Hallmark’s Because of Cupid Sneak Peek Reveals Valentine Magic

Hallmark Channel is really going all-in on Valentine’s Day this year, and its latest Loveuary premiere isn’t just about romance. Because of Cupid gives the friends-to-lovers trope a cheeky twist, tossing in a mischievous love potion, a high-stakes mocktail contest, and a cast Hallmark fans already know and love.

With Amy Groening, Evan Roderick, and Adam Tsekhman at the helm, this February 14th debut looks set to deliver the kind of swoon-worthy chaos only Cupid could dream up.

A Love Potion, a Bar, and a Valentine’s Day Gone Wrong

Loveuary movies have become a staple for Hallmark, but this year’s entry adds a supernatural kick to the usual formula. Because of Cupid follows best friends Naomi and Marcus, who run a cozy bar-cafe together.

They’re business partners, confidants, and—though neither admits it—there’s more than friendship simmering beneath the surface.

When Cupid Gets Involved

Marcus has been quietly in love with Naomi for ages. He’s too afraid to risk the friendship, so he keeps his feelings under wraps.

Then Cupid shows up, apparently tired of waiting around. A love potion ends up in Marcus’s hands, and, well, you can probably guess what happens next.

Naomi, totally unaware, uses the potion in one of her new mocktails for a Valentine’s Day competition. Suddenly, there’s a domino effect of romantic confusion—emotions run wild, and the friend group finds themselves in all sorts of unexpected pairings.

Love is definitely in the air, but not always in the ways anyone intended.

The Pairing Hallmark Fans Have Been Waiting For

One of the big draws here is finally seeing Amy Groening and Evan Roderick together on screen. Both are Hallmark regulars, but this is their first time as co-leads.

Amy Groening’s Hallmark Legacy

Groening’s become a go-to romantic lead for the network. You might remember her from:

• ‘Tis the Season to Be Merry
• The Santa Summit
• ‘Twas the Date Before Christmas

She’s also popped up in Frankie Drake Mysteries and Francesca Quinn, PI. In Because of Cupid, Groening leans into Naomi’s sensible, grounded nature—a nice foil for all the magical mayhem swirling around her.

Evan Roderick’s Romantic Momentum

Roderick has been quietly building his own Hallmark credentials. He was in the rebooted Aurora Teagarden Mysteries as young Arthur, and starred in A Make or Break Holiday and the Providence Falls trilogy.

As Marcus, he nails the classic best-friend-who’s-secretly-in-love role. There’s a real vulnerability to his performance, even as things get increasingly out of hand with the love potion chaos.

Adam Tsekhman Adds Comic Energy

Every Hallmark movie needs a scene-stealer, and Adam Tsekhman fits the bill. He’s best known as Gary from DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, and he brings that same sharp comic timing here.

From Superheroes to Sweethearts

Tsekhman’s background in sci-fi and action—think Hudson and Rex, Six, The Night Agent—gives him a unique edge in a story that’s part romance, part fantasy.

He delivers playful reactions and perfectly timed humor as the love potion starts to wreak havoc.

Why the Friends-to-Lovers Trope Still Works

At its core, Because of Cupid thrives on the classic dynamic of best friends who are obviously meant to be more. What keeps things fresh is the magical complication.

Rather than just misunderstandings or missed timing, the story throws in an outside force that speeds up all those hidden feelings.

Magic as a Catalyst

The love potion isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a metaphor, if you want to get philosophical. Sometimes people need a little nudge. Sometimes love needs a leap.

The potion pushes characters to face things they’ve been dodging. Sure, it leads to some comedic disasters, but it also strips away excuses. Marcus has to decide if he wants love sparked by magic or something real.

A Loveuary Highlight

Loveuary is quickly becoming Hallmark’s answer to the holiday movie craze. January and February now belong to romantic escapism, and Because of Cupid fits right in.

Mark Your Calendar

The film debuts Saturday, February 14 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel, with streaming on Hallmark+ the next day. Airing on Valentine’s Day is no accident—this is meant for cozy date nights and Galentine’s get-togethers.

By putting the premiere right on February 14, Hallmark is making a statement. This is the movie they want everyone talking about for Loveuary 2026.

What Sets Because of Cupid Apart

Hallmark’s dabbled in magical matchmaking before, but this film stands out thanks to its ensemble cast and lively bar-cafe setting. The mocktail competition gives everything a fun, visual energy and adds stakes beyond just the central romance.

A Setting That Sparks Chemistry

The bar is the perfect backdrop—drinks being mixed, friends gathering, feelings simmering. Even without magic, it’s a setting primed for romantic sparks.

With a love potion in the mix, every drink feels like it could change someone’s fate. The competition also ups the pressure—Naomi and Marcus aren’t just figuring out their feelings, they’re working together professionally, with a lot on the line.

The Bigger Picture for Hallmark

Hallmark keeps tweaking its formula, mixing in just enough fantasy to keep things interesting while still focusing on heartfelt stories. It’s a balancing act, but so far, it works.

Romance With a Twist

Because of Cupid walks a pretty fine line between classic and fresh:

• A beloved trope – Friends slowly realizing they’re meant for each other.
• A magical complication – Cupid’s potion stirs up a bit of chaos.
• A trusted cast – Fan favorites showing off some new chemistry.
• A holiday hook – Premiering right on Valentine’s Day.

If you’re after something cozy but not too predictable, this film’s got you covered.

Does love mean more when it’s sparked by a little magic, or when you choose it for yourself? Naomi and Marcus get tangled up in Cupid’s tricks and their own messy feelings. Honestly, you can’t help but hope the real thing wins out. Maybe that’s what makes this Valentine’s Day movie a little more charming than most.