Hallmarked Up!

We're back for one last extended episode to talk through 12 Dates Til Christmas, a lovely little series that went over several weekends.  Come along on this more dark rewrite where we had to introduce a new channel entirely #HallmarkAfterDark.  Sarah is joined by Chris and Jonny to create a very intriguing version of this now titled 'Pies Wide Shut' series.  

Talented Saville Row textile pattern designer Kate (Whitman) lives in the quaint village of Blexford, England, next door to her father Mac (Parker), who is long-divorced from Kate’s mother Delilah (McDonnell), a globe-trotting American always on an adventure. When not at work, Kate looks after Mac, who’s recovering from a motorbike accident and is inclined to spend his days sitting in his recliner. Unbeknownst to Kate, her best friend Laura (Eaton) signs her up for The 12 Dates of Christmas – a holiday-themed matchmaking program in the days leading up to the holiday featuring carefully curated, yuletide dating experiences, in an attempt to get Kate out of her rut. Lovingly coerced by Laura and longtime best friend Callum (Morris), a reluctant Kate ultimately gets into the spirit of the program and is caught off guard when she meets someone (Sandeman) who reinvigorates her zest for life. But when Delilah unexpectedly shows up on her doorstep – literally – Kate and Mac’s life and holiday season get upended. Meanwhile, Mac may be embarking on his own romance with local Evelyn (Seymour), a widow who slowly helps him step outside the confines of his house and open his heart. As Kate wends her way through the 12 dates, she takes a circuitous route to romance while also making some important discoveries about herself. Starring Mae Whitman, Julian Morris, Toby Sandeman, Nathaniel Parker, Jane Seymour, Lucy Eaton and Mary McDonnell. 

We're back for one last extended episode to talk through 12 Dates Til Christmas, a lovely little series that went over several weekends.  Come along on this more dark rewrite where we had to introduce a new channel entirely #HallmarkAfterDark.  Sarah is joined by Chris and Jonny to create a very intriguing version of this now titled 'Pies Wide Shut' series.  

Talented Saville Row textile pattern designer Kate (Whitman) lives in the quaint village of Blexford, England, next door to her father Mac (Parker), who is long-divorced from Kate’s mother Delilah (McDonnell), a globe-trotting American always on an adventure. When not at work, Kate looks after Mac, who’s recovering from a motorbike accident and is inclined to spend his days sitting in his recliner. Unbeknownst to Kate, her best friend Laura (Eaton) signs her up for The 12 Dates of Christmas – a holiday-themed matchmaking program in the days leading up to the holiday featuring carefully curated, yuletide dating experiences, in an attempt to get Kate out of her rut. Lovingly coerced by Laura and longtime best friend Callum (Morris), a reluctant Kate ultimately gets into the spirit of the program and is caught off guard when she meets someone (Sandeman) who reinvigorates her zest for life. But when Delilah unexpectedly shows up on her doorstep – literally – Kate and Mac’s life and holiday season get upended. Meanwhile, Mac may be embarking on his own romance with local Evelyn (Seymour), a widow who slowly helps him step outside the confines of his house and open his heart. As Kate wends her way through the 12 dates, she takes a circuitous route to romance while also making some important discoveries about herself. Starring Mae Whitman, Julian Morris, Toby Sandeman, Nathaniel Parker, Jane Seymour, Lucy Eaton and Mary McDonnell. 

We are back and a #MorePolaha movie we have been waiting for is on the docket! We are joined by Professor Seth from the show #99ToBeat. Listen along to this amazing #RedPenRewindRewrite of #AGrandOleOpryChristmas. We literally managed to add in #MorePolahas this time, plural, plus a few other very famous additions. #HallmarkedUp #CountdownToChristmas #MorePolaha #Hallmarkies

Gentry Wade (Nikki DeLoach), daughter of late country music icon Jett Wade – half of the famed duo Winters & Wade – abandoned her dream of a songwriting career and distanced herself from her father’s legacy following his tragic accident 30 years prior. When the Grand Ole Opry invites her to represent Jett at their centennial celebration at Christmas, she’s hesitant to return to the place steeped in bittersweet memories. Encouraged by her good friends, Gentry visits the Opry and, while seated in one of the vaunted venue’s oak church pews, is suddenly transported to 1995. Gentry’s lifelong friend Mac (Kristoffer Polaha) a country music talent manager, finds himself in 1995 as well. Thanks to some Christmas magic, Gentry gets precious time with her father, creative inspiration to finish the song she began decades earlier as a teen and learns surprising answers to questions about her father that have followed her for the last three decades. Starring Nikki DeLoach and Kristoffer Polaha.

Cameos by: Bill Anderson, Brad Paisley, Dailey & Vincent, Drew Baldridge, Jamey Johnson, Maggie Baugh, Megan Moroney, Mickey

Sarah is back watching the latest version of Holiday Touchdown with Florida-native footballer lover, Connor and self-proclaimed member of the Bills Mafia, Meghan to settle into sunny, wintery Buffalo to find out what happens in this one. How will they incorporate #MorePolaha?? What did they get right and what went wrong? Find out in this week's latest episode.

The Quinns and DeLucas have lived next door to each other for decades in the shadow of Highmark Stadium – the home of their beloved Buffalo Bills. With their longtime friendship rooted in being proud members of Bills Mafia, the two clans have enjoyed cherished traditions that revolve around cheering for their favorite team – especially at the holidays when they celebrate the last home game before Christmas. Pediatric doctor Morgan Quinn and the Bills’ VP of Stadium Development Gabe DeLuca have been lifelong friends, but Gabe has always held a torch for her – a fact obvious to their families… and everyone else who crosses their path. When Morgan learns from her Uncle Tommy that someone anonymously helped her family get by after he was drafted more than 60 years ago – and that he continues to receive a Christmas gift each year to this day – she decides to find his benefactor and give her uncle a Christmas he’ll always remember. Aided by Bills Mafia friends of theirs, Morgan and Gabe work together to unwrap the gifter’s identity. Along the way, Gabe’s love for Morgan deepens and in turn, she begins to see him in a new light though neither is daring enough to admit their feelings. Meanwhile, Morgan’s hopes of pulling off her surprise for Uncle Tommy get sacked. That is, until Gabe takes matters into his own hands and uses his connections with the Bills to pull off the surprise of a lifetime for Morgan and both their families that will make this a Christmas they’ll never forget. Starring Holland Roden, Matthew Daddario and Joe Pantoliano.

Cameos: Coach Sean McDermott, Ray Davis, Damar Hamlin, Dion Dawkins, Dawson Knox, Reid Ferguson, DeWayne Carter, Joshua Palmer; Jim Kelly, Steve Tasker, Thurman Thomas, Scott Norwood, Andre Reed; Chris Brown; Luke Russert.

Mary has joined us for a special appearance along with her sister, Andi as we relive THREE WISEST MEN.  Who will be in the new star of the show?  How will we add in #MorePolaha?  Listen now to find out.  Trust us.  This version is definitely worth producing.  Maybe it even needs to star @thesavageparrot??? #CountdownToChristmas #Hallmarkies #ThreeWisestMen

The Brenner family is back, and their lives are more chaotic than ever! As Luke (Walker) is expecting twins, Taylor (Hynes) is debating a monumental job opportunity out-of-state, and Stephan (Campbell) attempts to plan for his upcoming nuptials, everyone’s stress heightens when they learn their mom (Colin) has put their childhood home up for sale, marking their final Christmas in the Brenner house. With unexpected in-laws visiting, wild animals lurking in freshly cut Christmas trees and a hesitant mall Santa, the boys will have their work cut out for them as the holiday begins to loom. As they navigate adulting at a level they have yet to reach, they must learn to once again lean on one another to rise to the needs of their growing family, conquer the newest challenges in their lives and, most crucially, have the best Christmas EVER! Starring Paul Campbell, Tyler Hynes, Andrew Walker and Margaret Colin.

Join us for the regular segments, Bingo, #Relatable, #MorePolaha and the Red pen, rewind & re-write as we Hallmark Up!

This week, Fran, a self-proclaimed Christmas Carol fan, joins Sarah to see how well they did this modern take on the all-time Christmas favorite. How will they rewrite it? Will Ella Neezer and Jake steal their hearts? Enjoy!

When workaholic CEO Ella Neezer tries to skip Christmas by flying to Australia, she’s in for the flight of her life. Haunted by her past, present and future, she’s forced to confront the choices that led to her success yet left her flying solo. With the help of three quirky spirits and a surprise reunion with her ex, she might just rediscover the magic of Christmas – and the love she thought she’d lost. Starring Erin Krakow and Tyler Hynes.

We are back for another season, albeit not quite in line with the new releases, due to a relatively dull start. But luckily this movie, MERRY CHRISTMAS, TED COOPER! caught our eyes. Mary is on a bit of a break, but luckily seasoned Countdown to Christmas Watchers, Megan and David join us to share in Bingo & #Relatable moments as we rewrite this early goodie!

Weatherman Ted Cooper (Buckley) loves Christmas, but the past three have been terrible. This year, Ted has made up his mind that things will be different – this will be the Christmas things turn around for him. But Ted’s relentless optimism is about to be put to the test as he is faced with a litany of injuries and obstacles when he travels back to his hometown of Lackawanna, NY for the holidays. Within hours of arriving at his sister Kate’s house, he finds himself making a trip to Urgent Care after falling off a ladder while hanging decorations. While there, he runs into Ruth Mittens, his former high school science teacher who was always his cheerleader. He also reconnects with the charming Hope Miller (Sustad), except now she’s Dr. Hope Miller, with whom he went to high school and quietly crushed on from afar. Ted is optimistic that this budding romance is the beginning of his Christmas comeback, but his looming holiday bad luck still has a few curveballs in store for him. Luckily for Ted, he won’t have to face them alone – he’ll have the support of Kate, Ruth, and Hope to help him overcome the challenges thrown his way and finally enjoy a well-earned merry Christmas. Starring Robert Buckley and Kimberley Sustad.

Sarah and Bettina both agree that Happy Howlidays was not worth watching. Have a listen as to why it sucked, why Finding Mr Christmas did not, (they just picked the wrong Mr Christmas) and what the best & worst movies of 2024 were, according to your ladies on Hallmarked Up!

We will be back on our #MorePolaha posts along with our new quest for #MeetPolaha2025 soon!!!

Sarah, Mary and Bettina all headed to ChristmasCon! Armed with our #MorePolaha gear, we recap our time in New Jersey. Thanks for supporting us this year. We will see if we do one last episode to review #FindingMrChristmas' movie. Happy Holidays from all of us at Hallmarked Up!

Thanksgiving Continued. Sarah is back with faithful watcher, Bettina who helps us get updated on all of the Thanksgiving movies.  We do a decent recap of Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Lovestory.  Sarah has a controversial opinion of it.  Bettina tells us which movie is the worst one ever.  Full review of the one we were waiting for, The Christmas Quest with #MorePolaha.

Alana Higman is sure that her family’s lifelong history as Kansas City Chiefs superfans makes them a frontrunner to win the team’s “Fan of the Year” contest. Derrick, Director of Fan Engagement, is tasked with evaluating how Alana and her family stack up against the other two finalists. As the pair spends time together, it’s clear there’s a spark between them but when her grandfather’s vintage Chiefs good-luck winter hat goes missing, Alana begins to doubt everything she believed about fate, destiny and even questions her future with Derrick – unless, that is, a little Christmas magic can throw a Hail Mary. Starring Hunter King and Tyler Hynes.

An archeologist and her ex-husband, an expert in ancient Norse languages, are sent to Iceland at Christmastime to search for the legendary treasure of the Yule Lads. When others join in the hunt, the pair find themselves swept into a thrilling adventure as they race to keep it from falling into the wrong hands. Starring Lacey Chabert and Kristoffer Polaha.