🍨🍨 Sweet Summer Nights: "Double Scoop" and More To Savor

( images via: Hallmark Media - click to enlarge
edit via: itsawonderfulmovie.com )

Happy Weekend, Friends!

Are you ready for two scoops of romance?🍨🍨

This weekend is serving up the sweetest *Summer Nights* treat on the Hallmark Channel with the premiere of “Double Scoop,” starring Taylor Cole and Ryan McPartlin. This ice cream-inspired romance is sure to melt hearts!

Plus, what a treat to have Chonda Pierce (Roll With It), Elisa Donovan (Clueless), Jacklyn Collier (The Engagement Plot), and Patrick Muldoon (A Boyfriend for Christmas) also in the cast!

(By the way, in case you didn't know, Chonda Pierce is a Christian comedienne; I've seen her performance in person and she is fabulous!!! She's hilarious and so down-to-earth. Her testimony and joy for Jesus truly touched my heart! I can't wait to see her role in “Double Scoop”!)

And for your second scoop of romance this weekend... it’s time to say “cheese” with the Great American Family network premiere of “As Gouda As It Gets”!

It’s a double helping of delicious-themed fun movies!

See all of the details below...


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Saturday, August 23rd, 2025:

Double Scoop

Storyline: Nora discovers the best ice cream and hopes to land them as a client. Her sweet dreams hit a snag when her former colleague James has the same idea. Old sparks begin to melt the frosty tension.

Double Scoop

Premieres Saturday, August 23rd, 2025

at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel

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Saturday, August 23rd, 2025:

As Gouda as it Gets

Storyline: Brie Belanger is the maître fromager and owner of Brie’s Cheese, a cute artisan cheese shop located in picturesque Vermont. Looking to boost her business presence and sales, the town’s annual Cheese Festival arrives just in time with a $50,000 first-place prize. Up against her biggest competitor, Brie’s vintage smoked gouda is considered a frontrunner-so much so that Jacob Wolfe, a former chef and influential cheese blogger, approaches about profiling her delectable creation, leading their friendship to take a turn for romance. Complications arise when Matt Lambert, the handsome and charismatic new CEO of Lambert Farms (and Brie’s largest competitor) starts to show his interest in acquiring her shop. Racing against the clock and a disastrous power failure, Brie and Jacob must recreate a prize-worthy entry if she has any hope of keeping her shop and potentially winning more than she initially hoped for.

As Gouda as it Gets

Premieres Saturday, August 23rd, 2025

at 9pm/8c. on Great American Family

Movie Review:

🎬 "I'm glad that I recorded it. Happily, what was missing was the bickering as in Christmas on the Menu. That was nice to see and with no back story to overcome." ~Namegirl

🎬 I saw "As Gouda as it Gets" when it first premiered on BYU in 2021. I remember it being lighthearted and family-friendly, and since it was Kim Shaw and Clayton James' second movie together, they had good chemistry. ~Net

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Weekend thoughts...

For those of you on the East Coast, my heart and prayers are with you as you’ve endured the effects of Hurricane Erin. While I am grateful to hear this storm was not as severe as some in the past, I know it still brought uncertainty, flooding, and damage. May the Lord continue to watch over you and provide safety.

I'm wishing everyone a peaceful, joyful weekend. May the new movies bring comfort to you all, and perhaps you can also enjoy a simple treat, like a scoop of ice cream, to make your movie night a little sweeter!!!🍨🍦

If you’d like to share your thoughts or a review after watching either movie, please feel free to share in the comments below... I always love hearing from you!

By the way, in case you missed it, you can see my take on As Gouda as it Gets and my sweet friend Namegirl shared a movie review - both posted above, under the movie's info.

And if you missed the premiere of Mystery Island: Play for Keeps last week on the Hallmark Channel, you can catch it's premiere Friday night, August 22nd on Hallmark Mystery at 8pm/7c. and another encore Sunday, August 24th at 6pm/5c.🔎🔎

Paula (who is also a great friend and contributor here at It's a Wonderful Movie) recently shared this review with us... “Mystery Island Play for Keeps” - surprisingly I really enjoyed it! The others were not bad, they just fell flat for me, like I kinda got lost and didn’t pay as much attention as I normally do…. **spoiler alert*** This one however kept my attention with the mystery cheating suspicions and how she seemed to have a spark with her ex fiancé. I still didn’t guess the killer at the end though Lol" ~Paula

Happy Movie-Watching, Everyone!

Blessings to you all,

Net

☀SHINING HIS LIGHT:☀

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; 

blessed is the one 

who takes refuge in him.”

– Psalm 34:8

"Crossroad Springs" Facebook Live Event

Great American Media invites their followers to "Join the cast, the conversation, and the countdown — Don't miss the Crossroad Springs Facebook Live Event next Tuesday, August 26 at 8/7c for an exclusive Crossroad Springs event you won’t want to miss! 🎥"

RSVP at https://bit.ly/4fKboeJ

Sponsored by HarperCollins Christian Publishing


As you can see in the image above, most of the cast of Crossroad Springs will be joining this Facebook Live Event, including Jonathan Stoddard, Brittany Underwood, Kate Drummond, Emily Alatalo, Jon McLaren, and Erin Agostino, along with Great American Media CEO Bill Abbott and host, Cameron Mathison.

Be sure to tune into this chat a week from today - Tuesday, August 26th!

Blessings on your day,

Net

In Case You Missed It: "Ainsley McGregor" Premiere Date Has Been Announced

image: Great American Media

Hey, Sleuthers...

I’ve shared this premiere date before, but in case you missed it, I wanted to make sure everyone saw the latest, official word from Great American Media.

The next "Ainsley McGregor" mystery "A Case for the Yarn Maker," starring Candace Cameron Bure, is on the way soon to Great American Family, and here’s the press release with all of the details...


PRESS RELEASE:

CANDACE CAMERON BURE

STARS IN SECOND INSTALLMENT OF

‘THE AINSLEY MCGREGOR MYSTERIES,’

A CASE FOR THE YARN MAKER

GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY

ORIGINAL MOVIE

PREMIERE, OCTOBER 4

NEW YORK, NY – August 18, 2025 – Great American Media, America’s top destination for faith and family programming, announced the second installment of the company’s first mystery movie franchise, “The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries”: A Case for the Yarn Maker, starring Candace Cameron Bure (Aurora Teagarden Mysteries, My Christmas Hero) and Aaron Ashmore (“Ginny & Georgia”) have its linear cable premiere on Great American Family, Saturday, October 4 (8 p.m. ET). The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker is adapted from bestselling novelist Candace Havens’ novel.

In The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker, Ainsley McGregor (Bure) a former Chicago criminologist, has moved back to her hometown of Sweet River, Texas, to teach criminology at the local university while also being the owner/operator of Bless Your Arts, a shop for community artists. Bless Your Arts is honoring a true Yarn Goddess, heiress of Real Wool, Ellie Mitchum who arrives with a cold demeanor before turning up cold, as in dead. At stake in the mystery is the future of Ellie’s Fortune 500 company and her feuding family angling for control. As always, Ainsley relies on her brother, Sheriff Ryan, her boyfriend, fireman Jake (Ashmore), and the eccentric band of sleuthers who masquerade as a Book Club to solve the crime. Whatever the mystery, Ainsley McGregor is always on the case.

The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker is a Syrup Studios production in association with Candy Rock Entertainment. Costa Vassos serves as Producer and Martin Wood directs a screenplay written by Robin Dunne and based on the Candace Havens book of the same name. Executive producers include Candace Cameron Bure, Ford Englerth, Jeffery Brooks, Eric Jarboe, Holly A. Hines, Gerald Webb, Martin Wood, Jim Head, and Trevor McWhinney. Supervising producers include Catherine Kretz and Michael Shepard with Jonathan Shore and Doran S. Chandler serving as Associate producers.

ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN PURE FLIX

As the streaming service of Great American Media, Great American Pure Flix provides quality family-friendly programming that celebrates faith, family and country. With affordable flat-rate pricing, families can stream a prolific offering of unlimited movies and shows on demand. Great American Pure Flix features inspiring, uplifting and entertaining content the entire family can enjoy together, with new original and exclusive titles added every month. New customers can enjoy a 7-day free trial by visiting GreatAmericanPureFlix.com. Watch Great American Pure Flix https://signup.pureflix.com/signup/c3e/email

ABOUT CANDY ROCK ENTERTAINMENT:
Candy Rock Enterprises is a joint venture between award winning actress, producer and New York Times bestselling author Candace Cameron Bure and the full-service development and execution team behind Redrock Entertainment, Ford Englerth and Jeffery Brooks. Candy Rock’s Entertainment division develops, produces, and distributes television projects, lifestyle programming and feature length films with an emphasis on family-friendly content. Instagram: @CandyRock.Entertainment

ABOUT SYRUP STUDIOS:

Syrup Studios is a Canadian deficit-financing studio focused on exceptional films, series, and international co-productions for global audiences. Syrup’s highly tailored approach to developing, financing, producing, and distributing content through entrepreneurial business models brings each compelling story to life.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Pam Slay
Network Program Publicity
818.415.3784
pamslay@gacmedia.com
media@crosswindpr.com

------------------

I hope many of you will enjoy this mystery when it premieres Saturday, October 4th, on Great American Family.

If you'd like a few extra details with no spoilers, you can check out my review of "Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker" here: https://itsawonderfulmovie.blogspot.com/2025/06/movie-review-ainsley-mcgregor-mysteries-case-for-the-yarn-maker-candace-cameron-bure.html.

Happy Sleuthing,

Net🔎

🌟 Your Cozy Weekend Summer Movie Guide: From the Heart to the Island & Mystery Buzz

Happy Mid-August Weekend, Friends!

Enjoy a cozy weekend of fresh stories and familiar faces!

Great American Family is premiering to their channel for the first time the heartfelt film, "A Thread to Your Heart," and I’ve shared my review below so you’ll know exactly why this love story is worth falling for.

Over on the Hallmark Channel, adventure awaits with a dash of mystery in "Mystery Island: Play for Keeps," the latest chapter in their tropical whodunit series.

Whether you’re in the mood for romance or a little intrigue, there’s something special waiting for everyone this weekend.

One more thing...

Are you dreaming of a little Christmas in August? Friday night’s line-up delivers several wonderful Christmas movie options, plus two fan-favorite actors whose on-screen chemistry has made them a beloved duo. And, at the end of this post, there’s a special note about a certain mystery series fans can’t stop talking about!!!

Keep scrolling for more details...


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Friday, August 15, 2025:

Christmas Movie Classics

Friday night's line-up includes two favorite stars: Jill Wagner and Kristoffer Polaha. Plus, I've included a special note at the end of this post on their mystery series, Mystery 101.

Friday, August 15, 2025:

Next Stop, Christmas ... Hallmark Channel ... 6pm
Destined 2: Christmas Once More ... Great American Family ... 6pm
A Biltmore Christmas ... Hallmark Channel ... 8pm
My Christmas Hero ... Great American Family ... 8pm
A Christmas Miracle for Daisy ... Great American Family ... 10pm
Destined 2: Christmas Once More ... Great American Family ... 12am
My Christmas Hero Great American Family ... 2am
A Christmas Miracle for Daisy ... Great American Family ... 4am


Want more Christmas... check out the Christmas TV Schedule.


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Saturday, August 16, 2025:

A Thread to Your Heart

Storyline: The owner of a quaint New Zealand yarn shop, Sophie Dale, gets her world flipped upside down after learning her top supplier of yarn, King Farms, is stopping production. Much to her surprise, the charming yet stuck-in-his-ways Samuel King has traveled all the way from New York to audit the business model of the farm. Desperate to keep her shop going, Sophie convinces Samuel to give her two weeks to learn the ropes of yarn spinning and raise enough money to buy the mill herself. With Samuel’s help, Sophie comes up with a fundraising plan to host a “knit-off” and auction at the local makers market. However, when the two weeks come to an end Sophie finds herself at the crossroads of business and romance. Could she have misinterpreted Samuels growing romantic interest in her as just business all along?

Movie Review:

🎬 The setting of this story is in New Zealand - and the countryside there is absolutely beautiful. Breathtaking! The owner of the local yarn shop, Sophie, is quite likeable; she's an American who inherited the shop from her late Grandmother. Sophie brings many people of the town together to knit and enjoy time sharing, along with her best friend, Rose, who is a lot of fun. Everything seems tranquil for Sophie, until she knits a sweater for her boyfriend, Chris. Everyone in the knitting group teases that "it's the curse of the knitted sweater" and they predict in a joking way that she and Chris will surely break up. They actually do, but Sophie has more important things to worry about - she must save the local mill where she gets her yarn and convince the owner's handsome son, Samuel King, who is visiting from New York, to sell it to her before he leaves. The lambs in the movie are all sooo adorable - you'll instantly fall in love with them. At times, the movie can be a bit predictable and cheesy, but it's still a sweet family friendly story, and I personally enjoyed watching it. Even the knitted sweater gets redemption in the end. If you know someone who likes knitting, then this is most definitely THE MOVIE for them. ~Net

A Thread to Your Heart

Premieres Saturday, August 16, 2025

at 9pm/8c. on Great American Family

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Sunday, August 17, 2025:

Mystery Island: Play for Keeps

Storyline: Mystery Island hosts a corporate retreat with a guest being Emilia's ex-fiancé. Old feelings become complicated, tensions run high, and allegations arise when a guest is found dead.

Mystery Island: Play for Keeps

Premieres Sunday, August 17, 2025

at 9pm/8c. on the Hallmark Channel

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And now for the mystery news...

Throughout this week, the Hallmark Mystery channel has been airing mini-marathons of the Mystery 101 series, starring Jill Wagner and Kristoffer Polaha, which isn't that unusual. However, on social media, it has become standard for Hallmark to only show pictures of Kristoffer when promoting the series, and never any promos with Jill. Well, that changed yesterday, and fans definitely noticed.


Before we get to that, let's take a step back - for a minute.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hallmark Mystery (@hallmarkmystery)

As the series ran throughout the week, fans took to social media once again with messages like:

⬤ Bring this back!! We need closure! 👏 - sammyjones57

⬤ I miss these movies so much😭 can‘t understand why they canceled them… - julssss95

⬤ Y’all left us on a real cliffhanger. I fear I’ll never get over it - omarlieee

⬤ Looooove this series. Bring it baaaaaaaaack. 😭 - bendieshome


You get the picture. Comments like this continued on and on for several days... all under pictures of Kristoffer Polaha. In one picture (seen above) he is running after a suspect and looking quite dashing and in the other pic, he is simply carrying a file of papers under his arm while investigating one of the cases.

So, what happened yesterday, you might ask??? Well, Hallmark Mystery posted to their socials an actual video promo of one of the previous Mystery 101 movies, and yes, the video showed Jill Wagner!!!! And, as I said, fans, including myself, noticed right away. One fan wrote, "You actually showed Jill? Wow!"

And not only did fans notice, but Kristoffer Polaha noticed, too!!!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hallmark Mystery (@hallmarkmystery)

Here's what Kristoffer wrote under the post:

⬤ polahaha: Looks like Amy is back in the case with Travis…

How funny would it be if after all this time we finally got some closure?


Here are some of the random responses:

⬤ please!!!!! You two are my favorites! ❤️❤️ - joynoelle

⬤ You're killing me, Smalls! But yes, please!! - bendieshome

⬤ DON'T TOY WITH ME, KRISTOFFER! (All caps means shouting, yes, but it is a hopeful shout!) - kelli_b_83

⬤ I hope you’re coming out with more episodes! The series was abruptly ended on a huge cliffhanger!! It was extremely disappointing! It would be appreciated if you provided closure to Amy and Travis’ storyline. - kelly_stel1

⬤ Could this be a clue @polahaha AKA Detective Travis!!! 🔎🔎 - itsawonderfulmovieblog

⬤ @hallmarkchannel, you are killing us! 😭 You’re running the mystery marathon back-to-back, but there was never an ending to the storyline. We were all waiting, and then the show wasn’t renewed. So after I watch this again, I’ll still be left wondering what happened… The least you can do is give us an ending. We promise we won’t bother you about this again. - hallmarkluv

⬤ More of these please - heartiesteamnathan

⬤ PLEASE...give us back our favorite mystery series, and our favorite crime solving duo!! Ratings would skyrocket and faith in hallmark would definitely be restored SO much!!! - tonyahoward258

And there are many, many more comments just like this!!! 

So, what's your take? Have you given up hope on "Mystery 101" or does this give any of you sleuthers a sliver of hope that this series could return one day, especially now with Michelle Vicary back as head of programming at Hallmark? Please share in comments below.


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Have a great weekend, everyone!

Enjoy these warm Summer days. Sometimes you've got to just stop and smell the roses!

Blessings to you all,

Net

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SHINING HIS LIGHT:

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."

PSALM 19:1

This weekend's scripture inspiration:

Our local meteorologist said we would have a meteor shower this week, so I stared up at the stars for a little while. Unfortunately, I never caught the shower of stars (perhaps, too much outdoor lighting around), but I did marvel at the Creator of our universe and how beautiful each star in the sky is, the work of His mighty hands. I stood in awe and amazement at how great our God truly is!!! 🌟🌟🌟

And since this weekend's movie on GAF is about sheep, I just had to include these sriptures, too...

"What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?

And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off.

In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish."

MATTHEW 18:12-14

Isn’t it amazing to know how deeply God treasures each person, and how far He will go to bring them back to Him? He would leave the 99 to come and rescue you or me!

May your weekend fill you with that same awe-struck wonder I had while staring at the stars... Enjoy the little moments! God bless!!!🌟

🎄✨ Ash Tsai, Marshall Williams & Julia Reilly Star in a Heartwarming Holiday Tale, “A Belle Christmas,” on Great American Family

( Photo credit: Great American Media 2025 ) 

The latest Christmas movie news from Great American Family has arrived! Let's welcome their brand-new holiday film, “A Belle Christmas”!

Below, you’ll find all the merry details straight from the official Great American Media press release, and don’t stop there! At the end of this post, I’ve sprinkled in some heartwarming reactions from GAF fans on social media. So keep on scrolling, and be sure to share your thoughts, too, in the comments below! 


Great American Media Press Release:

Great American Media

Announces A Belle Christmas

New, Original Movie,

Starring Ash Tsai,

Marshall Williams,

and Julia Reilly,

Premiering on
Great American Family,

Streaming on
Great American Pure Flix,

Premiering on GFam+,

Part of 5th Anniversary

of Great American Christmas

NEW YORK, NY – August 14, 2025 – Great American Media announced production is underway for the new, Original Movie, A Belle Christmas, starring Ash Tsai (Journey to Christmas), Marshall Williams (Jingle Bell Jubilee, “Glee”), and Julia Reilly (“County Rescue”). This film is currently being shot at Great Point Studios in Buffalo, New York, and is set to premiere as part of the 5th Anniversary of GREAT AMERICAN CHRISTMAS in 2025. The beloved programming event will begin airing in October on Great American Family, GFAM+, and streaming on Great American Pure Flix. A Belle Christmas joins a new, all-star lineup for Great American Christmas 2025, celebrating faith, family, love, joy, and hope. Christmas as it is meant to be.

In A Belle Christmas, Belle Carter (Tsai), dedicated but exhausted head of beloved local nonprofit, Bedford House, has devoted her whole life to making Christmas bright for those in need. But with the holidays just days away, donations are down, time is running out, and Belle feels her efforts are slipping away. When the town’s Mayor announces a new nonprofit consultant, Clara James (Reilly) will be joining Belle to help, Belle fears she’s being replaced in the role that has defined her for years. Annoyed at first, Belle unexpectedly finds space for joy she has long ignored. The season brings another surprise: the return of Marine Sgt. Will Mattinson (Williams) who is welcomed home from military service. As old feelings stir, Belle struggles to release responsibility and open her heart to possibility. With Christmas fast approaching and the community’s hopes hanging in the balance, Belle discovers believing in the best of people is the greatest gift of all.

A Belle Christmas is A Belle Christmas production. Tom Vitale and Bob Rich are executive producers. Mac Cappuccino produces. Oliver Friedman directs from an Original Screenplay by Summer Israel Johnson.

ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN MEDIA

Great American Media is home to a family-friendly portfolio of brands including Great American Family, Great American Pure Flix and Great American Faith & Living. As the flagship linear TV network, Great American Family features original Christmas movies, rom-coms and classic series that celebrate faith, family and country. Great American Pure Flix is a leading faith and family streaming service that inspires, uplifts and entertains with content that you can confidently stream with the entire family. Other platforms include, Great American Faith & Living, the unscripted companion to Great American Family that celebrates faith, family, and country every day and every season; Great American Adventures and Pure Flix TV, FAST channels (free ad-supporting streaming TV). Great American Media was established in June 2021 by Bill Abbott and a group of US-based family offices.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Pam Slay
Network Program Publicity & Talent Relations
818.415.3784
pamslay@gacmedia.com
media@crosswindpr.com

-------------------------

Social Media Reaction:

"Getting so excited to see all the new movies. GAF is my go to❤️🙏 Thanks for the best family and Christ centered tv❤️" - Janice (Facebook)

"Love all 3 Actors. Cannot wait to watch this. I am sure it will be another one of my favorites" - Annette (Facebook)

"Awesome. Looking forward to all the new movies ❤️ thank you GAF" - Julie (Facebook)

"So excited!" - actingash (Ash Tsai on Instagram)

"Awesome. I was wondering if @actingash would be doing another Christmas movie. She's becoming one of my new favorite actresses in recent yrs. I think she going be up there in the Jen Lilley, Danica, Candace" - jeff85owens15 (Instagram)

"Can’t wait" - juliagracereilly (Instagram)

"Can't wait to see this one, too! I'm really hoping @juliagracereilly will get to be the leading lady in a movie in 2026." - morelikeahopefulromantic (Instagram)

"More great news from GAF! I am counting down to Great American Christmas 2025!" - blessedgigi23 (Instagram)

"Great cast! This looks like a wonderful Christmas movie! I love that this story will honor our military and giving to those in need!🎄✨❤️🎬 Thank you @greatamericanfamily for celebrating the true ❤️ of Christmas!!!" 🎄 - itsawonderfulmovieblog (Instagram)

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And now I'd love to hear from you! Please share your thoughts on this movie or Great American Christmas in comments below!

Have a Blessed Day!

Net

Another Great American Family Christmas Movie Announcement is Coming...

( click here to enlarge image )

Great American Family has posted a new Christmas movie tease to their socials today, which promises another reveal coming tomorrow!

Do you recognize the Great American Family stars featured in the video below?

Watch the clip, and then read on for everything we know so far from this sneak peek…

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Great American Family (@greatamericanfamily)

So... do you recognize all three stars seen in this video?

The first actress featured is Julia Reilly, who you may remember from Great American Family's "County Rescue" and A Little Women's Christmas.

Next is Ash Tsai, who has starred in two GAF Christmas movies, Journey to Christmas and Tails of Christmas.

And the clip ends with Actor Marshall Williams, of "When Hope Calls" Season One and Jingle Bell Jubilee.

According to IMDB, the name of this movie is A Belle Christmas, and Ash Tsai is playing the role of Belle. The cast is currently filming in Buffalo, New York.

Stay tuned for more details!

Have a Merry Day,

Net

image credit: Medium, IMDB, and itsmarshallw.com

🔔 "Do You Hear What I Hear? 🔔 Jon McLaren and Alicia Josipovic to Star in Great American Family's "Christmas in Midnight Clear"

( Photo: Courtesy of Great American Media 2025 )

 * Christmas Movie revealed! *

Actor Jon McLaren will star in Christmas in Midnight Clear with Mystery By the Book actress Alicia Josipovic.

Get the full details on this new film, which celebrates faith, family, and love in the press release below...

Great American Media

Announces 

Christmas in Midnight Clear,

New, Original Movie,

Starring Alicia Josipovic 

and Jon McLaren,

Stream on 

Great American Pure Flix,

Premieres on

Great American Family

and GFam+,

Part of 5th Anniversary

of Great American Christmas

NEW YORK, NY – August 12, 2025 – Great American Media announced production is underway for the new, Original Movie, Christmas in Midnight Clear, starring Alicia Josipovic (“Degrassi: The Next Generation,” Mystery by the Book) and Jon McLaren (“Crossroad Springs,” “When Hope Calls”).

This film is currently in production and is set to premiere as part of the 5th Anniversary of GREAT AMERICAN CHRISTMAS in 2025. The beloved programming event will begin airing in October on Great American Family and GFAM+ and streaming on Great American Pure Flix.

Christmas in Midnight Clear joins a new, all-star lineup for Great American Christmas 2025, celebrating faith, family, love, joy, and hope. Christmas as it is meant to be.

In Christmas in Midnight Clear, Hillary Shaw (Dea Josipovic), successful corporate real estate developer, arrives in the economically struggling town with decisive plans to acquire every possible property, declare the rest eminent domain, and to modernize the town from the inside out. But when Hillary encounters Daniel Porter (McLaren), local pastor and multi-generational pillar of the community, her vision faces more than legal challenges. As Hillary and Daniel’s worldviews spark conflict, something deeper begins to blossom.

Christmas in Midnight Clear is a Midnight Clear Production. Suzanne Degagne and William Tom Fielek are executive producers. Anthony Fankhauser is producer. Nicholas Humphries directs an Original teleplay by Riley Weston.

ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN MEDIA
Great American Media is home to a family-friendly portfolio of brands including Great American Family, Great American Pure Flix and Great American Faith & Living. As the flagship linear TV network, Great American Family features original Christmas movies, rom-coms and classic series that celebrate faith, family and country. Great American Pure Flix is a leading faith and family streaming service that inspires, uplifts and entertains with content that you can confidently stream with the entire family. Other platforms include, Great American Faith & Living, the unscripted companion to Great American Family that celebrates faith, family, and country every day and every season; Great American Adventures and Pure Flix TV, FAST channels (free ad-supporting streaming TV). Great American Media was established in June 2021 by Bill Abbott and a group of US-based family offices.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Pam Slay
Network Program Publicity & Talent Relations
818.415.3784
pamslay@gacmedia.com
media@crosswindpr.com


------------------


My Quick Take:

I’m really looking forward to seeing Jon McLaren in a Christmas movie on Great American Family this year, especially with him portraying a pastor. What a meaningful character for the Christmas season.

This is Jon's first lead role on Great American Family; he previously starred in the UPtv Christmas movie, Sappy Holiday and had supporting roles in Christmas on Windmill Way, The Great Christmas Switch, Double Holiday, etc...

I truly appreciate how GAF is continuing to share more stories that reflect faith and family values during the holidays. It’s refreshing to see more and more of that kind of programming.

Also, this is third Christmas movie announced for GAF that stars someone from the cast of "When Hope Calls." I must say, I'm still hoping for more news on that series soon!

And don't forget... Be sure to look for Jon McLaren in "Crossroad Springs," premiering on Great American Family - Saturday, August 30th.

May Your Day 

Be Merry & Bright!

Net

🎄🍪 Great American Family Teases New Christmas Movie Starring "When Hope Calls" Actor, Jon McLaren

More Fun Christmas Movie News!🎄

Great American Family just shared a festive little tease on social media, a video clip featuring "When Hope Calls" star Jon McLaren chatting with a mystery actress (only seen from the side!) as they talk about… making Christmas cookies! 🍪✨

Here's the scene...



Who is the actress? And what holiday magic might be baking behind the scenes?

Well, the actress’s name and the movie title have been spotted on a production website… but I’m not spoiling the surprise before Great American Family’s official press release drops.

Do you have any guesses on who the actress might be? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The photo at the top is from Jon McLaren’s very first day on set for this Christmas movie- snapped from his (now automatically deleted) Instagram stories on Friday.

Have a Merry Day!

Net

🎸🎄"A Grand Ole Opry Christmas" - Hallmark Channel’s New *Countdown to Christmas* Movie is in Perfect Harmony with Nikki DeLoach, Kristoffer Polaha & Country Singer, Brad Paisley

Hallmark heads to the Grand Ole Opry for a Magical, Musical Christmas Story this holiday season!

The Hallmark Channel is bringing nostalgia, time-travel, and country music to *Countdown to Christmas* this year with "A Grand Ole Opry Christmas," a brand-new Christmas movie starring Nikki DeLoach and Kristoffer Polaha!

The story follows Gentry Woods (played by Nikki DeLoach), the daughter of late country music legend Jett Woods. Once an aspiring songwriter herself, Gentry walked away from the music world after her father’s tragic car accident thirty years ago. But when the Grand Ole Opry invites her to honor her father at its centennial Christmas celebration, an unexpected twist of Christmas magic transports her back to 1995.

In the past, she crosses paths with her best friend Mac (played by Kristoffer Polaha), a country music talent manager who is also swept back in time. Together, they face old wounds, rediscover lost dreams, and uncover long-buried truths about Gentry’s father, finding healing and hope in the process.

Adding even more star power, country superstar Brad Paisley is writing and performing original songs for the film, including the theme for this year’s *Countdown to Christmas*.

Hallmark’s Chief Brand Officer Darren Abbott calls the project a perfect pairing of heartfelt storytelling with the Opry’s 100th anniversary, and filming will take place in real Opry locations to give the movie an authentic Nashville feel.

With this amazing cast and storyline, "A Grand Ole Opry Christmas" promises to strike all the right chords this Christmas!



Check out the official press release from Hallmark Media below...

FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, 

HALLMARK AND THE 

GRAND OLE OPRY 

SHARE THE HOLIDAY STAGE 

IN CELEBRATION OF 

THE OPRY'S CENTENNIAL YEAR

CHRISTMAS AND COUNTRY 

COMBINE TO MAKE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC 

WHEN NIKKI DELOACH 

AND KRISTOFFER POLAHA 

STAR IN 

"A GRAND OLE OPRY CHRISTMAS" 

DEBUTING THIS YEAR 

DURING HALLMARK CHANNEL'S 

16TH ANNUAL COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS PROGRAMMING EVENT

GRAMMY(R) AWARD-WINNING 

COUNTRY SUPERSTAR 

AND OPRY MEMBER BRAD PAISLEY 

TO WRITE AND PERFORM 

ORIGINAL MUSIC FOR THE MOVIE

Paisley will Also Write and Record the Anthem for Hallmark Channel's 2025 Holiday Campaign

Grand Ole Opry Superstar Members Set to Appear

Production Begins Later This Month at Iconic Locations Including the Grand Ole Opry House

Exclusive Collection of Hallmark and Opry Co-Branded Products to Celebrate the Brand Partnership Available This Holiday Season

STUDIO CITY, CA and NASHVILLE, TN - August 11, 2025 - Hallmark Channel, the perennial, undisputed #1 destination for holiday movie viewing and the Grand Ole Opry, the show that made country music famous, are setting the stage for a magical trip across time with A Grand Ole Opry Christmas, a new, original movie starring Nikki DeLoach (Curious Caterer Mysteries, Our Holiday Story) and Kristoffer Polaha (A Biltmore Christmas, The Christmas Quest), premiering this year during Hallmark Channel's 16th annual Countdown to Christmas programming event. Production begins later this month at iconic locations including the Grand Ole Opry House. The movie will feature familiar faces from the Opry's star-studded cast, with artists to be announced at a later date.

The network also announced that GRAMMY(R) Award-winning country music superstar and Opry member Brad Paisley will write original music for A Grand Ole Opry Christmas and will also perform. Additionally, Paisley will write and record the official anthem for the network's 2025 Countdown to Christmas on-air campaign.

"As the Grand Ole Opry celebrates its 100th birthday this year, this is the perfect time for us to partner with this beloved, iconic American institution and create Christmas magic together," remarked Darren Abbott, Chief Brand Officer, Hallmark. "Nikki and Kris are fan favorites and we know they will beautifully bring to life this emotional and heartfelt story that is sure to become an instant classic."

"Our goal in this milestone year is to put the Opry, its artists and the rich songwriting traditions that have made country music a global sensation in front of more people than ever before," said Colin Reed, Executive Chairman of Ryman Hospitality Properties, the Opry's parent company. "Our partnership with Hallmark brings these elements to life this holiday season through a creative and uplifting take on a uniquely Nashville story."

"Having the incredibly talented Brad Paisley write and perform original music for the movie is what Christmas dreams are made of," Abbott continued. "And we're equally excited to have him write and record an original song that will be the soundtrack of our on-air campaign throughout the season."

"The Hallmark Channel to me is a major part of finding the joy and the spirit of the holidays," said Paisley. "We turn it on and leave it on in our house like Christmas tree lights or decorations, it's a major part of the atmosphere for us. I loved the challenge of creating that same magic with this music by letting it take you to the same place that these movies and this world Hallmark has built. Can't wait for you to hear what all we've done. Also, knowing the Opry is the setting for one of these movies is very inspiring."

Hallmark is launching an exclusive collection of Hallmark and Opry co-branded products including greeting cards, apparel, accessories, jewelry and gifts - the perfect way for fans to celebrate Christmas in country style. The collection will be available to shop later this year at Hallmark.com, Shop.Opry.com, The Opry Shops and at the Hallmark Christmas Experience in Kansas City.

ABOUT A GRAND OLE OPRY CHRISTMAS

Gentry Woods (DeLoach), daughter of late country music icon Jett Woods - half of the famed duo Winter and Woods - abandoned her dream of a songwriting career and distanced herself from her father's legacy following his tragic car accident 30 years prior. When the Grand Ole Opry invites her to represent Jett at their centennial celebration at Christmas, she's hesitant to return to the place steeped in bittersweet memories. Encouraged by her good friends, Gentry visits the Opry and, while seated in one of the vaunted venue's oak church pews, is suddenly transported to 1995. Gentry's lifelong friend Mac (Polaha) a country music talent manager, finds himself in 1995 as well. Thanks to some Christmas magic, Gentry gets precious time with her father, creative inspiration to finish the song she began decades earlier as a teen and learns surprising answers to questions about her father that have followed her for the last three decades.

ABOUT OPRY 100

The Opry 100 celebration pays tribute to the artists, fans and songs that have cemented the Opry as the cultural heart and home of country music since its debut on WSM radio in 1925. For more information, please visit Opry.com.

# # #

ABOUT HALLMARK MEDIA

Owned and operated by Hallmark Cards, Inc., Hallmark Media is entertainment's leading destination for feel-good content. Hallmark Channel features an ambitious slate of new, original movies, scripted series, and the popular annual holiday franchise, Countdown to Christmas. Hallmark Mystery features a unique mix of movies and acquired series focused on the lighter side of the suspense and mystery genres, as well as its own seasonal programming event, Miracles of Christmas. Hallmark Family showcases timeless storytelling for the whole family centered around faith, love, and community. The company's subscription streaming service and membership program, Hallmark+ offers a distinctive blend of all new, exclusive original series and movies, next-day access to Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Mystery premieres, plus monthly discounts and rewards for shopping at Hallmark Gold Crown retail stores. For more information, please visit www.corporate.hallmarkmedia.com.

ABOUT THE GRAND OLE OPRY

The Grand Ole Opry is the home of country music where artists and fans gather, in person and virtually, to celebrate and be part of country's past, present and future. Founded in Nashville in 1925 and today the longest-running live broadcast show in the world, the Opry strengthens its roots by constantly evolving. The Opry's members are country's most emblematic artists, and the show regularly showcases country music's top new talent. The Opry welcomes legions of fans to visit the Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee - Music City, USA - to experience one of the 3-7 live shows it hosts per week; take a backstage tour; listen to live broadcasts on opry.com and wsmonline.com, SiriusXM Willie's Roadhouse, or its flagship home WSM Radio; and watch Opry Live on Saturday nights and Opry content all week long on Circle Country. The Grand Ole Opry is part of Opry Entertainment Group, a subsidiary of Ryman Hospitality Properties (NYSE: RHP).


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My Quick Take:

I'm absolutely thrilled that the Hallmark Channel is paying tribute to the Grand Ole Opry in its 100th anniversary year! As a longtime fan of country music’s rich roots, I’m eagerly looking forward to hearing about all of the talented singers featured, along with Brad Paisley, in this exciting movie project.

And I’m especially excited to see Kristoffer Polaha time-travel once again since he truly stole our hearts with his role in "A Biltmore Christmas"!

Hallmark has also celebrated country music through these notable holiday movies: "A Nashville Christmas Carol," "It's Christmas, Eve," "Christmas at Graceland," "Wedding at Graceland," "Christmas at Graceland: Home for the Holidays," "A Homecoming for the Holidays," all of the "Time to Come Home for Christmas" films, and more! I can’t wait to add this new film to the list!

Stay "tuned," everyone,

for more

festive movie news!

Net🎄

Brennan Elliott’s Heartfelt Thank You to Lacey Chabert and Fans for Choosing "His & Hers" as Favorite Rom-Com

Congratulations, Lacey Chabert and Brennan Elliott!

On Wednesday, August 6th, I had the joy of revealing the winners of the It's a Wonderful Movie Awards for Favorite 2024 Romantic Comedy, Mystery, Faith-Based film, & Christmas.

To the delight of myself and so many fans, His & Hers took top honors as the #1 voted favorite romantic-comedy of 2024.

To celebrate, I shared a special reel on X and Instagram, that highlighted the past 15 years worth of past winners and the newest champion.

Not long after, I received the sweetest response in my direct messages from Brennan Elliott saying, "THANK YOU so much Lacey and I are beaming!!"

I, of course, was elated by Brennan's words and so glad this news brought joy to them both.

Yesterday, Brennan shared the wonderful news on Instagram, posting a photo of himself with Lacey along with a heartfelt message thanking viewers for choosing "His & Hers" as their favorite movie.

Brennan also spoke movingly about how much this recognition means to him during a difficult season of loss, and he honored the special friendship he shares with Lacey.

I wanted to be sure to share that touching post and message here for anyone who might have missed it...

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Brennan Elliott's message:
"To say that @thereallacey and I are very humbled and grateful that our movie #hisandhers @hallmarkchannel was voted by all you wonderful fans as your favorite @hallmarkchannel movie of #2024 would be an understatement! Thank you all for supporting the movie and all our 10 movies together! I have been so blessed to be able to share the screen with her on 10 movies and love her as a scene partner and creative collaborator, but what you all do not see is how she is off screen. @thereallacey is one of my #bestfriends in the whole world and a beautiful human being who has been there for me through thick and thin. Especially the last number of years through this dark time of #cami being sick with cancer and her passing. This last year especially has been the hardest for the kids and I and I have a number of friends who have been there for me and help love myself and the kids through grief. But this soul sent from heaven @thereallacey is at the top of the list! I love you my friend and appreciate our friendship and to say I can’t wait to do a hundred more movies with you is the truth! But more important than that is I can’t wait to continue our friendship forever. Thank you @thereallacey for being a true friend and helping the kids and I as well as #cami when she was here on this plane through the struggles our family has gone thru. I am here for you and your family forever u know that! If anyone out there can have just 1 friend like I have in @thereallacey u r blessed! 🙏 ❤️"


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I was so touched by Brennan's heartfelt message, I just had to share it here with all of you. It’s easy to see how much love, respect, and gratitude he has for Lacey as a co-star, but more importantly, as a true, lifelong friend. I believe that’s what makes "His & Hers" so special, and why fans embraced it with such warmth. It was made with real heart, on and off the screen.

It was an absolute honor to give Lacey and Brennan this year’s viewer-voted *It’s a Wonderful Movie Award*. They’ve brought so much joy to so many through their 10 films together, and they've shown us all the beauty of friendship, loyalty, and love that lasts through life’s hardest seasons.

I pray for them both... many more beautiful stories ahead!


Here's a look back at 15 years of Favorite TV Rom-Coms - voted here at It's a Wonderful Movie...
(click image below to play the video)

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God's Blessings,

Net