Hallmark Channel Celebrates 25 Years With 22 Beloved Stars

Hallmark Channel marked a huge milestone in style, gathering 22 of its most cherished stars for a lively 25th birthday panel in New York City.

The night was a nostalgic ride, full of behind-the-scenes stories, surprise reveals, and a few moments that tugged at the heartstrings—reminding everyone just how much the network means to viewers and the people who make those cozy movies happen.

Hallmark Channel’s 25th Birthday Became a Star-Studded Reunion

The event, called Hallmark Channel’s 25th Birthday: A Quarter Century of Feel-Good Television, took over 92NY on August 4.

With 22 familiar faces showing up, it honestly felt more like a family reunion than some stuffy industry panel. Fans have seen these folks in their living rooms for years, so the energy was warm and a bit electric.

People’s Breanne Heldman hosted, steering the conversation through early Hallmark memories, favorite on-set moments, and career highlights. There were also hints about what’s next for the network’s loyal audience.

Darren Abbott, Hallmark Media’s president, kicked things off by honoring the channel’s 25-year journey, along with a video that rolled through its movies, fan events, and some truly memorable history.

The Guest List Was Basically a Hallmark Fan’s Dream Cast

Honestly, it’s tough to capture how many fan favorites packed into one room.

The anniversary brought together Alison Sweeney, Andie MacDowell, Andrew Walker, Ashley Williams, Autumn Reeser, Barbara Niven, Benjamin Ayres, B.J. Britt, Erin Cahill, Heather Hemmens, Holly Robinson Peete, Jonathan Bennett, Kimberley Sustad, Lacey Chabert, Marilu Henner, Niall Matter, Nikki DeLoach, Rachel Boston, Scott Michael Foster, Tyler Hynes, Victor Webster, and Wes Brown.

Instead of one massive group chat, Hallmark split the lineup into three smaller groups.

This let everyone share their stories and kept the vibe relaxed and personal—just the way fans like it.

• First group: Alison Sweeney, Ashley Williams, Niall Matter, Autumn Reeser, Wes Brown, Holly Robinson Peete, Rachel Boston, and Victor Webster
• Second group: Andrew Walker, Nikki DeLoach, B.J. Britt, Heather Hemmens, Kimberley Sustad, Erin Cahill, and Tyler Hynes
• Third group: Andie MacDowell, Benjamin Ayres, Barbara Niven, Lacey Chabert, Scott Michael Foster, Jonathan Bennett, and Marilu Henner

Alison Sweeney and Ashley Williams Delivered the Biggest Christmas Surprise

If you’re already counting down to Hallmark’s holiday season, the first panel group had news worth cheering about. Alison Sweeney and Ashley Williams announced they’ll be teaming up for a brand-new Hallmark original movie airing during Countdown to Christmas this year.

This pairing is a big deal for fans. Sweeney’s become a go-to for Hallmark’s mysteries and holiday films, while Williams always brings that mix of humor and warmth—especially in Christmas flicks.

A New On-Screen Reunion Is Exactly What Holiday Movie Fans Wanted

No big plot details yet, but just knowing Sweeney and Williams are reuniting is enough to spark buzz for the 2026 Countdown to Christmas lineup.

Hallmark’s holiday season is a TV tradition for so many, and this film instantly jumps to the top of the must-watch list.

The Hallmark Stars Live Tour Stories Brought the Road Experience to New York

The second group took things in a different direction, focusing on the growing bond between Hallmark stars and their fans.

Andrew Walker, Nikki DeLoach, and Kimberley Sustad had just wrapped up the Hallmark Stars Live tour, and they shared what it’s really like to meet viewers face-to-face.

That in-person connection is a huge part of what sets Hallmark apart.

For many, these movies aren’t just background noise—they’re annual rituals, comfort food for the soul, and a way to feel connected, especially around the holidays.

Live events make it possible for fans to meet the people behind their favorite roles in a more personal way.

Tyler Hynes Was Roasted Over His Hallmark Christmas Ornament

Tyler Hynes had his own moment in the spotlight when talk turned to his Hallmark Christmas ornament.

His fellow stars couldn’t resist poking fun at him for becoming actual holiday décor. Only in the Hallmark world, right?

But honestly, being turned into a collectible ornament? That’s when you know you’ve truly become part of fans’ seasonal traditions.

Lacey Chabert, Scott Michael Foster, and Barbara Niven Looked Ahead to Paris

The third group highlighted one of Hallmark’s newer adventures—the Hallmark+ series Paris Is Always a Good Idea.

Lacey Chabert, Scott Michael Foster, and Barbara Niven talked about filming the series, which is now streaming on Hallmark’s subscription service.

Chabert is basically Hallmark royalty at this point, so her being at the 25th birthday bash just made sense.

Her work has shaped the network’s modern era, and Foster and Niven each add something special to the Hallmark+ lineup.

The Streaming Era Is Giving Hallmark a New Kind of Creative Space

By focusing on Paris Is Always a Good Idea, Hallmark showed it’s not stuck in the past.

The network’s leaning into streaming, experimenting with serialized stories and new locations, but still keeping that signature blend of romance, humor, and heart.

Paris is a dreamy backdrop for any love story, honestly.

With Chabert, Foster, and Niven in the mix, the series feels like a natural, polished extension of the Hallmark world—not a total departure.

Jonathan Bennett’s Hallmark Milestone Had a Powerful Historical Connection

Jonathan Bennett brought a genuinely moving story to the event. He talked about making LGBTQ+ history as the lead in Hallmark’s first Christmas movie to center a same-sex couple, The Christmas House.

That film was a big step for Hallmark and for viewers who’d waited to see themselves in those classic holiday stories.

Bennett also revealed that the jacket he wore in the movie is now part of the Smithsonian collection.

It’s kind of wild—a holiday movie costume becoming a piece of preserved history. But it’s a testament to how much impact these stories can have and how far representation has come in entertainment.

The Evening Ended With an Epic Hallmark Group Selfie

As the event wrapped up, Bennett gathered the whole group of stars for a massive selfie. It’s the kind of photo Hallmark fans will probably keep coming back to, honestly.

Actors from all across Hallmark’s history squeezed into the frame, representing generations of the network’s programming. The shot really captured the joyful community Hallmark has built over the last 25 years.

The evening also took a moment to honor performers from Hallmark Hall of Fame productions, even before the Hallmark Channel was around. That nod to the company’s roots gave the night a little extra meaning.