Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas: A Festive Extravaganza

As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, Hallmark is already gearing up for the most wonderful time of the year. The network has announced an impressive lineup of 47 new movies set to premiere across its various channels, kicking off a 15th anniversary celebration of its beloved Countdown to Christmas event.

Unwrapping the Festive Delights Ahead

A Cinematic Cornucopia of Holiday Cheer

Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas celebration is set to commence on Friday, October 18th, with new movies premiering every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel, and every Thursday at 8 p.m. on Hallmark Mystery. The network has also scheduled additional premieres on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. during Thanksgiving week, ensuring that viewers can indulge in a veritable feast of festive entertainment.

Debut of Hallmark's First Reality Competition

Adding to the excitement, Hallmark is introducing its first-ever reality competition, "Finding Mr. Christmas," which will debut on Hallmark+. Hosted by Jonathan Bennett and featuring Melissa Peterman as the lead judge, the series will pit 10 handsome "Hallmark hunk hopefuls" against each other in a variety of festive challenges, all vying to prove their heart, talent, authenticity, and charisma in the quest to become the next Hallmark superstar. The winner will make their debut this year in the Hallmark Channel original movie "Happy Howlidays," opposite Jessica Lowndes.

Hallmark's Foray into Holiday-Themed Series

Hallmark is also expanding its programming with the debut of two limited holiday scripted series, "Mistletoe Murders" and "Holidazed," which will premiere exclusively on Hallmark+. "Mistletoe Murders," based on the Audible audio series of the same name, stars Sarah Drew and Peter Mooney and follows a small-town shop owner with a secret across six episodes. "Holidazed," an eight-episode series, features an ensemble cast including Dennis Haysbert, John C. McGinley, Loretta Devine, and Virginia Madsen, exploring the chaos, cheer, and challenges that can come with family celebrations.

Spotlighting Spectacular Holiday Lights Displays

In another reality series, "Ready, Set, Glow!," Hallmark star Wes Brown will travel the country to showcase spectacular holiday lights displays and the heartwarming stories behind them, offering viewers a glimpse into the dedication and passion of the individuals who create these dazzling seasonal showcases.

A Lineup of Familiar Faces and Festive Franchises

The Countdown to Christmas movie lineup boasts an impressive array of familiar faces and the debut of new holiday franchises. Highlights include three new follow-ups to the popular "Christmas on Cherry Lane" series, as well as the launch of the "Unwrapping Christmas" franchise, which will span four interconnected movies. Fans of "Pretty Little Liars" will be delighted to see a reunion of Tammin Sursok and Brant Daugherty in "Trivia at St. Nick's," while "The Office" star Angela Kinsey makes her Hallmark Christmas movie debut in "Confessions of a Christmas Letter," which will also feature an appearance by her Dunder Mifflin colleague, Brian Baumgartner.

A Diverse Tapestry of Holiday Stories

The Countdown to Christmas lineup promises to captivate audiences with a diverse array of holiday-themed narratives. From the heartwarming tale of a small-town shop owner with a secret in "Mistletoe Murders" to the chaos and cheer of family celebrations in "Holidazed," Hallmark is set to deliver a cinematic experience that celebrates the magic and wonder of the holiday season in all its forms.

Hallmark's Commitment to Festive Escapism

As the world continues to navigate the challenges of the pandemic, Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas celebration offers viewers a much-needed respite, a chance to immerse themselves in the warm embrace of holiday cheer and the promise of happily-ever-after. With its diverse lineup of movies and series, the network is poised to transport audiences to a world where the spirit of the season reigns supreme, reminding us all of the enduring power of love, community, and the joy of the holidays.