Forever Hallmark Christmas Podcast

Rich & Rene
  • 5.0 (10)
  • TV Reviews

Just two guys talking about Hallmark Christmas movies. That’s it—nothing else. No other channels, no series, no reality TV, and no detours into Loveuary, Spring Into Love, Summer Nights, or Fall Harvest. If it’s not a Hallmark Christmas movie, we’re not covering it. Each week on The Forever Hallmark Christmas Podcast, we review a favorite from past years and keep up with the current films from Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas every October through December. Christmas... all year long!  *** The Forever Hallmark Christmas Podcast is not affiliated with Hallmark Media.

  1. A Timeless Christmas

    19h ago

    A Timeless Christmas

    Erin Cahill (Megan) may be one of Hallmark’s most charming leading ladies. And Rich and Rene are confident enough to admit it: Ryan Paevey (Charles) is one remarkably handsome dude. Things get delightfully complicated when Charles travels from 1903 to 2020 and must convince Megan—a historian who has spent years studying his life—that he’s actually the man she’s written about. This beloved 2020 Hallmark favorite was written and directed by Hallmark legend Ron Oliver (Christmas at the Plaza, The Christmas Train), and he provides us with incredible behind-the-scenes stories about how the movie came to life. SPOILER: It almost didn’t. Featuring a magical Christmas clock, a time-travel twist, a stellar supporting cast, and some of the most heartfelt conversations ever seen in a Hallmark Christmas movie, this one gives us plenty to discuss. In this episode:  • Behind-the-scenes stories from Ron Oliver  • Our favorite moments—and Ron’s favorites, too  • Scenes we'd rewrite  • The MVP supporting characters  • “Are We Sure?” — our Hallmark logic check  • Will Charles and Megan actually make it?  • The final kiss  • Who (or what) really won the movie  • Our completely objective and totally unbiased final rating For the love of Hallmark! Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/foreverhallmarkchristmas Email: ForeverHallmarkChristmas@gmail.com *** Not affiliated with Hallmark Media.

    32 min
  2. An Unexpected Christmas

    May 28

    An Unexpected Christmas

    Bethany Joy Lenz (Emily) may be the best actress Hallmark has ever seen. Tyler Hynes (Jamie) is arguably the most popular leading man in Hallmark history. And Paul Campbell — already beloved as a Hallmark leading man — has also become one of the network’s most talented writers. Put them all together and you get the 2021 Hallmark Christmas favorite: An Unexpected Christmas. When Variety released its 2025 list, “The 25 Best Hallmark Christmas Movies, Ranked,” the Hallmark world exploded with debate… and their #1 pick was none other than An Unexpected Christmas!  In this episode, we cover: • Behind-the-scenes movie fun facts  • Our favorite moments  • Scenes we’d rewrite  • The best supporting characters  • “Are We Sure?” — our ultimate Hallmark logic check  • Whether Emily and Jamie would actually last as a couple  • The multiple kisses… and the letter grades they earned  • Who (or what) truly won the movie  • Our personal — and unbiased — final rating For the love of Hallmark! Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/foreverhallmarkchristmas Email: ForeverHallmarkChristmas@gmail.com *** Not affiliated with Hallmark Media.

    40 min
  3. Crashing Through the Snow

    May 21

    Crashing Through the Snow

    Hallmark Christmas in July gets a little hotter with Crashing Through the Snow! Starring Amy Acker as Maggie - a divorced mom invited to spend Christmas in Aspen with her ex and his soon-to-be fiancée Kate - the movie takes off when Kate’s charming brother Sam (Warren Christie) unexpectedly arrives home from Japan. The chemistry between Maggie and Sam? Off the charts… and not exactly your typical Hallmark romance. Rich and Rene rave about the sharp script from Tamar Laddy, heartfelt conversations, gorgeous Christmas décor, and Maggie’s endless ability to trip over absolutely everything. Rene wonders why everyone in this town is so unbelievably nice - and why nobody seems more excited that Sam is finally home. Rich, meanwhile, has questions about Maggie’s miraculous ice-skating improvement… and whether Gremlins really belongs on a “best Christmas movie” list. The guys also break down the unforgettable hot springs scene, debate the movie MVP, and react to a final kiss that may rank among Hallmark’s all-time best. Bottom line: this might be one of the steamiest, funniest, and most emotionally honest Christmas movies Hallmark has ever made. For the love of Hallmark! Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/foreverhallmarkchristmas Email: ForeverHallmarkChristmas@gmail.com *** Not affiliated with Hallmark Media.

    33 min
  4. Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa

    May 14

    Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa

    It’s Christmas in Evergreen… round two! In Letters to Santa, Jill Wagner and Mark Deklin lead the second installment in Hallmark’s beloved Evergreen franchise. Since the original Christmas in Evergreen earned a pretty strong grade in one of our very first podcast reviews, the big question is: does the sequel deliver the same holiday magic? Rich is thrilled to see Allie — and her iconic red truck — return, loves the movie’s three “almost kisses,” and still considers Evergreen one of Hallmark’s all-time coziest Christmas towns. Rene falls hard for the flashback scenes, the story behind the Christmas letter, and of course… a top-tier cookie decorating montage. But not everything sleighs. Rich wonders if the movie juggles one too many storylines and can’t stop doing the math on Kevin supposedly writing the letter 25 years earlier at age seven. Rene thinks the couple’s first big conflict feels forced and wishes Lisa and Oliver’s relationship had been defined more clearly. The guys also debate the best supporting character, question Evergreen’s apparent shortage of contractors, and wonder why the inn lobby looks ready to host a symphony orchestra. Rene raises an eyebrow at Lisa’s mechanic skills, while Rich nitpicks the final kiss enough to keep it from earning an A-grade. Add in an emotional reveal, a strong ice skating scene, an MVP disagreement, and one of the biggest score splits of the year… and you’ve got another festive Evergreen debate you won’t want to miss. We keep it fun, keep it real, and always… keep it Hallmark Christmas. Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/foreverhallmarkchristmas Email: ForeverHallmarkChristmas@gmail.com *** Not affiliated with Hallmark Media.

    34 min
  5. It's Christmas, Eve

    May 7

    It's Christmas, Eve

    The same duo that brought us A Kiss Before Christmas — the rare Hallmark movie to earn a PERFECT score from both Rene and Rich - returns as writers Mark Amato (story) and Tracy Andreen (script) deliver It's Christmas, Eve starring LeAnn Rimes and Tyler Hynes - both working with Hallmark for the first time. And the chemistry? Off the charts! Rich crowns LeAnn driving down Main Street during the opening credits - while her own song plays in the background - the ultimate “Boss Move,” while also deeply relating to John’s ongoing battle with bar chords during Liam’s guitar lessons. Rene comes away genuinely impressed by LeAnn’s acting chops and gives major props to one of the most creative Hallmark meet-cutes we’ve seen. The guys also make the case that Tracy Andreen belongs on the Mount Rushmore of Hallmark writers… before boldly attempting to rewrite one of her scenes anyway. (Yes, it involves the big duet: “You and Me and Christmas.”) Elsewhere, Rene wonders if the concert vocals sounded just a little too perfect, while Rich asks the real question: should Eve have taken the San Diego job… with Liam in tow? There’s no debate that Eve and Liam are built to last, but while Rene calls the final kiss absolutely perfect, Rich somehow still finds a flaw in the smooch. Plus: Who actually won the movie? LeAnn? Tyler? Someone else? We keep it fun, keep it real, and always… keep it Hallmark Christmas. Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/foreverhallmarkchristmas Email: ForeverHallmarkChristmas@gmail.com *** Not affiliated with Hallmark Media.

    33 min
  6. Christmas in the Air

    Apr 30

    Christmas in the Air

    Incredible lakeside visuals, a charming small-town Christmas, and Jewel’s “Winter Wonderland” setting the tone - Hallmark’s Christmas in the Air (2017) knows how to make an entrance. Eric Close stars as Robert, a widowed dad doing his best to hold it all together for the holidays, alongside Catherine Bell as Lydia, a professional organizer who brings a refreshing twist to the usual Hallmark career lineup. Rich is all in on Lydia’s poinsettia greenhouse and that bold outdoor holiday show, while Rene soaks up the festive lakeside holiday vibes and Robert’s heartfelt dad moments. But not everything lands. Rich questions the chemistry between Robert and Lydia, and Rene believes the misunderstanding needs a rewriting. There’s love for the ice rink, the toy shop, and even some behind-the-scenes insight as writer Janna King shares a few favorite moments. Of course, we ask the important questions: how is everyone affording those dreamy lake houses… and what exactly is going on with Robert’s all-in-one game box? The guys agree on the couple’s future (rare!), but can’t settle on an MVP. And that final kiss? Let’s just say… it didn’t stick the landing.  Hallmark, if you’re listening - your new “final kiss consultants” are ready to start and we work cheap. Email below. We keep it fun, keep it real, and always… keep it Hallmark Christmas.  Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/foreverhallmarkchristmas Email: ForeverHallmarkChristmas@gmail.com *** Not affiliated with Hallmark Media.

    29 min
  7. Crown for Christmas

    Apr 27

    Crown for Christmas

    Winnie Cooper is all grown up! Danica McKellar trades suburbia for royalty in Hallmark’s 2015 hit Crown for Christmas - the network’s highest-rated holiday movie of the year. And yes… this royal romance actually hits different. Allie heads to Europe for the holidays as governess to the spirited Princess Theodora and Rene loves how instantly likable the King is, while Rich connects surprising dots between this film and other favorite movies. And both agree: this is absolutely a top-tier Hallmark snowball fight. But not everything gets the royal seal of approval. Rich isn’t crazy about the palace’s wine glass choices, questions that early “almost kiss,” and isn’t buying Fergus pulling off an FBI-level background check within a few hours. Rene’s wondering why Riggs is still employed, where Allie learned to waltz like that, and if there was a hidden romance between Fergus and Mrs. Claiborne. The guys split (as usual) on supporting characters, debate whether Allie and Max actually go the distance, and even break down how camerawork affects the all-important kiss… pay attention Hallmark Directors! And when it’s time to crown an MVP? No consensus. Fun, festive, and just the right amount of chaos - just how we like our Hallmark.  Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/foreverhallmarkchristmas Email: ForeverHallmarkChristmas@gmail.com *** Not affiliated with Hallmark Media.

    30 min
  8. Ghosts of Christmas Always

    Apr 16

    Ghosts of Christmas Always

    There have been countless takes on A Christmas Carol, but in 2022, Hallmark writer Zac Hug delivered one of the most unique twists yet with Ghosts of Christmas Always. Widely considered one of Hallmark’s best, the film gives Rich and Rene plenty to unpack - from its layered story to the chemistry between the three ghosts and a standout musical score. Rene questions whether Peter would really fall for a ghost, while Rich wonders if a bolder ending - with Kat staying in the afterlife - might have made the movie even better. A strong supporting cast adds to the charm, though each host has a ghost they wish got more screen time. And when you cast a Broadway-caliber singer? Let her sing — no lip-syncing needed. As always, we decide if Kat & Peter last, rate the kiss, and name our MVP. But the final score? Let’s just say Rich and Rene have never been further apart… and may never be again. Plus — all 20 “Ghost Rules,” fully broken down by Rich (check our socials). We keep it fun, keep it real… and keep it Hallmark Christmas. Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/foreverhallmarkchristmas Email: ForeverHallmarkChristmas@gmail.com *** Not affiliated with Hallmark Media.

    29 min
See All (17)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Just two guys talking about Hallmark Christmas movies. That’s it—nothing else. No other channels, no series, no reality TV, and no detours into Loveuary, Spring Into Love, Summer Nights, or Fall Harvest. If it’s not a Hallmark Christmas movie, we’re not covering it. Each week on The Forever Hallmark Christmas Podcast, we review a favorite from past years and keep up with the current films from Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas every October through December. Christmas... all year long!  *** The Forever Hallmark Christmas Podcast is not affiliated with Hallmark Media.

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