Hallmark’s “Finding Mr. Christmas” Returns for Season 2

Hallmark Channel’s “Finding Mr. Christmas” returns for its second season on Monday, October 27, 2025, airing at 8/7c and streaming the following day on Hallmark Plus, with Jonathan Bennett once again at the helm as host and lead judge . After a successful debut in 2024, the series has become a staple of Hallmark’s annual “Countdown to Christmas,” blending holiday spirit, competitive drama, and a commitment to diversity—especially LGBTQ+ visibility.

“Finding Mr. Christmas” is a reality competition where ten men from various backgrounds compete in Christmas-themed challenges for the title of Mr. Christmas and a coveted leading role in a Hallmark holiday movie . The show’s structure involves two main rounds per episode:

- The “Festive Face Off,” highlighting contestants’ holiday spirit, with the winner earning an advantage.

- The “Star Quality” challenge, an acting test where contestants perform scenes from Hallmark films.

Each episode closes with the judges—Jonathan Bennett and Melissa Peterman, alongside a rotating cast of guest judges—deliberating and eliminating one contestant . This format not only entertains but also provides a unique entry point into Hallmark’s broader film universe for emerging talent.

The ten contestants for Season 2 reflect a range of backgrounds, professions, and regions, which Hallmark has positioned as a celebration of diversity and holiday joy . Among the Season 2 lineup:

- Angel Garet (38, Charlotte, NC): Model, actor, and bartender
- Craig Geoghan (33, Lake Ronkonkoma, NY): Personal trainer, actor
- Davey Fisher (34, Lake Tahoe, NV): Commercial model, actor
- Drake Kuyper (27, Denver, CO): Model, social media manager
- Gabriel Thaxton (32, Laramie, WY): Model
- Jake Schum (36, Lake View, NY): Former NFL player
- Logan Shephard (30, Cincinnati, OH): Server, photographer
- Marcus Brodie (32, Hamilton, OH): Model, actor
- Robbie Simpson (35, NYC): Acting teacher
- Rustin Sailors (37, San Diego, CA): Musician

This cast list, revealed in October 2025, demonstrates Hallmark’s continued commitment to representing a variety of identities, body types, and professional experiences. While the network has not explicitly identified contestants by sexual orientation, “Finding Mr. Christmas” has been widely recognized for its inclusion of openly LGBTQ+ participants and judges, including Bennett himself, who is an out gay actor and advocate .

Historically, Hallmark faced criticism for a lack of LGBTQ+ representation in its programming, but recent years have marked a notable shift. The casting of Jonathan Bennett—a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and visibility—as both host and judge is a significant milestone for the network . Bennett’s presence, along with inclusive casting and queer-affirming storylines in other Hallmark productions, signals a broader industry trend toward authentic representation.

In interviews following Season 1, Bennett highlighted the importance of providing “a space where everyone can see themselves reflected during the holidays,” emphasizing Hallmark’s evolving mission to include all communities in its festive programming .

Season 1 winner Ezra Moreland, who starred in “Happy Howlidays,” was also celebrated for his openness about his identity, contributing to positive media coverage and feedback from LGBTQ+ viewers .

Hallmark Channel’s “Finding Mr. Christmas” Season 2 exemplifies the channel’s ongoing commitment to inclusive storytelling, holiday excitement, and the celebration of diverse identities. As audiences tune in to see who will claim the title and star in a future Hallmark film, the show stands as a testament to the power of representation—and the enduring appeal of holiday magic for all viewers .