While f-bombs and allegations might be flying at a stereotypical reality TV reunion, the only things flying at Hallmark Channel’s Finding Mr. Christmas Reunion are Santa’s reindeer overhead (just a guess) and words of affirmation among the 10 contestants-turned-friends and rising stars. Hosted by series creator and host Jonathan Bennett, this hour-long special flips the script on stereotypically salacious reality TV specials, focusing on the festive fun at the heart of the reality competition series.
FINDING MR. CHRISTMAS REUNION: STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?
The Gist: Set in a dreamy, snowy soundstage, Bennett welcomes out Season 2’s 10 contestants: Jake Schum, Marcus Brodie, Drake Kuyper, Logan Shephard, Robbie Simpson, Gabe Thaxton, Angel Garet, Davey Fisher, Rustin Sailors, and last but certainly not least, Season 2 winner Craig Geoghan.
The big-ticket prize for the winner of Finding Mr. Christmas is the chance to star in a Hallmark Christmas movie. (For Season 1 winner Ezra Moreland, that was last year’s Happy Howlidays, while Season 2 champ Geoghan made his Hallmark Christmas movie debut in A Make or Break Holiday). However, the other contestants get fans up to speed with the gigs they’ve landed since competing on the show, including former pro football player Schum, the first to be eliminated in Season 2, who appeared in Hallmark’s Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story. Plus, the boys gift fans some big time life updates, and even pull back the curtain on their friendship off-camera—or as Bennett deems it, their “snowmance.”
They also rehash memorable moments from the series from their weekly star quality challenges and festive face-offs. While we saw the contestants tap into their vulnerable sides throughout the season, this special simultaneously allows them to poke fun at their merry mishaps and pat each other on the back for their triumphs. Lead judge Melissa Peterman also stops by to spice things up with a silly and sweet look back at some of her favorite moments. The special wraps with a seasonal surprise that you just have to tune in for!
What Reunion Special Will It Remind You Of? Not even the most tame of Bravo reunions is reminiscent of this brotherly love fest.
Our Take: Hallmark has recently expanded into reality competition programming with Finding Mr. Christmas and Baked with Love: Holiday, and even their upcoming reality dating series Second Chance Love, but the network maintains its signature sweet approach to its reality series messaging. That being said, Bennett teases some “mistle-tea” in store at the start of the reunion, but don’t expect anything piping hot (other than the aspiring Hallmark hunks themselves). If we’re talking about the tea in Goldilocks terms, it is “just right,” meaning the right fit—in the form of behind-the-scenes moments, cozy catch-ups, and touching updates—to warm our hearts and lift our spirits this holiday season.
Bennett commands the special with the same confidence and charisma he employs in Finding Mr. Christmas, but it’s really the contestants who shine throughout the special, proving the students are becoming the masters, learning from the network stars-turned-mentors like Bennett and Peterman, as well as actors Janel Parrish, Ali Sweeney, Heather Hemmens, Hunter King, Ashley Williams, Kristoffer Polaha, and Erin Krakow, who all appeared in Finding Mr. Christmas Season 2.
Memorable Line: Leave it to Peterman to deliver on the one-liners during her brief appearance: “Rustin, you gave your facial hair to Logan.”
If we’re going the sentimental route, that would one go to Bennett:”Hallmark is the place for love stories. So it’s important that we tell love stories for everyone.”
Our Take: STREAM IT! If you kept up with these future leading men throughout Finding Mr. Christmas Season 2, this reunion special is the glaze on top of the fruitcake (or whatever goes on top of fruitcake. You get the idea).
How To Watch The Finding Mr. Christmas Season 2 Reunion
The Finding Mr. Christmas Reunion premieres tonight at 10/9 c on Hallmark Channel. Next-day streaming is available on Hallmark+.
The only way to watch Hallmark Channel live without cable is by using a live TV streaming service. We recommend DIRECTV, which comes with a five-day free trial before payment begins.
DIRECTV offers a number of flexible subscription options, including Genre Packs, so you can best choose which streaming plans fit your needs and budget. Plans start at $49.99/month.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! (At least, that’s what Andy Williams promised.) The holidays are a time to celebrate with family, friends, food, and, let’s not forget, fun things to watch. Whether you’re huddled up with the whole family in your living room or cozying up under the covers with your tablet, let Decider be your guide to all things festive this holiday season.