Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun holiday special highlights self-acceptance, friendship.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Reindeer in Here
What's the Story?
Based on the 2018 children's book by Adam Reed, REINDEER IN HERE is an animated special about a young reindeer and his friends who come together to save Christmas. Blizzard, a.k.a. "Blizz" (Adam Devine) lives in the North Pole with good friends Candy (Melissa Villaseñor), Pinky (Candace Cameron Bure), Bucky (Donald Faison), and Hawk (Jo Koy). His dream? To make a major contribution that will help Santa (Jim Gaffigan) and his official second-in-command (a.k.a. "Ho Ho") Smiley (Henry Winkler) continue to fulfill children's Christmas wishes every year. But when Santa's magic snowball, which records of all the wishes made throughout the year, is stolen out of Blizz's hands, the young reindeer knows that he has to do something. His journey inadvertently leads him to Theo (Gabriel Bateman), a lonely boy who wishes for friends.
Is It Any Good?
This entertaining Christmas book adaptation features an all-star cast of voices that help tell a story about self-acceptance, friendship, and understanding the need for change. Kids will find the colorful animation and traditional holiday narrative compelling. But Reindeer in Here also feels quite contemporary, thanks to some action-heavy moments, nods to technological innovation, and subtle, but well-written humor that will remind older viewers of some real life events. Overall, it's fun and festive, and an solid viewing option for the whole family.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about some of the messages featured in this story. Why is it important to like yourself, even if you're different from other people? Why is it helpful to be open-minded and listen to suggestions about making changes to something you are doing?
What messages does Reindeer in Here offer about the importance of friendship? How does Santa address this? What kinds of things can we do every day to help people feel less lonely?
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 29, 2022
- Cast : Adam Devine , Gabriel Bateman , Melissa Villaseñor , Henry Winkler
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Friendship , Holidays
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Gratitude , Perseverance , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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