🎄🐾❤️ Trevor Donovan and Stephanie Bennett Star in 'A Christmas Rescue'

 ( A Christmas Rescue: Stephanie Bennett, Niffy the dog,
and Trevor Donovan. Great American Media 2026 (Shane Mahood) )

It's official! Trevor Donovan and Stephanie Bennett are filming A Christmas Rescue for Great American Family, along with a very special rescue dog named Niffy!

The new Christmas movie will premiere Thanksgiving weekend on Great American Family and GFAM+ on November 28, 2026.

People announced the news today, giving a little more insight into this story...

In A Christmas Rescue, Niffy plays Shep, the beloved dog of Emma Ross, played by Stephanie Bennett. Emma is working to make her town's annual Christmas Cares celebration its most successful event yet.

Trevor Donovan portrays Dr. Matthew McGuire, a traveling veterinarian. When he arrives in town, he suggests adding a pet adoption component to the Christmas celebration. As Emma, Matthew and Shep work together to help animals in need find loving homes, a little Christmas magic begins to happen, including a sweet romance between Emma and Matthew.

So, yes, there is a Christmas romance at the heart of the story, but I really like that pet adoption and giving animals a second chance are such an important part of the movie, too.

Trevor Donovan, who is a longtime animal lover and supporter of pet adoption, also shared why Niffy's story and the movie are so meaningful to him. As he put it, giving a shelter animal a home, patience and love can change their world and they often end up changing ours right back.

A Christmas Rescue premieres on Great American Pure Flix on November 26th, followed by its Great American Family and GFAM+ premiere on November 28th.

This one certainly sounds like it has plenty of heart, and I have a feeling Niffy is going to be one of the most adorable stars of the Christmas season!

Have a Merry Day!

Net

🎄🐾❤️

Great American Family Teases Trevor Donovan Christmas Movie

In a fun social media tease, Great American Family has given us our first glimpse of a new Christmas movie starring Trevor Donovan- and an adorable puppy who may likely steal the show!

The working title for the movie is A Christmas Rescue, which feels like the perfect fit for a story centered around rescue dogs. And if you follow Trevor Donovan on social media, you probably already know that he has a real passion for helping dogs.

Here's the new post:

Great American Family hasn't confirmed a co-star, yet, however Actress Stephanie Bennett recently posted a selfie, tagging Trevor Donovan and Great American Family...

And Stephanie shared a very cute picture of their special co-star...

I'm sure Great American Family will share more details about this movie in the coming days. So stay tuned!

UPDATE: See the official news and premiere date information for this movie - *click here*.

Have a Merry Day!

Net

Breaking News: More Hallmark Christmas Movies Coming to DVD - See Here:

I have some Very Merry News!!!

More CHRISTMAS DVDs have just been released for pre-order at Amazon, so I thought it would be fun to take a look at the latest ones to become available - including A Newport Christmas, A Suite Holiday Romance, The Angel Tree, Christmas Bells Are Ringing, Christmas Town, Christmas Above the Clouds, Hearts of Christmas, and more!

It's so wonderful to see a mix of old and new Christmas classics!

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

*Please Note: The DVDs below contain affiliate links with Amazon. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no cost to you. Thank you all for your support.

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

Christmas Above the Clouds

bonus Nostalgic Christmas

Click here for current price - Amazon

Hallmark 6-Movie Collection:
A Newport Christmas, A Suite Holiday Romance, Tidings for the Season, Jingle Around the Clock, The Angel Tree, Christmas Bells Are Ringing

Click here for current price - Amazon

Candace Cameron Bure 4-Movie Collection 2:

The Christmas Contest, If I Only Had Christmas,

Christmas Town, A Shoe Addict’s Christmas

Click here for current price - Amazon

She's Making a List

bonus Christmas Tree Lane

Click here for current price - Amazon

Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story

bonus The Snow Must Go On

Click here for current price - Amazon

Hallmark 3-Movie Collection:

Christmas on Duty, The Christmas Cup, Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater

Click here for current price - Amazon

I hope you find a movie you'll want to add to your collection!

If you'd like to support It's a Wonderful Movie, simply click on any of the product links above - add the movie to your Amazon cart and check out today! Thank you so much!

May Your Day 

Be Merry & Bright!

Net🎄

Set Sail with Rhiannon Fish & Daniel Lissing in Hallmark’s "Aussie at Heart" & More This Weekend

( click here to enlarge image ) 

Happy Weekend, Everyone!

This weekend brings a fun mix of new stories- from the Australian countryside to a Texas ranch and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains!

Over on Hallmark Channel, Daniel Lissing and Rhiannon Fish head Down Under for Aussie at Heart, a charming new movie set against the gorgeous backdrop of Australia.

Meanwhile, Great American Family welcomes Jep and Jess Robertson to a whole new lifestyle series, Jep & Jess: Beyond the Bayou, where life on a Texas ranch promises plenty of family, faith, and good ol’ country living.

And over on INSP, Blue Ridge returns with a new episode set in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, featuring two special guest stars who add a little extra excitement to the story.

See more on all three below, plus some wonderful rom-com and mystery classics...


************************


Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, 2026:

Classic Rom-Coms

Some of the best classic rom-coms airing this weekend...

Saturday, August 15:

When Love Springs ... Hallmark Channel ... 8am
Wedding March 2: Resorting to Love ... Hallmark Family ... 12pm
A Thread to Your Heart ... Great American Family ... 1pm
The Greek Aisle ... Hallmark Channel ... 2pm
Wedding March 3: Here Comes the Bride ... Hallmark Family ... 2pm
Autumn Stables ... Great American Family ... 3pm
Wedding March 4: Something Old, Something New ... Hallmark Family ... 4pm
Catch of the Day ... Hallmark Channel ... 6pm
Grounded in Love ... Great American Family ... 7pm
One Perfect Match ... Great American Family ... 10pm
Toast to Italy ... Hallmark Channel ... 10pm
A Missed Connection ... Great American Family ... 12am

Sunday, August 16:

Truly, Madly, Sweetly ... Hallmark Channel ... 10am
Follow Me to Daisy Hills ... Hallmark Channel ... 12pm
Return to Office ... Hallmark Channel ... 2pm
The Reluctant Royal ... Hallmark Channel ... 8pm
Bottled with Love ... Hallmark Channel ... 10pm


************************



Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, 2026:

Mystery Marathons 🔎

Some of the best classic mystery movies starring Candace Cameron Bure, Aaron Ashmore, Alison Sweeney, Benjamin Ayres, Nikki DeLoach, Andrew Walker, and more are airing this weekend...

Saturday, August 15:

Curious Caterer Marathon ... Hallmark Mystery ... 10am - 8pm


Sunday, August 16:

Signed, Sealed, Delivered Mysteries Marathon ... Hallmark Family ... 2pm-6pm
Ainsley McGregor Mysteries Marathon ... Great American Family ... 6pm - 6am
Chronicle Mysteries Marathon ... Hallmark Mystery ... 10am - 8pm

*Plus, UPtv has encore airings of the mystery series, Blue Skies and Hudson & Rex Sunday night.



************************


Saturday, August 15, 2026:

Aussie at Heart

Storyline: Samara, a former lawyer now event planner, reunites with Nate, her ex‑coworker and rival, to plan a couple's anniversary in Queensland and begin to confront their past and fall for each other.

Aussie at Heart

Premieres Saturday, August 15, 2026

at 8pm/7c on the Hallmark Channel

************************


Saturday, August 15, 2026:

Jep & Jess: Beyond the Bayou

Jep and Jessica Robertson's new Original Lifestyle Series follows the couple as they step into an entirely new chapter – building out not only neighborhoods, but a thriving Comanche Moon Ranch community rooted in purpose and legacy. Viewers will witness firsthand how vision, hard work, and conviction can transform land into legacy – and neighbors into family.

Jep & Jess: Beyond the Bayou

Premieres Saturday, August 15, 2026

at 9pm/8c. on Great American Family

************************


Sunday, August 16, 2026:

Blue Ridge: The Series

Season 2, Episode 5

(image via: INSP)

Guest Stars: Bruce Boxleitner and Kellan Lutz

Episode 5: “The Return of Oak Miller”

A deadly new drug hits the hollers of Blue Ridge just as an old foe of Justin's arrives back in town. With no other options, Justin must form an unconventional alliance in order to stop the flow of drugs and bring this menace to justice.

Blue Ridge: The Series

Season 2, Episode 5

Premieres Sunday, August 16, 2026

at 10pm/9c on INSP

************************


Whether you’re in the mood for romance, family fun, or a little mountain adventure, I hope you find something you’ll enjoy watching!

Have a wonderful, blessed weekend, everyone!

Happy watching!

Net

************************

SHINING HIS LIGHT:

“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way 

which thou shalt go: 

I will guide thee with mine eye.”

~Psalm 32:8

Let this be a special reminder that we don't have to know every turn ahead... because God does!

Catch the Premiere of "Blue Skies" Tonight -- When & Where to Watch:

The mystery drama Blue Skies premieres tonight on UPtv at 9pm/8c, after an all-new episode of Hudson & Rex.

Blue Skies is a cozy sort of family mystery show, probably best suited for preteen age and up.

I do want to caution, though, that the first 5 minutes of the first episode are a little more intense, as it shows the lead actress, Scarlet Hunter, portraying Jodi Larsen in the midst of a shoot-out with criminals in her role as military police. After those intense first few minutes, the story is much more relaxed after that.

Along with meeting Jodi and learning a little about her life, this first episode will also introduce you to Jodi's father, a special friend from the past, her work team at the National Park Police, and you'll also meet Jodi's new friend, a highly skilled detective dog, whom she names Blue.

Details on the first episode via UPtv:

Season 1, Episode 1 - Trail of the Missing:

"Jodi Larsen recently joined the National Park Police after a year marked by the loss of her mother and her decision to leave the Military Police after serving her final tour of duty. She unexpectedly teams up with a dog named Blue as her new partner. Together, they tackle their first case, investigating the disappearance of a boy who went missing while camping with his family. As night falls, a race against time begins."

I have viewed the entire season of the Blue Skies series on UP Faith & Family. All eight episodes are family-friendly; however, please note this is a crime drama - so it is not for really young viewers.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching Jodi investigate crimes at the National Park, form friendships with her team at work, and reunite with a dear friend, Ryan Miller (played by Actor, Markian Tarasiuk (True Justice Mysteries, Christmas Jars)), who is always there for Jodi when she needs him. It's also sweet to see the great relationship Jodi has with her father - and the loving bond Jodi quickly develops with her new dog, Blue.

I hope many of you will enjoy this series as much as I did!

If you'd prefer to stream the full season commercial free - click here for details for UP Faith & Family. (They offer a free trial!)

Happy Sleuthing!

Net

"Seeking Persephone" Review - Plus Sequel News!

I usually focus mainly on sharing TV movies here at It’s a Wonderful Movie, but every now and then, a story comes along that is simply too delightful not to mention - and this is one of them!

First, I must ask, have you heard of, or perhaps already watched, Seeking Persephone? If you have, then I have exciting news for you… Seasons 2 and 3 are on the way, with Courting Miss Lancaster and Romancing Daphne continuing the series!

However, if Seeking Persephone is new to you, I will gladly introduce you to this charming period drama from Candlelight Media Group. Released on March 1, 2026, the four-episode adaptation of Sarah M. Eden’s novel is available to rent or purchase on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Peacock, Angel, etc. And if you don't mind a few random commercial interruptions, the series can currently be streamed for free on the Roku Channel and Tubi.

With its Jane Austen Regency feel, wholesome storytelling, and even a familiar Hallmark connection (Will Kemp has a supporting role!), I was already intrigued. Once I discovered the series was family-friendly, I knew I simply had to give it a watch!

In addition to Will Kemp, Seeking Persephone stars Ryann Bailey, Jake Stormoen, and Toby-Alexander Smith.

And I'm happy to say, I enjoyed this series very much!

I watched Seeking Persephone this spring expecting a pleasant period romance, and the series did not disappoint. There is a definite Beauty and the Beast quality woven into the story, as Persephone, a lovely protective eldest sister determined to save her family from poverty, agrees to a marriage of convenience with a man who is somewhat of a recluse.

The romance between Persephone and Adam is a true slow burn. In the beginning, you may find yourself wondering how on earth these two could ever fall in love. In fact, it feels “ridiculous,” which happens to be one of Adam’s favorite words. But by the end, you may find yourself quite invested in their unlikely romance - and perhaps even longing for a little more.

And then there is Harry.

Adam’s dearest friend is one of the great delights of the series. Loyal, mischievous, and endlessly encouraging, Harry seems determined to make sure his friend finds some happiness, even if that means teasing him mercilessly about his new marriage and taking a rather keen interest in his love life, while being a bachelor himself.

Adam, meanwhile, prefers to behave as though he requires neither companionship nor assistance. A physical abnormality has caused him to retreat from society and the prying eyes of others, and his rather bullish nature certainly doesn't make him the most likable character. But Harry sees past all of that. He accepts his friend exactly as he is, and their friendship is one of the warmest threads running through the story.

Naturally, when Harry’s life is in danger, Adam proves that beneath that guarded exterior lies a man willing to risk everything for someone he loves.

Meanwhile, Persephone must learn to navigate her new life as mistress of the expansive Falstone Castle, far from the comfort and companionship of her family. And if there is one thing she is decidedly not fond of, it is the wolves prowling around the castle walls and their ominous howls echoing through the night!

Still, Persephone is not one to remain confined to her chambers. She gradually begins making the most of her new surroundings, venturing out during the day and even taking riding lessons. Little by little, Falstone begins to feel less like a lonely exile and more like home.

Seeking Persephone is a wholesome, romantic, and entertaining period drama with beautiful scenery, a gentle slow-burn romance, and characters who are easy to grow fond of. If you enjoy stories with a Regency-era atmosphere, unlikely romances, loyal friendships, a little drama, and adventures, then this is a series you’ll want to add to your watchlist!

Caution: While the series is wholesome overall, there are a few scenes involving violence, including men arguing and a particularly bloody injury.

If you enjoy period dramas and have Roku, be sure to search for Seeking Persephone and give it a try, while it is currently available to watch free with ads. And if you prefer viewing without commercial interruptions, you can also rent or purchase the series through Amazon.

And for those of you who love reading, you may want to check out Sarah M. Eden’s book series that inspired the screen adaptation...

If you've read these books or seen the Seeking Persephone series, I would love to hear your thoughts in comments below.

Happy watching!

Net

SEEKING PERSEPHONE | Official Trailer:

🎬 IT'S A WONDERFUL MOVIE AWARDS WINNERS REVEALED 🎬 Viewers Choice for Favorite Rom-Com, Mystery, Faith-Based Film, and Christmas Movie - SEE HERE:

The *It's a Wonderful Movie* Awards

RESULTS are HERE

for the TV Movies from 2025!

A very special *Thank You* to ALL of you who took the time to vote for your movie favorites!

The vote was for 4 separate film categories: Favorite Romantic Comedy, Mystery Movie, Faith/Inspirational Film, and Christmas Movie - all from movies that premiered on TV in 2025.

Here are the results...

*IT'S A WONDERFUL MOVIE*

TV AWARDS WINNERS:

POLL #1:

Favorite Romantic-Comedy TV MOVIE from 2025:

Adventures in Love & Birding - Hallmark Channel
Catch of the Day - Hallmark Channel
Double Scoop - Hallmark Channel
Five Date Rule - UPtv
Grounded in Love - Great American Family
Hearts Around The Table: Jenna's First Love - Hallmark Channel
Home Turf - Hallmark Channel
Love On The Danube: Royal Getaway - Hallmark Channel
The Reluctant Royal - Hallmark Channel
The Royal We - Hallmark Channel
An Unexpected Valentine - Hallmark Channel
Villa Amore - Hallmark Channel

And the Favorite 2025 

Rom-Com TV Movie is...

Villa Amore

Hallmark Channel

Starring:

Eloise Mumford and Kevin McGarry

Top Three Results...

for "Favorite TV Movie" from 2025:

1st Place:

Villa Amore

2nd Place:

Home Turf

3rd Place:

An Unexpected Valentine

🎬✨🎬✨🎬✨🎬✨🎬✨🎬✨🎬✨🎬✨🎬

POLL #2:

Favorite Mystery TV MOVIE from 2025:

Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker – Great American Family
Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Death at the Diner - Hallmark Mystery
Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: A Lesson in Murder - Hallmark Mystery
Before Your Father Finds Us - Lifetime
The Jane Mysteries: A Deadly Prescription - Hallmark Mystery
Mystery Island: House Rules - Hallmark Mystery
Mystery Island: Play for Keeps - Hallmark Mystery
Mystery Island: Winner Takes All - Hallmark Mystery
Pie to Die For: A Hannah Swensen Mystery - Hallmark Mystery
Reality Bites: A Hannah Swensen Mystery - Hallmark Mystery
Signed, Sealed, Delivered: To the Moon and Back - Hallmark Channel
Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries: Blessings in Disguise - UPtv

And the Favorite 2025 

Mystery TV Movie is...

Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: 

A Case for the Yarn Maker

Great American Family

Starring:

Candace Cameron Bure, Aaron Ashmore, and Robin Dunne

Top Three Results...

for "Favorite TV Mystery" from 2025:

1st Place:

Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker

2nd Place:

Pie to Die For: A Hannah Swensen Mystery

3rd Place:

Signed, Sealed, Delivered: To the Moon and Back

🎬✨🎬✨🎬✨🎬✨🎬✨🎬✨🎬✨🎬✨🎬

POLL #3:

Favorite Faith/Inspirational TV MOVIE from 2025:

Before Your Father Finds Us - Lifetime
Christmas in Midnight Clear - Great American Family
Christmas of Giving - Great American Family
Christmas on Every Page - Great American Family
A Christmas Prayer - Great American Family
Faith in the Flames: The Nichole Jolly Story - Lifetime
Five Date Rule - UPtv
Grounded in Love - Great American Family
Have We Met This Christmas? - Great American Family
Journey to You (a DaySpring Movie) - Hallmark Channel
Oy to the World! - Hallmark Channel
Timeless Tidings of Joy - Great American Family

And the Favorite 2025 Faith/Inspirational 

TV Movie is...

A Christmas Prayer

Great American Family

Starring:

Shae Robins and Christopher Russell

Top Three Results...

for "Favorite Faith/Inspirational TV Movie" from 2025:

1st Place:

A Christmas Prayer

2nd Place:

Timeless Tidings of Joy

3rd Place:

Have We Met This Christmas?

🎬✨🎬✨🎬✨🎬✨🎬✨🎬✨🎬✨🎬✨🎬


POLL #4:

Favorite Christmas TV MOVIE from 2025:

Another Sweet Christmas - Great American Family
Chasing Christmas - Great American Family
Christmas Above The Clouds - Hallmark Channel
Christmas at the Catnip Café - Hallmark Channel
Christmas at the Inn - Great American Family
Christmas in Midnight Clear - Great American Family
A Christmas Prayer - Great American Family
The Christmas Spark - Great American Family
A Grand Ole Opry Christmas - Hallmark Channel
Have We Met This Christmas? - Great American Family
Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story - Great American Family
Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper - Great American Family
The More the Merrier - Great American Family
A Newport Christmas - Great American Family
Oy to the World! - Great American Family
Single on the 25th - Great American Family
A Suite Holiday Romance - Great American Family
There’s No Place Like Christmas - Great American Family
Timeless Tidings of Joy - Great American Family
Three Wisest Men - Hallmark Channel
We Met in December - Hallmark Channel

And the Favorite 2025 

Christmas TV Movie is...

A Grand Ole Opry Christmas

Hallmark Channel

Starring:

Nikki DeLoach and Kristoffer Polaha

Top Three Results...

for "Favorite Christmas TV Movie" from 2025:

1st Place:

A Grand Ole Opry Christmas

2nd Place:

A Christmas Prayer

Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper

3rd Place:

Single on the 25th

Timeless Tidings of Joy

We Met in December

🎬✨🎬✨🎬✨🎬✨🎬✨🎬✨🎬✨🎬✨🎬

So... that's ALL of the winners! Did any of your favorite movie picks win?

A heartfelt thank you to all of my loyal followers and every visitor who stopped by to vote during the *It’s a Wonderful Movie* TV Movie Awards! Your enthusiasm and support make this event so fun year after year.

It's always interesting to see which movies you all loved most and share the results with everyone. Thank YOU for being a part of making this year’s awards a great success!

Enjoy your next movie night!

Blessings to you all,

Net

itsawonderfulmovie.com

🎶 Jesse Metcalfe & Kimberley Sustad Find the Right Harmony in New Hallmark Movie & More This Weekend

Happy Weekend, Friends!

We have a new movie premiere on the Hallmark Channel that looks like a fun one to *tune* into! It's also Jesse Metcalfe's first Hallmark Channel movie since Chesapeake Shores.

Also, Blue Ridge is back Sunday night. This time, an old friend of Justin's returns to town and stirs up trouble. Please note: this series contains violence that's not for young viewers.

See more details below...

***************************

Friday, August 7, 2026:

Christmas Movies - Friday Night

( movie images via: Hallmark Media and Great American Media ) 

Christmas in July may be over, but you can still enjoy these Christmas Classics on Friday night...

Christmas Schedule - Friday, August 7, 2026:

Twas the Text Before Christmas ... Great American Family ... 4pm
A Christmas Prayer ... Great American Family ... 6pm
Hearts of Christmas ... Hallmark Family ... 6pm
Timeless Tidings of Joy ... Great American Family ... 8pm
A Dicken's of a Holiday ... Hallmark Family ... 8pm
The Trouble with Christmas Mistletoe ... Great American Family ... 10pm
A Christmas Prayer ... Great American Family ... 12am
Timeless Tidings of Joy ... Great American Family ... 2am
The Trouble with Christmas Mistletoe ... Great American Family ... 4am

Look for the weekly Christmas movie classics airing on TV in the Christmas Movie Schedule.



***************************


Saturday, August 8, 2026:

Mystery Marathon

( image via: Hallmark Media ) 

Jesse Metcalfe stars in a Martha's Vineyard Mystery Marathon - Saturday on Hallmark Mystery - before his new Hallmark movie premieres Saturday night on the Hallmark Channel.

Hallmark Mystery Schedule - Saturday, August 8, 2026:

A Beautiful Place to Die: A Martha's Vineyard Mystery - 10am
Riddled with Deceit: A Martha's Vineyard Mystery - 12pm
Ships in the Night: A Martha's Vineyard Mystery - 2pm
Poisoned in Paradise: A Martha's Vineyard Mystery - 4pm


***************************


Saturday, August 8, 2026:

Absolutely Devoted to You

( image via: Hallmark Media )

Storyline: An ambitious TV producer devises a brilliant plan to reunite a 90's boy band for an annual summer beach bash, but her idea is derailed when she falls for the band's reluctant lead singer.

Absolutely Devoted to You

Premieres Saturday, August 8, 2026

at 8pm/7c on the Hallmark Channel

***************************


Sunday, August 9, 2026:

Blue Ridge

Season 2, Episode 4

( images via: Gary Wheeler )

Episode 4: “Four-Rail Kick”

Sheriff Justin Wise's longtime childhood friend Bill Fraser unexpectedly comes to town for a visit, but he is not just here to see an old buddy. Bill is a pool hustler who has gotten behind on a gambling debt and he's running out of time to pay it off.

Guest starring in this episode is Sean Patrick Flanery (A Crush on You).

Blue Ridge

Season 2, Episode 4

Premieres Sunday, August 9, 2026

at 10pm/9c on INSP

Note: This series contains violence - not intended for young viewers.


***************************


Have a great weekend, everyone! I'm going to be spending some special time with my family... we're soaking up these hot Summer days together and enjoying outdoor activities.

I'm hoping the new movie will be a fun one! Looking forward to watching it and hearing your reviews.

Blessings to you all!

Happy Watching,

Net

☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀

SHINING HIS LIGHT:

"Oh sing to the Lord a new song;

sing to the Lord, all the earth!"

~Psalm 96:1

🐾 'Hudson & Rex' Season 8 Premieres Tonight on UPtv - Episode Details, New Lead Actor, & More

Just wanted to send out this quick reminder for all of you "Hudson & Rex" fans. Season 8 begins tonight on UPtv at 8pm/7c - and yes, there is a big change!

Instead of seeing John Reardon, who played Detective Charlie Hudson for nearly 7 seasons, actor Luke Roberts steps into the lead role as Detective Mark Hudson.

However, after this season, you can expect to see actor John Reardon return for the 9th season. As I mentioned in a previous post, fans were, of course, not happy when John was initially let go from the series. John Reardon had originally stepped away during Season 7 to undergo treatment for tonsil cancer, but was not brought back for Season 8. I am glad, as someone who has watched the show here and there over the years, that they've decided to bring John back, and I know the show's most loyal fans are very happy, too.

Please note: I have not seen season 8 of this series. "Hudson & Rex" is a police mystery drama that will likely include crime and violence not intended for young viewers.

"Hudson & Rex" Season 8, Episode 1 - INTO THE WILDS:
When the sole witness against the son of a powerful mob boss goes missing in the woods, it's up to Mark, Rex, and Jesse to track him down. The mob boss has already hired an assassin to find the witness.

Also, during this premiere, UPtv promises a special sneak peek of the series "Blue Skies," which is premiering its first season - Thursday, August 13th at 9pm/8c. on UPtv.

Here's a quick preview of both series:

Happy Sleuthing!

Net 🐾

🎂 Hallmark Celebrates 25th Birthday with New Movie Announcements & New Series Coming in 2027

There’s plenty of exciting news coming today from Hallmark Media!

As part of its 25th Birthday Celebration and Television Critics Association press day, Hallmark shared a fun look at what’s ahead for us viewers - new Fall movies and premiere dates revealed for the most wonderful time of the year: Christmas! 🎄✨

And, of course, there’s more coming beyond the holiday season. So, let’s take a peek at some of the exciting programming Hallmark has in store for us!


Here are the highlights:
(details via Hallmark press releases)

* Christmas Premiere Dates:

Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story, starring Lyndsy Fonseca and Robert Buckley, Kicks Off Hallmark Channel’s 17th Annual Countdown to Christmas on October 17, 2026

Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True, starring Lacey Chabert and Travis Van Winkle, Premieres November 28, 2026

A Grand Biltmore Christmas, starring Holland Roden and Niall Matter, Premieres December 5, 2026


*Fall Movies - New Titles:

A Knight to Remember, starring Julie Gonzalo and James Trevena, Premieres October 3, 2026

The Spirit of Halloween, starring Meghan Ory and Kevin McGarry, Premieres October 10, 2026


*Christmas Movie Announcements:

Alison Sweeney, Ashley Williams, and Steve Lund to star in untitled Christmas movie that takes them on a multi-state holiday adventure.

Tamera Mowry-Housley and Kristoffer Polaha will star in Mistletoe and Mimosas (wt). Tamera stars as Claire Bennett, a successful Manhattan business consultant who unexpectedly inherits her beloved Uncle Lou’s Christmas-themed bar and returns home determined to save it and preserve his legacy. Kristoffer plays Zach, the charming part-owner and manager of a trendy rival club who wants to buy the bar, setting the two on opposite sides.


*New Series - Coming in 2027:

Change of Heart - Hallmark has greenlit this new series to premiere in 2027. Story details: After a life-changing heart transplant, jaded divorce attorney Charlie Wyatt is called to service the exact opposite: fighting for love in all its forms.

Happy Birthday to Hallmark🎂

and 

Happy Movie-Watching! 

Net

'Crossroad Springs' Season 2 - When and Where to Watch All 10 Episodes

 ( image credit: Great American Media ) 

Are you ready for more Crossroad Springs? Season 2 rides onto Great American Family (and GFAM+) beginning Saturday, September 5th, Labor Day weekend, while Great American Pure Flix subscribers can watch a little earlier with the premiere there on Thursday, September 3rd.

This season features 10 all-new episodes. If you're streaming on Great American Pure Flix, you'll get a new episode each week all season long.

This season, however, will be split on Great American Family. The first five episodes will air on GAF beginning this September, with the season returning after Christmas with the final five episodes in January 2027.

See all the details in the press release below.


Great American Media Press Release:

Great American Media 

Announces World Premiere,

Season Two of Original Series,

“Crossroad Springs,”

Streaming Exclusively

on Great American Pure Flix,

September 3

NEW YORK, NY – August 5, 2026 – Great American Media is proud to announce the Season Two premiere of hit Original series, “Crossroad Springs,” starring Jonathan Stoddard, Emily Alatalo, Shaun Johnston, Kate Drummond, Jesse Hutch, Brittany Underwood, Erin Agostino, Jillian Cardarelli, and Jon McLaren. “Crossroad Springs,” Episode 201, streams exclusively on Great American Pure Flix, Thursday, September 3. All 10 episodes of “Crossroad Springs” will stream this year with a new episode dropping each week. On linear and digital, “Crossroad Springs” will air five of the ten episodes in 2026 prior to taking a Mid-Winter break for Great American Christmas. The final five remaining episodes will air on Great American Family and GFAM+ in January 2027.

In the Season Two premiere, “Boots on the Ground,” summer brings new growth to Red Oak Ranch and new challenges for the Hamilton family. As James settles deeper into his calling at the Cowboy Church, he begins offering office hours for a congregation increasingly looking to him for guidance beyond Sunday service. Maggie takes meaningful steps toward launching “The Round Up,” a community food pantry designed to serve neighbors with dignity, while Janet is shaken by Eric’s unexpected return to Crossroad Springs and his confession that he came back for her. At the ranch, Willis grows suspicious when the family’s herd expansion paperwork stalls without explanation, leading him, James, and Aunt Amy straight to Daniel Newman’s doorstep. But just as tensions between the Hamiltons and Newmans threaten to boil over, Jackson Newman makes a dramatic return – with a wife and daughter Daniel never expected – setting the stage for a new family conflict that could change everything in Crossroad Springs.

The series returns to Great American Family and GFAM+, Saturday, September 5 (8p). Don’t miss an all-new episode of “Crossroad Springs,” streaming on Great American Pure Flix and airing on Great American Family and GFAM+.

ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN MEDIA

Great American Media is theleader in faith and family entertainment,and one of the fastest-growing entertainment networks on television. Great American Media is home to a portfolio of entertainment brands that celebrate faith, family, and country, including Great American Family, the flagship linear network featuring original Christmas movies, rom-coms, and beloved series; Great American Pure Flix, the leading faith and family streaming service; Great American Faith & Living, the unscripted companion network; and GFam+, an app that lets viewers watch anytime, anywhere. Great America Media, established in June 2021 by Bill Abbott and a group of US-based family offices, is available via cable, streaming on Pure Flix and YouTube TV, and on the GFam+ app.

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

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Sounds like there's going to be plenty of excitement in this new season! I just love the heartwarming stories centered around faith, the warmth of community, and the country setting in Crossroad Springs.

Hope many of you are looking forward to Season 2, too!

Blessings on your day!

Net

'When Calls the Heart' Season 14 Filming Begins!!!

Exciting news, Hearties! The wait is officially over - Season 14 of When Calls the Heart is now in production! 🎬

The cast began filming today, August 4, 2026, at the Hope Valley Jamestown movie set at MacInnes Farm in Langley, British Columbia. Production is scheduled to continue through November, which means we have plenty of Hope Valley behind-the-scenes sneak peeks to look forward to in the months ahead!

And, of course, many of the familiar faces we've grown to love over the years will be returning... Erin Krakow, Kevin McGarry, Pascale Hutton, Kavan Smith, Jack Wagner, Chris McNally, Viv Leacock, Natasha Burnett, Andrea Brooks, and more are all back for another season!

And, of course, Lori Loughlin is returning as Abigail Stanton! We saw Abigail make her much-anticipated return in the Season 13 finale, so I'm very curious to see what Season 14 has in store for her.

Now that filming has officially begun, I'm sure we'll get a few little clues from the cast along the way. You know I'll be keeping my eyes open for any Hope Valley happenings!

And then there's the big question...

Will Season 14 bring us a wedding?

After all, Season 13 ended with Elizabeth and Nathan engaged, so naturally, I'm already wondering if wedding bells will be ringing in Hope Valley this season! Of course, When Calls the Heart always has plenty of stories unfolding beyond romance, so I'm curious to see where all of our favorite characters' journeys take them next.

I'm especially hoping we get more sweet Allie and Oliver moments. I would also love to see some new storylines develop for Goldie and L.J. And, I'm going to put this out there... I kind of hope Faith finds love this season! I think that could make for a very interesting storyline.

But what about you, Hearties?

What storylines, friendships, or couple pairings are you hoping to see in Season 14? I'd love to hear your thoughts, predictions, and Hope Valley wish list in the comments below!

Until then, I'll be dreaming of Hope Valley... and wondering what Season 14 has waiting just around the corner.

I hope you have a wonderful day!

Net

🔎 Case Closed! See Who's Returning for the New "Garage Sale Mystery"

Sleuthers, great news... another Garage Sale Mystery is on the case this September - Garage Sale Mysteries: Murder Takes the Stage!

The premiere may be only weeks away, but there are still plenty of clues waiting to be uncovered.

One question has been keeping us mystery fans guessing: Who's returning for this all-new mystery installment?

Need a clue, or are you ready to make a hunch?

Hallmark recently dropped a Fall movie promo that included a few clips of this mystery, and of course, I had to screen-grab the evidence...

Now for the big reveal...

Hallmark has confirmed that the entire familiar crew is back on the case! Returning are Lori Loughlin, Sarah Strange, Steve Bacic, Kevin O'Grady, Connor Stanhope, and Eva Bourne.

I'm so delighted that all the members of this main cast are stepping back into their roles! Their last time working together was 2019. It's going to be such a sweet reunion to see everyone together again.

And this mystery sounds especially good...

Garage Sale Mysteries: Murder Takes the Stage follows Jennifer Shannon when a member of her true-crime book club is murdered during the group's reenactment of the infamous Lizzie Borden case.

That sounds like a mystery with plenty of twists and potential suspects to keep us all guessing until the final reveal!

If you're also looking ahead to Hallmark's Fall into Love lineup, you can also check out all the movie premieres coming in August, September, and October by clicking here.

UPDATE: After I posted the above, Hallmark released press photos for Garage Sale Mysteries: Murder Takes the Stage. See *here*.

Until next time... keep following the clues!

Happy Sleuthing,

Net🔎