The holiday season is a time for cozy traditions—whether it’s classic Christmas films, warm cocoa, or the joy of spending time with family. But this year, Netflix is shaking things up with The Merry Gentlemen, a Christmas rom-com that introduces a fresh, spicier twist to the genre. Think: festive cheer mixed with sizzling dance routines and a touch of cheeky charm. Here’s a closer look at how The Merry Gentlemen is blending holiday magic with a little extra heat, and why it might just mark a new chapter for Christmas movies.
The Merry Gentlemen Adds Some Spice to the Season
In The Merry Gentlemen, we follow Ashley (played by Britt Robertson), a professional dancer who, after losing her job in the city, returns to her small hometown for the holidays. What she finds there is far from the cozy homecoming she expected: her parents’ venue is on the brink of closing, and they risk losing their business. Determined to help save the family business, Ashley comes up with a bold idea: a Christmas-themed male dance show.
Enter Luke, a good-looking carpenter and family friend, who’s more than willing to help Ashley—though he’s not exactly a dancer. As Ashley teaches Luke and two other men the moves for their show, the routines take a turn for the familiar—drawing strong parallels to the iconic Magic Mike films, which were known for their steamy, shirtless dance numbers and male performances. With the stage set for sexy performances and an abundance of muscle-flexing, The Merry Gentlemen brings a new layer of heat to the usually family-friendly Christmas rom-com formula.
The Magic Mike Influence and Raunchy Holiday Charm
If you’ve ever imagined a Magic Mike Christmas special, The Merry Gentlemen might be the answer. The film doesn’t shy away from showing off the men’s physiques, offering viewers a combination of comedy, holiday spirit, and a dose of daring dance moves that are sure to turn up the heat. This is a far cry from the traditional, wholesome Christmas movies we’ve grown accustomed to. While there’s still plenty of heart and romance, The Merry Gentlemen introduces a refreshing touch of boldness that reflects the popularity of Magic Mike—with a festive twist.
Netflix’s move to spice up the genre isn’t just about adding nudity for shock value; it’s about pushing the boundaries of the traditional Christmas movie. It’s a playful mix of naughty and nice, giving audiences a new way to enjoy the holiday season through a lens that feels modern, fun, and just a bit edgy. The chemistry between Ashley and Luke, combined with the hilarious but heartfelt efforts to save the venue, creates a movie that’s equal parts romantic and sizzling.
A Shift in the Christmas Rom-Com Landscape
Traditionally, Christmas movies are known for their sweet romances, family drama, and tear-jerking moments. Films like Love Actually and The Holiday have long defined what a Christmas rom-com should look like, and while they continue to be holiday favorites, The Merry Gentlemen marks a shift in the genre. By adding more daring, fun, and sometimes even raunchy moments, Netflix is creating a new category for those who want their holiday cheer with a side of flirtation and muscle.
This trend of spicier Christmas films isn’t just limited to The Merry Gentlemen. Just a week before its release, another Netflix film, Hot Frosty, hit the platform with a similar approach, showcasing a chiseled snowman (played by Dustin Milligan) who spends most of the film flexing his abs. These two films are just the beginning, as Netflix has already promised more steamy content to come, including Our Little Secret starring Ian Harding and Lindsay Lohan, and a sultry music special with Sabrina Carpenter.
The Future of Christmas Movies on Netflix
It might seem a bit unusual to deviate from the traditional “nice” side of Christmas films, but as viewers look for fresh takes on holiday storytelling, Netflix’s approach seems to be resonating. The success of The Merry Gentlemen and Hot Frosty—both of which are currently in Netflix’s top 10—proves there’s an audience eager for a little more heat in their holiday programming. Whether it’s through raunchy humor, dance performances, or more sensual storylines, Netflix is taking the holiday season in a bold new direction.
Fans of both Christmas classics and modern romance can find a happy medium with films like The Merry Gentlemen, which combine the beloved holiday spirit with a fun, flirty vibe. It’s clear that the festive season is evolving, and Netflix is leading the charge by making room for both the traditional and the tantalizing.
The Merry Gentlemen is now streaming on Netflix, and with more bold and steamy holiday content on the horizon, it looks like Christmas movies just got a little hotter.
