Exclusive Insights: A Candid Look at the Hallmark Channel's Irresistible Charm, From Jonathan Bennett and Alison Sweeney

Many actors and actresses have chosen to sign deals with Great American Family or Netflix after other streaming services and rival networks launched their own holiday programming and seasonal rom-coms. However, a number of Hallmark Channel favorites have expressed their loyalty to the network and have no intention of seeking the Christmas spirit elsewhere. Nikki DeLoach, speaking exclusively to We at the network's Countdown to Christmas event in New York City in October 2022, stated, "I don't think anybody does Christmas the way Hallmark does. There's a certain magic to it that sets it apart. Hallmark was the first to cast me in a Christmas movie and they have consistently been supportive. It feels like home to me. The other actors, executives, and creative team are like family. And the Hallmark audience is incomparable to any other."

Jonathan Bennett, who plays one half of the first leading gay couple in a Christmas movie on Hallmark Channel's The Holiday Sitter in 2022, expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support he has received.

"I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to not only star in The Holiday Sitter but also to executive produce it and share this story," the actor enthused. "Hallmark Channel stands out because their stories revolve around love and family, and that's exactly what The Holiday Sitter represents. From the moment I conceived the idea, the network has been incredibly supportive, dedicated to ensuring that we tell this story in the most impactful way possible."

Bennett emphasized that his film in 2022 caters to the preferences of all viewers, regardless of their sexual orientation. He clarified that while it is an LGBTQ+-led movie, it is not exclusively targeted towards the LGBTQ+ community. The Holiday Sitter aims to appeal to a wide range of audiences, much like the Hallmark Channel, which is inclusive to all. This commitment to inclusivity aligns with the network's recent endeavors to diversify. The network faced criticism when former CEO Bill Abbott removed an advertisement featuring a same-sex couple. Following public backlash, the ad was reinstated, but Abbott's departure from the company was announced shortly after. Abbott subsequently joined GAC Media, taking along notable stars such as Candace Cameron Bure and Danica McKellar.

Following Cameron Bure's exclusive contract signing with Great American Family in spring 2022, the channel introduced their Christmas lineup centered around the former Full House star. However, in November, she received backlash for remarks made while discussing her departure from Hallmark.

According to Cameron Bure's interview with WSJ. Magazine, she described Great American Family as a distinct network from when she initially joined, attributing the transformation to a change in leadership. She expressed her desire to create narratives with more significance, purpose, and depth. Aware that the individuals behind Great American Family were Christian believers dedicated to promoting faith-based programming and wholesome family entertainment, Cameron Bure felt aligned with their vision.

When questioned about the inclusion of LGBTQ+ stories in the new network, the former child star asserted that Great American Family would prioritize traditional marriage.

Abbott stood by her comments and acknowledged the current trends, emphasizing that there is no definitive decision regarding whether to include or exclude such stories in the network's programming.

Scroll through for more from the actors and actresses of Hallmark Channel on why they love the network:

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Jonathan Bennett, Alison Sweeney and More Explain Why They Love Working With Hallmark Channel

Many actors and actresses have signed deals with Great American Family or Netflix after streaming services and rival networks launched their own holiday programming, including seasonal rom-coms. However, despite the competition, several Hallmark Channel staples have no plans to find Christmas spirit elsewhere.

According to Nikki DeLoach, who exclusively spoke to Us at the network's Countdown to Christmas event in New York City in October 2022, Hallmark is unparalleled when it comes to Christmas. She believes there is a certain magic to it and emphasizes that Hallmark was the first to give her a chance in a Christmas movie. They have consistently been supportive and she considers them her family, with the actors, executives, and creative team all being her friends. DeLoach also notes that the Hallmark audience is unlike any other. Given these reasons, she sees no reason to go anywhere else.

Jonathan Bennett, known for his role in The Holiday Sitter, expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support he has received. As he discussed his involvement as an executive producer in the movie, he stated that it was a dream come true. He emphasized the importance of Hallmark Channel's commitment to love and family values, which aligns perfectly with the essence of The Holiday Sitter. From the inception of the idea to its realization, he highlighted how wholeheartedly the network backed the project, ensuring that the story was told in the most impactful manner possible.

Bennett emphasized that his 2022 film caters to everyone's desires. It is an inclusive movie that features LGBTQ+ characters, but it is not exclusive to the LGBTQ+ community. Similar to the Hallmark Channel, "The Holiday Sitter" is a movie for a wide audience. Additionally, Christmas and the festivities associated with it are meant for everyone.

Hallmark Channel's efforts to embrace diversity followed a controversial incident involving former CEO Bill Abbott, who faced backlash for removing an advertisement featuring a same-sex couple. After the network restored the ad, Abbott's departure was announced. He later assumed the leadership of GAC Media, bringing prominent actors like Candace Cameron Bure and Danica McKellar with him.

Cameron Bure signed an exclusive deal with Great American Family in spring 2022, prompting the channel to launch its Christmas programming centered around the Full House alum. However, in November, she received criticism for her comments about leaving Hallmark. According to Cameron Bure, the network had undergone significant changes in leadership, leading her to seek out opportunities that would enable her to tell stories with greater meaning, purpose, and depth. She was drawn to Great American Family due to their Christian values and dedication to promoting faith-based programming and wholesome family entertainment.

When questioned about the inclusion of LGBTQ+ stories in the new network, the former child star emphasized that Great American Family will prioritize traditional marriage. Abbott reaffirmed her stance, acknowledging the current trends while indicating that no definitive decisions have been made regarding this matter.

Scroll through for more from the actors and actresses of Hallmark Channel on why they love the network:

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Aimee Teegarden

In October 2022, the actress expressed her admiration for Hallmark as a timeless and admirable organization to be a part of. She highlighted their tremendous support for women in the film and TV industry, emphasizing how they have consistently championed her career.

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Brant Daugherty

“I find the recent direction it has taken to be quite fascinating over the past few years. I wholeheartedly support all their endeavors,” conveyed the #Xmas star during an interview with Us in October 2022. “Since I became a parent a few months ago, I often contemplate the influence I have on the world and what my child can witness and absorb from my actions. Despite being immensely proud of Pretty Little Liars, I am not yet ready to introduce it to him. However, there are certain movies that I feel completely at ease with him watching, and that is an incredibly cherished shared experience.”

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Nikki DeLoach

"I believe there is no one who does Christmas quite like Hallmark. There is a special kind of magic to it. They were the first ones to give me the opportunity to star in a Christmas movie, and they have been incredibly supportive. It's like a second home to me. The actors, executives, and creative team all feel like family. The Hallmark audience is truly unique, unlike any other network I have been a part of in the past like FOX, MTV, or CBS. The love and genuine support from the fans is unmatched. I have had the privilege of attending Christmas conventions and the stories and love shared by the Hallmark Christmas movie fans are incredibly real and deep. It has completely changed my perspective on this industry, where actors are often seen as mere commodities. With Hallmark, you become a part of their lives, and that is something truly special."

The actress from The Curious Caterer: Grilling Season further reinforced her statement in February 2023, exclusively expressing to Us that Hallmark is like a "family" to its staff and performers.

"There is a genuine sense of family among us, residing deep within each individual. We embody the role of enthusiastic cheerleaders, always supporting one another's films and wishing the very best for all. We possess strong bonds as friends, sharing both leisure and work time together. In times of sorrow, we mourn together as a united front. In my entire career, I have never encountered such an environment at any other network."

Furthermore, she added, "It evokes the nostalgic essence of the classic Hollywood studio system, where actors seamlessly moved from one production to another. I truly believe Hallmark has successfully established a similar dynamic here."

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Jonathan Bennett

In October 2022, the Mean Girls alum expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to executive produce The Holiday Sitter and bring their dream story to life. They praised Hallmark for their unwavering support and commitment to accurately and effectively telling their story. The Hallmark Channel's emphasis on love and family aligns perfectly with the theme of The Holiday Sitter, and they fully embraced and championed the project from its inception. Their dedication to ensuring the story was told in the best possible way was truly remarkable.

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Rachel Boston

In October 2022, the star of A Christmas Cookie Catastrophe expressed their admiration for the heart and spirit of the people they have been working with at this network for years. They described the network as a close-knit community that cares for one another like a family. The star believes that this genuine connection translates onto the screen, as the interactions between the actors are truly reflective of their off-screen relationships. They have observed that people rally together during tough times and support each other during happier moments, highlighting the importance of such connections in our world. This has been their personal experience while working at Hallmark.

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Clare Bowen

"Hallmark is for everyone and that's what the world needs more of," shared the Nashville star with Us in October 2022. "It brings joy to people. You can seamlessly incorporate it into the holiday season and you can be sure that both children and grandparents will love it. It's like a movie greeting card and I absolutely adore it."

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Alison Sweeney

"They offer incredible support. Hallmark has been an amazing collaborator, fully embracing and supporting both me and my creative vision. I take great joy in introducing new talent and connecting them with fresh opportunities and talented directors. It's important for me to work with individuals who possess a genuine passion for filmmaking and a distinct vision. By opening doors and encouraging others to join, I believe there is ample room for everyone in this industry. I am truly grateful for Hallmark's unwavering support and for the opportunities they have provided me."

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Niall Matter

"It's the people at Hallmark that make it special. The care and dedication they put into the product is truly remarkable. Working with them has been a joy because they are genuinely good-hearted individuals," said the Frozen In Love star in October 2022. "What sets this network apart is the amazing camaraderie we share as actors. We are not just colleagues, but friends who genuinely care about each other's lives. This atmosphere is unlike anything I have experienced before in a network or studio setting. And I believe that this connection between us translates onto the screen. It's what makes our performances heartfelt and authentic. Hallmark's talent selection also reflects their emphasis on finding talented and kind-hearted individuals. That's what we are selling here - goodness and joy. It's what the brand excels at."

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Ryan Paevey

In October 2022, the A Fabled Holiday star expressed that the "strength of the network" lies in its abundant pool of incredibly skilled and amiable actors and actresses.

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Brennan Elliott

In October 2022, the actor expressed immense admiration for the "many exceptional actresses" he has the opportunity to collaborate with on the Hallmark Channel. He explained, "I consider myself fortunate and grateful to engage in the process of creativity and content creation. My priority is to produce movies that originate from the depths of my heart, evoking genuine emotions in people. Throughout my career, I have been blessed with positive experiences, forming harmonious relationships with all my colleagues."

Elliott remarked, "I don't know how they always manage to do it on Hallmark, but there's this ability to discover a perspective on what truly matters in life. It could be about family, focusing solely on work and making money, and then realizing that there are more important things. So, whatever brings you back to a grounded understanding of what truly matters, Hallmark films excel at portraying that. It's done subtly, and it's a pervasive theme in all their movies. I believe it's not only something they excel at, but also something that holds immense significance, and this movie epitomizes the essence of what's important in life."

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Dan Jeannotte

During the promotion of his film Sweeter Than Chocolate, set to release in February 2023, Jeannotte exclusively revealed to Us that the movie offers a unique and diverse storyline that reflects Hallmark's evolution. According to Jeannotte, the film explores various love stories, including those featuring gay couples, individuals who found love later in life, and older adults who fell in love after experiencing past marriages or the loss of a partner. Ultimately, the film demonstrates that love can be found in countless different ways, just as there are countless different people in the world.

The Love, Wine & Romance star expressed the significance of networks and writers sharing these types of stories. He expressed his happiness that Hallmark is now doing so, stating that it brings him immense joy and a strong sense of fulfillment to be surrounded by individuals who are committed to telling diverse stories.

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Andrew Walker

"In this industry, you must either adapt and thrive, or you will become obsolete. Hallmark has exemplified leadership in embracing change, particularly under the guidance of these exceptional women at the helm," shared the Three Wise Men and a Baby actor exclusively with Us in February 2023. "They are tackling some truly captivating subjects, including same-sex marriage and biracial relationships, which reflect the diversity of our world."

As the star of The Curious Caterer: Dying for Chocolate, he further emphasized, "Hallmark's commitment to portraying genuine stories about real individuals, while still capturing the heartfelt warmth and familiarity found in their movies, is truly commendable. Working for this network is an incredible experience, and I am truly honored by their accomplishments thus far."

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Alexa PenaVega

In February 2023, the star of A Paris Proposal spoke exclusively to Us and mentioned how Hallmark has consistently been incredible to her family. This includes her husband, Carlos PenaVega, who frequently collaborates with her for the network.

"They deeply understand the significance of keeping families united and serving as a haven for families to come together, unwind, and let go of life's burdens. It is a sanctuary where one can escape and experience joy, you know? And I must say they have excelled in creating such an atmosphere," she elaborated. "In our case, they have generously granted us the freedom to pursue projects that ignite our passion and pride. Moreover, they have enabled us to collaborate as a couple."

The actress from "Picture Perfect Mysteries" highlighted that during the early stages of her career at Hallmark, there were limited opportunities for spouses to work together in the industry. However, Hallmark stepped in and made it possible for them to fulfill this aspiration.

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Tyler Hynes

"It's simply the people, the individuals who are part of the camp, including executives, directors, producers, and actors," Hynes exclusively told Us in March 2023, expressing his love for working at Hallmark. "Everyone is absolutely delightful. Compared to other places, it feels as close as possible to being part of a supportive family."

The Winter in Vail actor continued: “And that simply wraps up what is genuinely a tremendous joy, which is the individuals who watch these movies. I cannot emphasize enough about the genuine nature of the human beings who watch these movies and how exceptionally considerate, delightful, sincere, and genuine they are. And I believe it's an exceptionally distinctive realm.”

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Stephen Huszar

“It truly feels like a close-knit family,” Huszar revealed exclusively to Us in June 2023. “There's something special about collaborating with familiar faces. Ultimately, our goal is to create a remarkable masterpiece together and enjoy the process. After all, isn't that what it's all about?”

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Katie Cassidy

Cassidy expressed her admiration for the feel-good community, noting the joyful spirit and love that permeates the family. In an exclusive interview with Us in June 2023, Cassidy shared her appreciation after completing her inaugural Hallmark project, A Royal Christmas Crush, stating, "It's truly beautiful. The support among everyone is amazing."