The Santa Clauses – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Santa Clauses

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2022

58%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Tim Allen returns as Santa in a Disney+ series that's fine for family viewing but lacks the magic that made the originals special.

6.4/10

57%

66%

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The Santa Clauses

show

TV-PG, 2022

58%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Tim Allen returns as Santa in a Disney+ series that's fine for family viewing but lacks the magic that made the originals special.

6.4

57%

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6.4/10

57%

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, this is the definition of 'fine.' It's not going to traumatize anyone, it's not going to inspire anyone, and it's probably not going to hold anyone's attention for very long.

The original Santa Clause movies had heart and humor. This Disney+ series feels like it's running on fumes, trading genuine emotion for sitcom-style setups and lukewarm family dynamics. The critics gave it a collective shrug (57%), and even the audience score of 66% is basically a 'C'—not terrible, but not exactly a ringing endorsement.

If you've got young kids who are Santa-obsessed and you've already burned through every other Christmas movie on Disney+, sure, throw this on. But don't expect anyone to ask for a rewatch, and don't be surprised if you find yourself scrolling your phone halfway through episode two. There are better ways to spend your holiday viewing time.

Age Fit

Common Sense Media's age 6+ rating is spot-on—young enough for elementary schoolers, but honestly, most kids over 10 will find this pretty dull. Parents might appreciate the themes more than their kids do.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Family-centered sitcom that explores themes of aging, legacy, and balancing work with family. Models positive father-child relationships and cooperation. Generally warm tone, though some critics note it lacks the heart of the original films. Disney+ Kids Mode available suggests appropriate content for family viewing.

Imaginative

Revisits familiar Santa mythology without bringing much new to the table. The 'new clause' premise offers some creative potential, but reviews suggest execution is formulaic and derivative of the original trilogy. Limited invitation for creative thinking beyond standard Christmas magic tropes.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it for age 6+, indicating minimal concerning content. Disney+ platform with Kids Mode suggests strong content guardrails. No reports of unexpected violence, scary content, or inappropriate material. Standard family sitcom fare with predictable, gentle conflicts.

Enriching

Touches on meaningful themes like aging, legacy, and work-life balance, but mixed reviews (57% critics, 66% audience, 6.4 IMDb) suggest shallow treatment. Limited cognitive challenge or deep character development. More nostalgic comfort viewing than substantive storytelling.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Safe, predictable holiday content when you need something inoffensive on in the background
Explores work-life balance and aging in a way that might resonate with parents more than kids
Nostalgia factor if your family loved The Santa Clause movies
Available on Disney+ with Kids Mode for easy family viewing

⚠

What to Watch For

Kids might find it slow and boring compared to modern shows—this is very much a traditional sitcom pace
The magic and charm of the original films is largely absent here
Really only worth watching during December, and even then it's a 'maybe'