Hallmark expands its offering with two new Christmas reality series

Given the growth and popularity of reality TV, it's no surprise that Hallmark Media is getting into the genre as well. As if 40 new Christmas movies each season weren't enough, the network is expanding its lineup this year with two Christmas-themed reality shows.

The first is a holiday variant of Big Brother-style series in which competitors for the title of the next Hallmark star live together and compete for the lead role in the upcoming Christmas movie.

Having found its next leading man, the network is on the hunt for the most festively decorated home in a concept that sounds like a friendly, home-cooked version of ABC’s Great Christmas light battle.

The network had previously dealt with reality TV, with two seasons of Meet the Peetes (2018-2019) and the already announced Celebrating with Lacey Chabert (no word yet on the premiere date).

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

In Search of Mr. Christmas

The network is looking for the next “Hallmark Hunk” and is launching a reality competition series with In Search of Mr. Christmas. Organized by Jonathan Bennett with Melissa Peterman When you serve as a judge, you know the audience will laugh until it hurts. The series features 10 aspiring actors who live together and compete in a variety of fun and festive challenges – with a Hallmark twist. The prize at the end is not a million dollars (Survivors) or a record deal (The voice). Instead, this top prize is the title of “Mr. Christmas” and a leading role in one of this year’s Countdown to Christmas Movies.

You may remember Bennett from Girls Club – Be careful, they bite! where he starred alongside another Hallmark fan favorite, Lacey ChabertHe has starred in several films for Hallmark, including Christmas on Cherry Lane, The Holiday Sitter, The Wedding of a Lifetime And The Christmas house.

Peterman is best known for her role as Barbara Jean in Reba McEntiresitcom of the same name. (Reba may come back.) She also starred alongside McEntire in the Lifetime movie, The Hammer and will star with the country icon in the upcoming NBC series, Happy's place. Most recently she played in Young Sheldon and appeared in Bring out the holly And Bring out the holly: Illuminated for Hallmark.

Related: Lacey Chabert tackles unscripted content in new series on Hallmark Channel

Take a look at this little taste of Looking for Mr. Christmas.

On your marks, get set, shine!

On your marks, get set, shine! is a spectacular Christmas lighting show hosted by Wes Brown which will premiere on Hallmark+. This three-episode limited series will take viewers across the country to some of the most impressive and festive displays, highlighting 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 such as CSI: Miami, Criminal Minds And NCIS – The Movie. For Hallmark he played in Love under the stars, Christmas at Graceland, Check Inn for Christmas, Sweet Pecan Summer and last Bring out the holly: Illuminated.

Celebrating with Lacey Chabert

The already announced series will follow Lacey Chabert while surprising deserving children, families and adults who are making a positive impact on their communities by giving them the celebration of a lifetime. The 10-episode series will premiere in 2024 on Hallmark+, the network's newly rebranded subscription streaming service.

Fun fact: Hallmark Cards is still a privately held company, owned by the Hall family and based in Kansas City, Missouri.

Home is where the heart

Luke Macfarlanewho is a DIY enthusiast in real life, hosts this home renovation show. If you follow Macfarlane on Instagram, you can see his crafting, including building a cot for his daughter Tess. Home is where the heart is will premiere in 2025.

Small town setup

host Ashley Williamswho also serves as executive producer, will attempt to create a Hallmark movie in which she helps parents act as matchmakers for their adult children who have moved away to the “big city” and return to their hometown, unaware that they will be spending the rest of their lives searching for happily ever after.

Williams developed the Make Her Mark mentoring program for Hallmark. The program mentors women in behind-the-scenes roles, shadows professionals on Hallmark films and then enables them to make their own Hallmark film. Actress Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe from Signed and sealed fame was the first recipient of the program. She shadowed another director on a Hallmark film before directing Gear change for Hallmark Channel. She is already shooting her next film, a Christmas movie with Alison Sweeney.

Next, the full list of Hallmark Channel stars who are not leaving the network