‘A Christmas Story Live!’: Phenomenal or Flop?

Many fans of all things Christmas tuned into Fox last night for the live production of A Christmas Story. The timeless classic is a favorite, so much so that it airs for a full 24 hours on the big day, and we watch it more than once every holiday season. There’s something about that leg lamp, shooting your eye out thing that really sums up the Christmas experience.

So, we have to admit, we were curious and a bit excited about A Christmas Story Live. However, by the end of it, we weren’t sure how to feel. Of course, adaptations are rarely ever as good as the original. Sans a few exceptions, but this just didn’t sit right with us. Most fans online felt the same way, and they weren’t shy about saying it all over social media.

Personally, we do have to give it to the kids, their dancing, and their ability to handle such a massive live performance so well.

Otherwise, the big question being asked is this. Was it the missed focus of the experience, the humor that didn’t always seem so humorous, or maybe all of it wrapped up in a not so neat package? It all depends on who you ask. However, the general consensus is that the bad outweighs the good on this one.

If you're watching this without seeing the movie first, you'd think it's about Matthew Broderick stalking a family and no one seems to care. #AChristmasStoryLive

— Romina J (@filinadiangirl) December 18, 2017

Sat through 3 hrs of #AChristmasStoryLive. Now I wished I’d shot my eye out instead. And my other eye. And both ears for good measure.

— Tony (@Capn_Tony) December 18, 2017

https://twitter.com/pfaffpdx/status/942570172400984066

MATTHEW, BLINK TWICE IF YOU NEED HELP #AChristmasStoryLive

— Lindsey (@apocaknits) December 18, 2017

However, there were a few positive reviews.

The super-talented cast of #AChristmasStoryLive brought a diverse, thoughtful, really ambitious version of a beloved film to the screen—and along with it a bit of sweetness, goodness, and joy in a time when it is severely lacking.

I ain't complaining about anything.

Bravo.

— John Pavlovitz (@johnpavlovitz) December 18, 2017

You guys #AChristmasStoryLive is warming my heart and soul also it looks like a film how is this live wow also these kids make me wanna quit

— Ben Platt (@BenSPLATT) December 18, 2017

#AChristmasStoryLive is so well done. Very impressive and the kids are so talented. Great job done by all.

— patrick (@thepatrick80) December 18, 2017

So, we’re asking you. Were you a strong supporter or naysayer of the live production? Did your opinion fall somewhere in the middle? Let us know.