Hallmark Adds 2 New Christmas Reality Series to Its Lineup

With the growth and popularity of reality TV, it's no surprise Hallmark Media is jumping into the genre too. As if 40 new Christmas movies each season isn't enough, the network is adding two Christmas-themed reality shows to its lineup this year.

The first is a holiday twist on Big Brother-esque series where competitors to become the next Hallmark hunk a live together and compete for the leading role in an upcoming Christmas movie.

After the network finds it's next lead actor, it's moving on to find the most festively decorated home in an concept that seems like friendly homespun version of ABC's Great Christmas Light Fight.

The network previously dabbled in reality with two seasons of Meet the Peetes (2018-2019) and the previously announced, Celebrations with Lacey Chabert (no word yet on premiere date). 

Read on to find out what we know so far about the new reality series.

Finding Mr. Christmas 

The network is looking for the next "Hallmark Hunk" as it delves into a reality competition series with Finding Mr. Christmas. Hosted by Jonathan Bennett with Melissa Peterman serving as a judge, you know the audiences will be laughing until it hurts. The series features 10 aspiring actors who will live together and compete in a variety of entertaining and festive challenges—with a Hallmark twist. The prize at the end doesn't take a million dollars (Survivor) or a recording contract (The Voice). Instead, this grand prize is the title "Mr. Christmas" and a leading role in one of this year's Countdown to Christmas films.

You may remember Bennett from Mean Girls where he starred opposite another Hallmark fan favorite, Lacey Chabert. He has starred in several movies for Hallmark including Christmas on Cherry Lane, The Holiday Sitter, Wedding of a Lifetime and The Christmas House.

Peterman is best known for her role as Barbara Jean on Reba McEntire's eponymous sitcom. (Reba may be coming back.) She also starred opposite McEntire in the Lifetime movie, The Hammer and will co-star with the country icon in the upcoming NBC series, Happy's Place. She most recently starred in Young Sheldon and has appeared in Haul Out the Holly and Haul Out the Holly: Lit Up for Hallmark.

Related: Lacey Chabert Tackles Unscripted Content with New Hallmark Channel Series

Take a look at this sneak peek from Finding Mr. Christmas.

Ready, Set, Glow!

Ready, Set, Glow! is a holiday lights showcase spectacular hosted by Wes Brown that will premiere on Hallmark+. This three-episode limited series takes viewers around the country to some of the most impressive and festive displays introducing the special people and the heartfelt—and often emotional stories—behind their displays and how they contribute to the community.

Before joining the Hallmark family, Brown appeared in shows like CSI: Miami, Criminal Minds and NCIS. For Hallmark, he has starred in Love Under the Stars, Christmas at Graceland, Check Inn to Christmas, Sweet Pecan Summer and most recently Haul Out the Holly: Lit Up.

Celebrations with Lacey Chabert

The previously announced series will follow Lacey Chabert as she surprises deserving kids, families and adults who are making a positive impact in their communities by throwing them the celebration of a lifetime. The 10-episode series will debut in 2024 on Hallmark+, the network's newly rebranded subscription streaming service.

Fun fact: Hallmark Cards is still a privately owned company. They are owned by the Hall Family and is based out of Kansas City, Missouri.

Home is Where the Heart

Luke Macfarlane, who is a DIY craftsman IRL, hosts this home renovation show. If you follow Macfarlane on Instagram, you'll see his craftsmanship including building a crib for his daughter, Tess. Home is Where the Heart Is will premiere in 2025.

Small Town Setup

Host Ashley Williams, who also serves as executive producer, will attempt to make a Hallmark movie a reality as she helps parents the chance to play matchmaker for their adult kids who have moved away to the “big city” and return to their hometown, unaware the search for their happily ever after.

Williams created the Make Her Mark mentorship program for Hallmark. The program mentors females in behind-the-scenes roles, shadowing pros on Hallmark movies and then allowing them to helm their own Hallmark movie. Actress Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe of Signed, Sealed, Delivered fame was the first recipient of the program. She shadowed another female director on a Hallmark movie before directing Shifting Gears for Hallmark Channel. She is already directing her next movie, a Christmas film starring Alison Sweeney.

Next, The Complete List of Hallmark Channel Stars Who Are Not Leaving the Network