Is Hawkeye a Christmas show?

Are there any Christmas themes in Hawkeye?

Hawkeye is currently split, thus the final qualifier will determine the show’s status as a new Christmas tradition. The first point places Hawkeye in the week leading up to Christmas and it’s overwhelmingly obvious that Christmas is happening during this series. However, there are no traditional Christmas characters, at least thus far. And the likelihood of any showing up, at least in a meaningful way, feels slim. So, do any of the traditional Christmas themes, such as love, hope, generosity, faith, redemption, family, or fear appear?

While I think it’s pretty obvious, we haven’t seen all of Hawkeye just yet. The focus on the show could change. We could see different, or even more, themes pop up. That said, the theme of family takes center stage in these first two episodes. Clint’s story seems more embedded in the Christmas of it all—he’s a dad who has been a superhero forever… he’s definitely missed family time more often than not. When he doesn’t accompany his kids back home, there is an evident worry, especially from his daughter, that he’s going to miss Christmas. The titular hero promises that won’t be the case… he’ll be home in time.

There are hints of redemption in that story too, though I’m not sold on Clint needing to redeem his relationship with his family—it’s simply he, and his family, want to spend the holiday together. Meanwhile, Kate Bishop, who has made a splash in her MCU debut, has her own family struggles in Hawkeye. While it’s clear that Kate and her mother love each other, there is some definite strain there. While it’s not fully there yet, a redemption theme for the Bishops seems like it’s on the horizon.

I feel that hope, and maybe faith, may become part of the Christmas themes in Hawkeye too. Clint and Kate will likely come to some sort of found family relationship. Kate’s looked up to Hawkeye since she was a little girl. She’s modeled her life after him. She clearly wants to bond with him, but Clint is being standoffish. He shuts her out—in his eyes to protect her, but Kate thinks she can hang and wants to help.

But, there it is. Hawkeye checks off two of the three qualifications for a movie or show to be considered a Christmas movie/show. Debate all you want, but it’s official: Hawkeye is a Christmas series.

Hawkeye streams exclusively on Disney+ with new episodes premiering on Wednesdays at 12:01 a.m. PT and 3:01 a.m. ET.

Do you agree that Hawkeye fits the bill as a Christmas series? Will it become one of your yearly traditions to watch during the holiday season? Let us know in the comments below.