We’re all familiar with Christmas specials and how unserious and formulaic they can be. A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter does not shy away from but leans into the nonsensical nature of such specials while interweaving skits and notable musical performances, all with the flair and cheekiness Carpenter has further stepped into in her Short n’ Sweet era.
Carpenter opens the special with full transparency (from what we know) that Netflix told her she could do whatever she wanted—as long as the special was a hit. This leads into a rendition of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” with notable lyric changes such as “‘ho-ho-hoest time of the year.” Then there’s the introduction of the first musical guest, Tyla, who appears on set scandalously wrapped in red bows. Her vocals are warm and crisp alongside Carpenter’s as the two sing “This Christmas.”
From here on, a certain formula begins to flow, with musical performances, skits, and bits working interchangeably. There’s a skit where Carpenter speaks of her new man and tries to convince her friends he isn’t Santa Claus, a “Santa Baby” duet with Shania Twain, a corny rap, and more celebrity guests, such as Kali Uchis, Quinta Brunson, and more, all culminating in a duet with Chappell Roan.
Throughout the skits, the short bits include suggestions for the “Nonsense” song outro Carpenter became known for during her last tour, as she closed out the song with a different ending line for every city. Though she’s tried her best to get away from this, it reappears here just for the fans. Another fan element to the special is the inclusion of Christmas songs from Carpenter’s 2023 EP Fruitcake, such as “buy me presents,” “santa doesn’t know you like i do,” and “A Nonsense Christmas.”
For fans of Carpenter and anyone looking for quick comedic relief and holiday duets sung by notable musicians past and present, this is the perfect special to snuggle up with this holiday season. TV-14, 50 min.
Netflix