AMP in the post
In an interview with Lisa Hamilton, Hallmark Channel’s Vice President of Programming, it was revealed that the feel-good network will continue to bring more inclusive content to its movies in the coming year. Whether it is a question of ethnicity or LGBTQ+ related, this will continue in 2024.
Hallmark Channel to continue inclusivity in movies
In a recent interview with The Wrap, Lisa Hamilton, Hallmark’s Vice President of Programming opened up about diversity and inclusivity in the network’s movies. She explained that these are essential priorities with the network for 2024, adding:
We really want people to be able to see themselves in our movies, and we know that people seeing themselves means that there’s a wider range of people who are excited when we tell their stories.
I think it’s just smart business. There’s a lot of amazing people in the world with amazing stories, and we just want to be sure that we’re looking around and really including them.
‘Essential elements’ in the movies
AMP in the post
Hamilton went on to explain that the network stays rooted in those “essential elements” that always bring people back to each other. Moreover, she said whether it’s a “family or romantic couple or a group of friends.”
Hamilton’s recent statement comes as several holiday movies feature LGBTQ+ characters, including The Holiday Sitter and The Christmas House movies. Moreover, this was also the case with a fall movie, Notes of Autumn, starring Luke Macfarlane.
Back in November 2022, Hallmark actor Jonathan Bennett applauded Hallmark for taking steps towards inclusivity, unlike similar channels. At the time, he told E! News:
I’m just proud to be part of Hallmark Channel that is doing so much inclusive programming like the Holiday Sitter, which is an LGBTQ+ led Christmas movie.
I’m just so proud to be on Hallmark Channel that’s making these movies for everyone because Christmas is for everyone, and Hallmark Channel’s movies are for everyone.
Fans of Hallmark’s inclusivity will remember a controversial interview with former Hallmark star, Candace Cameron Bure that caused controversy. In the interview, Bure stated that her new home, Great American Family, focuses on “traditional marriage,” saying:
AMP in the post
I think that Great American Family will keep traditional marriage at the core. I want to be able to tell that story in a beautiful way, but also that is not off-putting to the unbeliever or someone who shares a different faith.
Meanwhile, in Hallmark’s 2023 Countdown to Christmas, the network has released two LGBTQ+ movies. One is Christmas on Cherry Lane, starring Bennett and Vincent Rodriguez III, while the other is Friends & Family Christmas, starring Humberly Gonzalez and Ali Liebert.
Hallmark stars speak up for inclusivity
In an interview with TV Guide, Gonzalez and Liebert spoke about their movie, Friends & Family Christmas. Gonzalez, who is openly gay, said it was the right time and the right people, saying it feels special that they get the chance to bring the story forward. “I hope that [Hallmark] continues making more and more and more.”
Meanwhile, Liebert, who is also a producer for the movie, told TV Guide:
I’m looking forward to hearing the feedback of folks who watch this with their families over Christmas, and I’m anticipating people really loving this movie. As a queer person and a person who is in this movie, I’m very excited.
Keep up with the remainder of Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas event which is still currently running. Following that, fans will get to enjoy a series of New Year New Movies until it’s time for February’s Loveuary programming event.