'Finding Mr. Christmas' Show Explained: Jonathan Bennett Talks Hallmark's First Reality Competition Series!
Hallmark Channel is getting into the reality-competition business with the new series Finding Mr. Christmas, set to premiere on the upcoming streaming service Hallmark+.
The show was announced as part of Hallmark’s new unscripted slate, which was revealed during the TCA Summer Tour panel.
Jonathan Bennett will host the series while Melissa Peterman is serving as the head judge.
So, what’s the show about? And what can fans expect? Here’s everything we know so far!
Keep reading to find out more…
In Finding Mr. Christmas, 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.”
Co-created, executive produced and hosted by Jonathan Bennett and starring lead judge Melissa Peterman, special guest judges will join this duo throughout the series and put these hunky men to the test to determine who has the most talent, heart, authenticity and charisma to be the next Hallmark superstar. At the finale, the winner will receive a special leading role in one of this year’s Countdown to Christmas movies on Hallmark Channel.
Jonathan has already spoken out to tease the show and his comments are getting us so excited.
Jonathan is already comparing the show to some of your favorite reality competitions!
“We take 10 hot guys, we put them in a house, and our goal is to find the next Hallmark Channel star. It’s like RuPaul’s Drag Race meets The Bachelor meets Christmas. Each week, one guy will get eliminated,” Jonathan told First For Women.
He added, “They’re put through fun, over-the-top mini-challenges that test their holiday spirit – whether it’s wrapping gifts or making an ugly Christmas sweater. And then the second challenge is called their Star Quality Challenge. It tests how they perform each of the tropes of a Hallmark movie that our fans have come to know and love – like the meet-cute, the apology and the kiss.”
Jonathan explained what they’re looking for in the next leading man.
“You don’t just have to be good-looking,” he said. “You have to be funny and charming and kind and talented and be a good person and have a big heart – all the things everyone’s come to know and love about our stars. That’s what we’re judging.”
Don’t expect backstabbing though. This is Hallmark after all!
“We were able to create a show that has a competition element, but is led with heart and is so supportive. Ten guys walked into this house as competitors and strangers, and they left a family. They grew as humans and as performers. And they still have a group chat! They formed this brotherhood that is forever,’ he said.
Watch the first look clip below!