The Hallmark Channel officially kicked off its 17th annual Countdown to Christmas on October 16, 2026, with the premiere of the holiday romantic comedy ‘Tis the Season for Setups. The film stars Amanda Schull and Victor Webster, anchoring a seasonal programming schedule that features 34 new original movie premieres through December 20.
Plot and Storyline Overview
In ‘Tis the Season for Setups, Amanda Schull stars as Lexi, a hyper-organized single mother and professional party planner. She is hired to manage the annual holiday party at a local ski resort, bringing along her free-spirited mother, June (played by Barbara Niven), and her teenage daughter, Piper (played by Verity Marks).
Upon arriving at the snowy resort, Lexi immediately clashes with Ridge, the resort’s ski instructor, played by Victor Webster. Ridge is also the son of lodge owner Dan, played by John B. Lowe. Despite their initial friction, Lexi and Ridge notice an unmistakable romantic spark developing between their respective parents, June and Dan.
The two younger characters call a temporary truce to act as matchmakers, orchestrating a series of festive outings and activities to bring June and Dan together. However, June and Dan have their own plans, turning the carefully arranged dates into regular foursomes. Through these repeated setups, Lexi and Ridge find themselves growing closer, leading to unexpected romantic developments of their own.
Cast and Production Details
The film brings together familiar faces from the Hallmark network alongside established television actors:
- Amanda Schull as Lexi: Known for her roles in Hallmark films like Project Christmas Wish and Marry Go Round, as well as television series Suits and 12 Monkeys.
- Victor Webster as Ridge: A recognizable Hallmark regular who has starred in projects including The Wedding Veil trilogy and Matchmaker Mysteries.
- Barbara Niven as June: A staple of the Hallmark network known for Cedar Cove and the Hannah Swensen mystery series, marking four decades since her very first Hallmark film production.
- Verity Marks as Piper: Portraying Lexi’s teenage daughter.
- John B. Lowe as Dan: Portraying Ridge’s father and the ski resort owner.
The production was directed by Jeff Beesley, with a script written by Elena Zaretsky.
How to Watch and Broadcast Schedule
‘Tis the Season for Setups made its television debut on the Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. Eastern Time (7 p.m. Central Time) on October 16, 2026. For viewers without traditional cable subscriptions, the network is accessible via live-TV streaming services such as Frndly TV, YouTube TV, and through satellite providers like DIRECTV (Channel 312).
Streaming availability on Hallmark+ began the following day, October 17, 2026. The network also scheduled multiple linear re-airings throughout the subsequent weeks to support its extensive holiday lineup rollout.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did ‘Tis the Season for Setups premiere?
The movie premiered on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on the Hallmark Channel.
Is this movie part of a series or a standalone project?
‘Tis the Season for Setups is a standalone holiday romantic comedy film and serves as the opening movie for the 2026 Countdown to Christmas programming block.
Who are the main stars of the movie?
The film stars Amanda Schull, Victor Webster, and Barbara Niven, alongside supporting cast members Verity Marks and John B. Lowe.
Where can I stream ‘Tis the Season for Setups?
Streaming is available on Hallmark+, with content unlocking the day after the initial linear television broadcast.
Where was the movie set?
The story is primarily set at a winter holiday ski resort where Lexi is hired to organize a seasonal corporate and family celebration.
