‘There Are People That Watch Hallmark Movies, And Liars.’ Jonathan Bennett Did Not Hold Back When Asked About The ‘Guilty Pleasure’ Of Countdown To Christmas

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As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but feel the festive buzz even before the leaves turn, knowing that Hallmark’s annual Countdown to Christmas is just around the corner. For many households across America, this holiday season staple has become as much a tradition as decorating the tree or baking cookies. And with the charismatic Jonathan Bennett leading the way in his latest Christmas movie, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for these guilty pleasures we all love so dearly.

Essentially, Hallmark keeps the Christmas spirit alive throughout the year. They film Christmas movies during summer to release them by December, and they even have a ‘Christmas in July’ collection to keep viewers excited halfway through the year. It’s all part of their annual Countdown to Christmas event, featuring dozens of fresh, somewhat cheesy holiday films, as well as hundreds more stored away. Despite some people claiming otherwise, Bennett confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that many indeed tune in to these festive movies.

There are essentially two categories of individuals when it comes to holiday viewing: Those who enjoy watching classic Christmas movies like “Finding Mr. Christmas,” and those who might not openly admit it but secretly do. Christmas films have become an integral part of popular culture during the festive season, making them a must-watch for most people.

It’s not that Hallmark Christmas movies have the same cinematic appeal as films like “Home Alone” or “The Santa Clause“, but there’s a certain charm about them that keeps you watching, despite their predictable storylines and cheesy elements. And if you’re a fan of romance, it’s even harder to resist. Bennett articulates this perfectly. In essence, Hallmark movies serve as irresistible guilty pleasures, and his Christmas reality show served as an excellent platform for him to delve deeper into that concept.

If you imagine incorporating common elements from Christmas films, such as the first meeting (meet-cute), the heartfelt apology scene, the emotional breakup scene, ice skating, and more, into a game-like format, that’s what this show offers. It’s not only appealing to viewers of Hallmark movies; it’s designed for everyone. In fact, it falls under the category of entertaining yet somewhat shameful television that people can’t help but enjoy.

Despite the fact that Hallmark Channel has been producing numerous Christmas movies annually for quite some time now, and viewers are well aware of how these films will end, they continue to watch. The consistent use of familiar themes not only makes viewing effortless but also offers a small respite from reality. Instead, it transports them to idyllic settings like a town celebrating a Christmas festival or former acquaintances rekindling their romance during a winter walk in the park, and so on.

Even though many people criticize Hallmark movies for being too cheesy and repetitive during Christmas seasons, it’s likely Bennett is correct that these movies are misleading due to their themes. It’s quite possible that almost everyone has stumbled upon a Hallmark Channel movie at some point and found themselves unable to turn away, and I can understand why. No matter how long they last, the charm of these films can be hard to resist.

In the meantime, Hallmark is preparing special plans for this upcoming holiday season by broadcasting a Christmas-themed limited series. Additionally, fans can anticipate numerous heartwarming movies and satisfying love stories, which will undoubtedly remain enjoyable indulgences, regardless of whether people choose to acknowledge it or not.

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2025-04-07 21:37