Chad Michael Murray and Britt Robertson’s new Netflix Christmas movie “The Merry Gentlemen” has taken the streaming world by storm, dethroning the family-friendly “Hot Frosty” from its #1 spot on Netflix’s Top 10 list.
The holiday season has taken an unexpectedly steamy turn as this unconventional Christmas film combines seasonal cheer with Magic Mike-style entertainment. The plot centers around a former big-city dancer (Robertson) who decides to save her parents’ small-town performing venue by staging an all-male, Christmas-themed revue.
Murray, the 43-year-old former teen heartthrob known for “One Tree Hill” and “Gilmore Girls,” steps into the spotlight as Luke, a helpful contractor turned seasonal stripper. “It’s not over-the-top by any means,” Murray reassures viewers. “We found the perfect balance where people won’t feel uncomfortable having it on TV in the background.”
The actor underwent intense preparation for the role, taking six-hour dance lessons four times a week for three weeks. “The idea of dancing scared the crap out of me,” Murray admits. “I love dancing at weddings and home, but choreography was a new challenge.”
The film’s costume choices sparked early discussions during production. “Our original outfits were much more revealing – like little mankinis with jewels and lights,” Murray reveals. However, director Peter Sullivan made the call to tone things down to maintain the holiday spirit.
Critical Reception And Family Reactions
While the film currently tops Netflix’s charts, early reviews have been mixed. Out of seven reviews, only two are positive—a stark contrast to its predecessor, Hot Frosty’s, perfect 100% rating. However, the film’s unique blend of holiday cheer and adult entertainment has caught viewers’ attention.
Murray’s own family has had amusing reactions to the film. His daughter entered during a viewing and exclaimed, “What are you doing, Daddy? Put your shirt on!” The actor, now a father of three, carefully considers his roles with his family in mind. “I like doing lighter fare,” he explains. “I want to make choices where my kids don’t have to go to school and hear, ‘What did your dad just do?'”
What’s Next For Murray
The actor is set to reunite with Lindsay Lohan in the upcoming “Freakier Friday,” reprising his role as Jake from the original 2003 film. He’s also released a shirtless 12-month calendar with Netflix, with proceeds benefiting St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Netflix’s Holiday Strategy
“The Merry Gentlemen” represents Netflix’s latest effort to diversify its holiday content. While the platform continues to release traditional family Christmas movies, this adult-oriented offering suggests a willingness to experiment with different formats and target audiences.
The movie joins other Netflix offerings currently in the Top 10, including:
- “Hot Frosty” (#2)
- “Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy” (#3)
- There are various licensed films, including “Rob Peace,” “Focus,” and, surprisingly, the original “The Fast and the Furious.”
Despite its racier premise, “The Merry Gentlemen” maintains enough holiday spirit to qualify as seasonal entertainment. As Murray puts it, “There’s so much going on in this current climate that I feel we could use this particular genre.” Whether viewers agree remains to be seen, but one thing is sure: Netflix’s holiday lineup is anything but traditional this year.
About The Stars
While Chad Michael Murray’s face is familiar to many, his co-star Britt Robertson brings her impressive resume to the project. Robertson has appeared in numerous notable productions over the last decade, including “Big Sky,” “Little Fires Everywhere,” and “For the People.”
For those seeking traditional holiday fare, “Hot Frosty” remains available on Netflix. It offers what reviewers call “dumb but endearing and genuinely funny” entertainment, thanks to its cast of veterans from “Schitt’s Creek,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” and “The Office.”
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