Hallmark Channel produced 24 new films for its 2025 holiday lineup, and streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu released similar titles. Two Virginia Tech experts, Sarah Ovink and Rose Wesche, examined why audiences keep choosing these formulaic romantic comedies.
Wesche, an associate professor in human development and family science, points to predictability. She cites a 2022 paper in The Journal of Popular Television that found three common reasons: celebrating the season, escaping the troubles of the world and busy lives, and enjoying a wholesome story with a happy ending. Repetitive plots are comforting and let viewers relax because they know how the story will end.
Ovink, an associate professor in sociology, adds that holiday films reflect mainstream cultural norms that support marriage and family. Both experts describe the movies as a snow-globe perfect world where problems are tidy and usually resolved within a 90-minute runtime, giving viewers a simple, contained story.
Difficult words
- formulaic — following the same simple plot pattern
- predictability — how easily viewers can guess what happens
- wholesome — pleasant and morally good for most people
- repetitive — happening again and not changing
- comforting — making someone feel safe and relaxed
- mainstream — accepted and common in the general culture
- runtime — total length of a film or program
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you enjoy predictable holiday films? Why or why not?
- The experts say these films reflect cultural support for marriage and family. Do you agree? Explain briefly.
- Would you prefer a simple, contained story or a more complex, realistic film for a holiday movie? Why?
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