‘Mean Girls’ Actor Jonathan Bennett to Star in Hallmark’s First LGBTQ Christmas Movie

By Greta Bjornson @greatbjornson
Published Sep. 23, 2020, 2:37 p.m. ET

More On:

Jonathan Bennett

The Hallmark Channel has officially found the stars of its first LGBTQ Christmas movie, and two of them just happen to be former teen heartthrobs. Mean Girls actor Jonathan Bennett and One Tree Hill‘s Robert Buckley are set to star in The Christmas House, USA Today reports. I don’t know about you, but I’m getting a heavy dose of 2004 nostalgia.

The upcoming holiday film will follow a gay couple, Brandon (Bennett) and his husband Jake (Brad Harder), who are trying to adopt their first child together. During a trip to visit Brandon’s mom and dad during the holidays, the anxious parents-to-be are anticipating a call about their pending adoption.

Buckley will play Brandon’s brother, Mike, who is also visiting home for the holidays. While there, he reconnects with Andi (Ana Ayora), his high school sweetheart. The Christmas House also stars Sharon Lawrence and character actor Treat Williams, who star as Brandon and Mike’s parents.

“Our holiday table is bigger and more welcoming than ever,” Michelle Vicary, executive vice president, programming said in a statement today. “Our movies are rooted in warmth and positivity, meaningful connections, family gatherings, and seasonal traditions – a winning formula we hope will bring our millions of viewers much-needed levity and holiday cheer at the end of a tough year.”

Hallmark announced they’d be adding their first LGBTQ holiday movie to their “Countdown to Christmas” lineup back in July. “Diversity and inclusion is a top priority for us and we look forward to making some exciting programming announcements in the coming months, including announcements about projects featuring LGBTQ storylines, characters, and actors,” Crown Media Family Networks exec George Zaralidis said at the time. “We are committed to creating a Hallmark experience where everyone feels welcome.”

The news came after the network was criticized last year for pulling commercials from the jeweler Zola that featured same-sex couples. Hallmark later reversed the decision and put the ads back on air, issuing an apology for their removal.

Hallmark’s “Countdown to Christmas” officially kicks off Oct. 24 with the original movie Jingle Bell Bride. You can catch The Christmas House when it premieres on the Hallmark Channel Nov. 22 at 8/7c.