Finding Mr Christmas Delivers Jonathan Bennett’s Most Emotional Episode Yet

If you thought *Finding Mr. Christmas* couldn’t get any more heartwarming, think again.

The latest episode of Hallmark Channel’s breakout unscripted hit didn’t just tug at heartstrings—it practically wrapped them in tinsel and tied them with a bow.

Hosted and co-created by *Jonathan Bennett*, this week’s installment was an emotional rollercoaster that celebrated moms, memories, and the magic of the holidays in a way only Hallmark could deliver.

Between surprise family reunions, heartfelt performances, and a tear-jerking appearance by TV legend *Sharon Lawrence*, this episode proved why the show has quickly become a must-watch holiday tradition.

Here’s why fans—and even the cast—are calling it the most powerful episode yet.

The Episode That Melted Hallmark Fans’ Hearts

Premiering on December 8, 2025, the seventh episode of *Finding Mr. Christmas* Season Two delivered everything viewers love about the franchise: charm, emotion, and a healthy dose of festive sparkle.

Before the episode even aired, Bennett teased on social media that it was *the best episode of TV I’ve ever been involved with in my 25-year career*.

That’s a bold statement coming from a man who’s hosted *Halloween Wars*, competed on *Celebrity Big Brother*, and appeared in everything from *Awkward* to *Fantasy Island*.

But after watching this episode, it’s easy to see why he said it.

The competition had reached a pivotal stage, with only four contestants—*Marcus Brodie, Angel Garet, Rustin Sailors,* and *Craig Geoghan*—remaining.

The stakes were high: only three would advance to the December 15 finale, where one lucky winner would become Hallmark’s next leading man.

But before anyone could think about movie deals or fame, Bennett threw in a twist that would change the tone of the competition entirely.

When Christmas Cards Turn Into Christmas Miracles

In a challenge that could only happen on a Hallmark show, the contestants were asked to write heartfelt Christmas cards to their moms.

The moment was already emotional, but then came the surprise—those very moms were waiting backstage, ready to walk out and embrace their sons.

What followed was pure television gold: laughter, tears, and the kind of genuine emotion that can’t be scripted.

For *Marcus Brodie*, the reunion was especially poignant.

His mother had been diagnosed with cancer just before filming began, making their on-screen moment all the more powerful.

As the men read their cards aloud, *Melissa Peterman*, one of the show’s judges, was visibly moved, admitting that she missed her own college-aged son.

The entire set seemed to pause for a collective sigh of empathy, capturing the universal bond between mothers and sons that transcends competition or celebrity.

Sharon Lawrence Steps Into the Spotlight

Just when the emotions reached their peak, Bennett introduced a surprise guest who made the episode unforgettable: *Sharon Lawrence*.

Fans will remember her as Bennett’s on-screen mom from Hallmark’s *The Christmas House* movies, but their connection runs much deeper.

In real life, Lawrence has become a maternal figure to Bennett, especially since his own mother passed away.

Their reunion on set wasn’t just touching—it was symbolic of the show’s deeper message about family, love, and chosen connections.

Lawrence arrived already misty-eyed, embracing Bennett and telling him how proud she was of him.

The host later revealed that she had even served as a *flower girl* at his wedding to *Jaymes Vaughan*, stepping in to fill the role of his late mother.

The moment captured exactly what *Finding Mr. Christmas* is all about: celebrating the people who lift us up when life gets tough.

The Star Quality Challenge That Tested Hearts and Talent

After the emotional reunions, the competition resumed—but not without a twist that blended acting chops with raw vulnerability.

For the *Star Quality Challenge*, each contestant had to perform the same emotional scene opposite Sharon Lawrence.

The setup: a son’s first Christmas after losing his father.

It was a test of subtlety, empathy, and connection—qualities essential for any Hallmark leading man.

Before filming, the contestants rehearsed with their real moms, who offered encouragement and advice.

Watching the mothers coach their sons through emotional scenes was both touching and revealing.

It showcased how much these men had learned not only about acting but about expressing genuine feeling.

When the cameras rolled, the moms joined Bennett and Peterman behind the monitor, watching proudly as their sons delivered performances that came straight from the heart.

A Masterclass in Emotion from Sharon Lawrence

Lawrence proved once again why she’s one of television’s most beloved actresses.

Her ability to adapt to each contestant’s energy created four completely different interpretations of the same scene.

One moment she was tender and soft-spoken, the next she radiated quiet strength and grief.

The contestants rose to the challenge, each bringing their own emotional truth to the table.

• Marcus channeled his personal story into a performance that left the room silent.
• Angel delivered a heartfelt scene that had his real mom—and Peterman—crying behind the monitor.
• Rustin showed a quiet intensity that hinted at leading-man potential.
• Craig balanced humor and heartbreak, proving his versatility.

Why This Episode Resonates Beyond Reality TV

In a landscape filled with high-drama reality shows, *Finding Mr. Christmas* stands out for its authenticity and heart.

It’s not about backstabbing, alliances, or shock value—it’s about kindness, creativity, and the pursuit of something meaningful.

This particular episode captured that ethos perfectly, reminding viewers that vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s strength wrapped in tinsel.

For Bennett, the episode was also deeply personal.

His journey from actor to host and creator has been defined by his willingness to blend humor with heart.

By bringing in Sharon Lawrence and crafting a challenge centered on family, he turned what could have been a simple competition episode into a mini Hallmark movie of its own.

The result? A viral moment that had fans tweeting, crying, and streaming the series in record numbers.

A Celebration of Moms Everywhere

If there’s one takeaway from this unforgettable episode, it’s that *Finding Mr. Christmas* isn’t just about finding a leading man—it’s about honoring the women who raised them.

The show’s focus on empathy, gratitude, and emotional intelligence sets it apart from any other reality competition on television.

It’s a love letter to moms, reminding us how their influence shapes who we become, both on screen and off.

As Bennett himself demonstrated, family isn’t always defined by blood.

Sometimes it’s the people who show up, who believe in us, and who hold our hands when the cameras stop rolling.

Sharon Lawrence’s presence embodied that truth beautifully, giving the episode a sense of closure and continuity that fans will remember long after the holiday lights fade.

How to Catch Up Before the Finale

If you haven’t joined the *Finding Mr. Christmas* craze yet, there’s still time. Every episode is streaming right now on Hallmark+, and the season finale drops December 15.

Hallmark+ is even running a 50% off deal on subscriptions for a limited time. That makes it a whole lot easier to binge the whole season before the final episode.

Maybe you’re in it for the competition, or just craving some cozy holiday vibes. Either way, this show delivers—there’s plenty of humor, some surprisingly sweet moments, and honestly, the whole thing just sparkles.

So, go ahead and grab your cocoa. Curl up by the fire, and get ready for what might be the most emotional episode yet.