Hallmark Plans Significant Expansion of Unscripted TV Slate (With Holiday Cheer, Too)

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A Hallmark Channel Christmas movie wouldn’t feel like one without a heartwarming dance sequence, right? Picture a handsome man in formal attire swaying with a graceful lady in a beautiful gown amidst sparkling evergreens festooned with twinkling lights – that’s the Hallmark magic!

Since Hallmark ventured into reality competition shows last year on its streaming service, Hallmark+, it embraced those familiar themes. The show Finding Mr. Christmas, hosted by Jonathan Bennett, had several aspiring Hallmark heartthrobs competing in tasks inspired directly from the channel’s festive movies. The winner was rewarded with a leading role in their own Hallmark Original Movie.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Bennett humorously states, “You’ll find two kinds of individuals in this world: those who enjoy watching Christmas movies produced by Hallmark, and those who are not telling the truth.” He explains, “Christmas movies have become a significant part of our culture. My strategy was to integrate ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’ into the traditional festive movie narrative that people watch during the holidays. By incorporating common tropes such as the ‘meet cute,’ the heartfelt apology scene, the breakup scene, and ice skating, I aimed to turn these elements into a game-like experience.” He continues, “This show isn’t exclusively for fans of Hallmark movies; it caters to everyone. It transforms into an irresistible form of entertainment that appeals to all viewers.

Hallmark is expanding its lineup of heartwarming, binge-worthy TV shows, aiming to maintain audience interest beyond just the holiday season, on both their traditional TV channel and streaming service. On Wednesday, they will unveil plans for an array of unscripted programming, such as new seasons for the popular series “Finding Mr. Christmas” and “Celebrations with Lacey Chabert,” along with fresh ideas like a baking competition show and a murder mystery series.

From now on, instead of exclusively airing on Hallmark+, the upcoming series will make their initial premiere on the Hallmark Channel, positioning themselves as “Reality Television with a Heart,” before being streamed the following day.

David Stefanou, head of unscripted at Hallmark, points out that while Hallmark is often associated with Christmas and holidays, there’s potential to share these stories all year long. “Hallmark is well-known for what it represents,” he explains, “and with our programming, we can capitalize on this familiarity… We can even create shows that embody the brand itself.” For instance, a show like “Finding Mr. Christmas” could be seen as somewhat self-referential, serving as a quest to discover Hallmark’s next leading man. “Our viewers adore these Hallmark stars,” Stefanou notes, “so we decided to turn this appreciation into a competition, offering both entertainment and the chance to create a new star in the process.

Hallmark additionally delved into the domestic and hospitality categories, fitting perfectly alongside the dramas they typically air during the year.

Stefanou explains that he aims to transform the ordinary by using a well-known format, as the unstructured style may be fresh for our regular audience members. However, he intends to give this familiar genre a distinctive Hallmark touch.

Chabert is well-known for her appearances in over forty Hallmark movies. Last year, she signed a contract that not only guarantees more films but also encompasses a product line and a renewal for the series titled “Celebrations.

Chabert admits she’s more comfortable portraying characters on camera rather than being herself. However, she found it fascinating and enjoyable, as she enjoys connecting with people and hearing their stories. In fact, even at a grocery store, she often finds herself involved in conversations and learning the cashier’s life story.

However, all of Hallmark’s unscripted projects share a common thread: The Hallmark brand represents something specific, Stefanou points out, and for a project to be approved, it must align with the platform’s identity, sometimes going against traditional reality TV conventions.

In the show “Finding Mr. Christmas,” as Bennett explains, we see a unique display of grown men openly discussing their emotions, fears, and personal anxieties. This is remarkable because it’s not common to see such emotional vulnerability from a group of ten adult males, especially in public or on television. The Hallmark touch seems to have played a significant role here, as the show manages to combine competition with a strong sense of camaraderie and support. The contestants feel safe enough to express themselves deeply, which not only strengthens their bonds but also resonates with the audience watching at home.

Chabert expresses that anything associated with Hallmark seems to embody the idea of giving something positive to the world, evoking joy and fostering connections. It’s essentially about forging bonds and experiences that the audience might recognize and resonate with. The same sense of warmth and affection from the movies is also reflected in the unscripted series.

In a time when reality TV shows are multiplying rapidly, yet frequently tainted by unappealing aspects, the cable network is wagering that its alternative will strike a chord with viewers across traditional TV and streaming platforms. Producers share this enthusiasm too.

As a fan, I’d put it like this: “I’ve come to realize that the norm is often to sensationalize and shock for attention. But stepping into this place felt like a refreshing change. Here, I found an opportunity to create inspiring, heartwarming stories instead of focusing on people’s misfortunes. It was a true awakening, a breath of fresh air.

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2025-04-03 16:57