Appearing in Chiefs Hallmark movie: Coach Andy Reid, a slew of players. Kelce too?
A slew of Kansas City Chiefs players, as well as head coach Andy Reid, will appear in the Christmas movie “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story,” the Hallmark Channel announced Thursday at the Television Critics Association summer press tour.
In addition to Reid, Chiefs guard Trey Smith, wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr., running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire and defensive end George Karlaftis will also appear.
And what about Travis Kelce, whose romance with Taylor Swift clearly inspired the film?
Lara Krug, the Chiefs’ chief marketing officer, said she had not talked to Kelce about the film, but Samantha DiPippo, Hallmark’s senior vice president of programming, did not rule out a Kelce appearance.
“We’re still drafting some players,” she said, “so I think you guys have to stay tuned.”
“Holiday Touchdown” will air as one of 40 films in Hallmark Channel’s and Hallmark Mystery’s 15th annual “Countdown to Christmas” programming event that usually begins airing in late October.
In addition to previewing “Holiday Touchdown” at the press event, Hallmark announced plans to launch a new streaming service in September. Hallmark+ will replace Hallmark Movies Now in an effort to better blend the card and gift store’s retail footprint and media business units.
The cost of Hallmark’s streaming offering will rise from $6 per month ($60 annually) to $8 per month ($80 annually) and will include a member benefits program: monthly $5 Hallmark Gold Crown Store coupons, free unlimited e-cards, rewards for shopping and surprise gifts.
Hallmark+, which will have new programming exclusive to the platform (including a roster of unscripted shows and the September premiere of scripted series “The Chicken Sisters” starring Lea Thompson and Wendie Malick), is an effort to better connect what’s been disparate businesses: The card stores and the TV channels.
“Our viewers are our shoppers and our shoppers are our viewers,” said Hallmark CEO Mike Perry. “We see this as an opportunity to expand our storytelling and align all of our brand touchpoints.”
Perry said the launch of Hallmark+ will not impact its shows streaming on Peacock.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Freelance writer Rob Owen: RobOwenTV@gmail.com or on Facebook and Twitter as RobOwenTV.
