As we nursed our post-Countdown to Christmas blues with the turn of the New Year, we found it difficult to stay optimistic. Memories of chilly nights spent clutching hot chocolate, swathed in our holiday pajamas, were fading quickly. Then, Hallmark Channel prescribed the perfect antidote: Winterfest 2018. The four brand-new winter romances soothed our souls, and we’re ready to keep the slow-release of Hallmark-induced serotonin flowing all year. Luckily, Hallmark already has a lineup of sweet-natured, drama-filled movies scheduled all year long that will hold us over until Countdown to Christmas. 2018 is going to be Hallmark Channel’s biggest and best year yet, with events packed full with world premiere movies and shows (and some long-awaited sequels). We got the rundown of every seasonal special event and premiere straight from the horse's mouth—that is, Hallmark—and you’re going to need to get ready to mark your calendars. Here is every single thing you need to know (or could possibly know) about what’s coming up on Hallmark Channel this year.
Winter 2018
Countdown to Valentine’s Day
This love-filled event begins February 3rd and takes you all the way to Valentine’s Day. Swoon over three brand-new world premieres, along with some of your favorite Hallmark romances of all time. Check out the full schedule here. Here’s your rundown on the Countdown to Valentine’s Day premieres:
“My Secret Valentine”
Premieres Saturday, February 3rd
Starring Lacey Chabert and Andrew W. Walker
At the family winery, Chloe is upset to hear her dad might sell out to a big firm after the Valentine’s Festival. She goes out to “stress snack” and bonds with a cute guy over junk food, unaware he’s the wine rep, Seth. Once discovered, Seth tries to win Chloe over, but mostly irritates her. Meanwhile, she encounters a secret admirer who might just be closer than she thinks. Will the family winery be saved?
“Very, Very, Valentine”
Premieres Saturday, February 10th
Starring Danica McKellar, Cameron Mathison, and Damon Runyan
Helen works in a flower shop, and her best friend Henry works at the botanical gardens. When they both go to a masquerade gala, she mistakes a masked man for Henry but he’s nowhere to be found, and the same masked man ends up enchanting Helen all evening. But in true Cinderella-like fashion, he rushes off after the clock chimes, dropping his boutonniere. She thinks she’s found her Prince Charming, but things aren’t always what they seem. She’s met with the most romantic surprise of her life when she discovers love has been right under her nose the whole time.
“Cooking with Love”
Premieres Sunday, February 11th
Starring Ali Liebert and Brett Dalton
Reality cooking show producer Kelly prepares for “Little Gourmet,” a cooking show for kids. When show host Chef Betty has an unexpected injury, Kelly hires controversial Chef Stephen as her temporary replacement. Though they butt heads at first, eventually the two pair up to help one another—and begin falling in love in and out of the kitchen.
“When Calls the Heart,” Season Five
Premieres Sunday, February 18th
In season five of the network’s longest running primetime series, Elizabeth anxiously awaits news of Jack, who has returned to the Northern Territories, while she focuses on teaching her students and dreams of the day when Jack comes home safely and they can plan their wedding. Abigail is faced with a new crisis as mayor of Hope Valley when looming financial troubles for the town also impact Lee’s operations at the mill.
Kitten Bowl
Airing Monday, February 19th
Kitten Bowl V is a three-hour original special that will be a part of the 10-day Super Bowl Live experience. Nearly 100 furry “cat-letes” will take the field to compete to see which team will take home the coveted Hissman Trophy.
American Rescue Dog Show
Airing Monday, February 19th
Hallmark Channel’s inaugural “2018 American Rescue Dog Show” will feature shelter dogs of various breeds from across the country vying for top dog in the world’s most adorable categories. You don’t want to miss this one, folks!
More Winter Premieres:
“Wedding March 3: Here Comes the Bride”
Premieres Saturday, February 17th
“Meet the Peetes” Series Premiere
Premieres Sunday, February 18th
“Royal Hearts”
Premieres Saturday, February 24th
“Love, Once and Always”
Premieres Saturday, March 10th
Spring 2018
Spring Fever
Celebrate the coming of spring with the annual springtime special, Spring Fever (known last year as Spring Fling), this March and April. Here’s your rundown of the four new original movies:
“The Sweetest Heart”
Premieres Saturday, March 17th
Starring Julie Gonzalo and Chris McNally
Ten years after their long-distance relationship ended, high school sweethearts Maddie and Nate reconnect when Nate, who is now a cardiologist, returns to their hometown to lecture at the hospital. Still hurt from their breakup, cupcake shop owner Maddie tries to avoid him, while keeping her focus on securing funding to expand her shop. With Nate’s persistence, they eventually rekindle their romance as he helps her with the shop, only to be faced one more life-changing decision.
“Royal Matchmaker”
Premieres Saturday, March 24th
Starring Joy Lenz and Will Kemp
Kate has a gift for matchmaking, and now her reputation as the “Queen of Hearts” has reached King Edward of Voldavia. He wants his son Prince Sebastian to present his future bride at the Jubilee, and brings Kate onboard to help. Soon it’s clear the Prince has a moat around his heart, but slowly Kate finds herself falling for Sebastian herself. Still, she’s bent on doing her job and introduces him to her top match, Petra. Who will win the Prince’s heart?
“Home by Spring”
Premieres Saturday, March 31st
Starring Poppy Drayton, Steven R. McQueen, Mary-Margaret Humes, and Kix Brooks
“Once Upon a Prince”
Premieres Saturday, April 7th
Starring Megan Park and Jonathan Keltz
“The Beach House”—Hallmark Hall of Fame Original
Projected premiere: Late spring (Our guess: May)
Starring Andie MacDowell, Minka Kelly, and Chad Michael Murray
Caretta “Cara” Rutledge thought she’d left her Southern roots and troubled family far behind. But an unusual request from her mother Lovie comes just as Cara’s own life is spinning out of control causing her to return to the scenic Lowcountry of her childhood summers. Before long, the rhythms of the island open her heart in wonderful ways as she repairs the family beach house, becomes a bona fide “turtle lady,” and renews old acquaintances long thought lost. During one devastating storm, Cara will help Lovie save hundreds of sea turtles from certain death and learn some of life’s real truths in the process: lasting love requires sacrifice, family is forever, and mistakes of the past can be forgiven.
Summer 2018
June Weddings
Ah, an entire event dedicated to the June bride. June is the perfect time for blossoming love, beautiful blooms, and binging five all-new Hallmark movies. The specific premiere dates for these airings are to be announced, but we’re betting on every weekend in June? Here’s your rundown of the June Weddings extravaganza:
“Marrying Mr. Darcy”
This sequel to the 2016 movie “Unleashing Mr. Darcy” stars Cindy Busby and Ryan Paevey.
“Wedding March 4” (working title)
This is the fourth installment in the Wedding March franchise, starring Jack Wagner and Josie Bissett.
“Dream On” (working title)
This sequel to the 2016 movie “Summer of Dreams” stars Debbie Gibson.
“Wedding in the Vineyard” (working title)
This is the third installment of a film series, preceded by “Autumn in the Vineyard” (2016) and “Summer in the Vineyard” (2017), starring Rachael Leigh Cook and Brendan Penny.
“The Perfect Bride 2” (working title)
This sequel to the 2017 movie “The Perfect Bride” stars Pascale Hutton and Kavan Smith.
“Chesapeake Shores” Season Three
Premieres Summer 2018
The multi-generational family drama follows Abby O’Brien, a high-powered career woman, divorcee, and mother to twin daughters, as she adjusts to life back in her hometown of Chesapeake Shores. Abby now balances a budding relationship with her former high school sweetheart, Trace, working for a firm that does business with her uncompromising father Mick and raising two young daughters. Having returned to Chesapeake Shores shortly after Abby, the O’Brien’s once-estranged mother Megan strives to reestablish relationships with Abby and her four siblings, though the O’Brien clan primarily looks to its wise grandmother Nell for guidance.
Summer Nights
Escape the steamy Southern summer with this event scheduled for July and August. Although only two brand-new movies have been announced, it’s projected that there will be five to six premieres. Here’s your rundown on Summer Nights, as we know it thus far:
“Love on Safari” (working title)
Starring Lacey Chabert, Jonathan Cor, and Brittany Bristow
“Love on the Lido Deck” (working title)
Starring Alexa PenaVega and Carlos PenaVega
Christmas Keepsake
Let your excitement show, ladies! Christmas in July is back! The Christmas Keepsake event will offer your fill of festive holiday movies in the hot, humid Southern summer. The schedule is to be announced, and we’ll be waiting in the wings.
Fall 2018
Fall Harvest
This apple-picking, pumpkin-laden event is back this year and airing during September and October. The lineup has yet to be announced, but we’re getting ready for all things autumn! If last year was any indication, it's going to be a swoon-worthy event.
Countdown to Christmas 2018
Last year, Countdown to Christmas went beyond our wildest holiday dreams with 33 brand-new movies, mixed in with our all-time favorites. We can’t wait to rewatch these, day and night; but we’re also on the edge of our seats awaiting the announcement of how many premieres we can gear up for. (Will Dermot make a brand-new appearance? We can only hope.) Ah, we can smell the hot cocoa already…
