarre enough, the series is able to get free jokes simply by questioning things in the movies that made no sense. Sadly, the series does not fully capitalize on this comedic potential, and quickly devolves into the same old Disney+ type show. The series is not without its redeeming qualities. Tim Allen continues to make a career out of comedic under reactions to crazy stuff going on around him. And the series does have a handful of jokes that got a legitimate laugh out of me. The cameo on episode 3, was probably the highlight. The children actors put in some awkward performances. Some would say that is part of the charm, how unnatural the kids deliver their lines is part of the joke. But I'm not here to make fun kids for their acting, let's instead focus on the characters themselves. One of the new characters is an elf name Noel. And his jokes got old fast, ironic considering elves are not supposed to ever get old. The two kids of Scott don't do much better. Each one has their one note, and they stick to that throughout the whole show. One the new characters introduced is Simon, played by Kal Penn. And somewhere between episode 3 and 4, they completely rewrote his character. Like a whole Walter White level character arc happened with this guy completely off screen. Another thing this series does not do well is demonstrate the passage of time. There were several different times in the show where suddenly characters just say, "It's 1 year later now." While I'm complaining...there is a plot point in this series about a character hearing Santa's reindeer talk. But in "Santa Clause 2" the reindeer can already talk. Kath Soucie and Bob Bergen voiced them. Stupid series, can't remember your stupid rules Maybe I don't have enough Christmas spirit, but this series does not make it onto my nice list. See more Tim S @RT58577585 12/20/2023 Started promising and went directly down hill. See more TheMovieSearch R @TheMovieSearch 12/10/2023 The Santa Clauses continues the legacy of the holiday franchise with a warmth and sincerity that feels entirely consistent with what made the original films so beloved. Although critics have been oddly harsh on the series, the general audience reception reflects something different: people simply enjoy being back in this world. Tim Allen slips effortlessly into the role of Scott Calvin, and his return as Santa Claus is filled with humor, nostalgia, and an unmistakable charm that grounds the show from episode to episode. One of the strongest elements of the series is how it expands on the Calvin family. Instead of relying solely on holiday spectacle, the show digs deeper into the personal dynamics between Scott, Carol, and their children. Elizabeth Mitchell shines as Mrs. Claus, bringing intelligence, warmth, and an understated comedic presence that complements Allen perfectly. Their chemistry remains one of the highlights of the show, and every scene between them feels lived-in and emotionally authentic. The use of legendary holiday figures is another enjoyable addition. Whether the show is reinventing old mythology or adding new twists, there’s a sense of playful creativity that honors the spirit of the films. The series successfully blends fantasy and comedy in a way that feels comforting—an especially welcome quality for fans who grew up with the original movies. Austin Kane, who plays Cal Calvin, becomes an unexpected standout. His character is goofy, lovable, and wildly clueless at times, but Kane manages to make those qualities feel endearing rather than distracting. He brings a fresh comedic rhythm to the show and adds a youthful spark that helps broaden its emotional range. His performance captures the innocence and joy at the heart of the Christmas season, making him an essential piece of the show’s charm. Even with its occasional flaws or uneven moments, the series has a genuine heart that shines through. It embraces the holiday spirit in a way that’s earnest rather than cynical, and it uses its world-building and returning cast to remind viewers why this franchise has endured for decades. Instead of trying to overhaul the formula, it leans into what works—family warmth, magical whimsy, and the timeless humor of Scott Calvin adjusting to life as Santa. Overall, The Santa Clauses is a heartfelt, entertaining continuation of a story many viewers are emotionally attached to. It captures the essence of Christmas with a blend of magic, humor, and nostalgia, offering a sweet and surprisingly layered holiday experience. It’s absolutely worth recommending, especially to families or longtime fans who appreciate the comfort and wonder the franchise has always offered. See more Read all reviews
The Santa Clauses — Season 1

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Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Nov 16, 2022 Chapter One: Good to Ho Scott Calvin struggles to keep up with the demands of being Santa Claus. Details Episode 2 Aired Nov 16, 2022 Chapter Two: The Secessus Clause Scott learns of the Secessus clause and contemplates retirement. Details Episode 3 Aired Nov 23, 2022 Chapter Three: Into the Wobbly Woods Scott interviews candidates for the role of Santa. Details Episode 4 Aired Nov 30, 2022 Chapter Four: The Shoes off the Bed Clause The Calvins adjust to their new life in Chicago. Details Episode 5 Aired Dec 7, 2022 Chapter Five: Across the Yule-Verse Scott learns the truth about how he came to be Santa. Details Episode 6 Aired Dec 14, 2022 Chapter Six: A Christmas to Remember The Calvins race against the clock to save Christmas. Details
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Season Info

Director
Katie Locke O'Brien
Creator
Jack Burditt
Executive Producer
Jack Burditt, Jason Winer, Jon Radler, Kevin Hench, Rick Messina
Screenwriter
Emalee Burditt, Hayley Frazier
Network
Disney+
Rating
TV-PG
Genre
Comedy, Fantasy
Original Language
English
Release Date
Nov 16, 2022