Skip to main content

Days of Our Lives star Alison Sweeney reprised her role as Hannah Swensen in Sweet Revenge: A Hannah Swensen Mystery. In this installment of the series, Hannah (Sweeney) and Mike (Cameron Mathison) are managing their careers while navigating life as an engaged couple. Suddenly, a murder at a gym throws off their wedding plans. The TV movie also stars Barbara Niven as Delores Swensen. Here’s what Sweeney told Showbiz Cheat Sheet about what it’s like playing Hannah Swensen in the Hallmark movies.

What Alison Sweeney enjoys most about the Hannah Swensen mystery series

Alison Sweeney poses in a pink dress
Alison Sweeney | Paul Archuleta/Getty Images

Sweeney shared what she enjoys about starring in the Hannah Swensen series. “I love the combination of mystery and romance that resonates with Hallmark Movies & Mysteries viewers,” Sweeney tells Showbiz Cheat Sheet. “The fan response during movie premieres on social media is always full of so much energy, and it’s palpable.”

Sweeney says she is a big fan of true crime. “I’m obsessed with true crime podcasts, so that sparked my interest, but I also love iconic television series like Murder She Wrote,” says Sweeney. “I watched Matlock and Columbo with my mom as a kid.”

Alison Sweeney on ‘Sweet Revenge: A Hannah Swensen Mystery’

Related

Phylicia Rashad Scores ‘This Is Us’ Emmy Nod Amidst Bill Cosby Controversy

Sweeney gave us a brief overview of what Sweet Revenge is all about. “It’s been a while since viewers have seen Mike and Hannah together and we were so touched by the fan reaction to news of our reuniting for new Hannah Swensen mysteries,” says Sweeney. “In this one, Hannah and Mike are engaged and planning their wedding, but while they want to focus on that, and with Hannah’s mother (Barbara Niven) launching her book, their time is consumed with trying to solve a recent murder in the town.”

How Alison Sweeney prepared for her role

Sweeney says she was excited to play Hannah Swensen. “Joanne Fluke, author of the Hannah Swensen books, writes such great stories, and I’m honored that she’s entrusted me with the TV adaptation,” says Sweeney. “I love the character of Hannah so much that it’s really about containing my excitement when stepping into her shoes.”

Although Sweeney hasn’t played Hanna Swensen in four years, she says it wasn’t a problem for her to reprise the role. It was as if she had never been away. “Barbara (Niven), Cameron (Mathison) and I became so close in the past that it wasn’t challenging returning to the character; it instantly felt like no time had passed. They were just as excited as I was to step into these characters again,” says Sweeney.

Alison Sweeney’s advice for those who want to follow in her footsteps

If you want to be an actor, Sweeney has some advice. She tells aspiring entertainers they will have to roll up their sleeves and put in the work if they want to make it in the industry.

“It’s hard work, so be ready,” says Sweeney. “With social media, everything is made to look glossy, but working in the entertainment industry, like any business, requires hard work. There are sleepless nights during production, endless lines to memorize, and so much more. But if you love what you’re doing and you are willing to work hard, the reward is there and so worth it.”

If you missed the first broadcast of Sweet Revenge: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, you can catch the rebroadcasts on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Channel. Here are the dates and times of the rebroadcasts:

  • Wednesday, Aug.11, 7:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, Aug. 15, 8:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, Aug. 29, 7:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, Sept. 11, 9:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, Sept. 18, 9:00 a.m.
  • Monday, Sept. 27, 9:00 p.m.
Best in Entertainment