New Hallmark+ competition looks for Hallmark's 'Mr. Christmas'

LOS ANGELES – Hallmark Christmas hunks don’t grow on trees. Some have to be plucked from obscurity.

At least that’s the premise behind “Finding Mr. Christmas,” a new reality series that finds hosts Jonathan Bennett and Melissa Peterman running actors through their yuletide paces.

The prize: One gets to star in a Hallmark holiday film.

“I know this idea might sound crazy, but I think we have something here,” says Bennett, a veteran of the network’s productions. “Every actor wants to be a part of this world. So, the idea was sparked by, ‘What if we made a reality competition show to find the next seat at the Hallmark holiday table?’ It (came) out of something that’s happening in real life. They want to join the network.”

Kelly Clarkson, he says, had a similar trajectory with “American Idol.” “Here, we’re actually building our next star because you’re going to be able to fall in love with different contestants and watch their journey along the way.”

To become Mr. Christmas, 10 actors compete in various holiday-related activities. Peterman and Bennett ask questions to bring out their personalities and discover their softer sides.

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“They opened up their hearts, they told their true-life stories, and they came together as a brotherhood and created a safe space for each other to share things that happened in their lives,” Bennett says. “Maybe that will spark some people at home to maybe be vulnerable and share things with their families. Even though they look good in a Christmas sweater, that’s not what this show is.”

Those who didn’t win the prize said they felt great about the experience, according to Peterman. “I got so emotionally invested in these guys, too,” she adds. “And it was because they were so willing to be open.”

“Finding Mr. Christmas” airs on Hallmark+.