The new Hallmark original movie A Biltmore Christmas is the most enchanting and magical holiday film this year. It’s unique and, as we all want from our holiday films, filled with fun and love.

Bethany Joy Lenz and Kristoffer Polaha star in this time travel tale that is both magical and mysterious. Lucy (Lenz) is a screenwriter tasked with updating the holiday classic film His Merry Wife!. Being a modern woman in 2023, she has a different ending in mind from the original film. Rather than the romantic happy ending that has audiences grabbing their tissues, she wants to change things up. The studio boss, however, is not having any of that. So, he sends Lucy to Ashville, North Carolina to spend the holiday at the famed Biltmore Estate where the original film was made. He hopes she will change her mind and give him the happy ending audiences want.

Well, Lucy is ambivalent about this but wants the job so off she goes to the Biltmore. It’s beautiful and filled with holiday charm. Plus, it displays many items from the classic movie, that thrills guests and fans of that film. When she is handling the hourglass prop from the movie which is in an office, things change. Leaving the room she discovers she has been transported back to 1940s and is smack dab in the middle of the production. It’s there she meets Jack Huston (Polaha), the star of the show. 

Being totally confused, Lucy has no idea what is going on. She then returns to the present day but later decides to see if she can return to the 1940s. There is something about being there that catches her attention. Could it be Jack Huston? 

Lucy finds herself in the middle of a production crisis (in the 1940s) and does everything in her power to set things right. After all, she cannot let one of the most beloved Christmas classic movies be altered. She has to make sure everything is the same as it should be. Imagine if White Christmas had not starred Bing Crosby.

Her hands are full as she does everything in her power to make sure the film is produced exactly as it should be – and was. But she also knows, besides setting things right, she has to return to 2023, and that means leaving Huston behind. 

Well, this is definitely a romantic story combined with time travel, magic, and holiday charm. Polaha is adorable and viewers will most likely fall for him as much as Lucy does. Not only does Lucy write the feel-good ending to her new script, but this film gives Hallmark viewers their own feel-good ending.

A Biltmore Christmas is a delightful film for this holiday season. It premieres November 26, 2023 on Hallmark Channel. It’s definitely one of the most delightfully original films of the season.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

Mia (Christa Taylor Brown) is excited about Christmas until her grandmother (Marcia Bennett) informs her she has sold the land on which the family’s mill sits. The caveat to the sale is that Mia could continue her family’s furniture crafting business at the mill. Well, that little caveat was only verbal so with nothing in writing Mia quickly discovers her beloved business – the town’s landmark windmill, is about to be demolished.

In walks Brady (Chad Michael Murray), her former beau whom she thought jilted her at their high school prom. That’s all she needs on top of her business problems. Why did he have to come back to town right now? Well, the answer is he is the representative of the company that just purchased the mill. Talk about a punch to the gut. 

Brady was unaware that the mill would be demolished, so he, still having feelings for his hometown and old girlfriend, does everything in his power to help her hold onto the mill and her business. The windmill is the landmark of the town and a petition to save it soon pops up online, but is it enough to actually save the mill?

The town has a strong Dutch history and this wooden and brick windmill is part of that. Also, to add to the flavor of the town (no pun intended) is Mia’s grandmother’s bakery that offers plenty of old-fashioned Dutch treats. This cute little town is filled with Dutch products and plenty of history. Tearing down the Windmill would change it’s complexion, but by adding the proposed resort the tourist industry would get a shot in the arm.  

While Mia and Brady try to find a way to save the mill, their old feelings resurface. And, as we always want when it comes to a sweet (again, no pun intended) holiday film, romance blossoms just like Dutch tulips (although it’s too late in the year for those). Mia and Brady rediscover how much they meant and still mean to each other.

Christmas on Windmill Way premieres December 2, 2023 on Great American Family’s Great American Christmas.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

“Kennedy,” the new 8-part series on History Channel examines all aspects of the life of President John F. Kennedy, from birth to death, separating it into specific years and showing the formation of his personality and his views as he progressed through his life. Narrated by Peter Coyote, the event will air over three nights and coincides with the 60 year anniversary of his assassination.

“John F. Kennedy’s time as President of the United States serves as a timeless example of how empathetic leadership coupled with charisma, idealism, and the use of spoken word, transcends time,” said director and composer Ashton Gleckman. “I am excited to unveil this series on The HISTORY® Channel as a reminder of how JFK’s commitment to change bound a legacy that continues to inspire a new generation. I hope this intimate yet epic story about public service, personal growth, and leadership connects with young people, both this generation and future generations, as it did with me.”

During the hours examining the life and times of JFK, archival footage, new interviews, the use of extensive resources, and insights create a well-rounded picture of the 35th President of the United States. Yes, he was a flawed man, as every man is. He did have the capacity to look at a situation and adjust his views accordingly. He even defied his father (although not too often) when he felt something was worth doing or not worth doing. He grew into his own person as he grew up and perhaps the events just prior to and during World War II were many that helped form the man he became. 

The first episodes are dedicated to his childhood and schooling. They also stress the extent of his physical illnesses. As a matter of fact, he was given the Last Rites of the Catholic Church at least three times in his life. This man knew he would not live to a ripe old age and decided to use every day to its fullest extent to make a difference in the world. He traveled extensively and from those travels learned about people, history, cultures, and ideas. He read continually and absorbed books about history, philosophy, and more.

The Bay of Pigs in 1961 threw him into turmoil and he decided not to take others’ words any more and to rely on his internal ideas, feelings, understandings and notions. There are new facts about the Cuban Missile Crisis will have chills run down viewers’ backs. What we have known all these years is just the tip of the iceberg. Those 13 days were almost the end of the world, literally. 

The series briefly glances over his assassination, instead focusing on his life and words. “The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it,” he said.

As he said during his Inaugural address, “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” Today’s generation will undoubtedly think that is out of touch with life now, because so many people have grown up taking instead of giving. Perhaps this show will ignite a spark within the country that needs to be rekindled. 

photo courtesy History Channel

Twin Love is a new kind of reality dating show. Hosted by Brie and Nikki (the Bella sisters), this nine-episode series combines ten sets of twins in a challenge where they might find true love. They also are challenged to see if the “twin effect” is strong.

The contestants are sets of identical twins who have never, or rarely, been apart from each other. They are now separated into to different houses and there they live amongst the other twins – men and women. So, in each house there are halves of twins, if that makes sense. They are not allowed to contact each other. They must take this challenge themselves and see if they are capable of making decisions for themselves without the input from their twin.

So, this “experiment’ is interesting in that viewers see whether the female twins are attracted to the male twins from each set or if they find others more interesting, and vice versa. It kind of sounds complicated and trust me, I watched all nine episodes at the same time and was confused as to who was who. They are identical after all. Also, I do have to confess that I do not watch reality dating shows so I know nothing about bachelors or bachelorettes giving out roses. That said, I thought this was an interesting concept and the Bella sisters are fun to watch. Just which one is Nikki and which one is Brie?

Anyway, during the time the sets of twins are separated yet together with the opposite sets of twins, there are issues that arise as often the twins are put to the test and are tasked with selecting something that will go against what they perceive their twin would want. Yes, as I said earlier, it does sound confusing but while watching it it is much less bewildering. I simply cannot divulge any spoiler alerts here.

The bond between twins is the part that makes this as interesting as it is. Identical twins are unique in that way. They share not only physical likenesses but plenty of personality traits as well. 

And before you think that everyone who starts the experiment remains throughout the nine episodes, think again. Yes, there are those who leave, either by choice or by selection. All will be revealed during the show.

Twin Love premieres November 17, 2023 on Prime Video.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

What better time for families to get together than the holiday season, even when they don’t know they’re family? That might sound a little confusing, but it’s not. It’s actually quite heartwarming. A Season for Family is the story of siblings united for the first time.

Stacey Farber stars as Maddy, a single mom living in San Francisco with her son Wesley (Benjamin Jacobson). Wesley knows he is adopted and just recently they discovered he has a biological brother. All Wesley wants for Christmas is to meet his brother.

Paul (Brendan Penny) is a widower living in a Utah ski resort, trying his best to keep his little ski shop afloat. His son Cody (Adriel Dalman) is a cute kid and just starting to get over the loss of his mother which was two years ago. Cody has no idea he was adopted.

Well, Maddy comes home to Utah with Wesley for a family holiday. And, you guessed it. The two boys meet at ski school and hit it off immediately. They become best friends and Paul and Maddy also become good friends. Then they discover the truth about their boys. They are siblings. While Paul struggles with first telling Cody he is adopted then possibly admitting that Wesley is his brother, he also struggles with his business and his feelings for Maddy. Would he be disrespectful to his deceased wife by starting a relationship with Maddy and also, what should he do about Cody? It gets too complicated for Paul and Maddy respects his feelings. She would like to have the two boys together, and she would like to be with Paul, but how can that work?

Actually, it really is destiny that these four got together. This story reminds me of something O. Henry would have written. And being a Hallmark movie, everyone knows there is a happy ending for all, and that’s not giving out any spoiler alert. We always turn to the Hallmark channels for happy endings, and this is one of them.

A Season for Family premieres November 22, 2023. It’s a heartwarming tale of miracles, or maybe it is more like destiny.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

What does a bright yet naughty boy do when Santa does not send him a Christmas gift? He gets mad and even. Well, sort of. That’s the story of The Naughty Nine.

Andy is a troublemaker at school with his schemes and conniving, yet convincing excuses. So, when he and some of his friends get axed from Santa’s gift list, they decide to do something about it. These kids are all on the “naughty list” yet they feel they deserve to get what they wanted for Christmas.

Andy concocts a plan to go to the North Pole and retrieve their gifts. His plan is very intricate so he sets out to find the right kids for each of the tasks that must work perfectly to pull of this heist.

This elaborate plan is actually very smart, but can they do it? After all, they each have a special talent and, thanks to one enterprising boy, know exactly where Santa’s Village is and where the vault is that stores the gifts that were never delivered.

Each having a specific talent is one thing, but can they work together to pull of this heist? 

Winslow Fegley stars as the conniving little Andy, with Madilyn Kellam, Clara Stack, Anthony Joo, Derek Thaler, Ayden Elijah, Imogen Cohen, Deric McCabe, Camila Rodriguez as the rest of the gang, and Danny Glover as Santa Claus. 

Yes, there is a lesson in all of this. Being naughty is not good. It’s a little impressive, but still very bad. That’s something they all learn eventually. And, the film leaves room for a sequel. 

The film is a fun story for youngsters and young teens.

The Naughty Nine premieres November 22, 2023 on Disney Channel and begins streaming November 23 on Disney+.

image:THE NAUGHTY NINE – Disney’s “The Naughty Nine”stars Winslow Fegley as Andy, Camila Rodriguez as Dulce, Derek Theler as Bruno, Deric Mccabe as Jon Anthony, Clara Stack as Rose, Anthony Joo as Lewis, Ayden Elijah as Albert, Imogen Cohen as Ha-Yoon, and Madilyn Kellam as Laurel. (Disney/Caitlin Cornenberg)

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

Another new holiday film on Great American Family, My Christmas Hero, brings together Candace Cameron Bure and Gabriel Hogan in a Christmas story the blends patriotism, family, and traditions.  It’s simply a good, family film that will have viewers craving hot chocolate with lots of whipped cream. And possibly a cherry on top.

Bure is Dr. Nicole Ramsey, an orthopedist and an Army reservist. While working at Joint Military Base Lewis in Washington, Nicole meets Major Daniel Ross (Hogan) who has injured his knee. Well, sparks fly immediately and even though it would be unethical for Dr. Ramsey to date a patient, they do agree to meet for hot chocolate. What’s a girl to do when she is invited for hot chocolate by a charming and adorable man? 

Anyway, as their romance blossoms, with a nudge from her meddling mother, Nicole’s desire to find out exactly what happened to her grandfather who died during World War II is nagging at her. He was killed before he even met his baby daughter who is Nicole’s mom. So Nicole decides to ask for help digging into the events that led to her grandfather’s death.

There are several stories going on simultaneously in this film. First, of course, is the budding romance between Nicole and Daniel. Second is the inquiry about her grandfather. And third is the way the armed services help each other whenever one of them is in need, like that of a young soldier who just returned from combat with injuries, PTSD, and a young daughter to entertain and get gifts for for Christmas. The military community all pulls together for each other and watching this is heartening.

So, during this season of giving and of family, My Christmas Hero blends plenty of heartfelt stories of love and compassion. Oh, and yes, Nicole did learn how her grandfather died and how he truly was a hero. Her heroes that year were not only her dashing beau Daniel who worked tirelessly to help others, but also her grandfather who was a hero in his own right.

My Christmas Hero premieres November 24, 2023 on GAF.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.