First Images of Hallmark Channel’s Christmas Line-Up Reveals 40 New Movies
While these movies aren't necessarily Oscar-winning pieces, there are a few outstanding films that have given Hallmark its reputation as the ultimate holiday hub. Hallmark's original series When the Heart Calls released two Christmas specials, When Calls The Heart Christmas in 2016 and When Calls The Heart: The Christmas Wishing Tree in 2017. The films received rave reviews for its strong storylines and ultimately embodying everything Christmas. Other top-rated Hallmark holiday hits include A Royal Christmas, A Very Merry Mix-Up, Let It Snow, and A Crown Called Christmas.
According to EW, this year's Hallmark Christmas season will kick off on October 24 and span up until December 20. Hallmark is charting new territory this season with its most diverse lineup to date. Hallmark will air its first LGBTQ+ holiday film titled Christmas House on November 20. The film features a gay couple portrayed by Jonathan Bennett and Brad Harder, looking to adopt during the holiday season. The holiday lineup will also feature its first Hannukah film Love, Lights, Hannukah! on December 20. A woman played by Mia Kirshner takes a DNA test and discovers that she's Jewish. Several actors will be making their Hallmark movie debut this season. Broadway sensations Victoria Clark, Laura Osnes, and Aaron Tveit will star in One Royal Christmas, featuring a commoner unknowingly welcoming the royal family into her home. Janel Parish, Jeremy Jordan, and Marisol Nichols make their Hallmark Holiday debut in a heartwarming film titled Holly & Ivy in which neighbors come together to keep a family together.
Dedicated fans will recognize some of their favorite Hallmark Christmas movie stars in this year's lineup. Lacey Chabert will grace the screen in two Hallmark hits this season. She will play a distraught fiancé Christmas Waltz airing November 28, and an unsuspecting guest at a mysterious reunion in Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas, airing December 5. Candace Cameron Bure will play a cheerful publicist in If I Only Had Christmas, airing November 29. Tamera Mowry-Housley will an ambitious reporter attending a Christmas Carnival on December 13. Hallmark's holiday season wouldn't be the same without its signature stars, so it's endearing to see so many return in addition to all of the fresh faces.
This season is one of Hallmark's most ambitious to date. Many networks have postponed the majority of its shows that were set to film and air in 2020. Hallmark, however, has shown no signs of curtailing its lineup as a result of the pandemic. Additionally, the lineup is more diverse across the board regarding race, sexuality, and religion. However, it still has plenty of traditional elements that will please dedicated fans. Considering that holiday cheer is more necessary this year than ever before, Hallmark came through at just the right time.
Source: Entertainment Weekly