On this Memorial Day...
we pause to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation, and we lift up heartfelt prayers for those who continue to serve today. We are truly blessed to live in a country where we can enjoy our freedoms and honor those who have fought to protect them.
This weekend always brings a blend of emotions- a time for solemn reflection and heartfelt gratitude, as well as a celebration of the freedoms we cherish, marking the unofficial start of Summer! (Plus, this Sunday marks 7 months 'til Christmas day!)
If you're planning to relax with some patriotic programming or catch one of the new movies on TV, I’ve included some of the highlights below...
Saturday, May 24, 2025:
Storyline: A jilted art gallery manager takes her honeymoon cruise solo and meets a charming prince posing as a European gentleman, who shares her passion for art.
Premieres Saturday, May 24, 2025
at 8pm/7c on the Hallmark Channel
Sunday, May 25, 2025:
Storyline: Nora is thrilled when her first novel shoots to the top of the bestsellers list but is terrified of speaking in front of crowds to promote her book, so Nora’s literary agent hires Daniel, a public speaking coach, to help Nora overcome her fears, which is easier said than done.
Sunday, May 25, 2025
at 7pm/6c on UPtv
Hallmark Channel's Memorial Day Weekend Movie Marathons-
Royal-themed Movie Marathon:
Friday:
A Royal Christmas
One Royal Holiday
Saturday:
A Royal Winter
Royal-ish
The Royal We
The Reluctant Royal
Royal Matchmaker
Love On The Danube: Royal Getaway *NEW
Vineyard-themed Movie Marathon:
Sunday:
Napa Ever After
Autumn in the Vineyard
The Perfect Pairing
Raise a Glass to Love
Paris, Wine, & Romance
Wedding-themed Movie Marathon:
Monday:
Love at First Dance
Ms. Matched
Wedding Bells
My Boyfriend's Back: Wedding March 5
Bridal Wave
The Perfect Bride
Marrying Mr. Darcy
The Wedding Cottage
A Country Wedding
Hearts Around the Table: Kiki's Fourth Ingredient
Hallmark Mystery has a mix of mystery movies airing all weekend long, including Murder, She Baked, Curious Caterer, Garage Sale Mysteries, with a Matlock marathon on Monday.
Hallmark Family has a special rare airing on Saturday of the Hallmark Hall of Fame movies: Sarah, Plain, and Tall, Skylark, and Sarah, Plain, and Tall: Winter's End.
Great American Family's Memorial Day Weekend Highlights-
Christmas Movie Night:
Friday:
Christmas Under the Northern Lights
A Cinderella Christmas Ball
Peppermint & Postcards
Classic Rom-Coms:
Saturday:
An Autumn Romance
For the Love of Chocolate
A Royal Seaside Romance
Sunday:
Retreat to Paradise
Seasoned with Love
Prescription for Love
Memorial Day Mystery Marathon:
Monday:
Murder She Wrote Movie Marathon
UPtv's Memorial Day Weekend Highlights-
Movie Marathon:
Friday:
The Librarian: Quest for the Spear (2004)
The Librarian: Return to King Solomon's Mines (2006)
The Librarian: Curse of the Judas Chalice (2008)
*Note: Although these movies are older, I've personally never seen them. If you’ve viewed any of them and would like to share your thoughts or a quick review, feel free to drop a comment below.
Series Marathons:
Saturday:
Heartland
Hudson & Rex
Blue Bloods
Classic Rom-Com Highlights:
Sunday:
Sincerely, Yours, Truly
The Story of Love
Love Stories in Sunflower Valley
A Bestselling Kind of Love *NEW
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| image credit: TCM / SERGEANT YORK Gary Cooper 1941 |
TCM's Memorial Day Weekend Programming Honors the Military-
From May 23rd to May 26th, TCM will air more than 40 movies commemorating those who lost their lives serving in the United States Armed Forces.
To see the full schedule in a printable PDF, click here.
Sunday, May 25, 2025
Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise co-host the 2025 National Memorial Day Concert, The program is a tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women in the U.S. armed forces, their families, and all those who have given their lives for the country. The concert will feature musical performances, documentary footage, and dramatic readings.
The 2025 National Memorial Day Concert airs Sunday, May 25, 2025, 8/7c. on the eve of Memorial Day. (You may also want to check your local listings for this original showing and potential encore airings.)
Sunday, May 25, 2025
This Sunday, May 25th, also marks 7 months 'til Christmas Day!
Here at "It's a Wonderful Movie" we highlight every 25th day of the month - TOGETHER! - as we Countdown to Christmas! You can also join along!
If you'll be watching something Christmassy this weekend, please share in comments below.
In honor of Memorial Day, I will be watching the military movie USS Christmas starring Jen Lilley and Trevor Donovan.
USS Christmas was filmed across both North Carolina and South Carolina. Key locations included Wilmington, North Carolina, where the Battleship North Carolina stood in for the USS Polaris and Charleston, South Carolina, where the USS Yorktown was used for several shipboard scenes.
This patriotic film ignites a deep passion for country, honoring the bravery and sacrifice that define the American spirit.
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| image credit: RTWIB Canvas Painting - Vintage Truck Americana Wall Art available at Amazon |
I pray you all have a safe and relaxing Memorial Day Weekend. I'm incredibly grateful for our military, who have bravely fought to protect the freedoms we hold dear- freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and so much more.
I was heartbroken to hear about the tragic killing this week of a young couple, soon to be engaged, who were staffers at the Israeli Embassy in D.C. While we are fortunate to have freedom of religion, it's heartbreaking that we live in a world where hatred persists. My thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones of this couple during this difficult time. I'm praying that even in the midst of darkness, there will be the gentle, healing presence of His Light.
May God bless America, as we pray for peace at home and all around the world.
Wishing you a restful and meaningful Memorial Day weekend as we honor and remember those who gave their lives in service, and cherish this special time with family and friends.
God's blessings to you all,
Net
"Greater love hath no man than this,
that a man lay down his life
for his friends."
that a man lay down his life
for his friends."
~John 15:13
"Blessed is the nation
whose God is the LORD,
whose God is the LORD,
The people whom He has chosen
for His own inheritance."
for His own inheritance."
~Psalm 33:12
I love when we 'Mark' the 25th each month. It's a great way to keep Christmas in the heart all year. On that day every month I also change our song playing clock to Christmas music all that day. I've been watching one Christmas movie every day this week. I have a looong way to go to finish all the 2024 new Christmas movies. It might take me right up to the new 2025 ones in October before I finish. I love it though. It gives me something new and fresh to watch for Christmas all year round.
ReplyDeleteJim, Hope you enjoyed watching whichever 2024 *new* Christmas movie that you chose!
DeleteI tried to save the best for last when I viewed the 2024 Christmas movies, but actually ended up loving one that I watched on the night it premiered the best.
Anyway, just curious if you had a system for watching. We also sometimes put three titles in a hat and draw.
Net, on my windows computer I have a Santa icon sitting in my taskbar. I set it up so that when I click on the Santa icon it opens a documents folder called "Christmas Movies 2024". Within that folder I have five pdf documents, one for each channel that has new Christmas movies (GAF, Hallmark, Hallmark Mystery, Lifetime, & UPtv). I get the checklists via either your website or the channel's website or elsewhere. If I can only find a picture of a Channel's checklist, I have a program to convert the image to a pdf. Once I have all the pdf checklists gathered together in one folder, I am ready to start watching new Christmas movies. Adobe Acrobat has a feature on it where you can place a checkmark next to each watched movie. This way I don't have to wonder if I have watched a movie 5 months ago. If it is checked it is watched. What I also do is put a red X next to the non-family friendly movies, based off of your blogs reviews or your warning. That way, I know not to watch those right from the start.
DeleteNow, to your direct question lol (I know, way too much info here but wanted to set the stage) hahaha. Two years ago, I just watched the movies in chronological order from the oldest in October to newest, one after another until they were all watched. This year I started to do that, but it becomes too much of a hassle having to scroll to bottom of 80 or so movies to that on my dvr which lists them that way so I started to just randomly watch them from newest to oldest. I stopped doing that also. Now, what I am doing is watching each movie from a particular channel. Last night I just finished all the Hallmark Mysteries new Christmas 2024 movies, so I know I am done with that. Next, I will finish all the GAF or Hallmark checklist pdf. I haven't decided which yet. I do the UPtv & Lifetime movies last because they have no "Christmas in July" Christmas movie watching. I have also kind of been saving my favorite Hallmark & GAF movies for last with favorite actresses. So, there you have it lol. I do this every year now. The order of watching can change though depending on my ever-changing whims. Wow! This was waaaay too long. People are going to get annoyed.
Jim, Nope, I wasn't annoyed one bit. I enjoyed reading how you watch. Your system sounds amazing. Doing it different ways keeps life interesting. Hope you can catch up before the 2025 Christmas season begins! :)
DeleteI'm truly amazed at how people can watch all the new Christmas movies by the end of Christmas day. My mom is one of those people. She pretty much watched all 86 or so of the new ones by the end of the holidays. That seems impossible to me. It takes me the whole year.
DeleteI think it is because of my OCD type brain. I'm exhausted after watching ONE new movie a day lol. I have to watch every second and hear every word or I rewind and rewind. It's exhausting. I just counted. I have only watched 22 out of 86 new 2024 Christmas movies. It feels like I've watched 50.
We are only one month away from National Leon Day, already.
ReplyDeleteI hope you all have a great Memorial Day weekend! I’m planning to catch the National Memorial Day Concert and A Royal Christmas tonight. Christie
ReplyDeleteChristie, That National Memorial Day Concert was beautiful and touching, as well.
DeleteAt first, I was concerned that Joe Mantegna wasn't hosting, but learned he had a minor ear issue and could not fly to the event. Hopefully, he'll be able to return next year.
I loved it too. And it was my first time watching. :) -Maria
DeleteThank you for acknowledging the horrible murders in DC. It was awful to hear of the killings of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, the young happy couple. May they rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteRemembering those who gave it all. Robert
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend as we remember and honor the fallen.
ReplyDeleteI tried to write this post a couple of times, so if info similar to this appears, I am sorry. The Librarians are also on the Turner networks. Also, a new series in The Librarians franchise premieres on Sunday, 05/25/25. 2-The 2014 Lacey Chabert movie “Christian Mingle” is on POSITIV network on Thursday, 05/29/25. If you haven’t checked this network out, I encourage you to do so. From Wikipedia: “ Positiv is an American Christian television network owned and operated by the Trinity Broadcasting Network. It mainly consists of a lineup of Christian films, varying between smaller independent studio productions and major Hollywood studio productions, as well as some secular, family-friendly films from major film studios.” When listing a group of movies such as a marathon, will you please share the premiere year as you did today. There was a time I didn’t have these networks and another period of time in which I didn’t really watch these movies. By listing the year, I know if I’ve watched the movie. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing with us! I have enjoyed many of the wonderful movies on the POSITIV network, as well. Most of the films are older, but I love that they are faith oriented and family-friendly.
DeleteBy the way, if anyone is interested, there's also an app to watch the POSITIV network through Roku.
I watched A Cinderella Christmas Bal last night. Does that count?
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! I watched it, too! Such a fun movie... I love all of the spectacular dancing!!! :)
DeleteSince Hallmark does have some many military Christmas movies I would have thought they would have aired them on Memorial Day as a tribute to our military. While Great American Family does not have as many military Christmas movies I would have thought they would have aired there’s too.
ReplyDeleteGigi, I totally agree. Both networks have patriotic movies that could've aired. I also thought that was an unfortunate miss.
DeleteI watch Christmas movies every week. I don't know what I will watch for Mark the 25th. Leaning toward Operation Christmas since that's military themed and it's one of my favorites!! We all need to remember our fallen heroes and remember our freedom is not free! God bless the USA!!
ReplyDeleteJoyce, Well said! Sadly, our freedom came at a very high price.
DeleteHope you enjoyed whichever movie you decided upon. Operation Christmas is an excellent movie. Miss seeing Marc Blucas these days; I was hoping he would do more with Great American Family after being with Candace in "A Christmas... Present." I think he and Jill Wagner should do a military movie for GAF.
Thank you for your comment, Joyce! I'll echo your cheerful words... God bless the USA!!!! :)
I think tonight for the 25th I will watch "Bringing Christmas Home" from GAF with Paul Green and Jill Wagner!
ReplyDeleteSarah, That is another wonderful military-themed Christmas movie to mark this special 25th. The nostalgia in this movie is particularly fascinating, and Jill and Paul have phenomenal chemistry together.
DeleteThank you for sharing! Hope you enjoyed your re-watch!
The Librarians: The Next Chapter (TV Series 2025)
ReplyDeleteMay 25, 2025
8:30pm
TNT
Season 1 & 2
May 25 & 26, 2025
Thursday
8:30pm-10:30pm
Season 1 : Episode 2 - 2:30pm on TNT
The Librarians: The Next Chapter S1 E3
6pm
TNT
It’s different actors & actresses
Since The Librarians (TV Series 2014)
Since Noah Wylie & Lindy Booth
Oops I mean
DeleteThe Librarians: The Next Chapter
Season 1 E1 & E2
May 25 & 26, 2025
8:30pm & 12:48am (BTS)
TNT
The Librarians: The Next Chapter
Season 1 E1& E2
Thursday, June 29, 2025
8:30pm-10:30pm
TNT
The Librarians: The Next Chapter
S1 E2 - And the Dance of Doom
May 27, 2025
2:30pm
TNT
Nikki Deloach is doing the movie called; Home Turf with Warren Christie
ReplyDeleteNikki DeLoach is ready to make some more special memories with her Hallmark family.
“I actually have a movie coming out,” DeLoach, 45, exclusively shared with Us Weekly earlier this month at the Children’s Heart Foundation’s Congenital Heart Walk in Los Angeles. “I’m doing a movie called Home Turf that comes out in the fall. I filmed it in Utah and wrapped it about a month ago. It’s great.”
“It’s football, it’s romance, it’s college campuses, it’s multi-generational, it’s funny,” she teased. “Warren Christie is my costar again. We’ve been reunited from Christmas. And I gotta tell you, I have not had this much fun on a set in a really long time. I am so excited about this movie!”
DeLoach and Christie, 49, last starred together in Our Holiday Story. The film, which premiered in November 2024, showcased a couple who recounted their Christmas love story to their daughter’s boyfriend.
It’s one of the many Hallmark projects DeLoach has been a part of over the years
While every film has its own special set of memories, the actress said Five More Minutes and a Gift of Peace — two movies that explored grief and healing — hold special meaning to her and many viewers.
“I always say I am our audience,” she explained to Us. “I’m that mom that has spent months and months and months in a Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit looking for hope. I am a daughter who was a caregiver to her dad with dementia. I have watched my dad take his last breath. I am our audience, and I’m always looking for that thing that is hopeful, and it’s going to make me feel like in the end, everything’s going to be OK.”
DeLoach continued, “I know what our movies give people because when I’m in them, they give me the same thing. … I think it’s just such a gift and a blessing to be a part of people’s lives in that way.”
Yes, it was great to see this news come out over the weekend in the US Weekly article. A new football Fall movie about a multi-generational family!!! :)
DeleteHave you all heard this???
DeleteIn addition to starring in this new Fall movie with Nikki DeLoach, Warren Christie will also have a role in the new "Little House on the Prairie" coming to Netflix.
Warren has been casted as John Edwards, a Civil War veteran from Tennessee.
According to Deadline, Warren's character, Edwards... "is a gregarious and mysterious man who catches the eye of every single woman in the county (maybe some of the married ones, too). Known as Dr. Edwards in the books, the character was part of the NBC series adaptation where he was named Isaiah Edwards and played by Victor French."
I'm having a bit of a struggle imagining Warren Christie in the same role of the Mr. Edwards we all know from the original "Little House on the Prairie" series. This reimagined reboot should be interesting.
The Librarians: The Next Chapter (2025) - BTS
ReplyDeleteAnd the Deadly Drekavac
May 26, 2025
12:48am
TNT
A Librarian from the past time travels to the present & finds himself stuck here. When he returns to his castle (now a museum), he inadvertently releases Magic across the continent. He must form a team of Librarians to clean up the mess he made
I was just wondering what everyone thinks about Hallmark’s “May for Moms” theme. Do you like it? I have a friend who’s trying to get pregnant and really hopes to become a mom someday, so it made me think of her.
ReplyDeleteAt the same time, I can’t help but wonder if the theme might be tough for people who’ve lost their mother recently or don’t have a mother in their lives. What are your thoughts?
Allie B, I can definitely understand how this theme could be hurtful and isolating for some viewers.
DeleteThe past few years I've received emails from places I regular shop online and (paraphrasing) they basically ask if it's okay if they send me emails relating to Mother's Day. If I prefer, I can opt out of those. So, yeah, some businesses are sensitive to that.
Based on those emails, I was really surprised that Hallmark chose this theme this year, as it isolates many viewers into thinking this is just a Mom channel and not for other demographics.
And why is May for Moms, but June is not June for Dads?
DeleteHudson & Rex has been renewed for a 8th season. Filming for Season 8 began in St. John's, Newfoundland in May 2025 and is expected to wrap by late July. A release date is expected in late 2025 or early 2026. The show will be returning with Charlie and Rex together again.
ReplyDeleteKey Details:
Renewal: Hudson & Rex was renewed for a 8th season.
Filming: Filming started in May 2025 & is expected to conclude by late July.
Release Date: A premiere is expected in late 2025 or early 2026.
Charlie's Return: Charlie is back with Rex, as confirmed by YouTube videos showcasing the season 8 trailer.
Cast Update: While Diesel (the original Rex) has passed away, his nephews are now playing the role of Rex.
John Reardon's Return: John Reardon (Charlie Hudson) is back, recovering from cancer, and back to work in full capacity
I’m excited to see these movies on Hallmark, but is there any news on Great American Family having new movies?
ReplyDeleteGAF has posted to social media that they've got "some exciting new movies on the way!"
DeleteHopefully, we'll hear something soon! :)
Hi!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I really enjoyed "Love on the Danube - Royal Getaway"! We did not like the 1st movie in the series. In fact, we did not even finish it. However, the 2nd movie was much better, in our opinion. Yes, it had the same Royal storyline, which has been done so many times. But, Dan and Jessica had such great chemistry we were able to get past that. Plus, it was funny! The last movie, in the trilogy, also looks good. We are looking forward to that one as well.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day. :-)
PS. I agree with everyone here who mentioned the Hallmark Channel theme for May. Mother's Day is hard for me, as most o of you all know, both my mom and my mother-in-law have both passed away. I am so thankful to be a mom and I still celebrate because my son is someone worth celebrating. :-) But, the day is always bittersweet for me.