When someone asks you if you want to spend a few days with ten Hallmark dudes, you say “yes” and then ask the question.
That’s what happened to me on a plane to Park City, Utah, last May. I might walk right into a trap cleverly designed by someone who knows I like hot guys, and it will work. But to be honest, I was going to visit the set Looking for Mr. Christmasis a new reality show in which 10 very handsome men compete to star in a holiday Hallmark movie (you know the kind), and this year’s lineup is set to reach a staggering 47 movies.
It’s notable because it’s Hallmark’s first reality TV show on its newly launched Hallmark+ platform.
It’s also noteworthy because of the sheer number of hotties involved.
I admit that while I am a professional journalist who was simply assigned to write a story about a new and interesting unscripted reality show, I did note that this would be very iconic If I, a divorced, middle-aged single mom, interviewed one of the contestants, fell instantly in love with him, and then we spent the rest of the weekend miscommunicating our feelings until the eventual happy ending, maybe It’s kissing under the mistletoe. Best work trip ever!
So I came to the set with a lot of anticipation and some nerves. Picture this: endless fields, mountains, and big skies across the West. In one of the fields, there is a large, picturesque house decked out with Christmas lights and decorations, and every inch is sprayed with delightful fake snow.
very beautiful. A remote Christmas Island in early spring.
I arrived on the last day of filming and everyone in the cast and crew was equally excited to see which hottie would come out on top. I was quickly taken into the basement of this amazing vacation home, which was packed with production personnel and equipment, while the top two floors of the house housed the set and living quarters of a possible Mr. Christmas. Yet, down in the basement, I was surrounded by an exciting array of wires, monitors, technicians, and more dogs than I could have imagined.
There is a handsome guy now and Are there any miniature Labradors on set? A true Christmas miracle.
At least one, and maybe two, of the dogs belong to Jonathan Bennett, the show’s creator, producer, and host—or, as you might know him, the most popular of the early productions. The famous hunk, (I) plays Aaron (Aaron) in Me. mean girls. He’s joined by his husband, Jaymes Vaughan (readers, I’m happy to report, he’s also a hunk), and the whole adorable bunch of dudes and dogs are running around in the basement, Say hello, give directions, complete tasks.
“Do the dogs do it? bring it? I asked, quoting that iconic line, but luckily no one heard me.
Bennett and Judge Melissa Peterman (via RebaOf course,) in the process of changing, I slowed down and stopped to greet the assembled media, of whom I was a part, and they were all very kind, attentive, funny and down to earth. Everyone is really excited about how the show is going.
I was then led back upstairs through a maze of corridors where I could watch the filming taking place in the very cheerful front yard.
At this point, most of the season is over. Ten men have been trying to outdo each other through a series of fun and adorable competitions, from a festive obstacle course to a festive puppy photoshoot. Those handsome guys laughed and cried together, and now only the last few handsome guys are left.
As I walked around the house and saw these handsome guys for the first time, it dawned on me: they were all very, very young—at least to me! They all look to be in their late 20s to early 30s, and while I can appreciate their attractiveness, I’m pretty sure none of them meet my only date requirement: Do you remember 9/11?
I realize, though, that it’s good that they’re still so young. I can now stop wondering if my life will turn into a Hallmark movie and start simply admiring them from a distance, beautiful but untouchable, like a yacht or the moon.
I watched as the remaining contestants took on the challenge; it was an acting challenge for Hallmark heavyweight Nikki Deloach. It was so fun watching everyone film their “iconic scene” while Jonathan and Melissa looked on.
I really can’t pick a favorite. They all seem super friendly, super talented, and super genuine. Choosing one to support is like trying to choose the best kitten from a litter. I’ll take them all!
First, yes, there is a firefighter: Isaac, 29. Aspiring actors who have hallmark roles on their dream boards for a long time. There is also a marketing consultant (Gage, 29); I feel like there is always a marketing consultant.
After everyone finished filming, he returned home and talked to other people on the show. This is where the next surprise came in: I was struck by how nice everyone was to each other, even though they were competing. I’ve never seen so many handsome guys in one room, but I’ve also never seen so much emotion, support, and hugs. The interactions between Mr. Christmas are a study in healthy, evolved male friendships.
In fact, it’s pretty much the opposite of every other unscripted reality show I’ve seen. They “are not here to make friends” – it seems she is here to make friends best friends.
Later that night, when Bennett and I sat down to unpack the ending and other events from the long day, he shared the same observation.
“It’s such an emotional show because you get to watch and be a part of these people’s growth and healing and experience all these things that they didn’t expect the room to go through,” he said. “Our show is not about backstabbing each other and hurting each other, our show is about supporting each other and helping each other, even though it’s a competition, which is a very rare thing.”
It’s no surprise that the show, produced by Bennett, who has Hallmark leading man experience, is (Christmas house, Vacation nanny) and a reality star (Celebrity big brother, dance with the stars), created a show that captures the heart and culture of Hallmark while capturing the fun and energy of reality TV. Still, the results exceeded Bennett’s expectations.
“The thing that surprises me most about doing this show is how supportive these people are of each other,” he continued. “It makes you so excited because it feels like there’s so much hope in the world. To see these grown men have the courage to tell each other their true stories and open up and be vulnerable, it just gives you hope in a situation like this. See less. This is so inspiring.
By the time all the interviews were over, it was past midnight and I was finally going back to the hotel. As I walked into the darkness, surrounded by about a billion sparkling Christmas lights, I realized it was snowing. like, for real It’s snowing. in May. It’s not much, but it’s enough to feel the magic.
I know who was crowned Mr. Christmas, and while I can’t contractually tell you who he is, I can tell you he’s a handsome guy to look up to. I can also tell you that they are both worthy hunks. But even if I knew the outcome of the show, I would be watching it when it premieres this week. Because this reality show doesn’t have much to do with competition. It’s about brotherly friendship, loving each other, and helping each other become better people. There was a lot of tinsel and oversized embellishments involved.
When someone invites you to a show about healthy masculinity and holiday cheer, you say yes and ask questions later. No matter if they are handsome or not.
Looking for Mr. Christmas It will premiere on the Hallmark Channel on Thursday, October 31st.
