“There are comedy specials, and there are music specials, and there are holiday specials. But, who does musical comedy holiday specials?”
“A lot of people.”
Released on Netflix on Dec. 6, “A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter” is a 50-minute long holiday celebration with skits and songs featuring a myriad of notable celebrity guests.
The entire special took clear inspiration from Carpenter’s signature vintage aesthetic, as it was filmed in front of a live studio audience that served as a laugh track for the scripted sketches.
Beyond this, she showcased a plethora of flashy song transitions and costume changes throughout the show as she typically does at her concerts. The production as a whole felt as though it was handcrafted by Carpenter herself not just for fans, but for the enjoyment of casual viewers as well.
The songs performed by Carpenter were a mix of songs from her holiday-themed EP titled “fruitcake” and hit Christmas songs she covered as duets with the likes of Tyla, Shania Twain, Kali Uchis, and Chappell Roan. The Christmas-party-themed sets and intricate outfits that were put together only further enhanced the collaborations between these artists. Her sultry yet soft voice blended seamlessly with these vocal powerhouses while still standing out on its own, making each performance an enticing watch.
Already regarded as the queen of double entendres, Carpenter’s quick-wittedness really shined through the writing for the special. Despite sharing the spotlight with comedians like Quinta Brunson and Kyle Mooney, Carpenter held her own and made her mark with her blunt and bold quips.
The duration of the special is just shy of an hour, so every segment was kept short and sweet. The fast pace prevented any lulls in engagement and ensured that the audience’s attention was gained back as soon as it could have potentially been lost. A lighthearted, quick view, “A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter” is worth checking out this holiday season.
