Tidings for the Season Delivers Heartfelt Holiday Romance on Hallmark

Hallmark’s holiday lineup is back at it, and this year’s newcomer, Tidings for the Season, tries to add a bit of newsroom sparkle to the usual yuletide romance. Starring Tamera Mowry-Housley and B.J. Britt, the movie juggles family dynamics, career dreams, and the magic of storytelling—all under those classic twinkling lights.

But does this latest Hallmark flick actually deliver the emotional payoff everyone’s hoping for? Or is it just another blur of festive fluff? Let’s dig in and see if it’s worth your holiday watch—or if it’s better left wrapped up and forgotten.

The Story: News, Love, and a Little Christmas Magic

At the center of Tidings for the Season is Lucy Sullivan (Tamera Mowry-Housley), a single mom in Minneapolis doing her best for her son, Robbie (Elijah-Justus Lewis). Robbie’s got big dreams of becoming a news anchor, even though Lucy isn’t a fan of the nightly news.

Then there’s Adam Kade (B.J. Britt), Minneapolis’s most serious news anchor—he’s all business and zero Christmas cheer. When Robbie’s school trip to the station goes off the rails thanks to a surprise on-air moment, Adam’s routine gets thrown for a loop.

After Adam finds Robbie’s lost binder, he decides to return it himself, which leads to an unexpected internship offer for Robbie. As Adam mentors the kid, he gets pulled into Lucy’s orbit—a place full of warmth, community, and joy that doesn’t usually make the news.

The story blends career ambition with lessons about connection and rediscovering a little holiday magic, even when life feels ordinary.

When the Headlines Meet the Heart

Adam’s transformation is really what drives the movie. He starts off as a classic workaholic, chasing ratings and recognition.

But as he spends more time with Lucy and Robbie, he realizes news doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. Lucy pushes him to see that human stories count, too.

It’s a simple setup, but it hits differently during the holidays, when people want stories that actually make them feel something. There’s also the slow-burn romance—Lucy’s wary of Adam’s charm at first, but eventually, their affection grows. It’s sweet, if not exactly revolutionary, and their chemistry is more gentle than electric.

The Performances: Charm, Commitment, and a Dash of Cheese

If you know Hallmark’s style, Tidings for the Season fits right in. The acting is earnest, warm, and just a bit over-the-top in that signature way.

B.J. Britt gives Adam a likable mix of coolness and vulnerability, making his character’s shift believable. Tamera Mowry-Housley brings her usual warmth, though the script doesn’t always give her much to work with.

There’s some comic relief from Matthew James Dowden as Adam’s producer Todd and Mariesa Crouse as Lucy’s friend Skylar. And there’s a fun little wink to pop culture when Todd reminds Adam he owes him for Eras Tour tickets—one of those moments that makes the movie feel a bit more today than yesterday.

Why the Script Falls a Little Flat

The biggest drawback? Predictability. Hallmark fans know this formula—career-driven lead meets big-hearted counterpart, holiday hijinks, lessons learned, and a kiss under the mistletoe.

This movie doesn’t do much to shake things up. The dialogue is sometimes witty, but often just feels like it’s going through the motions.

Lucy, especially, feels too perfect. She’s the self-sacrificing mom who never really gets a moment for herself. It’s a shame, since Mowry-Housley could’ve done more with a meatier role.

The Themes: Finding Joy in the Everyday

There’s still something comforting about Tidings for the Season. The movie celebrates small things—volunteering, family traditions, and the idea that kindness is newsworthy.

Lucy and Robbie’s annual work with the Angel Gifts Charity is a sweet touch. It reminds you the holidays aren’t just about romance or ribbons—they’re also about giving back and finding meaning.

Adam’s struggle between chasing a big job in Chicago and staying in Minneapolis for something more meaningful hits close to home for a lot of people. It’s the classic holiday dilemma: ambition or authenticity?

Does the Title Deliver?

The title, Tidings for the Season, sounds like pure Hallmark, but it actually fits. “Tidings” means news, and the movie is all about how news shapes how we see the world. It’s a clever little play on words, even if the rest of the film doesn’t quite match that level of creativity.

Comparisons and Context: Where It Fits in Hallmark’s Holiday Universe

If you’ve seen Broadcasting Christmas or Every Christmas Has a Story, you’ll spot the similarities right away. Newsroom setting, career vs. connection, snow-dusted kiss—it’s all familiar.

Honestly, that’s what a lot of people want from these movies. Hallmark holiday films are comfort food. You know what you’re getting, and that’s kind of the point.

Still, Tidings for the Season doesn’t really stand out. It’s not terrible, but it’s not super memorable either. Where some Hallmark movies throw in a twist or a laugh, this one plays it safe. Think lukewarm cocoa—fine, but missing that extra something.

Is It Worth Watching?

If you’re a Hallmark die-hard, you’ll probably find something to like. The performances are sincere, the sets are cozy, and the message is wholesome.

If you want a holiday movie that surprises you or really makes you laugh, though, this probably isn’t it. As Decider’s critic put it, this is a *skip it* kind of film, though it does have a few charming moments.

Final Thoughts: A Story with Heart, But Not Enough Heat

Tidings for the Season wants us to remember that good news still matters. Stories about kindness, family, and connection can really change lives—or at least, that’s the hope here.

The movie’s message has real warmth, and the cast gives it their all. Still, it doesn’t quite break free from its formula.

It’s pleasant. Predictable, honestly, but it works for a quiet December night.

Will you be talking about it next Christmas? Probably not, if I’m being honest.

Should you tune in? If Hallmark marathons are your thing, sure, go for it.

But if you want something with a bit more sparkle or surprise, you might end up flipping the channel. Not every holiday movie makes headlines, and that’s okay.