LGBTQ-Inclusive Hallmark, Lifetime Christmas Movies to Watch This Year
The past couple of years have seen huge strides in terms of inclusivity in the film and television industry. This year, many streaming platforms and networks have gotten on board, producing and releasing movies that celebrate LGBTQ+ couples in grand style. If you want to enjoy some inclusive holiday fun this season, check out these four all-new movies that are LGBTQ+ friendly.
‘Single All the Way’ is a new holiday classic
Single All the Way is a brand-new Netflix film that has garnered a lot of buzz over the past few weeks. Featuring a star-studded cast, including Jennifer Coolidge, Kathy Najimy, and Michael Urie, Single All the Way tells the story of a permanently single man named Peter who convinces his best friend to pretend to be his boyfriend in order to keep his family from badgering him. Of course, the two eventually find love, in classic holiday tradition, in spite of the meddling of Peter’s family and a series of unfortunate misunderstandings. Single All the Way is sweet, romantic, and full of fun, making it a great holiday film choice for the whole family – it’s also representative of a group of people who often get overlooked when highly-produced holiday films are made.
‘The Great British Baking Show: Holidays’ is delicious fun
Another Netflix production that celebrates the contributions of LGBTQ+ people, The Great British Baking Show: Holidays is a holiday-themed baking show that features pop-culture fan favorites like judge Paul Hollywood, presenter Matt Lucas, and comedian Tom Allen. Funny as well as delicious, The Great British Baking Show: Holidays is a fun watch for anyone who loves baking – or just relaxing in the company of some entertaining people.
‘The Christmas House 2: Deck Those Halls’ is a heartwarming Hallmark sequel
In 2020, the Hallmark Channel made waves when it launched the movie The Christmas House, a film that told the story of a gay couple finding love during the holiday season. According to NBC News, the film was one of the biggest movie premieres ever for the channel, with more than 13 million views over the 2020 holiday season, proving that viewers are hungry for representation. This year, Hallmark Channel introduces The Christmas House 2: Deck Those Halls, a sequel to the 2020 film. As the characters in the film, along with their friends and family, compete to see who can decorate the most festive Christmas tree, viewers will feel as though they are reuniting with old friends.
Star Jonathan Bennett has been vocal about his appreciation for The Christmas House as well as the all-new sequel, revealing “Of all the movies I’ve done in 20 years in Hollywood, this movie is the most important to me because this character matters.”
‘Under the Christmas Tree’ brings representation to Lifetime
The same year that Hallmark changed up their holiday programming to become more inclusive, Lifetime did as well, releasing a film called The Christmas Setup. This year, Lifetime introduces a brand-new movie called Under the Christmas Tree. The film, which promises to become a holiday classic, tells the story of two women who butt heads over the acquisition of a Christmas tree for the governor’s holiday celebration.
According to NBC News, Lifetime showrunners Amy Winter said of the film, “I feel like we’re the leader when it comes to Christmas and diversity and inclusion and selecting great stories from all different walks of life, and that commitment will continue.”
If you are searching for a new holiday film to enjoy this season, check out any of these options and discover a stocking full of cheer!
