The Merry Gentlemen ending, explained: What's next for Ashley and Luke?

The holiday magic train isn't slowing down on Netflix on bit in November 2024 as the streamer continues its four-week sprint of new original Christmas romantic comedies. Following the hits Meet Me Next Christmas and Hot Frosty, next up is the spicier but no less festive and lovable The Merry Gentlemen starring The CW alums Britt Robertson and Chad Michael Murray.

The Merry Gentlemen begins with Britt Robertson's character Ashley Davis performing in her Jingle Belles show on Broadway, a dancing job she has had and loved for many years. Unfortunately, Ashley gets fired from The Jingle Belles due to her age (though that part isn't said out loud to her), and she returns home to Sycamore Creek for the holidays.

When she's reunited with her parents and older sister in the characteristically festive small town, Ashley discovers that her parents' local venue The Rhythm Room nears closing. Armed with Broadway knowhow and the idea that sex sells, she plans a dance revue with shirtless men to pack in the customers and pay off her family's debts. But will she find lasting love along the way?

Warning: Spoilers from the end of the movie ahead!

Do Ashley and Luke end up together in The Merry Gentlemen?

Don't worry... Ashley and Luke end up together in The Merry Gentlemen. After having their meet-cute outside The Rhythm Room, when Ashley gets tangled up in the garland he's hanging, Ashley and Luke begin to fall for each other while working together on The Merry Gentlemen show. It doesn't hurt that one of their other initial encounters was Luke being surprisingly shirtless while fixing the plumbing.

Ashley and Luke get closer and get to know each other better. He opens up that he was previously married to a woman named Amy, who he moved to Sycamore Creek to be with. However, after they split, he remained in the town and felt at home. So, when Ashley receives an opportunity to return to her former job in the city, he's hurt when she's ready to up and leave.

When her Jingle Belles boss cold calls her with an offer for a three-year contract and a 25% raise to rejoin the troupe ASAP for the Christmas Day show, she jumps. But Luke's hurt reaction drums up the hesitance she felt when she received the offer. While back home and creating something with her family and Luke, she found happiness and fulfillment.

Before making her way to the airport to go back to The Jingle Belles in the city, Ashley turns around and returns to The Rhythm Room. Ashley's presence gives Luke the confidence to finish the show. In the end, Ashley raised the $30k needed to save her parents' venue and she stays in Sycamore Creek with Luke, having found love and freedom in not knowing what's next.

Watch The Merry Gentlemen only on Netflix.