By Judy Shields
Host Jonathan Bennett and judge Melissa Peterman kicked off the hunt for Hallmark’s next leading man as ten new hunks reinvent Santa, then brave a ski-slope meet-cute with Janel Parrish (Pretty Little Liars, Christmas on Duty) where spills steal the scene.
Season 2 Premiered on Monday, October 27 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on Hallmark Channel and streams next day on Hallmark+
Trailer:
Host: Jonathan Bennett, who is also co-creator and executive producer. Lead Judge: Melissa Peterman
Ten aspiring actors compete in a variety of entertaining challenges, with a Hallmark twist, to be crowned Hallmark’s next leading man and take home the title of “Mr. Christmas” in Hallmark’s first reality competition series, Finding Mr. Christmas. Hosted by Jonathan Bennett (Mean Girls, The Holiday Sitter) and Melissa Peterman (Happy’s Place, Reba) and joined by special guest judges throughout the series, these “hunky” men will be put to the test to see who has the most talent, heart, authenticity, and charisma to be the next Hallmark superstar. At the finale, the winner receives a role in a Countdown to Christmas Hallmark Channel movie premiering as part of the 2025 Countdown to Christmas programming event.
It was wonderful to see all the new fellas for this season and their expressions when they first entered the Christmas Holiday House with Balsam Hill trees and decorations and share their great stories. I love Jake! Who gets to pick these hunks. This show keeps my heart racing, which is a healthy thing! But there is nothing like when Jonathan comes in to say hello.
The Festival Face off starts Season 2 episode one, the “it” factor. The contestants have to become their own Santa by creating a unique Santa Claus jacket and then to audition! The next best thing is the entrance of Melissa Peterman. Robbie was my favorite as Santa Clause for the Paws. Poor Gabriel lost his words but looked great. Rustin was Rock Star Santa and he can sing! Logan was Wizard Santa, a bit shocking but magical to say the least. Davey was Mr. Liftmas, cute and the muscles! Craig was Mr. Santenee the New York version of Santa Claus, hilarious dude. Marcus as Super Santa and those green ribbons. Drake came as All American Saint Nick and brought us family and a cross. Angel brought the HoHoHo as a Santa Angel to bring a blessing and love. The best was saved for the last-Jake as buff and tuff Santa told his story of his injury that led to no more football. Way to go guys. So the top of the nice list winner was Craig as Santenee Claus.
Next up was the star quality challenge taking place on the slopes. The guy have to pair up and chose a partner and their scene will be with Janel Parrish and skiing too.
The guys ran to get their script and start the panic to get it right. The best part will be most of these guys have never skied before. Fun to come and lots of falling. They all did great, but of course there will only be one winner and of course one will be going home. Wow. Drake actually runs into the camera man and Melissa just about spills her drink laughing so hard. I was chocking. Drake did safe the day with his hair! Gabriel once again forgot his lines, that’s too bad. Jake is forgetting his line, that’s a bummer. Rustin take the Win! Jake is the first to go home, bummed!
Until the next episode. Keep watching “Finding Mr. Christmas”, what a great competition show on Hallmark Channel
