The Lifetime Network–chief rival of Hallmark when it comes to sappy holiday movies–has made an announcement. This year will see the network release its first-ever Christmas movie centered on a gay romance.
“We’re proud that we were able to share an amazing storyline last year featuring a same-sex kiss in ‘Twinkle All the Way,’” said Lifetime head of programming Amy Winter. “And this year, we’re even more proud to announce one of our Christmas movies will feature an LGBTQ lead story because, at Lifetime, the holidays truly are for everyone.”
Related: Hallmark promises to make the yuletide extra gay this year
Lifetime, like Hallmark, has developed a reputation and devoted following for its by-the-numbers holiday films which often revolve around a hard-boiled city dweller finding true love at Christmas. Both networks have received criticism from various communities for focusing almost entirely on white, affluent, Christian and heterosexual characters. Earlier this year Hallmark announced it would include queer characters in its upcoming slate of films, though the network has yet to announce any specifics. Now, it looks like Lifetime has beaten them to the punch.
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The Christmas Set-Up will center on a gay, New York lawyer named Hugo who travels to Wisconsin to spend the holidays with friends. There, the mother of one of his friends decides to set Hugo up with Patrick, a Silicon Valley upstart who also happens to be Hugo’s high school crush. Sparks fly between the pair, until Hugo is offered a new job in London, and must decide on his life priorities.
Lifetime has not yet announced a cast for the film, which is slated for release later this year. The announcement marks another step forward for Lifetime. Last year, the network’s Christmas film Twinkle All the Way featured a kiss between two men–a first for the channel’s holiday films.
Josh447
Sweet. Can’t wait! I support everything that helps lgbt’s come out and ditch fear and feel good about themselves. Good examples like this are incredible stepping stones.
STICK IT OMM ET. AL!
ThinkPIease
WOW! I cannot believe they are both WHITE! This is so insensitive! F**K Y*U Lifetime.
Cam
Nothing enrages a right wing anti-LGBTQ troll account more than us becoming mainstream.
And they’ll lie to do it. In the article it clearly states “Lifetime has not yet announced a cast for the film, which is slated for release later this year.” So sweetie, if you’re going to scream your right wing mocking of diversity, you may want to hold it for an article where it isn’t so easy to see your lies clearly.
Chris
Jesus Christ! Maybe BET will produce a movie that you can endorse.
linedrive
How do you know they’re both white? The posted pic is from a different movie.
funpitt412
Yes, I agree should have had a black guy.
Cam
If you’re going to switch your screename to say the same thing, you may want to wait a little longer between posts so it isn’t so obvious.
Chris
As I just commented, maybe BET can produce a movie to your liking. Oh, yeah, like THAT will happen.
FridM
Why black?
Why not about a Swedish Sami and a hot Viking…or Asian or…???
zoomlens
Actually, the article specifically says that the movie hasn’t been cast yet, but don’t let that stop you from throwing a hissy fit over nothing.
Prax07
I hope they Are both White. All this forced diversity is stupid.
Jack Meoff
It will still be a crap movie but at least they are moving forward all be it at a glacial pace.
Chris
“By all means, move at a glacial pace” lmao
Cam
Ok Hallmark, the ball is in your court now.
TomG
Sure, sure, sure, until it actually airs I won’t believe it.
Miles Crown
Does “not yet announced a cast” mean they’ve already filmed it and details are forthcoming (in which case the line should be “not yet announced THE cast.” Or, have they not yet cast or produced it? If the latter, how will they be able to produce it between now and the holidays with COVID? Some details would be helpful.