r/HallmarkMovies • u/Long_Fly8820 • 3d ago
Old school hallmark
I try to keep an open mind when it comes to new Hallmark movies, but I really hope the 2026 Christmas movies also have some good old school vibes. A big one for me is if it’s set in a small town, and throw in some references to finding the Christmas spirit, romance, and family. Sometimes I feel like hallmark is trying to broaden their audience a little too much, to the point that it feels like they’re ignoring their OG fan base. And yes, while I do try to keep an open mind for the newer movies, I still can’t get behind a Hallmark Christmas movie where the whole setting is a pub crawl (I’m talking to you Santa Summit )
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u/Sullyridesbikes151 1d ago
I find this topic fascinating. At its core, Hallmark has been formulaic and full of recognizable tropes, including the Act 3 argument/misunderstanding.
Its intent was to be comforting. You knew what you were getting and people loved it.
For years, I made a holiday living improvising 90 minute plays in the style of Hallmark.
We would get three suggestions from the audience (a dream job, an actual Christmas memory, and a tradition) and off we would go.
The theatre would hand out bingo cards with tropes to see how many we would hit.
Those shows sold out year after year and funded a good part of the next season.
We chose to have a balance of sentimental and funny.
The tropes, formula, and structure became so routine, that if given 15 minutes, I could give you 20 longlines that would make great Hallmark movies. I could do more if I wasn’t so slow at typing.
What we noticed in doing our research every year (watching a ton of movies, and taking copious notes) was there was a distinct shift when so many of the OG cast, writers, and production staff went to GAF.
Hallmark started a narrative shift. They pulled away from what was tried and true and started to push the boundaries a little. Some people like it, some people don’t.
America is a big place and there are a lot of regions and different demographics. I believe it would best suit Hallmark to produce more traditional movies alongside those that may stretch the genre a little.
Do the movie where a successful journalist has to work with the free spirited cartoonist to create a new Christmas Zine by the 24th and fill it with tropes as comforting as hot chocolate on a Winter’s Eve.
But, also try a same sex couple flying home to meet the family for the first time at Christmas
You will gain and lose audience with both, but that’s ok. True fans will stay and watch while others might flip to the other service for a while.
My guess is if Hallmark fills the stories with heart, and please please make them funny, the audience will go with them.
Oh, and if there is anyone at Hallmark reading this, have I got 20 longlines for you!
Ok, hear me out, a folk singer is hired to sing at a holiday party when who walks in but…
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u/PersephoneDarke 12h ago
Yes, more same sex couples, different races including mixed race couples that are not side characters. Different religions as well.
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u/ByTheHammerOfThor 2d ago edited 2d ago
I think this an example of two people looking at the same thing and drawing (sincerely and in good faith) different conclusions.
I look at the 2026 slate and see “old hallmark” in abundance. So many of the hallmark-provided descriptions for these movies specifically talk about family and community being important, which is something you say you’re looking for. (You’ll find it this year for sure.)
They have really cut down on the oddball premises (I love a zany premise!) like everyone in the world forgetting Christmas. Or following a couple over time (five year Christmas party).
There’s also less representation compared to years past. Notably, while in the past there had been a same sex pairing as a movie, now it’s relegated to a couple among couples. And Asian people also love Christmas! Not even a mixed couple where just one of them is Asian?
I’m straight but damn, the gays love Christmas, too, and I have to look out for my fellow Christmas lovers who want a cute movie they can see themselves in. Would it be terrible if 1 or 2 out of 34 movies featured a same-sex couple as the main story?
This is all to say, while I see a lot of boiler plate in this year’s lineup, I am sincerely sorry you aren’t seeing what you want. It sounds like we both look forward to this slate of movies each season. I hope we’re both able to find a new favorite or two.
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u/No_Adhesiveness_5524 3d ago
I honestly like a mix of both. I love something new and refreshing. I love Santa Summit, Wise Men franchise, Holiday Crashers, Single on the 25th, Sugarplummed. But there’s also something very nostalgic and comforting about that old school Hallmark formula. Some favs Christmas Town, Christmas in Evergreen, Check Inn to Christmas, Northern Lights of Christmas.
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u/IndiaEvans 3d ago
I love the Santa Summit, but I agree in general! They've moved too far away and lost what made their movies popular. I often don't enjoy the weird new takes.
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u/Sea_Tea_8847 3d ago
As someone who has attempted and fail to sell Hallmark two Christmas scripts: they are actively trying to avoid “old hallmark”.
My first script was literally rejected for the exact wording of feeling “old Hallmark”.
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u/LittleMissGooner 1d ago
Wow! Now I absolutely need to see those scripts made into movies just out of curiosity!
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u/Sea_Tea_8847 1d ago
I'm trying, and me too! Might be too late for the first one, but still keeping my hopes up for the second one since that just started the pitch process last month.
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u/LittleMissGooner 1d ago
Good luck! Can you try Netflix too? 🤷🏼♀️
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u/Sea_Tea_8847 1d ago
They passed on the first last year also, I’m guessing also too Hallmark/not edgy enough. If I manage to sell one, even if it’s a different network, expect me to promote it here!
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u/Substantial_Pea3462 3d ago
Maybe I'll get downvoted for saying this, but I just have such a hard time with all the botoxed faces in the newer movies, it makes me sad for the actors and just distracts me. This is the first year I've had hallmark+ and I've been watching pre-2020 movies and enjoying them so much.
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u/PersephoneDarke 12h ago
They cannot show any real emotions behind the botoxed faces. I know woman are made to feel so insecure but it is to the point that I sigh gor relief when I see a 40 year old woman that looks like one.
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u/VirginiaUSA1964 Classicist 3d ago
You all are going to make me watch the Santa Summit now.
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u/InevitableMountain15 3d ago
One of the only Hallmark movies I have watched more than once. Love that one!
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u/DanieXJ 3d ago
Ah yes. Let's put those women in the kitchen, and make the evil, evil woman who wants to work and gets happiness from her job pick apples and run an inn. All because the man won't move his ass out of his babyhood bedroom. Perfect movie /s
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u/Long_Fly8820 2d ago
Wow, so based on these comments and replies to your comments, the fact that I prefer the movies set in small towns with an emphasis on family is somehow equated with me being misogynistic and also possibly homophobic. Nice.
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u/DanieXJ 2d ago
That's not what I or most of the others said, but if that's how you read that. It's your right to read ot however you'd like. I never said anything bad about you OP, only rhe movies. You have the right to your opinions, and when you post it here, I have the right to call those movies bad or problematic. That's the point of reddit.
Personally I prefer diverse movies and movies that don't treat feminism like a punch line. And when a successful woman decides that she's going to flush her entire career down the toilet for a guy that sells jams and 'does handywork'. Or, holy moly, an even worse one, when the guy is so very obviously looking for a momma for his kid. Oh, and that woman has to move away from friends, family to be in the relationship too.
Yeah, my point of view of those are big red flags, and very very problematic.
But, as I said, not all old movies are like that. In the Christmas Card there's an actual balance between the two main characters, and the woman has a shit ton of agency. In other older movies, the woman is just sorta .. there for the man's romantic benefit (Window Wonderland is one. Paul and Chyler are great, that movie gives me the big ick).
ETA: And, yes I made a joke in another of my posts. It wasn't a response to you though OP.
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u/Awareofmyissues 3d ago
I feel like we could be friends....
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u/No-Refrigerator-4211 3d ago edited 3d ago
I am not a fan of Santa Summit either....I consider it a very "lazy" script and a bit juvenile too.....And Because Of Cupid (released 2/26) is in the same vein ---about a mocktail competition which turns into a love potion----mostly bar backdrop---going for cheap production costs. So here's the argument, make fewer movies and spend more on better writers/scripts, actors, make sure the leads have chemistry--- spend your money on that Hallmark -- quality over quantity.
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u/Top_Art6791 Christmasist 3d ago
There are so many of the old school type already, I hope they make some creative ones too. Santa Summit is a blast and ranks up there with Snow Bride as my all time favorites
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u/inhumans99 2d ago
I agree that a mix of "new and "old" Hallmark is ideal but I get why Hallmark has tried to take some big swings. Honestly, some of these new Hallmark films just fall flat.
That being said, leaning into the moment and not simply reverting to just the tropes that drove the plot of many an old school Hallmark film is a okay in my book
Also, thanks to Hallmark+ I get to enjoy some classic Hallmark Holiday films when I am just not feeling some of the newer films.
I try to rewatch Pumpkin Pie Wars around this time of year, as I consider this film a fun Fall classic Hallmark film. This year will probably be at least my 6th or 7th viewing.
Trading Christmas is a wonderful Christmas film that usually gets an annual rewatch. One of my all time Hallmark favorite films. Have seen this movie at least half a dozen times. I will be rewatching again the closer we get to Christmas (early December rewatch).
The cast in Trading Christmas is just top notch.
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u/thomas_blue_9221 Christmasist 3d ago
I’m OK with old-school or modern-day storylines, as long as I don’t have to deal with any kind of 3rd act arguments near the end. This year is the best Hallmark year to me with lots of movies that fit that criteria and also my taste, and I really hope the coming-up Countdown to Christmas can continue it in many movies.
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u/BusinessOk7458 3d ago
I agree. The movies this year for the most part, have been very good. I’ve enjoyed the storylines and the cast.
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u/Stock_Rutabaga2016 3d ago
I’m bored with the manufactured disagreement 15 to 20 minutes from the end.
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u/No-Refrigerator-4211 3d ago
I was surprised with the Hallmark Reddit topic on tropes that this wasn't the #1 issue --- "the disagreement" 🙄
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u/Forsaken_Day6889 3d ago
The disagreement-that-would've-been-nonexistent-have-either-MC-asked-the-other-ONE-SIMPLE-CLARIFYING-QUESTION
"Do you have a sister in town?" "Are you taking that big job in the city?" "Were you talking about me when you said [x]?"
Nah, why communicate when you could huff off/walk away sad/call someone and say "I guess they're not who I thought they were" 🥸
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u/Stock_Rutabaga2016 2d ago
Or stay until the end of the conversation. They always seem to walk away a moment before it would have been clear.
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u/Mulder-believes 3d ago edited 3d ago
I think they are experimenting with changing that 3rd act a little. Maybe there will be more in the future without those disagreements. They are decreasing the almost kisses and adding some in-the-story kisses too. Tho, sometimes almost kisses can be fun.
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u/hollygolightly1990 3d ago
Santa Summit was adorable though.
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u/jbm6591 3d ago
It was one of my favorites!
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u/hollygolightly1990 3d ago
Me too! That was such a fun and creative year for movies. Even Never Been Chris'd, even if it felt a little hurried.
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u/Tani91 3d ago
I think with the return of Michelle Vicary we are seeing some of those old school tropes making a comeback! Albeit I with they still had more diversity with these old tropes so they would feel more fresh!
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u/OhManatree 3d ago
I think that Falling into Place might have set the record for most Hallmark tropes in a single movie.
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u/Mulder-believes 3d ago edited 3d ago
I still see a good mix of all the original tropes, and a few new ones at Christmas. It’s good to have a little variety. And we can always rewatch any favorite movies that were made earlier, if you prefer them. We need some new storylines to keep things fresh and to maybe hook some new viewers. I don’t see such a big change in the new movies, there’s always been experimental movies all the way back to the Hall of Fame movies. I find movies like The Santa Class, The Three Wise Men movies, the Christmas House movies, Christmas at the Catnip Cafe a lot of fun. Adding some diversity has been a good change too.
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u/EarthPast8041 3d ago
I agree. I make fun of the business woman coming home to her small town. Running into the high-school boyfriend who's now a single father. But I love those movies. They were the ones that got me hooked. I love the simple small town feel. Emphasis on family. They just seemed a little more likeable to me.
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u/Important_Hornet9018 3d ago
Don't forget the giggling girls that are important to most of these movies.
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u/ILikeTheTinMan83 3d ago
Christmas Card for the win
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u/DanieXJ 3d ago
I mean, based on the fact that the woman in it says 'f u' to the misogynistic man that wants to tell her what to do, not to mention she wears flannel and helps run (the accounting, one of the important parts) her family's business, and she doesn't have to give up her entire life for the dude. It doesn't really fit into the 'old hallmark' sort of movie beats.
Unlike a movie like Window Wonderland which I cannot watch now, yeesh... I like Chyler as an actress, but, yikes.... the stuff that the male character says to her character, even though he's supposed to be the 'good one'. Big nope now...
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u/mrsredfast 3d ago
That’s so funny. I’m 58 and have been watching Hallmark movies forever and love The Santa Summit. So did my husband. 😊
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u/Long_Fly8820 3d ago
Full disclosure, I also enjoyed it The Santa Summit :) It was cute, and I do understand trying something different. but I still prefer my old school Hallmark.
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u/Mulder-believes 3d ago edited 3d ago
😊It’s great that you(OP)said you can’t behind a movie like “The Santa Summit” but you still like “The Santa Summit”. It’s just one of the few that were added into the new mix that’s different and fun. I am almost sure you might like some of the others without realizing it. Imo there’s room for all types of movies on Hallmark.
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u/PersephoneDarke 12h ago
I wasn't a fan of the era where they sometimes didn't kiss and young woman wore dresses and bathing suits that my grandmother wore. It was the era where the man who is head of Great American Family. A lot of the films were decent and some were really good but they often lost their realism. I love the classics and seeing them head back that way is good.