Japanese-British writer Kazuo Ishiguro has penned some of the most influential bodies of work of the last 50 years. So significant are his novels that the 71-year-old author won the Nobel Prize in Literature back in 2017. While his words on page are gripping enough, several of his works have been adapted for the screen over the years—and his 2021 novel Klara and the Sun will soon receive the same treatment. On October 23, Ishiguro’s dystopian science fiction story will hit the big screen with a star-studded cast led by Jenna Ortega, Aran Murphy, Amy Adams and Mia Tharia. Here, read all about the new book-to-screen adaptation, and take a look at some of his previous novels that have been turned into films. 

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The Fantasy Novel That Changed Brandon Sanderson’s Life Forever

It hasn’t taken much pushing to get Brandon Sanderson to talk about the books that shaped him and the authors whose work continues to impress. It’s what makes his recommendations particularly interesting for readers who have already worked their way through Mistborn, The Stormlight Archive and his ever-expanding Cosmere and are wondering what to pick […]

‘Klara and the Sun’ tells a hopeful story

On October 23, Jenna Ortega brings Klara to life. In a world where Artificial Friends are available for purchase as human companions, Klara wants nothing more than to find the perfect home outside of the store she spends her days in. Despite being an outdated model, when Josie (Mia Tharia) comes to shop one day with her mother (Amy Adams), she’s drawn to Klara and takes her home. Despite the hesitation of Josie’s mother, Klara brings an unexpected light into the home and proves she’ll go to the ends of the earth to help Josie. If Klara and the Sun has you ready to head to your local theater, revisit some other Ishiguro-inspired films! 

‘The Remains of the Day’ (1993)

Based on Ishiguro’s 1989 novel, The Remains of the Day follows Anthony Hopkins as James Stevens, who spent much of his life working as a devoted servant to Lord Darlington (James Fox). Despite Lord Darlington’s sympathy toward the Nazi cause, Stevens remained blindly loyal to his employer, believing him to be the epitome of success and greatness. Decades after Lord Darlington’s death, after Stevens devoted himself entirely to his professional career, he seeks out Miss Kenton (Emma Thompson), a housekeeper he worked alongside, which leads him to an intense realization about the life he led. Watch it on Tubi, The Roku Channel or Hulu. 

‘Never Let Me Go’ (2010)

Based on Ishiguro’s 2005 novel, Never Let Me Go follows three friends who spent their youth at Hailsham, a boarding school in which they were isolated from the real world. As they grow older, tension, jealousy and complex emotions color their relationships as their time together runs out leading to their dismal predetermined fate. Rent it on YouTube or Prime Video. 

‘A Pale View of the Hills’ (2025)

Kazuo Ishiguro’s debut novel, A Pale View of the Hills, was brought to life on screen in 2025. The story takes place across different timelines: post-war Nagasaki and 1980s England. At the heart of the story is Etsuko, who, in the 1980s, is grappling with the recent suicide of her daughter, Keiko. Throughout the film, she shares the story of her life back in Japan with her younger daughter, Niki, with a central character in the tale of her past being Sachiko, a woman who forms a relationship with an American soldier, with a story that mirrors Etsuko’s. The film is currently unavailable to stream or rent in the United States. 

For generations of viewers, The Wizard of Oz was much more than a movie people watched, turning into an annual event. Once a year, families gathered around their television sets to follow Dorothy down the Yellow Brick Road, meeting the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion along the way. Now MeTV is attempting to recapture some of that magic by bringing the 1939 MGM classic back to free broadcast television for the first time in nearly three decades.

But before Dorothy returns to Oz on October 2, the network is taking viewers inside the home of someone who never really left. On Sunday, September 27, Collector’s Call host Lisa Whelchel visits Victoria “Tori” Calamito, an Oz historian, social media creator and collector whose memorabilia spans more than a century of Oz history. Among the treasures are a first edition of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, stage-worn costumes from Wicked, autographs from stars of the 1939 film, an Ariana Grande Wicked-themed makeup kit and a vintage Tin Man squeeze toy so rare that Collector’s Call expert John Ragusa says it “barely exists.”

For Whelchel, the episode also offered a chance to revisit a story that has been part of her life since childhood.

Lisa Whelchel’s own trip to Oz

Long before Collector’s Call, The Facts of Life or even her professional acting career, Whelchel had her own role in The Wizard of Oz. At 11, she appeared in a stage production at Casa Mañana in Fort Worth, Texas.

LISA WHELCHEL: “I was in the play The Wizard of Oz, but I was Toto. It was all adults, but they needed a child to be in this full-body dog suit. And so I had to express all of Toto’s feelings just through my body. I was really a shy little girl. And you know what? With shy kids, there’s a contraction of their body, too. There’s a turning in. And I was kind of a protected, shy little girl. Being in that dog suit, completely covered, it was a fully protective suit, and I was asked to really express largely—being afraid or being happy or whatever the dog was. It gave me that opportunity to just inhabit my body rather than try to just stay contracted. So it was a really powerful time for me and also fun.”

“I also think the original book is incredible and so is the 1939 film, but when I was 10 years old, I went with a group from Casa Manana to New York City and we saw The Wiz on Broadway. I love that soundtrack. And then there was Wicked, so I I love all things Oz.”

Stepping Inside an Oz Collection

After seven seasons of Collector’s Call, Whelchel has seen plenty of extraordinary collections. But Calamito’s offered something unusual: a journey through Oz history that stretches from Baum’s original book through the MGM movie, Broadway and the modern Wicked phenomenon.

LISA WHELCHEL: “A collection is a great way to really do a deep dive on a subject and learn a lot in a very short, entertaining bit of time. The thing about Tori’s collection that was really awesome is that she has the first edition of the book, but she also has memorabilia from back in the ’30s. So those are some of the strangest items, items that we don’t use anymore today. But then she also has things from the play, and then even something as recent as she’s got this whole makeup kit from Ariana Grande.”

One item, however, apparently required a particularly gentle touch. Calamito owns a vintage Tin Man squeeze toy, an object that seems to demonstrate both the joy and occasional terror of hosting a television series surrounded by irreplaceable memorabilia.

LISA WHELCHEL: “I think we all feel that way when we go into someone’s home and their collection. There’s a lot of equipment there. They’re bringing in lights, and yet they are surrounded by things of great value—many of them monetarily, all of them of heart value. So I think we are all very, very aware of the fact that these are someone’s treasures. And you’re right, a treasure like that is irreplaceable. But I think we’re always mindful.”

Calamito’s collection may be built around physical objects, but for her, their importance ultimately comes back to the story those objects represent.

TORI CALAMITO: “I think stories that stand the test of time tap into some sort of universal human element that we all relate to. I can say for Oz specifically, I think the deeper themes of found family and finding your tribe, as it were, along your Yellow Brick Road and facing your various Wicked Witches and obstacles along the way and coming to that place of self-actualization, coming home again to your true self, I think that really sticks with people.”

That connection has also been passed down from one generation to another. Through her work discussing Oz online, Calamito says she repeatedly hears from people whose attachment to the story is inseparable from memories of watching it with their families.

TORI CALAMITO: “The universal message that I hear is that it’s a very generational thing. People watched it with their parents or their grandparents or remember seeing it on television when it was only on once a year, and so have this deep nostalgic connection to Oz. It taps into a lot of childhood positive memories and was a coping mechanism for a lot of people. I hear a lot of people echo what I felt about it, which was when they were having a hard day or when things were bad, they would put The Wizard of Oz on and it would bring them joy and comfort.”

That makes MeTV’s decision to restore The Wizard of Oz to broadcast television particularly appropriate. The movie’s October 2 airing will be hosted by Whelchel and accompanied by original vignettes featuring interviews with Oz experts, performers and designers. Additional presentations follow during October, including Svengoolie Presents The Wizard of Oz on October 3.

Insofar as Calamito is concerned, something really was lost when the annual broadcast of The Wizard of Oz disappeared.

TORI CALAMITO: “I definitely think so. We’ve become a little spoiled that we can pop it on whenever we want and because of that, we have kind of lost the community aspect of it. I was raised in the VHS era, so I was one of those spoiled kids who could put it on whenever I wanted. But I hear from a lot of the older generation that it was a neighborhood event. You’d go to the person’s house who had the color television and you’d watch it, and everyone in school the next day was talking about it. It was a community thing. So I think we did lose a little bit of Americana when we lost the yearly broadcast of The Wizard of Oz. I’m so glad that MeTV is tapping back into that and bringing it back, and I hope they’ll keep that tradition going.”

The Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion inside all of us

For Whelchel, however, nostalgia only partly explains the story’s staying power, that much of it comes down to the characters at the heart of the story.

LISA WHELCHEL: “The Wizard of Oz is just such a great illustration of the representation of all the parts that are in all of us. There’s a part of us that’s afraid. There’s a part of us that feels like we just don’t know, and we’re not in the know;  and there’s a part of us that can feel like our heart is contracted— like being really shy. There’s a part of us that’s always feeling like, ‘Do I belong? I just want to go home to a place I feel like I belong.’”

It’s an interpretation that fits remarkably well with Calamito’s own explanation of why she continues returning to Oz.

TORI CALAMITO: “For me, I really relate to the journey that we’re all on, and I think we are all initially attracted by the beautiful colors and the music and Judy Garland and her sincerity. But I personally know that I have stayed for the deeper themes—walking your road and walking it with the found family of friends that you’ve gathered around you and chosen as your family in addition to the people you call home. And that journey of fighting through the bad times and coming to the rainbow at the end of it, I think that’s what keeps me coming back over and over again.”

Which may ultimately explain why an Oz collection can fill an entire house — and why, nearly nine decades after Judy Garland first stepped onto the Yellow Brick Road, audiences are still eager to follow her.

Collector’s Call: “Meet Victoria Calamito” airs Sunday, September 27 at 6:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. CT on MeTV. The network presents The Wizard of Oz Friday, October 2 at 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT, hosted by Lisa Whelchel.

In 2023, Hallmark fans fell hard for A Biltmore Christmas starring Bethany Joy Lenz and Kristoffer Polaha. The film followed Lucy (Lenz), a screenwriter working on a remake of the Christmas classic His Merry Wife! Despite being a skilled writer, Lucy’s ending doesn’t satisfy the studio, prompting them to send her to Biltmore Estate, the setting of the original film, for inspiration. While there, she inadvertently travels back in time to the 1947 set where she meets the star, Jack Huston (Polaha). A Biltmore Christmas combined romance with fantasy elements like time travel, making it a beloved Hallmark holiday flick, and this year, viewers will return to the beloved estate with A Grand Biltmore Christmas. Here, read all about the new film and how you can visit the real life Biltmore Estate ahead of the premiere!

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‘A Grand Biltmore Christmas’ takes viewers on yet another adventure

In A Grand Biltmore Christmas, a 13-year-old Elizabeth prepares to celebrate the holidays with her family at Biltmore House. Spotting Michael, a trespassing teenage boy, she claims to know him to save him from punishment, but before long, he disappears. Fast forward 20 years, Elizabeth (played by Holland Roden) is once again spending the holidays at Biltmore, though this time, she’s joined by a suitor her aunt (brought to life by Andie MacDowell) hopes she will wed. However, when she spots Michael (Niall Matter), the friend she had lost two decades ago, their embrace transports her to the 21st century, allowing her to discover that Michael accidentally made his way to her time all those years ago thanks to a magical hourglass. As the two figure out how to get Elizabeth back home, they grow close. Premiering on December 5, viewers will find themselves immersed in the beauty that is Biltmore, and if you’re dreaming of a cozy getaway, this historic North Carolina estate might be the perfect spot.

Is Biltmore Estate real?

A Grand Biltmore Christmas was filmed at Biltmore House, which is the main residence at the Biltmore Estate, and the surrounding grounds. If you wish to stay at Biltmore during the holidays, they offer lodging at three different properties including the Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate, the Inn on Biltmore Estate and the Cottages on Biltmore Estate. If you solely wish to visit the estate, which was once inhabited by George Washington Vanderbilt II, you can enjoy tours of Biltmore House and its breathtaking balconies and rooftops, explore their stunning gardens and trails, enjoy Antler Hill Village and the Biltmore Winery and so much more.

Awarded the title of America’s largest private home, Biltmore House is a breathtaking abode located in Asheville, North Carolina, and during filming of A Biltmore Christmas, Bethany Joy Lenz opened up about the experience of shooting on location. “I didn’t really know what to expect except that it was going to be beautiful, but that word is not sufficient,” she shared with Hallmark. “This place is overwhelmingly magical and grand and cozy at the same time. There’s so much about it that feels warm, especially with all the Christmas decorations. I think just that and then being surrounded by all the people here who care so much about this estate, who care so much about the history here and preserving that. I’ve learned so much just on the tour and in the short time that I’ve been here, so I didn’t quite know what to expect, except that it was going to be beautiful, but it’s highly exceeded my expectations.”

Keep your eyes peeled for an exclusive line of Biltmore merch!

This holiday season, fans of the film can shop an exciting Hallmark product collection inspired by A Grand Biltmore Christmas. Keep your eyes peeled at the Biltmore Estate Shops and Biltmoreshop.com to add a bit of historic charm to your life, and tune in on December 5 for the premiere.

This holiday season, your favorite networks are getting in on the Christmas fun with new and original heartwarming films—and Great American Family is no exception. Beginning on October 10, the network will be rolling out 18 original films for the holidays starring familiar faces in the Christmas entertainment realm including Candace Cameron Bure, Danica McKellar, Jill Wagner and countless others. The first film in this year’s lineup, A Second Chance Christmas, stars Bure alongside Jonathan Scarfe, and before it airs on Great American Family, you can catch it on Great American Pure Flix on October 8. Between October and December, fill your home with these yuletide tales. 

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Great American Family Unveils Starter Lineup of 2026 Christmas Movies

Every holiday season, our favorite cozy networks get in on the Christmas fun with an original lineup of exciting and heartwarming family flicks—and Great American Family has been rolling out fan-favorites for years now. While it might seem a little early to start looking ahead to the season of mistletoe and merriment, folks are already […]

“This extraordinary season is the result of an exceptional team. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together,” said Bill Abbott, President and CEO of Great American Media. “We have brought together an incredible combination of stars, stories, production talent and creative excellence. I have never seen a Christmas slate with this kind of range, from romantic comedies and compelling dramas to powerful journeys of faith, all brought to life through unforgettable characters and exceptional storytelling. Having spent more than 15 years building Christmas programming, I can say with confidence that this is the greatest slate of Christmas movies ever assembled for a single season in television history,” he shared.

For a list of this year’s Christmas schedule, see the full slate below. 

Win big with Great American Family this year!

This year, Great American Family is launching the Great American Christmas Movie Challenge, and for the first time, you could win thousands by entering! Between now and October 8, ahead of the first premiere, viewers can visit GreatAmericanFamily.com/Challenge. On the site, they will proceed to rank all 18 films in the 2026 lineup in the order in which they think folks will watch them most. For example, if you think folks are going to love Jill Wagner and Cameron Mathison’s A Very Arctic Christmas, put it at the top of your list. If you believe Britt Robertson and Ryan Paevey’s Christmas at Moose Lake is going to steal hearts, rank it higher. 

When this year’s season comes to an end, the rankings will be revealed, and the person whose predictions were correct will win a $100,000 prize. If there’s no winner, the participant who had the most correct rankings will win $10,000. 

Beginning on October 21, GAF fans can tune in each week to see an update on how each film is ranking, as well as enjoy behind-the-scenes content and advanced previews of upcoming films on the network. This year, Great American Family is giving viewers a lot to celebrate, so lock in your predictions and cross your fingers—the grand prize could be yours!

On September 23, rom com and BookTok fans will finally be able to witness a beloved novel come to life on screen. Led by Lili Reinhart as Olive Smith and Tom Bateman as Dr. Adam Carlsen, the quirky and romantic film, The Love Hypothesis, will soon become the next Prime Video obsession for readers and viewers alike. 

The Love Hypothesis follows an unexpected fake-dating arrangement between two unlikely academic scientists. Olive, a third-year biology Ph.D. candidate at Stanford University, has very little faith in lasting love, while Dr. Adam chooses to focus more on his work than romance. But when Olive needs to convince her best friend that she’s happy and moving on from a former crush, she kisses the first man she sees, which just so happens to be Dr. Adam Carlsen. 

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As expected from any faux romance, the lines between reality and fiction begin to blur as the two continue to scheme, pretending to be in a relationship. The film is based on Ali Hazelwood’s 2021 novel of the same name, which became an instant bestseller following its release and has continued to inspire the giddy, heartwarming feelings in every reader since. 

Now that the book will be brought to life, Reinhart has been doing justice to not only her beloved character, but has also been paying homage to rom com leads that preceded her. The actress’ recent press looks have been turning heads as she gears up for the film’s release. From How to Lose A Guy In 10 Days to Atonement, see Lili Reinhart’s stunning take on the looks from these classic films and the inspiration behind them. 

‘How to Lose A Guy In 10 Days’

Everyone knows the memorable yellow dress Kate Hudson wore in the 2003 romantic comedy, which she starred in alongside Matthew McConaughey. The sleek, butter yellow silk gown featured a stunning low back with a criss-cross design and a v-neck. Paired with statement jewelry, the look is one often recreated. 

During The Love Hypothesis press tour. Reinhart wore an exact replica of Hudson’s gown, featuring statement diamond earrings and an updo hairstyle. 

Referencing the film’s most popular song, “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon, she captioned the photos, “You probably think this song is about you ⭐️paying homage to Kate Hudson in ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’ 🪴”

‘Ever After: A Cinderella Story’

For a second press look, Reinhart channeled Drew Barrymore’s character in Ever After: A Cinderella Story, wearing a stunning gown inspired by the film’s. The intricate, pale-gold look featured pearl-embroidered flowers, a custom corset and wire-framed wings. Although Reinhart’s look was a loose interpretation of this dress—not featuring the wings or the long sleeves—it’s clear the 1998 film was the inspiration. 

“‘Breathe. Just Breathe’,” Reinhart captioned the post. “A tribute to Drew Barrymore in Ever After: A Cinderella Story. I coveted my VHS tape we had at home and fell in love with period pieces because of this film 🎨”

‘Atonement’

The 2007 film starring Keira Knightley and James McAvoy was the latest inspiration for Reinhart’s press looks. In the film, Knightley’s character wears an iconic green silk slip dress to a family dinner, one that has become widely celebrated.

Reinhart decided to dedicate her press look to the film and Knightley’s memorable dress, wearing an emerald green Tory Burch gown, which they called a “twisted, draped, and hand-knotted interpretation of the iconic green dress in Atonement.”

This look was posted by The Love Hypothesis official Instagram with the caption, “Come back. Come back to me,” referencing the film’s iconic line. “BookTok, this one’s for you.@lilireinhart paying homage to Keira Knightley in Atonement, wearing @ToryBurch.”

Be sure to tune into The Love Hypothesis on September 23, 2026, only on Prime Video!

It was in August of 2001 when the Hallmark Channel officially came to be, and even 25 years ago, the network was rolling out heartwarming tales that the whole family could enjoy. While today we know and love the network for its cozy romances and happy endings, the films that premiered during its debut year set the foundation for the type of stories to come over the next two decades. Here, take a look at a few of the most iconic Hallmark movies from its first year in honor of the network’s 25th anniversary. 

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Year after year, holiday season after holiday season, the Hallmark Channel has brought wholesome, heartwarming stories to the screen. The films on this network are guided by themes like love, family and friendship, and over the years, a rotation of familiar faces have starred in these stories. The Hallmark family is a tight-knit one, and […]

‘In Love and War’ (2001)

In 1943, a British soldier, Eric, is imprisoned and held in an old mansion in Italy. During his captivity, he catches the eye of Wanda, a local woman with whom he soon forms a connection. Eventually escaping, he is kept hidden from the Nazis with the help of Wanda and a farmer in this tale of love persevering despite the odds. Eric is brought to life by Callum Blue, who some may recognize for his role in The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, while Wanda is portrayed by Barbora Bobuľová. Dive back into this Hallmark classic on Hallmark+. 

‘The Seventh Stream’ (2001)

In a quaint Irish seaside village, a widowed fisherman has remained consumed by his grief—but when he encounters a beautiful woman with mythical ties, his world begins to shift as he gradually falls in love with her. Starring Scott Glenn and Saffron Burrows, see this film now on Hallmark+. 

‘The Flamingo Rising’ (2001)

The Flamingo Rising follows one man whose plans of opening a large drive-in theater anger the owner of the funeral home across the street. Starring Elizabeth McGovern, Brian Benben and William Hurt, see it on Hallmark+. 

‘Follow the Stars Home’ (2001)

When Dianne learns she is pregnant, she and her husband Mark are preparing for their next chapter when tests reveal that their child will be born with genetic defects. Upon hearing the news, Mark decides he no longer wishes to be a part of their lives and leaves. Keeping the baby, Dianne cares for her child with the help of her mother. Starring Kimberly Williams-Paisley, who still remains a fixture on the Hallmark Channel, tune in to this classic on Hallmark+. 

‘A Town Without Christmas’ (2001)

With his parents’ divorce taking its toll, a young boy writes a letter to Santa wishing he didn’t exist. When he disappears right before Christmas, a TV reporter played by Patricia Heaton teams up with a writer and an elderly man to find him before it’s too late. 

Dolly Parton was truly one of a kind, and after her tragic passing on August 25, fans are reflecting on one of her most iconic projects. In 1980, Parton took the lead in 9 to 5, the workplace comedy where she acted alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, and in addition to showcasing her hilarious comedic timing and acting chops, she also lent her voice to the soundtrack—most notably on the song of the same name. 

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What was ‘9 to 5’ about?

9 to 5 starred Dolly Parton as Doralee, Jane Fonda as Judy and Lily Tomlin as Violet—three women working under misogynistic vice president Franklin Hart, Jr. When Violet’s passed up for a promotion and Doralee learns of a rumor about an alleged affair between her and Hart, the duo, joined by Judy, set out for an evening of drinking and smoking marijuana. Dreaming up scenarios in which they’d put an end to Hart, the next day, a series of coincidences occur that lead the women to believe Violet accidentally poisoned his coffee—just as she had fantasized about.

Ultimately, Hart arrives back at work after a hospital visit and a series of hijinks and misunderstandings involving the three women (including kidnapping a body they thought to be his from the hospital’s morgue), and when he threatens to report them for their actions, one thing leads to another before they ultimately kidnap him, keeping him captive in his home. In his absence, the women implement a series of initiatives that greatly improve the company, and while this film tells a hilarious tale of revenge, it also serves as an honest commentary on the female experience in the workplace.

Why ‘9 to 5’ was so important—especially at the time

At the time of the film’s release, the experiences of the women at the heart of the movie were very real—and the improvements they made within their workplace in Hart’s absence reflected the desires of working women all over the country and the world. Equality in terms of pay, childcare and flexibility with hours were just a few of the changes they made within the office, and for stars as big as Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin to illustrate those desires on screen, it truly meant something.

Dolly Parton’s ‘9 to 5’ costars remember her legacy

In the wake of her passing, both Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin have taken to social media to share their memories of the late singer. In a post shared to X, Tomlin wrote, “Friend. Songwriter. The Great Harmonizer of Humanity. Dolly. Dolly. Dolly. Forever Dolly.” 

In a separate post shared by Jane Fonda, the actress went into great detail about the impact Parton had on her. “I never knew anyone like her. She was simultaneously a naughty, playful southern gal from the hollows of Tennessee and a deep, soulful thinker who could see through people right down to their true selves.” She continued with a funny, oh-so-Dolly anecdote, sharing, “She had a survivor’s instinct and seemed to always know just what to do, just what to say, to make things right…and then she’d stick her butt out the car window and moon Kenny Rogers’ home. She was the voluptuous embodiment of empathy. That’s something of hers she’d want us all to take with us.”

Want to reminisce on Dolly’s performance in 9 to 5? Watch it now on Philo. 

No matter what time of year it is, the Hallmark Channel has viewers at home covered with timely romances tied to whatever the season may be. Though the channel is known for its holiday romances and Christmastime love stories, some would argue that autumn is an equally romantic time of year: The changing leaves and cozy sweater weather serve as the ultimate backdrop to falling in love. If you love fall as much as we do, you’re in luck. In just a few short days, Hallmark kicks off its Fall Into Love lineup, which highlights eight new and original films airing on the network over the next few weeks that take place amongst the autumnal air. Here, find out when you can catch these premieres. 

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Over the weekend, Hallmark took a trip down under with the premiere of Aussie at Heart starring Daniel Lissing and Rhiannon Fish. The swoon-worthy romance, which debuted on August 15, followed Samara, a woman who must work alongside her former colleague and nemesis, Nate, as they organize a couple’s anniversary celebration together in Queensland. As […]

August 22: ‘Love Finds You’

Aimee Teegarden, who stole hearts as a teen in Friday Night Lights, takes the lead as Alex. When Alex receives a surprising package that convinces her she’s found the man of her dreams, she sets out on a quest throughout her city, guided by her handsome delivery driver Jack (Chris McNally). Tune in on August 22 at 8/7c and see how Alex and Jack’s search unfolds. 

August 29: ‘Much About Love’

A modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, Ashley Williams returns to Hallmark screens as a TV director revisiting her theater origins for a Shakespeare festival. When she reunites with a former flame (Niall Matter), so begins their journey inspired by the classic tale. Tune in on August 29 at 8/7c to discover what’s in store. 

September 5: ‘Haunted Harmony Mysteries: Prelude to a Wedding’

The beloved series of mystery films starring Tamera Mowry-Housley returns, and this time around, Gethsemane and Eamon find themselves entangled in a murder mystery at a wedding. After being invited to play at the celebration, a death within the bridal party changes the trajectory of the occasion. See it on September 5 at 8/7c. 

September 12: ‘Falling Into Place’

Alvina August and Nathan Witte take the lead in Falling Into Place as two childhood friends who reunite ahead of their hometown’s fall festival and work to finish their incomplete fall bucket list side by side. Immerse yourself in their heartfelt reunion on September 12 at 8/7c.

September 19: ‘Garage Sale Mysteries: Murder Takes the Stage’

Lori Loughlin returns as Jennifer Shannon, and this time around, as her true crime book club reenacts the Lizzie Borden case, a member is murdered. Dive into this mystery on September 19 at 8/7c. 

September 26: ‘Pumpkin Regatta Romance’

Nadine (Mishael Morgan) and Ethan (Corey Sevier) are the daughter and son of two local feuding business owners. Teaming up, the duo work to patch things up between their dads, as well as bring their community’s Pumpkin Regatta back to life. See it on September 26 at 8/7c. 

October 3: ‘A Knight to Remember’

Emily (Julie Gonzalo) is a museum conservator cleaning a statue of a knight that’s just arrived at a Chicago art exhibit. On a whim, she kisses the statue, causing it to come to life. Expect the unexpected when the film premieres on October 3 at 8/7c. 

October 10: ‘The Spirit of Halloween’

Everly isn’t a fan of Halloween—until three friendly ghosts pay her a visit and give her a reason to appreciate the season. Starring Meghan Ory and Kevin McGarry, tune in on October 10 at 8/7c. 

Long before Lacey Chabert became one of Hallmark’s most familiar faces and Warren Christie joined the new Little House on the Prairie, the two starred together in 2014’s The Color of Rain. And while both actors had already appeared in Hallmark projects (Chabert in over 40, Christie in about 10), the film marked the first time they shared the screen.

Based on a true story, The Color of Rain follows two people brought together by unimaginable loss who unexpectedly find love—and a second chance at building a family. More than a decade later, the film remains a memorable entry in both Chabert and Christie’s Hallmark careers.

What is ‘The Color of Rain’ about?

The Color of Rain follows a mother of two, Gina, whose husband recently lost his battle with terminal cancer. Wanting to be close to her children and searching for a way to cope, she begins volunteering at their elementary school where she meets the Spehn kids. 

When Gina discovers that the Spehn’s father, Michael, is in a tragically similar situation, having just lost his own wife to cancer, the two form an unlikely bond while helping each other get through the most difficult time in their lives. What follows is a friendship where Gina and Michael begin to lean on each other and heal, all while beginning to fall in love. 

‘The Color of Rain’ is a true story

While fans frequently turn to the Hallmark channel for a feel good Christmas film or a sweetly predictable romance, The Color of Rain offered something a bit different. The emotional film, which is based on the book of the same name, follows Michael and Gina’s real story of grief,  love and finding a way to cope with loss.

Matt Kell and Cathy Spehn, the previous spouses of Gina and Michael, had grown up as friends while living in Rochester, Michigan. Although they had formed a bond early on, their paths diverged in college and Cathy married Michael Spehn, while Matt tied the knot with Gina. Both couples went their own ways, welcoming children of their own and building successful lives. 

Matt was diagnosed with a rare and incurable cancer, leiomyosarcoma, and unfortunately lost his battle on Christmas day in 2005. The following year, Cathy discovered she had inoperable brain cancer and tragically died just 17 days after finding out. 

Having gone through very similar ordeals, Matt and Cathy’s surviving spouses turned to each other while dealing with their own grief and raising their respective children. But what began as a support system turned into love, which blossomed over the course of a year and a half. 

In 2007, Michael and Gina married each other and became a blended crew of 7. Together, the couple established the New Day Foundation for Families, created to help other families facing cancer. 

Chabert and Christie talk about the movie

It wasn’t until a few years after they tied the knot that Michael and Gina decided to share their story with the world in their 2011 book, The Color of Rain. Not long after that, the memoir was adapted into the emotional, heartwarming Hallmark film.

Both Chabert and Christie spoke about what drew them to the project and why they felt it was an important story to tell. 

“I saw a piece that Gina and Michael had done on the Today show, and I was really moved just by their story and the fact that they were able to find each other after suffering through such loss,” Chabert said. “I was really honored to be a part of it.”

Christie shared his own thoughts on joining the project, explaining, “I didn’t realize that it was a true story until the very last page, and at that moment my stomach dropped a little bit and I went back to figure it out… I just thought it was a really beautiful story about love and loss and healing, and an important one, and one that was going to resonate with a lot of people.”

As for what it was like working together, Chabert only had kind things to say. In an interview, the actress shared of Christie, “He is great! Warren is a million laughs a minute. He is so funny and I just adore him.”

You can watch The Color of Rain on the subscription-based platform, Hallmark+.

Back in 2021, fans fell hard for The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood. The book combined all the tropes romance readers love best including fake dating and grumpy x sunshine, but it was the characters at the heart of the story, Olive and Adam, that truly made this book what it is. Now, after years of begging, readers will finally get to see this love story come to life on screen with the release of the Prime Video adaptation hitting the streamer on September 23. As we wait for the premiere, read all about the film, how you can watch and the actors bringing our favorite characters to life. 

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What is ‘The Love Hypothesis’ about?

At the heart of The Love Hypothesis is Olive, a Ph.D. candidate who has wholeheartedly devoted herself to her studies. Despite having little time for romance, she’s harbored a crush on Jeremy—until she learns that her best friend Ahn has fallen for him as well. In an effort to prove to Ahn that she’s unbothered, Olive—in the heat of the moment—hastily smooches Adam Carlsen, an utterly intimidating yet devastatingly handsome professor. Soon enough, a desperate and impulsive kiss turns into something more, Olive and Adam now entangled in a fake relationship that both are benefiting from—but what happens when things turn real? 

“I have seen it, and I loved it,” revealed Ali Hazelwood in conversation with Harper’s Bazaar regarding the film. “It was amazing. I feel almost like I don’t deserve it. I think they did such a great job. The actors are amazing, like the entire cast plays so well off of each other. I love what they have done with the story, the things that they have changed.”

With that in mind, take a peek at who’s bringing this story to life!

Lili Reinhart stars as Olive

Readers fell for Olive almost instantly, and who better to bring the character to life than the ever-so-charming Lili Reinhart? “If you aren’t familiar, the big, important part of The Love Hypothesis and sort of the engine of the story, is that these two come together because of Olive’s loyalty to her best friend,” Reinhart shared with People. “I really enjoyed the friendship aspect. I think it’s a romantic comedy. It’s about two people falling in love, but it also stemming from a place of female friendship, which is really beautiful and lovely.”

Tom Bateman brings Adam to life

The gruff and handsome Adam is being portrayed by Tom Bateman, and the actor urged fans that the book itself was honored as best as possible throughout the entire film. “Every single person involved with this had such a deep love for the book and for doing it justice for everyone that loves it, for the amazing characters in the world,” Bateman shared with People. “The intention was always we wanna make this the best it could be. And who better to tell it to than a group of people who love it so much?”

Who else is in the ‘Love Hypothesis’ cast?

Ahn is brought to life by Rachel Marsh, while Jeremy is played by Nicholas Duvernay. Jaboukie Young-White and Arty Froushan will also join the cast. 

How to watch ‘The Love Hypothesis’

The Love Hypothesis will be available to stream on Prime Video on September 23.