Hallmark Sets November Premiere For Chiefs Christmas Movie
The Kansas City Chiefs are stepping into the holiday movie scene. Kansas City, Hallmark, the NFL, and Skydance Sports have joined forces to create a festive film. Fans can now circle the date. Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story, starring Tyler Hynes and Hunter King, will premiere on Nov. 30 at 8 p.m. ET as part of Hallmark’s 15th annual Countdown to Christmas lineup.
The announcement came during “The World’s Largest Tailgate: Tailgate Games” at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, just before the Chiefs’ opening game against the Baltimore Ravens.
The movie is directed by John Putch, known for his work on Scrubs, Black-ish, and The Middle. Putch is also the son of the late actress Jean Stapleton, best known for her role in All In The Family.
“We are honored to partner with Hallmark on a project as unique as this,” Chiefs president Mark Donovan shared. “As a club, we pride ourselves on exploring new ways to grow our brand, as well as connect with new audiences. This partnership unites two passionate fanbases and gives us an opportunity to show Chiefs Kingdom’s energy and tradition on one of the most-watched channels during the holiday season.”
The story follows Alana Higman (King), whose family’s deep-rooted love for the Chiefs makes them a top contender for the team’s “Fan of the Year” contest. Hynes plays Derrick, the director of fan engagement, who is tasked with judging how Alana’s family measures up against the competition.
The movie will feature appearances by Jenna Bush Hager, Donna Kelce, Diedrich Bader, Megyn Price, and Coach Andy Reid, along with several Chiefs players. Multiple scenes were shot at Arrowhead Stadium, which will also feature year-round promotions for the film, including Hallmark-branded animations on the LED screens and special giveaways.
According to Hallmark, at home games, fans can experience a Hallmark twist on the “Kiss Cam” with the “Star Cam,” offering holiday-themed superlatives. There will also be a special tailgate experience, complete with festive photo opportunities and free hot cocoa. Fans attending the Nov. 29 home game, just before the movie’s release, will receive an exclusive Chiefs x Hallmark Channel pennant. New merchandise will also be available soon.
While Swifties are eager for a Hallmark-style Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce love story, the upcoming movie is not focused on their romance. Still, fans were quick to share their thoughts online, with one commenting, “Can’t wait for it to premiere, this is going to be the best Tayvis romance movie!!!” Another complained, “Enough of the NFL capitalizing on this.”
Last year, the Chiefs embraced the Swift-Kelce buzz with a parody trailer for a fake Hallmark movie, Falling for Football, starring Hynes. The spoof was a fun lead-up to the AFC Championship Game, but this time around, Holiday Touchdown is all about celebrating the passion of Chiefs Kingdom.
