If there’s one thing that spells the start of the Christmas season, it’s the onslaught of must-see (terrible) Christmas movies direct from the US Hallmark channel.
Before streaming became a thing, these Christmas movies played in Australia at 12.30 pm each weekday and during the six-week school holidays, they were a vital part of our childhood.
Each film almost always centred around a woman who worked in a small town and for some reason or another had to choose between two male suitors. Hallmark is known for their wholesome content and gushy storylines — however, in a move to diversify its content, it’s finally in production with a film featuring a same-sex storyline.
The Christmas House stars Aaron Samuels a.k.a Jonathan Bennett from Mean Girls — who is a proud member of the community in real life.
According to the film’s description, Brandon (Bennett) and his husband Jake (Brad Harder) visit Brandon’s parents for the holidays during which they are anxiously awaiting a call about the adoption of their first child.
The film also features One Tree Hill star, Robert Buckley, as Brandon’s brother Mike who also makes the trip home and reconnects with his high school love Andi (Ana Ayora). Their parents Bill (Treat Williams) and Phylis (Sharon Lawrence) hope that bringing the family together to recreate the Christmas house will help them find resolution and make a memorable holiday for the entire family and community.
In a statement, Michelle Vicary, executive vice president of programming at Hallmark said: “Our holiday table is bigger and more welcoming than ever. Our movies are rooted in warmth and positivity, meaningful connections, family gatherings, and seasonal traditions – a winning formula we hope will bring our millions of viewers much-needed levity and holiday cheer at the end of a tough year.”
The Christmas House will premiere in the US on the Hallmark Channel on November 22 as part of its popular Countdown to Christmas.
There’s no word on how we can see it here in Australia.