Sarah Drew Leads Hallmark’s Mistletoe Murders Season 2 Premiere
Hallmark Channel is shaking up its cozy Christmas lineup this year with something a little darker, a little twistier, and honestly, a whole lot more addictive. *Mistletoe Murders*—the network’s newest holiday hit starring *Sarah Drew*—isn’t your typical yuletide romance.
Instead, it’s a festive whodunnit set in the snow-covered fictional town of Fletcher’s Grove, where secrets hide behind every wreath and murder lurks beneath the mistletoe. Based on the popular podcast of the same name, this series promises to deliver all the charm of a Hallmark Christmas movie with the suspense of a classic mystery.
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Now, with Season 1 premiering on Hallmark Channel and Season 2 right on its heels, fans are buzzing about what’s next for Emily Lane and her tangled web of secrets. There’s a real curiosity about where this twisty story is headed next.
Table of Contents
The Perfect Blend of Holiday Cheer and Murderous Mystery
At the heart of *Mistletoe Murders* is Emily Lane, played by *Sarah Drew*. She’s a seemingly sweet Christmas shop owner whose past is anything but picture-perfect.
Fletcher’s Grove may look like the kind of small town where everyone knows your name. But when bodies start turning up, Emily’s hidden talents from her mysterious former life begin to surface.
Her knack for solving crimes catches the attention of Detective Sam Wilner, portrayed by *Peter Mooney*. The two quickly form a complicated partnership—part professional, part personal, and entirely intriguing.
What sets this show apart from the rest of Hallmark’s holiday fare is its tone. *Mistletoe Murders* trades in predictable kisses under twinkling lights for secrets, suspense, and emotional depth.
Yet, it never loses that signature Hallmark warmth. The result? A series that feels like *Murder, She Wrote* met *A Christmas Romance* in the best possible way—cozy, but with a bite.
From Podcast to Primetime
The origins of *Mistletoe Murders* are just as fascinating as its plot. The show is based on the hit podcast created by *Ken Cuperus*, who also serves as the series creator.
Cuperus, known for his work on *Stargate: Atlantis* and *Hudson & Rex*, crafted a world that blends small-town charm with chilling intrigue. Fun fact: *Cobie Smulders*—yeah, from *How I Met Your Mother*—voiced Emily Lane in the original podcast, setting the tone for the character’s sharp wit and quiet strength.
For the TV adaptation, production began in Toronto on March 31, 2025, and has since wrapped. Both seasons were filmed in and around the city.
The show’s fictional town, Fletcher’s Grove, is an homage to Jessica Fletcher, the beloved sleuth from *Murder, She Wrote*. That little nod is something mystery fans will instantly appreciate.
Meet the Cast Behind the Crimes
Leading the ensemble is *Sarah Drew*, best known for her role as Dr. April Kepner on *Grey’s Anatomy*. Drew brings a mix of vulnerability and quiet determination to Emily Lane, making her both relatable and compelling.
She’s not just the star—she’s also a producer on the series. Drew’s been on a creative roll after producing and writing for Lifetime projects like *Reindeer Games Homecoming* and *A Cowboy Christmas Romance*.
Opposite Drew is *Peter Mooney*, familiar to fans from *Rookie Blue* and *Burden of Proof*. His portrayal of Detective Sam Wilner adds layers of tension and chemistry to the show.
Mooney’s real-life connection to the Hallmark world doesn’t end there—he’s married to *Good Witch* actress *Sarah Power*. It’s a true Hallmark family affair in some ways.
Supporting Stars You’ll Recognize
The supporting cast is packed with familiar faces. *Catherine Evans*, who played the ever-charming café owner Stephanie in *Good Witch*, joins the series and even voices the same character in the *Mistletoe Murders* podcast.
*Jean Yoon*, best known as Umma from *Kim’s Convenience*, also appears and voices a key role in the podcast version. Both actresses lend credibility and warmth to the show’s ensemble, grounding the mystery in authentic, heartfelt performances.
- Sarah Drew – Emily Lane, the shopkeeper with a secret past
- Peter Mooney – Detective Sam Wilner, the man determined to uncover the truth
- Catherine Evans – Stephanie, the café owner with ties to both Emily and the town’s mysteries
- Jean Yoon – Sue, a local with surprising insights into Fletcher’s Grove’s darker side
When and Where to Watch
If you missed *Mistletoe Murders* on Hallmark+, now’s your chance to catch it on live TV. Season 1 premieres with back-to-back episodes on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel.
The network plans to follow up with the premiere of Season 2 the very next Friday. This is basically the ultimate binge-watch for mystery lovers and Christmas fans alike.
What Makes *Mistletoe Murders* So Addictive?
Beyond its clever premise, *Mistletoe Murders* succeeds because it balances tone and tension perfectly. The cozy Christmas setting contrasts beautifully with the darker storylines, making every twist feel sharper and more surprising.
And with Sarah Drew’s layered performance leading the way, the audience can’t help but root for Emily—even when her past threatens to catch up with her. Each episode peels back another layer of mystery, revealing that in Fletcher’s Grove, nothing—and no one—is quite what it seems.
The show’s production design, from its twinkling lights to its snow-dusted streets, creates a world that feels both comforting and unsettling at once. It’s a visual feast that keeps viewers guessing while wrapping them in that familiar Hallmark glow.
Why This Series Matters for Hallmark
Hallmark has long dominated the holiday entertainment space, but *Mistletoe Murders* marks a new chapter. By blending genres, the network is expanding its audience beyond the traditional rom-com crowd.
It’s a signal that Hallmark is ready to evolve—offering stories that are still heartwarming but with a modern edge. The success of *Mistletoe Murders* could pave the way for more daring, character-driven dramas under the Hallmark umbrella.
And for Sarah Drew, it’s another milestone in a career that continues to evolve. From *Grey’s Anatomy* to producing her own projects, Drew’s ability to find emotional truth in every role makes her the perfect choice to lead this series.
Her Emily Lane is both a heroine and a mystery unto herself—a woman trying to move forward while haunted by what she left behind. There’s something about her that makes you want to keep watching, even if you’re not usually a Hallmark person.
Final Thoughts
Maybe you’re a die-hard Hallmark fan, or maybe you just love a solid mystery. Either way, *Mistletoe Murders* has a way of pulling you in and keeping you guessing.
It’s festive, it’s thrilling, and honestly, there’s not much else like it on TV this holiday season. So, grab some cocoa, dim the lights, and settle in for Friday nights in Fletcher’s Grove.
Every ornament hides a secret, and—who knows—danger could be waiting right under the mistletoe.
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