Over *47 Million Clicks* and Counting! Thank *YOU* for visiting It's a Wonderful Movie today!

[ HOME ] [ NEW MOVIE TV SCHEDULE 2026 ] [ MOVIE REVIEWS ] [ TV MOVIE LIST ]
[ CHRISTMAS TV SCHEDULE 2026 ] [ CHRISTMAS STORY ] [ CHRISTMAS MOVIE LIST ]
[ TV MOVIES & CHRISTMAS MOVIES ON DVD - 2026 ] [ CONTACT ]

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights...”
~ James 1:17

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

🌟 Great American Family Makes Total Boss Move - Adding This Actor to Their 2026 Christmas Movie Lineup


  ( Tony Danza photo: John Russo, Mario Lopez photo: NBC Universal,
Dominic Lopez photo: Great American Media ) 


More exciting Christmas movie news!!!

Mario Lopez announced, while guest-hosting the Kelly Clarkson show, that he will be starring in an all-new Great American Family holiday movie, Christmas at the Starlight, along with Who's the Boss star, Tony Danza, and his real-life son, Dominic. The three will portray three generations living and working together... father, son, and grandson.

See all the details in Great American Media's press release below, plus I've included Mario's video announcement at the end of this post...



( image: Great American Media ) 


Press Release via Great American Media:

The multi-generational
holiday story pairs
Lopez and Danza
as father and son,
Dominic Lopez
to star as Mario Lopez's
onscreen son

NEW YORK, April 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Great American Media today announced Emmy® Award-winning actor and producer Mario Lopez ("Access Hollywood," Once Upon A Christmas Wish), beloved television, film, and stage icon Tony Danza (Who's The Boss?, "Taxi") and Dominic Lopez (Once Upon A Christmas Wish, Chasing Christmas) will star in the upcoming Original Christmas movie, Christmas at The Starlight, premiering as part of Great American Christmas across Great American Family, Great American Pure Flix, and GFAM+.

In their first known scripted on-screen pairing as father and son, Lopez and Danza bring extraordinary warmth, charisma, and generational appeal to a timeless holiday story about family, legacy, faith, and the traditions that lead us home. Adding an even more meaningful multigenerational dimension, Dominic Lopez stars as Mario Lopez's son in the film, deepening the story's emotional portrait of fathers, sons, and the lasting bonds between generations.

Set in a close-knit American town, Christmas at The Starlight centers on The Starlight, a beloved local supper club and longtime community gathering place where generations have come together to celebrate music, family, and Christmas traditions. Frank (Tony Danza)—a legendary song-and-dance man—prepares to sell the family's beloved restaurant lounge after 40 years. With the future of The Starlight in question, three generations of family are drawn into an emotional journey that reminds them what is worth preserving — and how faith, family, and home can quietly lead us back to where we belong.

"Mario Lopez, Tony Danza, and Dominic Lopez create a remarkable generational throughline for Christmas at The Starlight," said Bill Abbott, President & CEO, Great American Media. "At its heart, this film is about legacy — the lessons passed from father to son, the traditions that anchor families, and the cherished places where memories become part of who we are. Bringing Mario and Tony together as father and son, with Dominic continuing that lineage on screen, gives this story a rare authenticity and emotional resonance that perfectly reflects the spirit of Great American Christmas."

Abbott continued, "Great American Christmas has become one of the most beloved seasonal destinations in entertainment because viewers trust us to deliver stories filled with heart, hope, and enduring values. Christmas at The Starlight is a beautiful expression of that promise, and this multigenerational cast makes the film especially meaningful for families who gather together year after year."

"Working with Tony Danza as my father in this story is incredibly special, and having Dominic play my son makes it even more personal," said Mario Lopez. "Christmas at The Starlight is about family, honoring where you come from, and recognizing the traditions and people that shape your life. Great American Media has built a Christmas brand families believe in, and I'm proud to be part of a movie that celebrates those values in such a heartfelt way."

Executive Produced by Mario Lopez. Mark Roberts and Jeff Stearns are producers. Directed by Jody Hahn from an Original Screenplay written by Megan Henry Herzlinger and Brian Herzlinger. Christmas at The Starlight will premiere during Great American Christmas.

ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN MEDIA
Great American Media is the leader 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
media@crosswindpr.com

SOURCE: Great American Media



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


Video announcement via Mario Lopez:




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


My Quick Take:

I'm so thrilled to see these three will be working together. I can just imagine already how wonderful they will be! And you might have caught in the video above that Mario mentions the movie might include a little song and dance - so I'm hoping we'll see a little tap dancing with all three of them!

And I know this is really exciting news for any of you who have enjoyed watching Who's the Boss and Saved by the Bell... it's an 80's/90's sitcom dream come true!

Please share your take in comments below.


Have a Merry Day!
Net




Who's the Boss?
*click here for current price*



Saved by the Bell
*click here for current price*



Saturday, April 25, 2026

Christmas Mystery Revealed -- See Who Is Jesse Hutch's 2026 Christmas Movie Co-star...




An Exciting Christmas Movie Reveal is Here!!!

In a previous post, I mentioned that actor Jesse Hutch filmed a Christmas movie earlier this year. At the time, the film had the working title In Starlight Point: A Christmas Card Mystery; however, it now has a new titleOur Starlight Christmas. 

And
 even better news... we now know who Jesse Hutch's co-star is!

But first, before I reveal who this mystery woman is, let's take a quick look at the movie's plot...

Our Starlight Christmas storyline via IMDB:
"When a once-beloved Christmas novelist returns home to Starlight Point to save her career, she's pulled back into the traditions she shared with her late father - including writing the town pageant. As she reconnects with her family, her community, and the first love she left behind, she discovers that the story she's been struggling to write is the one bringing them all back together."


image via 
The Hamilton Spectator - Daniel Nolan


When I first shared this Christmas movie, we only had a few pictures from the set provided by The Hamilton Spectator, which only shared the back of Jesse Hutch's female co-star. Many of us tried to guess at the time who this mystery woman might be, and I'm so delighted that my initial guess was right!

Jesse's co-star in Our Starlight Christmas is... Ashley Newbrough (Operation Nutcracker, Flipping for Christmas). Was your guess right, too?

Jesse Hutch is very much involved with Great American Family these days, having recently starred in the 2025 Christmas movie Have We Met This Christmas? and, even more recently, in both the 2026 TV series Crossroad Springs and When Hope Calls: Brookfield.

According to the production notes, Our Starlight Christmas is supposed to be a Great American Family Christmas film, but please know the network has NOT confirmed this yet. Stay tuned for any developments there.

Ashley Newbrough and Jesse Hutch
images: Hallmark Media / Great American Media


Our Starlight Christmas will not be Ashley and Jesse's first Christmas movie together. The two also starred in the cute Christmas comedy, Snowmance, which premiered on ION in 2017. It's a fun fantasy-type story in which Jesse Hutch portrays a snowman who comes to life!

Ashley Newbrough has also starred in a number of Christmas and romantic comedy movies over the years for the Hallmark Channel and Lifetime, including Unwrapping Christmas: Lily's Destiny, Heart's Around the Table: Jenna's First Love, Christmas Love Letter, and more! If this ends up being a film for Great American Family, this will be her first film for the network.

Our Starlight Christmas is a Vortex Media production. This company also has other Christmas movies coming this holiday season, including:

A Culinary Christmas - starring Laura Vandervoort and Olivier Renaud

A Miniature Christmas - starring Katherine Barrell and Stephen Huszar

Uphill for Christmas - starring Vanessa Lengies and Marcus Rosner

I'm sure I'll be sharing more on these films at a later date. Stay tuned for more movie news!


May Your Day Be
Merry & Bright!
Net🎄


Newly available Ashley Newbrough movies on DVD. Click on movie titles below for current price...


Hallmark Unwrapping Christmas
4-Movie Collection
Tina's Miracle,
Mia's Prince,
Lily's Destiny,
Olivia's Reunion




Hearts Around the Table
4-Movie DVD Collection
Jenna's First Love,
Shari's Second Act,
Josh's Third Serving,
Kiki's Fourth Ingredient




Plus, this fun Christmas classic is available on DVD, too...


Snowmance


Friday, April 24, 2026

⚾ Catch This Weekend: Road Trip Romance, Baseball in Brookfield, & More Fun!




Happy Last Weekend of April, Everyone!

It’s hard to believe we are already celebrating the final weekend of April, with May just around the corner and so many wonderful things to enjoy this season! I hope your weekend is filled with sunshine, joy, and a little time to relax.

The Hallmark Channel premieres its final Spring into Love movie, I'll Be Seeing You, this weekend, featuring a fun road trip, a touch of adventure, and potential romance with Stacey Farber and Tyler Hynes. It looks like a delightful way to close out Hallmark’s spring movie event!

And over on Great American Family's When Hope Calls: Brookfield, the children learn to play baseball from an unexpected source! This episode is filled with heartwarming moments and a few surprises along the way- see details below!

Plus, this weekend we mark the 25th on Saturday, which means it’s time once again for our Countdown to Christmas... and to the Christmas movie season, too! Each month brings us one step closer to those festive premieres, cozy classics, and all the holiday joy we all love so much!

There is plenty to look forward to this weekend, so settle in and enjoy all the fun ahead!

See details below...


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



Saturday, April 25, 2026:




Storyline: When a work errand derails Amy's weekend plans with her grandma, they embark on a road trip with one sentimental detour, but need the help of a charming activities director.

Premieres Saturday, April 25, 2026
at 8pm/7c on the Hallmark Channel


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




Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25, 2026:

Tyler Hynes
Classic Hallmark Movie Marathon



Leading up to Tyler's new movie on Saturday night, the Hallmark Channel is airing a two-day marathon of eight movies (2 Christmas and 6 rom-coms), all starring Tyler Hynes, ahead of his new Spring premiere!

Friday:

On the 12th Date of Christmas - 6pm
It's Christmas, Eve - 8pm

Saturday:

Falling for You - 8am
Flip that Romance - 10am
Winter in Vail - 12pm
It Was Always You - 2pm
A Picture of Her - 4pm
Roadhouse Romance - 6pm
I'll Be Seeing You - 8pm *NEW



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



Saturday, April 25, 2026:

Happy 8 Months until Christmas Day!

In addition to it being just 8 months until Christmas Day, we’re now around 6 months away from the start of the Christmas movie season!

Saturday, April 25th, is that special time again… to “Mark the 25th” day of the month with a cozy Christmas movie! If you're planning to join in, I'd love to know which movie you are choosing. It can be a new movie, a classic movie, something you love, or something you've never seen. Please share your Christmas movie pick in comments below. (And the Christmas movies airing Friday night can count, too!)

I decided my “Mark the 25th” choice will be the classic Hallmark Channel movie, A Boyfriend for Christmas, starring Kelli Williams and Patrick Muldoon. I chose this movie in honor of the recent, sudden passing of Patrick Muldoon, which is still so hard to believe, and because this movie has always held a special place in my heart.




A Boyfriend for Christmas premiered in 2004, when there were only about 3 or 4 new Christmas premieres on the Hallmark Channel during the holiday season, so each movie was truly special. It felt like everyone who loves Christmas was marking their calendar, too, and watching with you. Streaming wasn't available then, so ratings were much higher. And this movie did not disappoint - it was funny, festive, family-friendly, and yes, there's a fake-boyfriend, Douglas Firwood, who Patrick Muldoon portrays perfectly! I've probably seen this movie hundreds of times since, and it never disappoints - it always puts a smile on my face!

I have many favorite lines from the movie, but here are two I especially love:

Ryan Hughes (AKA Douglas Firwood): I may be difficult to exchange without a receipt.

Holly Grant: That's okay, I think I'll keep you!


I hope whatever Christmas movie you choose... also brings joy to you! Please share your pick in comments below.




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



Sunday, April 26, 2026:

Season 3 - Episode 4

Season 3 - Episode 4:
Curveball: The robbery investigation intensifies as Reynolds (Trevor Donovan) questions Justine about her stolen ring, while tension grows between Wyatt (Nick Bateman) and Hannah (Sarah Fisher) as her career pulls her in a new direction. Across Brookfield, Wally grieves his father, Sam (Jon McLaren) struggles with change, and many relationships, including Nora’s (Cindy Busby) and Michael (Christopher Russell) are tested through moments of vulnerability and emotional growth.


Premieres Sunday, April 26, 2026
at 8pm/7c on Great American Family


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



Weekend Thoughts...

The new episode of When Hope Calls: Brookfield is one you'll definitely want to *catch*! The new pastor teaches the children to play baseball, and Mountie Michael appears to be a little jealous of the new minister spending extra time with Nora.

Also, I sure hope we will all enjoy Tyler Hynes’ new movie, I'll Be Seeing You, premiering this weekend!

Hopefully, some of you have also had the chance to see the touching videos Tyler recently shared on Instagram. If not, I've included them below. It has been so heartwarming to see the genuine respect and admiration Tyler shows for the legendary Christine Ebersole, who portrays a grandmother in his new movie. They also previously worked together on Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story, and it was Tyler's wish for them to reunite on screen again!

What a wonderfully talented and accomplished actress Christine Ebersole is! Her acting credits (as seen on IMDb) date back to the 1970s, and she has appeared in countless films, television movies, and series over the years. And my goodness... what a spectacular singing voice she has, too! I’m so glad these two were able to work together again on this movie and, hopefully, many more!

Tyler's video below highlights their time working on both movies - Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story, and I'll Be Seeing You, and even a trip to the grocery store!




And this video from Tyler Hynes is such a touching tribute to why he so wanted to make this new movie... (warning: tissues may be required!)



Also, Hallmark hasn't officially announced, yet, but in case you haven't heard, earlier this month Tyler Hynes filmed a new Christmas movie for Hallmark Channel's Countdown to Christmas 2026 with Laci J. Mailey (Chesapeake Shores, A Little Park Music) titled The Christmas Loop. In this new holiday movie, Tyler Hynes plays a character trapped in a Christmas Eve loop who falls for a woman. More details to come!

( images via: Tyler Hynes / Rob Lycar ) 


And... more Christmas-related news for Tyler... the Hallmark stores are releasing a brand new Tyler Hynes Christmas ornament. Last year's release was Lacey Chabert.




Tyler Hynes's ornament can't be purchased yet through the Hallmark store/website - it will be released on October 10th.

Lacey Chabert's ornament (from 2025) is no longer available through the Hallmark shop website; however, there are several purchase options through Ebay - click here for price and more details.




You can see the new 2026 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Dream Book - click here.


I hope you'll enjoy dreaming with me! So many sweet new ornaments! Anything with Charlie Brown always catches my eye, and I love that Hallmark is honoring the 80th Anniversary of the classic film It's a Wonderful Life with a lovely new ornament featuring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed! I would love to know... which ornaments do like best?


✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨


Wishing you all a wonderful weekend... full of joy and happiness! As always, thank you for spending a little of your time here... your visits truly mean so much.

If you'd like to share a review for any of the programming this weekend or any previous weekend... please feel free to share in comments.


Blessings to You All!
Net


☀️ SHINING HIS LIGHT: ☀️

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
~Proverbs 3:5-6
New King James Version


Thursday, April 23, 2026

'Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries' Series Premieres Tonight on UPtv




If you love cozy mysteries, then you'll want to check out the 'Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries' series premiere tonight, Thursday, April 23, at 9 PM ET on UPtv!

The series stars Galadriel Stineman as Cheryl Cooper, Denise Gossett as Naomi Miller, Kevin Joy as Levi Miller, Riley Beeson as Esther Miller, Lance Nichols as Chief Twitchell, Ryan O’Quinn as Seth Miller, and Candace Kirkpatrick as Aunt Mitzi.

Episode 1 - THE BUGGY BEFORE THE HORSE:
A hidden intruder tests faith and compassion as Cheryl races to protect Sugarcreek before Thanksgiving.

And, yes, you read that right... This episode takes place around the Thanksgiving holiday, and it looks like episodes 2 and 3 take place at Christmastime! So, that should be fun and festive to see Sugarcreek during the holiday season.

If you subscribe to UP Faith & Family and have had a chance to watch this first episode early, then please share your thoughts in comments below.

Or, if you're planning to watch beginning tonight on UPtv, please share in comments, too!

Happy Sleuthing!
Net🔎


Wednesday, April 22, 2026

"County Rescue" Season 3 - New Poster + Premiere Date, Cast, and Episode Details




A new poster has been released for County Rescue Season 3 featuring familiar and new faces!

Returning to the series from the first two seasons are Julia Reilly, Brett Varvel, Tim Perez-Ross, Riley Hough, Angel Luis, and Tanya Christiansen.

Premiere date on Great American Family: May 17th at 8/7c

Premieres earlier via streaming on Pure Flix: May 14th

According to an article at parade.com, this is what we can expect in the first episodes of the new season: "In the Season 3 opener, the County Rescue team expands, as they welcome two new members—James (Christian Schupe) and Ema (Alyssa Gonzalez)—bringing new dynamics to the crew. Dani (Julia Reilly) steps into a meaningful mentorship role, guiding a new trainee with patience, encouragement, and the steady compassion that defines her leadership. Liz (Stacy Patino) celebrates a major milestone after being accepted as a fire medic. When tragedy strikes the station, the team must come together, leaning on one another to face loss, resilience, and the unbreakable bond that makes them a family."

TVGuide.com currently has 8 new episodes listed on its website for this new season. I'll be adding storyline descriptions for each episode as they are released.

Episode 1 - Leave the Light On:

Episode 2 - The New Normal:

Episode 3 - Somewhere Far More Beautiful:

Episode 4 - Rhythms:

Episode 5 - Dispatch Draft:

Episode 6 - What We Don't Know:

Episode 7 - The Weight We Carry:

Episode 8 - To Serve Well:


Stay tuned for more details.
Blessings on your day!
Net