Hallmarked Up!

Bettina steps in to chat with Sarah about the new trilogy of WEDDING VEIL movies.  Will there be a trilogy of a trilogy?  Does Hallmark have a movie series to keep going forever?  Let's find out what Bettina and Sarah think in this recap, just in time for the Marathon of all 6 re-airing on Monday, Feb 20 on The Hallmark Channel.  Avery, Emma and Tracey return for The Wedding Veil Expectations, The Wedding Veil Inspiration and The Wedding Veil Journey.  Starring Alison Sweeney, Victor Webster, Lacey Chabert, Kevin McGarry,  Autumn Reeser and Paolo Bernardini.

Mary and Sarah are back to go over season 4, their fav moments and what they are looking forward to next season.  Sarah is going to attempt to watch all 6 of the Wedding Veil movies in the new year and get Bettina back to review.  But for now, another Christmas has come and gone.  We already can't wait for Polaha at Biltmore!

Sarah is off for a week, but Mary gets together with Ben to discuss this week's non-Christmas themed movie, HANUKKAH ON RYE! A matchmaker connects Molly and Jacob, but their new romance is put to the test when they realize that they are competing deli owners. Will a Hanukkah miracle keep them together? Starring Yael Grobglas, Jeremy Jordan and Lisa Loeb.

A GAY HALLMARK CHRISTMAS MOVIE?!?!?!  Could it be real?  How exciting!!!! Mary and Sarah are joined by LGBTQ+ friends Matt and Jonathan (a couple) and Chris (single!) on this Hallmark first.  Such a lovely movie.  #hallmarkpride When Sam, a workaholic bachelor, babysits his niece and nephew before the holidays, he recruits help from their handsome neighbor Jason and finds himself in an unexpected romance. Starring Jonathan Bennett and George Krissa.

Could this one be a Christmas version of THE BODYGUARD?!?!?!?  Mary and Sarah are joined by Connor and Elizabeth to hash through this latest Hallmark move, UNDERCOVER HOLIDAY.  It's a fun rewrite! When returning home for the holidays, newly minted pop star Jaylen tells her protective family that her overzealous security guard Matt is, in fact, her new beau. Starring Noemi Gonzalez and Stephen Huszar.

Mary and Sarah watched a few over the Merry Thanksgiving weekend, but chose to only pay attention to A Christmas Cookie Catastrophe.  Joined by book club friend, Meghan, this #redpenrewindrewrite is stellar.  You won't want to miss the new concept introduced during this episode.  Please call us Hallmark to help us make this amazing interactive movie come to life! Annie faces her first obstacle as CEO of Cooper's Cookies when grandma's secret recipe is stolen. While investigating the theft, she works with local baker Sam to recreate the beloved recipe. Starring Rachel Boston and Victor Webster.

Mary and Sarah are excited for this one (well, at least Sarah is).  Bettina and Missy guest host (Sarah's roommates from college) on this episode featuring some #HunksOfHallmark.  Find out what happens when Hallmark splurges on 3 leading men!!! Three brothers get the surprise of their lives when they are forced to work together and care for a baby over the holidays. Starring Paul Campbell, Tyler Hynes, Andrew Walker and Margaret Colin.

Week number four already?!?!  Mary and Sarah invite an actual Italian, Giovanni and his wife Sarah on to discuss the Movies & Mysteries OUR ITALIAN CHRISTMAS MEMORIES. The Colucci siblings, in an effort to jog the memory of their grandfather who is struggling with dementia, set out to recreate their late grandmother’s legendary pasta sauce. Starring Sarah Power and Beau Bridges.

Mary and Sarah are back - this week watching Lights, Camera, Christmas with book coach, Tedd.  We continue with our regular segments, Christmas Bingo, #Relatable and More Polaha.  Plus the Red Pen, Rewind, Rewrite!  See how this one takes off! When a holiday rom-com movie shooting in her town needs a costume designer, Kerry, a local shop owner, steps into the role. While working on the movie, she rediscovers her passion for costume design and finds herself falling for Brad, the film’s famous leading man. Starring Kimberley Sustad and John Brotherton.

Mary and Sarah have invited guest host Aaron to watch this week's installment, A COZY CHRISTMAS INN.  Sadly, it does not feature Kristoffer Polaha, (please come on our Podcast!!!) but we watched it anyway.  Have a listen to see how we chose to rewrite this new 2022 Christmaween feature.   Real estate exec, Erika, travels to Alaska during the holidays to acquire a B&B, only to discover it's owned by her ex. Soon she is falling in love with the town and quite possibly him. Starring Jodie Sweetin and David O'Donnell.

Mary and Sarah are back for Season 4.  A bit burned out so potentially less Hallmark than usual, but looking forward to seeing a few this season.  Our super good buddy, Polaha returns in this kickoff episode!  More Polaha, Hallmark!!! A couple goes to a quiet town to reconnect at Christmas on the advice of their marriage coach. Starring Marisol Nichols and Kristoffer Polaha.

Mary and Sarah are joined by a book coach, Tedd to advise on how to improve upon this week's feature A DICKENS OF A HOLIDAY!  But there is a secret weapon in this one, Kristoffer Polaha!!!  And he is GOOD!  #polahahallmarkonemanchristmascarol We must make this a thing! To make the 100th anniversary of her hometown’s Victorian festival a success, Cassie invites action movie star and former high school classmate Jake to play Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol.” Starring Brooke D'Orsay and Kristoffer Polaha.

Mary and Sarah are joined by Fran to discuss this week's half of an upcoming double feature, SISTER SWAP: A HOMETOWN HOLIDAY. Jennifer and Meg Swift are sisters who couldn’t be closer despite living hours apart. Jennifer is in Salt Lake City, running a successful restaurant she started with her late husband and raising her teenaged son Simon. Meg stayed in their hometown of Hazelwood, helping their parents run the local bakery. This Christmas is the family’s first since the passing of Uncle Dave who owned the town’s beloved theater, The Madison, where many memories were made over the years. When Jennifer and Simon return home for the holiday, they become wistful for one more Christmas at The Madison, despite that it’s for sale and in need of repairs. Meanwhile, Meg is helping Jennifer’s restaurant staff in Salt Lake prepare for a Christmas competition among local restaurants with the winner earning money for the charity of its choice. With the sisters switching cities leading up to the holiday, they find a new sense of purpose and discover what they both truly need in life and in love. Starring Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Ashley Williams, Mark Deklin, Keith Robinson, Susan Yeagley and Kevin Nealon.

Mary and Sarah are joined by cat foster mom, Michelle to discuss their views on THE NINE KITTENS OF CHRISTMAS. Cat lovers Zachary and Marilee are thrown back together at Christmas when they're tasked with finding homes for a litter of adorable kittens. Starring Brandon Routh, Kimberley Sustad and Gregory Harrison.  Brought to you by Daisy Sour Cream....LOL.  Do a dollop of Daisy!

Mary and Sarah are joined by Jonny and Chris from the snow capital of the USA, Minneapolis as they watch the first Netflix Holiday movie of the year, LOVE HARD. An LA girl, unlucky in love, falls for an East Coast guy on a dating app and decides to surprise him for the holidays, only to discover that she's been catfished. This lighthearted romantic comedy chronicles her attempt to reel in love.  Starring Nina Dobrev, Jimmy O. Yang and Darren Barnet

Mary and Sarah have train and Back to the Future enthusiast, Matt, join them to discuss what appears to be a movie about both, NEXT STOP, CHRISTMAS. Angie is determined to spend Christmas alone but her usual commuter ride turns into a Christmas train that drops her off in her home town in 2011. Stars Lyndsy Fonseca, Chandler Massey, Lea Thompson and Christopher Lloyd.

Mary and Sarah are excited at the possibility of an actual musical for Hallmark.  Will their dreams come true?  Find out in this episode featuring CHRISTMAS IN HARMONY. Harmony is tricked into auditioning for the Holiday Chorus - directed by an ex-boyfriend. By Christmas Eve, they could be harmonizing in the key of love. Starring Ashleigh Murray, Luke James, Basil Wallace, Michelle Williams, and Loretta Devine.

First episode of the year, Mary and Sarah watch BOYFRIENDS OF CHRISTMAS PAST, a full week before halloween.  Leading up to Christmas, marketing executive, Lauren, is visited by the ghosts of four ex boyfriends. She must learn to open her heart or risk losing her best friend, Nate. Starring Catherine Haena Kim, Raymond Ablack and Paul Sun-Hyung Lee.

Mary and Sarah are back taking a look at what's in store for this season of #CountdownToChristmas & #MiraclesOfChristmas on our favorite (insert irony here) keeper of Christmas Channels, Hallmark.  See what they predict for the upcoming season and what they will choose to watch in the first 3 weeks of brand new movies.  Is the Hot Chocolate time or just Halloween Chocolate time?  Nothing matters more than Counting Down to Christmas with Mary and Sarah as they Hallmark it Up!

Mary and Sarah do a Valentine's Day special Ep with returning guest host, Bettina as they watch BEVERLY HILLS WEDDING. When small-town wedding photographer Molly’s baby sister gets engaged, she enters the budget-conscious couple in a contest and wins a dream wedding – an all-expenses-paid, celeb-worthy event at a historic Beverly Hills hotel, thrown by “planner to the stars,” Terrence Roquefort. It all seems perfect but when the engaged couple seems uneasy with the new plans, and maid of honor duties bring Molly closer to the best man, her ex-boyfriend Cory, she reconsiders whose dreams she is trying to fulfill. Starring Brooke D'Orsay and Brendan Penny.

Mary and Sarah are joined by hockey-enthusiast Trevor to watch TAKING A SHOT AT LOVE - a January premier movie. Former professional ballet dancer Jenna works with NHL star Ryan Cooper to help him recover from an injury using ballet as therapy, and as they grow close, he helps her mend her injured heart. But when it’s time for Ryan to return to the ice and leave Jenna and her small, Connecticut town, they both must consider the paths they want to take and just maybe, love will find its way. Stars Alexa PenaVega and Luke Macfarlane.

Mary and Sarah invite guest Diane to give her personal Jewish insight on LOVE, LIGHTS, HANUKKAH! As Christina prepares her restaurant for Christmas, a DNA test reveals that she's Jewish! The discovery leads her to a new family and a new, unlikely romance over eight crazy nights. Stars Mia Kirshner, Ben Savage, and Marilu Henner.

Mary and Sarah are back together to talk about the Unauthorized Hallmark Christmas Musical, UNDERTAKING CHRISTMAS, and Hallmark's A Christmas Carousel. When Lila is hired by the Royal Family of Ancadia to restore their carousel as a surprise present for the prince’s niece, she works with him side-by-side to complete it by Christmas. Along the way, they learn they’re more similar than they would have thought and also help each other realize the path in life their hearts want them to follow. Stars Rachel Boston and Neal Bledsoe.

Sarah is joined by her brother, Jonny, and his lovely wife Chris to work out what happens when CHRISTMAS COMES TWICE. Cheryl Jenkins (Mowry-Housley) is an astrophysicist who works for the National Science Foundation reviewing grant applications for projects, although she’d prefer to be working on a project of her own. Cheryl heads home to spend the holidays with her family and first on the agenda is a visit to the annual Christmas carnival with her sister Trish (Zarrin Darnell-Martin, “Burden of Truth”). While there, Cheryl sees a carousel in the distance and ventures over to take a ride. But when the revolutions wind down and she returns to the carnival to find her sister, Cheryl discovers that — somehow — it’s five years earlier. Dissatisfied with where she is in life, Cheryl sees this as a chance to change her path by making different choices. As Cheryl navigates her way through her visit back in time, she’s able to connect with her beloved science teacher Ms. Nelson (Ralph), who was an inspiration to her both in and out of the classroom and had passed away several years previously. The time Cheryl spends with Ms. Nelson as well as with her “frenemy” George (Xavier) helps her find a new appreciation for what she’s doing in life and starts to see George in a new light. But when the carousel returns Cheryl to present-day Christmas with lessons learned, will the love she found be waiting for her? Stars Tamera Mowry-Housley, Michael Xavier and Sheryl Lee Ralph.

Sarah invites former college roommates, Missy and Bettina, to watch and help rewrite this week's offering of TIME FOR US TO COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS. Five guests are mysteriously invited to an inn to celebrate Christmas. With the help of the owner Ben, Sarah discovers that an event from the past may connect them and change their lives forever. Starring Lacey Chabert, Stephen Huszar.

While Mary takes a little break, Sarah's friend Holly joins us to chat about the CCB star of the season IF I ONLY HAD CHRISTMAS. Kansas City publicist Darcy ventures to the Emerald Educational Trust for the job of a lifetime, helping VP Glen Goodman and his team find the know how, courage, and heart to help a charity in need for Christmas. Darcy and Glen begin to realize they have everything in common. However, Glen's surprise revelation at the big Christmas gala just may put an end to their promising romance before it has really gotten started. Starring Candace Cameron Bure and Warren Christie.

Mary and Sarah are joined by Tennessee Native and Film Professor, Andrew 'Dude' for this week's installment as they all rewrite A NASHVILLE CHRISTMAS CAROL.   A television producer is forced to work with the man who broke her heart on a country music Christmas special while being interrupted by Christmas spirits determined for her to revisit her past. Starring Jessy Schram and Wes Brown.

Mary and Sarah invite their friend Matt to help rewrite the clever Back to the Future-esque story, A TIMELESS CHRISTMAS.   Charles Whitley travels from 1903 to 2020 where he meets Megan Turner and experiences a 21st Century Christmas. Starring Erin Cahill and Ryan Paevey.

Mary and Sarah invite guest Meghan, and her 4 year old son, Henry along to watch ONE ROYAL HOLIDAY.  Will this be the Broadway epic style musical they are all hoping for?? When Anna (Osnes) offers a stranded mother (Clark) and son (Tveit) shelter in a blizzard, she learns that they are the Royal Family of Galwick. Anna shows the Prince how they do Christmas in her hometown, encouraging him to open his heart and be true to himself. Starring Laura Osnes, Aaron Tveit , Krystal Joy Brown, Victoria Clark and Tom McGowan.

Mary and Sarah invite Michelle, their friend with more musical talents than our hosts, to weigh in on CHRISTMAS CHATEAU.  Margot, a world-renowned pianist, returns to Chateau Neuhaus to spend the holidays with her family and rediscover her passion for music. While there, her ex-boyfriend and former bandmate Jackson, convinces her to headline the annual Christmas Concert and working together brings back all their old feelings. Starring Merritt Patterson and Luke Macfarlane.

Mary and Sarah are back with the first movie of the season JINGLE BELL BRIDE and man, it's a doozy! Wedding planner Jessica Perez travels to a remote town in Alaska to find a rare flower for a celebrity client and is charmed by the small town during Christmas, as well as the handsome local helping her. Starring Julie Gonzalo and Ronnie Rowe Jr. Join us for the regular segments, Bingo, Relatable and the Red pen, rewind & re-write as we Hallmark Up!

Mary and Sarah are back for Season 2 to watch Hallmark Channel's Countdown to Christmas and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries' Miracles of Christmas movies.  Listen in as Mary and Sarah get excited about what Candace Cameron Bure says this season will bring.  Will this be a year of big changes for Hallmark?!?  Welcome to Season 2 of Hallmarked Up!

Mary and Sarah return to form to discuss Matchmaker Mysteries latest release A FATAL ROMANCE.  Will their traditional Hallmarked Up format work on a Hallmark Mystery?  Have a read of this plot: When a romance writer is murdered, matchmaker Angie Dove gets entangled in another case…and with Detective Kyle Carter. Can they read between the lines to find the murderer? Stars Danica McKellar & Victor Webster.  

So Mary and Sarah have decided to talk you through their bracket for March Merry Madness while they #stayhome.

So Mary and Sarah have arrived at the sad end of COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS.  Let's relive some of their favorite Hallmark Christmas Bingo moments, agree on what was the most #relatable moment of the season and get to predicting next season's selection of brand new holiday features.   Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our listeners!

In this mid-week, albeit later posted episode, we review the Bundle Game's version of Countdown to Christmas.  Michelle and Matt are back to play with us, talk us through some of their favorite Christmas melodies and to give feedback on this new board game dedicated to Hallmark's most popular time of year!

Due do some disappointing behavior from the Hallmark Channel and its executives, we have decided to take a week off of their films in particular.  This week's movie is Same Time Next Christmas from the ABC network.   Circumstances conspire to keep apart a young woman (Lea Michele) and her childhood sweetheart (Charles Michael Davis), whom she first met during her family's annual Christmas visit to Hawaii. Join Mary and Sarah on this journey through this week's movie, featuring segments Hallmark Christmas Bingo (or Non Hallmark for this week), #Relatable and of course, the Red Pen Rewind Rewrite of SAME TIME NEXT CHRISTMAS!

A youth choir director (Kristen Chenoweth) needs to write a big song for the Christmas Eve show but "finds herself distracted" when a boy with a golden voice (Kevin Quinn) joins her choir, which will come as news to his widowed father (Scott Wolf).  Mary is away again, but a secret male guest host joins Sarah to lead in all the segments: Hallmark Christmas Bingo, #Relatable and of course the Red Pen Rewind and Rewrite of A Christmas Love Story - this year's Hallmark Hall of Fame.

Lacey Chabert plays an independent-minded American tour guide named Angela, who is fired from her job in Rome just before Christmas. She crosses paths with an American executive named Oliver (Page), who wants to buy a high-end Italian ceramics company. Oliver hires Angela to be his tour guide around the Eternal City, as the owner of the ceramics company won’t sell it to him until he learns “the heart and soul of Rome.” But is there another heart and soul that he may win? Mary has returned, along with guest host Meghan, and of course, Sarah to go through the paces of this podcast: Hallmark Christmas Bingo Moment, #Relatable, and the Red Pen Rewind and Rewrite of CHRISTMAS IN ROME!

When country star Melody Jones is accused of plagiarizing her holiday single, she returns home to spend Christmas with her estranged family and old flame and learns what is important in life. Once again, we have a few guest hosts who work alongside Sarah, Greg and Jenn joining us for another magical Christmas Episode of Hallmarked Up!  Christmas Bingo, #Relatable and the Red Pen Rewind Rewrite unite to make this movie hopefully more real than the original...just in time for Thanksgiving.

Ever-optimistic single mom Emma Sanderson is looking for a Christmas miracle to write about for the lifestyle magazine at which she has landed a temporary job. While following her lead on the story, Emma discovers unexpected romance with a supportive colleague and takes it upon herself to bring about a Christmas miracle for a lonely street musician. While Mary takes a short break, Sarah's neighbors Sarah and her daughter Candice fill in for all things Hallmarked Up - Christmas Bingo, #Relatable and of course the Red Pen Rewind Rewrite of A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE!

Based on a yet-to-be published novel by Rikk Dunlap, a Christmas tree lot helps two people (Jesse Metcalfe & Autumn Reeser) rediscover their holiday spirit. The series continues as Mary and Sarah are joined by guest host, Angela.  Together we hit all of our regular segments - Hallmark Christmas Bingo, #relatable and the red pen rewind rewrite of this week's Countdown to Christmas premiere, CHRISTMAS UNDER THE STARS!

A photographer returns home to take care of her grandmother and gets involved with helping a neighbor look after his young nephew.  Starring Merritt Patterson and Jon Corr. The series continues as Mary and Sarah are joined by guests hosts Matt, Michelle and Meghan.  The 5 go through all the segments together - Hallmark Christmas Bingo, #relatable and the red pen rewind rewrite of this week's Countdown to Christmas premiere, PICTURE A PERFECT CHRISTMAS!

When Belinda  heads back to her hometown for the holidays, things get complicated when she is forced to team up with her ex, Dustin, at the town's annual Christmas scavenger hunt. See what happens when Mary & Sarah review, play Hallmark Christmas Bingo, find a relatable moment and finish up with their famous red pen rewind rewrite on this week's episode!

Join Mary & Sarah as they review, red pen & rewrite the first Countdown to Christmas movie of the season, CHRISTMAS WISHES & MISTLETOE KISSES, featuring the Hallmark Christmas Bingo Moment & #Relatable!

This Preview Ep introduces us to Mary, Sarah and the concept for red penning all over the latest Hallmark Christmas movies for 2019.  We'll speculate about the new movies in Hallmark's special preview and look forward to weekly segments of Hallmark Bingo Calls, #relatable moments and of course, the full Red Pen Rewind/Rewrite!