Hallmark Star Lacey Chabert Weighs In On What Draws People To Those Movies

Charm, romance, and a whole lot of heart. It's those ingredients that make up a Hallmark movie. Whether it be a mystery film, a holiday movie, or a story about everyday adventures, Hallmark has found a way to leave its viewers with a smile. The holiday season is when Hallmark focuses a lot of energy. A total of 40 new holiday movies premiered during the 2022 holiday season across the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. That includes the popular "Three Wise Men and a Baby," which became the second most-watched cable program during the week of November 19, 2022. And channel staple Lacey Chabert believes she knows why people keep coming back for more.

Chabert told "Live with Kelly and Ryan" that there are a few reasons why these movies have become so popular. "You know, I think it's the goodness. I think it's the hopefulness. I think more than ever, we all need just like a feel-good," she said, recalling that her first movie for Hallmark was "Elevator Girl," which premiered in 2010.

While Hallmark has already told countless tales of love and holiday cheer, there are still plenty of stories to share. And they're working to expand their empire in a few ways.

Hallmark is known for its cable channels, but it's also making sure that it reaches the streaming audience as well. Fans can stream "The Wedding Veil Legacy," "When Calls the Heart," and Lacey Chabert's "Crossword Mysteries" series among other shows on Hallmark Movies Now, which allows people to view content with a monthly subscription.

And those who subscribe to Peacock can get their fill of Hallmark as well. In November of 2022, Peacock launched a Hallmark hub that comes with shows and movies from Hallmark Drama, Hallmark Channel, and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. "The opportunity to provide our devoted fanbase access to all three of Hallmark's linear networks will allow our audience to continue to grow and connect in meaningful ways," Hallmark Media President and CEO Wonya Lucas said in a statement obtained by TVLine. Lucas became the company's CEO and president in 2020. And as she looks toward the future, she has one focus in mind when it comes to the stories that Hallmark is telling.

While Wonya Lucas expands access to Hallmark's content, she is also expanding its storylines. She told CNBC, "At the end of the day the consumer needs or desires to see themselves in the love story." "The Holiday Sitter," "Christmas at the Golden Dragon," "All Saints Christmas," and "Love, Lights, Hanukkah!" are just some of the holiday films that are bringing more inclusive stories to Hallmark.

"The Holiday Sitter" became Hallmark's first Christmas movie to feature a gay couple leading the story. The 2022 film stars Jonathan Bennett as Sam, an uncle who asks his handsome neighbor to help him watch his niece and nephew. Many know Bennett as Cady Heron's (Lindsay Lohan) crush Aaron Samuels in the 2004 hit comedy "Mean Girls." Like his "Mean Girls" co-star Lacey Chabert, Bennett has become one of Hallmark's staple stars, and he even executive produced "The Holiday Sitter." He told Us Weekly, "What's so special about Hallmark Channel is the fact that their stories lead with love and family and that's what 'The Holiday Sitter' is and they were so supportive of this journey from the moment I had the idea to bring it to fruition ..."