Are Jen Lilley and Ryan Paevey Hinting at a Return to Hallmark?

( image: Jen Lilley and Ryan Paevey, Hallmark Media ) 

Yesterday, on Sunday afternoon, Jen Lilley (A Paris Christmas Waltz, USS Christmas) dropped another hint for her Instagram followers, and it's still got people chatting and guessing today!

Jen posted numerous press shots of herself (seen above) with the caption:

"Mark this moment. Everything’s about to change. Big things are coming!

PS I have way too much fun Everytime @bradley206 get together!"

(By the way, in case you're wondering, @bradley206 is photographer, Brad Everett Young.)


You may have noticed that above I said another tease, because on June 10th, Jen Lilley also shared a similar message, stating, "Something major is going on behind the scenes. Let me know your guesses. (And no, not welcoming baby #5)"

Of course, many people are throwing around different theories, like if she’s going to be in movie sequels, whether she’s coming back to the soap opera "Days of Our Lives," or if she’s doing something with the Hallmark Channel. Is she starring in a new project for Great American Family? Has she written a book, working on a music album, or planning to help foster kids??? The guesses just keep rolling in...



On Sunday, former Hallmark star Ryan Paevey just happened to randomly post a scene featuring himself and Jen Lilley from one of their earlier Hallmark films, Harvest Love. Now, if Ryan shared various scenes from his movies often, I might not think anything of it, but it's been a VERY long time since Ryan has shared anything specifically movie related, although back in April, he did share that he will be attending Small Town Christmas in Georgia from July 25-27, a meet and greet event with other actors and fans. Also in April, Ryan shared that he had been chatting with folks at Hallmark and was open to the possibility of getting back into acting.

Ryan Paevey stepped away from acting to prioritize his family, particularly to support his mother during some health challenges. In June 2024, he officially announced his decision to take a break from his acting career, expressing a desire to explore other interests and spend more time with his loved ones.

The website Just Jared took a poll back in late April to mid-May asking fans which actor they would like to see return to Hallmark. Ryan Paevey won the poll decisively with 47% of the vote and Jen Lilley came in second with 21%. I remember Jen Lilley encouraged her social media followers to vote for her and she even playfully teased Ryan about beating him in the poll. It was all lighthearted and fun, but in the end, Ryan came out on top, a result that surely caught the attention of Hallmark executives.

Aside from their earlier collaboration in Harvest Love in 2017, Jen Lilley and Ryan Paevey last appeared together in the 2021 rom-com A Little Daytime Drama. The film was a charming nod to the soap opera world, an industry both stars know well from their time on General Hospital (Ryan) and Days of Our Lives (Jen). If the picture below is any indication, it's obvious these two have a level of comfort working with each other.



So, what does this mean if Jen Lilley returns to Hallmark? Will we see her on Great American Family again?

Unless Jen Lilley signs an exclusive contract, this simply means that she has the open door to work at more than one network. While Jen has mainly acted in Great American Family movies the last four years, she would now have the opportunity, if presented, to work on both channels.

In fact, many actors have found success working with both the Hallmark Channel and Great American Family, including Cindy Busby, Christopher Russell, Rhiannon Fish, Paul Greene, and Daniel Lissing. So it's entirely possible that Jen Lilley could follow a similar path.

Which brings us back to the original question: Do you think both Jen Lilley and Ryan Paevey are making their way back to Hallmark? Or could Jen be focusing on something entirely different?



If, by any chance, Jen Lilley is making a return to Hallmark, I’d personally love to see her paired with Ryan Paevey in a DaySpring Christmas film this year. Jen has often spoken about how important her faith in Jesus is to her, and she co-hosts a podcast called Into the Supernatural with Billy Hallowell, where they explore miracles and other supernatural aspects of the Christian faith. With that in mind, an inspirational DaySpring movie seems like a perfect fit for her, at least, that’s my hope!br>
Please share your thoughts on this in comments below.

Blessings on your day,

Net