Peyton Meyer Lands First Post-DAYS Role in Hallmark Romance

Hallmark’s swinging for the fences on nostalgia, romance, and legacy with its Derby-themed movie Kentucky Roses. Soap fans, listen up—there’s a big reason to tune in.

Peyton Meyer, once a standout on Days of our Lives, is making his Hallmark debut. It’s a fresh chapter in his career, and honestly, it feels like a natural evolution.

This film mixes classic Hallmark romance with real Kentucky Derby history. There’s something pretty appealing about watching Meyer go from Disney Channel heartthrob to a more grown-up leading man.

Peyton Meyer’s Big Leap After Days of Our Lives

Meyer’s time in Salem wasn’t long, but it sure made an impression. He played Doug Williams III for about eight months on Days of our Lives, and now he’s stepping into a genre that lives and dies on heartfelt stories and loyal fans.

Landing Kentucky Roses means more than just another paycheck. Hallmark clearly sees Meyer as someone who can blend soap-level drama with youthful charm and a bit of emotional weight.

From Salem to the Starting Gate

Meyer first appeared as Doug Williams III on December 3, 2024, and wrapped up his run by July 25, 2025. His storyline nodded to the original Doug Williams, played by the late Bill Hayes, but added some darker twists—prison time, a shocking theft, and Alice Horton’s legendary necklace.

That arc gave Meyer a chance to dig into some pretty complex material. It’s the kind of experience that should serve him well as he takes on more layered romantic roles.

What Is Kentucky Roses All About?

Kentucky Roses isn’t your average Hallmark small-town romance. The movie’s deeply tied to tradition, family, and the legendary Kentucky Derby.

Set at Churchill Downs, it weaves together romance, ambition, and generational legacy. The story jumps between the present and the historic 1932 Derby.

A Love Story Rooted in Flowers and Family

At the heart of the film is Sadie Moore, played by Odette Annable. She works in the Churchill Downs greenhouse, surrounded by the roses that define Derby glory.

Sadie dreams of becoming the florist who creates the iconic rose garland for the winning horse, following her grandmother’s footsteps. Her grandmother, played by Ally Ledford, is a living tie to the past and the traditions that fuel Sadie’s ambitions.

Enter the Heir to Churchill Downs

Romance kicks in when Sadie meets Ash Taylor, played by Andrew Walker. Ash is charming, but there’s a catch—he’s the son of the Churchill Downs CEO, played by Gregg Henry.

Sparks fly, because of course they do. But love’s a bit messy when family pressure and personal dreams get in the way.

Where Does Peyton Meyer Fit In?

Details about Meyer’s character are still under wraps, which is honestly kind of intriguing. He’s joining a cast stacked with Hallmark regulars and TV vets.

Whatever his role is, it’s expected to bring some extra emotional depth, especially as the film bounces between timelines and generations.

A Strategic Casting Choice

Hallmark’s been snapping up actors with strong teen and soap backgrounds. Meyer fits that bill perfectly.

• Disney Channel roots—so there’s built-in appeal for younger viewers
• Soap opera experience for the daytime crowd
• Romantic lead potential that Hallmark fans genuinely want

Putting Meyer in a Derby romance introduces him to a fresh audience while rewarding longtime fans who’ve followed his journey since the early days.

A Career Built on Growth and Reinvention

Meyer’s been at this since 2013, first popping up as Wes Manning on Dog with a Blog. He really broke out as Lucas Friar on Girl Meets World, solidifying his teen heartthrob status.

After that, he started branching out—shows like American Housewife, movies like He’s All That and Versus, and then onto daytime drama. It’s been a steady climb, not a leap.

Why Hallmark Is a Smart Next Step

For actors moving beyond youth-focused roles, Hallmark offers something rare—visibility, steady work, and an audience that values sincerity over spectacle.

Meyer’s move feels like a strategic play for the long haul, not just a one-off. If all goes well, he could be headlining more romantic leads and seasonal movies soon.

Churchill Downs and Hallmark: A Powerful Partnership

One of the coolest things about Kentucky Roses is its real-world partnership with Churchill Downs. Filming at the actual Derby site gives the movie a level of authenticity you just can’t fake.

That collaboration adds a bit of grandeur and roots the romance in real tradition and history.

Blending History With Heart

Jumping back to the 1932 Kentucky Derby lets Hallmark dig into legacy and inheritance—both the emotional kind and the institutional kind.

By flipping between past and present, Kentucky Roses shows how love, ambition, and sacrifice echo across generations.

Why Fans Will Be Talking About This Premiere

Kentucky Roses premieres on Hallmark Channel on Kentucky Derby Day, Saturday, May 2. It hits Hallmark Plus for streaming the next day.

The timing, the cast, the Derby backdrop—it’s all set up to be a must-watch for romance fans and pop culture junkies alike.

A New Era for Peyton Meyer

For Peyton Meyer, this film feels like a real turning point. He’s not just the teen heartthrob or the soap guy anymore.

Now, he’s stepping into a space where warmth and maturity matter. Emotional resonance is front and center.

If Kentucky Roses blossoms the way Hallmark hopes, Meyer’s first run with the network might just be the start of something bigger.

With heartfelt romance, a bit of historic flair, and a cast that could pull in viewers of all ages, Kentucky Roses is shaping up to be one of Hallmark’s most talked-about releases this year.