Mistletoe Murders Season 3 Renewed as Sarah Drew Teases Cliffhanger Resolution
Hallmark fans, grab your sleigh bells and maybe a notepad for clues. One of the network’s most addictive holiday mysteries is coming back, and the news has Countdown to Christmas devotees buzzing all over again.
Mistletoe Murders, starring Sarah Drew and Peter Mooney, just landed a season 3 renewal. If you thought season 2 wrapped things up quietly, well, you haven’t been paying attention.
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Between that wild cliffhanger, a romance that got everyone talking, and hints of even deeper secrets, Fletcher’s Grove is about to become the small town you can’t stay away from in late 2026.
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A Christmas Mystery That Refuses to Fade Away
There’s just something about a snow-dusted town hiding dark secrets. Mistletoe Murders has really nailed that vibe.
Two seasons in, the show’s blended cozy holiday charm with real suspense. It’s the kind of combo Hallmark viewers didn’t know they wanted, but now they’re hooked.
The story centers on Emily Lane, a cheerful Christmas shop owner with a complicated past. Underneath the festive sweaters and twinkling lights, she’s got intelligence training, sharp instincts, and some demons she’s not done with.
When people start dying in Fletcher’s Grove, Emily isn’t just hanging garlands—she’s hunting for answers.
Why the Renewal Was Inevitable
Hallmark execs say the response to the first two seasons has been overwhelmingly positive. Honestly, it’s not hard to see why.
- Romance that simmers rather than rushes
- A tight-knit community with secrets
- Holiday charm wrapped around genuine danger
- A female lead who is far more complex than she appears
Michelle Vicary, head of programming at Hallmark Media, says the show has everything fans crave—romance, community, Christmas spirit—all wrapped in a compelling mystery. It’s Hallmark’s sweet spot, just with a sharper edge.
The Cliffhanger That Changed Everything
Let’s talk about that finale. Season 2 didn’t just tease fans—it dared them to demand more.
Sparks between Emily and local cop Sam Wilner built up all season, with scenes that had viewers absolutely on edge. At one point, they’re literally trapped together in a walk-in fridge—because nothing says slow-burn romance like possible frostbite.
But what happened next really set the stage for season 3.
A Knock at the Door No One Saw Coming
Emily finally opened up about her past. She revealed she once worked in intelligence and had been tracking the person who betrayed her.
That person? Her ex, Aaron—a guy tangled up with a hacker group funding terrorist networks.
In the last scene, Sam texted Emily about coming over with coffee and pastries. Sweet, right? A hopeful step forward.
But when the knock came at her door, it wasn’t Sam. It was Aaron.
Fade to black. Cue the collective gasp.
Sarah Drew: More Than Just a Star
Sarah Drew isn’t just the face of Mistletoe Murders—she’s all in. The Grey’s Anatomy alum has called this her favorite job ever, and you can feel her enthusiasm in every scene.
She’s shared how excited she is to come back to Fletcher’s Grove and finally deal with that cliffhanger. Reuniting with the Toronto-based cast and crew seems to be a big part of the draw for her, too.
A Passion Project with Holiday Spirit
Drew’s love for Emily Lane is obvious. This isn’t just another gig—it’s a character she feels protective of and genuinely excited to keep exploring.
She’s both star and executive producer, so she’s got a real say in how Emily’s story unfolds. If her playful social media announcement is any hint—telling fans, “You wanted it, now you get it”—season 3 might just turn the dial up on the thrills and emotional stakes.
Peter Mooney and the Magic of the Ensemble
Peter Mooney, who plays Sam Wilner, is clearly happy to return too. He’s described the show as one of those rare sets where the cast and crew genuinely love what they’re making.
That chemistry is hard to fake. The tension between Emily and Sam just works—it’s flirty, frustrating, and full of mutual respect. No wonder viewers are invested.
The Romance Factor
Season 3 will almost definitely dig into:
- The fallout from Aaron’s sudden reappearance
- Sam’s reaction to Emily’s dangerous past
- Whether trust can survive buried secrets
- If a first official date is still on the table
Romance is a given on Hallmark. But romance mixed with espionage and terrorist ties? That’s what makes this show different.
Countdown to Christmas Just Got Deadlier
The new season drops during Hallmark’s 2026 Countdown to Christmas, and it’s already one of the most anticipated shows in the lineup.
Production kicks off later this year, with Lionsgate Canada and Headspinner Productions back in charge. Lionsgate Television will keep handling international distribution, so the cozy chaos of Fletcher’s Grove will reach way beyond North America.
From Audible to Television Success
Some fans might not know Mistletoe Murders started as an Audible Original series. The audio drama, starring Cobie Smulders and others, has already run for four seasons.
The TV version took that foundation and layered on Hallmark’s signature visuals—snowy storefronts, glowing Christmas lights, and just enough menace to keep you guessing.
Why This Show Hits Different
After covering TV for decades, I’ll say it: holiday programming almost never flirts with real darkness. Mistletoe Murders actually goes there.
- A heroine with moral complexity
- A love story that evolves under pressure
- Mysteries that carry genuine stakes
- A setting that contrasts innocence with intrigue
It’s that contrast—peppermint lattes and peril—that makes this series so addictive.
The Big Question for Season 3
Will Emily’s past finally catch up to her in a way she can’t escape? And honestly, will Fletcher’s Grove survive another holiday season packed with death and drama?
Showrunner Ken Cuperus has teased more of what fans love—probably bigger reveals about Emily’s backstory and even higher stakes for her and Sam.
One thing’s for sure: Christmas is coming, and so is trouble.
Mark Your Calendars Now
Seasons 1 and 2 are up on Hallmark+ right now. If you’ve somehow missed out, this might be your sign to finally get caught up before season 3 lands in late 2026.
Honestly, viewers seem to love this oddball mix of festive charm and gutsy storytelling. Mistletoe Murders keeps proving that holiday shows don’t have to play it safe—they can actually get your heart racing.
Mystery lovers, get ready. Fletcher’s Grove is about to light the tree again.
And let’s be real, behind those twinkling lights, there’s always a secret waiting to come out.
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