What a time to be alive when Hallmark Christmas movies are not just cozy escapism but an unexpected ratings juggernaut.
And the real kicker? They’re outperforming some of the most prominent names in cable news. That’s right—this holiday season, while cable networks like MSNBC and CNN are grappling with audience flight, Hallmark is enjoying a surge, wrapping itself in a tinsel-draped victory lap that smells faintly of cinnamon and peppermint.
First, let’s set the scene. November has been rough for left-leaning news networks, to put it mildly. With the dust settling after Donald Trump’s electoral win, these networks are staring down not just a political reckoning but a ratings nosedive that’s hard to sugarcoat.
Meanwhile, Hallmark, the reigning champion of heartwarming holiday fare, is basking in the glow of record viewership. In the week of November 11–17, Hallmark claimed the No. 3 spot in primetime and total-day viewership across all cable networks, leaving MSNBC and CNN in the glittery dust.
Now, this isn’t just about festive movies outshining serious news coverage—it’s about what resonates with audiences. Critics have long poked fun at Hallmark’s Christmas formula: a big-city professional returns to their hometown, rediscovers the magic of Christmas, and, naturally, finds love amidst snow-dusted town squares.
Yet, while detractors call the plots predictable, audiences call them comforting. And here’s the kicker: predictability works when the alternative is a 24/7 feed of political discord.
Ironically, some of the loudest complaints about Hallmark’s holiday offerings—claims they’re repetitive or cater to a narrow worldview—could just as easily apply to the struggling news outlets. The difference? Hallmark doesn’t alienate half its audience. Its films deliver joy and escapism, free of snarky commentary or divisive rhetoric. The same can’t always be said for the nightly news.
Adding to the hilarity, Rachel Maddow’s recent contract renegotiation has her pulling in a cool $25 million annually—for just one day of broadcasting per week.
Maybe Lacey Chabert, Hallmark’s reigning queen of Christmas, should think about a similar deal. After all, her work is attracting more viewers than MSNBC and CNN combined.