Hallmark movies are known for their feel-good storylines featuring wholesome and relatable characters. However, until recently, the network had yet to feature a gay lead in any of its films. In 2020, that changed with the release of “The Christmas House,” Hallmark’s first movie with a gay lead.
The Christmas House
“The Christmas House” tells the story of a successful television producer named Brandon Mitchell (played by Jonathan Bennett) and his husband, Jake (played by Brad Harder). The couple returns to Brandon’s childhood home for the holidays, where they hope to help his parents recreate the magical Christmas decorations that made the Mitchell house famous in their small town. Along the way, the couple faces challenges as they navigate family expectations and a desire to start a family of their own.
The movie was praised for its inclusivity and representation, with many viewers expressing their excitement over seeing a gay couple featured in a Hallmark film. However, the movie also faced some backlash from conservative viewers, including calls for a boycott of the network.
The Holiday Sitter
In addition to “The Christmas House,” Hallmark has also released another movie featuring a queer storyline. “The Holiday Sitter” follows the story of a workaholic bachelor named Sam, who agrees to babysit his niece and nephew for the holidays while his sister and her husband are out of town. While caring for the children, Sam finds himself falling for their uncle, a man named Tyler.
While Tyler is not explicitly stated to identify as gay, the movie has been praised for its inclusivity and representation of queer relationships. “The Holiday Sitter” premiered on December 19, 2021, and has already garnered positive reviews from viewers.
Hallmark’s Commitment to Inclusivity
Hallmark’s decision to include LGBTQ+ characters in its films is part of a broader push for inclusivity within the network. In 2019, Hallmark faced criticism after pulling an advertisement that featured a same-sex wedding. The move sparked a backlash, with many viewers calling for the network to embrace diversity and inclusivity.
Following the backlash, Hallmark issued a statement apologizing for the decision and pledged to do better. Since then, the network has made a concerted effort to feature more diverse storylines and characters in its films.
Conclusion
“The Christmas House” and “The Holiday Sitter” represent a major step forward for Hallmark in terms of inclusivity and representation. The movies showcase queer storylines and characters in a way that is both relatable and uplifting, and have been praised by viewers for their inclusivity and compassion. As Hallmark continues to make strides towards greater representation, it provides hope that other networks will follow suit and embrace diverse storylines and characters.
FAQ
Why did Candace Bure leave Hallmark?
Candace Cameron Bure, the famous actress and TV personality, has been a familiar face for Hallmark Channel viewers for many years. She has been part of several successful productions on the network, including “Aurora Teagarden Mysteries” and “Christmas Town,” among others. However, after several years of working with Hallmark, Candace announced her departure from the network in 2020, which sparked a lot of questions from fans and media outlets alike.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Candace revealed that her decision to leave the network was not an easy one, and it was not the result of any ill feelings or conflicts with Hallmark. Instead, it was a matter of timing and business decisions. Candace explained that her contract with Hallmark was coming to an end at the same time that she was presented with the opportunity to work on a new project called “Great American Family.” This new show would require Candace to commit a lot of time and energy, and it would not be possible to do both projects at the same time.
“It just so happened that my contract was expiring when Great American Family started up. So we did not start having those discussions until we were well into negotiations with Hallmark Channel for renewing. And as every business person knows, you’ve got to do what’s right for contracts,” Candace said in the interview.
Candace went on to say that she remains grateful for her time at Hallmark and the opportunities she had to work with amazing people, including the network’s executives, producers, and cast and crew members. She also expressed her excitement about her new project and the chance to work on a show that explores the values and principles of the American family.
Candace Cameron Bure’s decision to leave Hallmark was primarily a matter of business and timing. With a new opportunity on the horizon, she had to weigh her options and make a tough decision about her future. However, she remains grateful for the support and opportunities she had at Hallmark, and she is excited to embark on a new chapter in her career with “Great American Family.”
Is The Holiday Sitter a gay Hallmark movie?
Yes, The Holiday Sitter is a gay Hallmark movie. This film made history for Hallmark by being its first-ever queer-led Christmas romantic comedy. The storyline is about a young man named Eddie who is in search of a job but ends up working as a babysitter for a family during the holidays. The family he is working for has two dads, who are also a couple. Eddie becomes involved with the family, especially the dads, and finds himself in a romantic situation.
Throughout the film, the characters struggle with issues related to coming out, acceptance, and family dynamics. Hallmark has received praise for the inclusivity and representation they have shown in this movie. It is a remarkable step forward in representing the LGBTQ+ community in mainstream films, especially in the Christmas romantic comedy genre.
The movie is filled with warmth, humor, and a plethora of heartfelt moments that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer for the characters. The film showcases how important it is to accept and celebrate everyone’s differences, not just during the holiday season, but all year round.
The Holiday Sitter is a significant step forward for Hallmark in terms of representation and inclusivity. The movie is not just a gay Hallmark movie; it is a heartwarming Christmas rom-com that exemplifies the true meaning of family, love, and acceptance. This movie is not just for the LGBTQ+ community but for anyone who loves a good feel-good holiday movie.
Are any Hallmark actors dating each other?
Hallmark movies have taken over our TV screens during the holiday season, with their romantic and feel-good themes. It’s no surprise that people often wonder if any of the actors in these movies are dating each other in real life. While the answer to this question may vary from year to year, currently, one Hallmark couple stands out above the rest.
Victor Webster and Shantel VanSanten are the Hallmark couple that has captured the hearts of viewers. The couple has been romantically linked since 2017 after meeting on the set of Hallmark movie “Love Blossoms.” After dating for four years, the couple announced their engagement in February 2021. They tied the knot in a private ceremony in front of close friends and family members.
What’s interesting about their wedding is that they didn’t just have one ceremony; they had three. The first ceremony took place in a botanical garden, followed by a wedding at a temple. Finally, the couple had a beach ceremony. The reason for multiple ceremonies is not known, but it’s clear that their love for each other is strong and they wanted to celebrate it in multiple ways.
What makes the love story of Victor Webster and Shantel VanSanten even more special is that they met on a Hallmark movie set. The couple’s on-screen chemistry translated into real-life romance, showing us that fairy tales can come true.
While it’s not common for Hallmark actors to date each other, Webster and VanSanten’s relationship has given fans hope that love can truly be found in unexpected places. Their love story has become an inspiration to many, and who knows, we may see more Hallmark couples emerge in the future.
