Hallmark Channel’s festive reality competition, Finding Mr. Christmas, is set to captivate audiences once again with its second season premiering on Monday, October 27, 2025. Hosted by the charismatic Jonathan Bennett, this season promises heightened drama, holiday spirit, and an even deeper commitment to diversity, showcasing ten new hopefuls competing for a coveted role in a Hallmark holiday movie.
The stockings are hung, the trees are trimmed, and the search for Hallmark’s next leading man is officially underway! Finding Mr. Christmas, the reality competition series that blends holiday cheer with competitive drama, is back for a highly anticipated second season. After a successful debut in 2024, the show has quickly become a beloved staple of Hallmark’s annual “Countdown to Christmas” programming event.
Fans can tune in to the Hallmark Channel for the premiere on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 8/7c, with streaming available the following day on Hallmark Plus. Jonathan Bennett returns to his dual role as host and lead judge, bringing his signature charm and dedication to inclusivity to the forefront of the competition. He is joined by judge Melissa Peterman and a rotating cast of guest judges, including season 2’s premiere guest judge, Janel Parrish.
The Heart of the Competition: What is Finding Mr. Christmas?
Finding Mr. Christmas is more than just a search for a festive face; it’s a rigorous reality competition designed to uncover the next Hallmark superstar. Ten men from various backgrounds compete in a series of Christmas-themed challenges, all vying for the ultimate prize: the title of Mr. Christmas and a leading role in an upcoming Hallmark holiday movie.
The show’s engaging format keeps contestants on their toes and viewers entertained, with each episode featuring two main rounds:
- The “Festive Face Off”: This challenge highlights the contestants’ holiday spirit and creativity, with the winner earning a crucial advantage in the competition.
- The “Star Quality” Challenge: An acting test where competitors perform scenes from classic Hallmark films, showcasing their talent and screen presence.
Each episode culminates in a tense deliberation where the judges—Jonathan Bennett, Melissa Peterman, and the week’s guest judge—evaluate performances and eliminate one contestant, bringing the remaining hopefuls one step closer to their dream.
Hallmark’s Evolving Mission: A Commitment to Diversity and LGBTQ+ Visibility
Historically, Hallmark faced criticism regarding its lack of diverse representation in its programming. However, recent years have seen a significant and commendable shift, with the network actively embracing inclusive storytelling. Finding Mr. Christmas stands as a shining example of this evolution, particularly in its commitment to LGBTQ+ visibility.
The presence of Jonathan Bennett, an openly gay actor and advocate, as both host and judge is a powerful statement. Following season 1, Bennett emphasized the importance of providing “a space where everyone can see themselves reflected during the holidays,” underscoring Hallmark’s mission to include all communities in its festive programming, as reported by Hallmark Channel. This sentiment is echoed by the show’s inclusive casting and the broader trend of queer-affirming storylines in other Hallmark productions.
Season 1 winner Ezra Moreland, who went on to star in “Happy Howlidays,” was also celebrated for his openness about his identity, generating positive media coverage and enthusiastic feedback from LGBTQ+ viewers. Season 2 continues this legacy, with its cast reflecting a wide array of backgrounds, professions, and identities, further solidifying Hallmark’s dedication to authentic representation.
Meet the Charismatic Competitors: Finding Mr. Christmas Season 2 Cast
The ten men chosen for Finding Mr. Christmas Season 2 embody a vibrant celebration of diversity and holiday joy. Each brings a unique personality, background, and set of skills to the competition, promising a compelling and heartwarming season. The full lineup and their individual bios were revealed by Parade in October 2025. Get to know the aspiring leading men:
Angel Garet (38, Charlotte, NC)
- Occupation: Model, actor, and bartender
- Bio Fun Fact: Angel became a U.S. citizen in 2018, marking one of the happiest days of his life.
Craig Geoghan (33, Lake Ronkonkoma, NY)
- Occupation: Personal trainer, actor
- Bio Fun Fact: A cherished memory is receiving a puppy named Nala for Christmas when he was seven years old.
Davey Fisher (34, Lake Tahoe, NV)
- Occupation: Commercial model, actor
- Bio Fun Fact: He has worked for major brands like Guess and Nike and even served as Chris Hemsworth’s body double.
Drake Kuyper (27, Denver, CO)
- Occupation: Model, social media manager
- Bio Fun Fact: Drake often jokes that his mom is responsible for his famously good hair, which is frequently a conversation starter.
Gabriel Thaxton (32, Laramie, WY)
- Occupation: Model
- Bio Fun Fact: Gabriel recently welcomed his first child, baby girl Jori, with his girlfriend Andrea, whom he met on a modeling set. He’s head-over-heels in love with his daughter, who shares his bright blue eyes.
Jake Schume (36, Lake View, NY)
- Occupation: Former NFL player, personal trainer
- Bio Fun Fact: Despite having no prior acting experience, Jake believes his history of performing in front of large crowds in the NFL will be an advantage in the competition.
Logan Shephard (30, Cincinnati, OH)
- Occupation: Server, photographer
- Bio Fun Fact: A self-proclaimed nerd, Logan is a Ravenclaw who enjoys all things Harry Potter, playing video games, reading fantasy novels, and building Legos with his fiancée, Hannah.
Marcus Brodie (32, Hamilton, OH)
- Occupation: Model, actor
- Bio Fun Fact: After mentioning his interest in acting to his girlfriend Madeline, she surprised him with acting lessons for his birthday, a gift that completely changed his life and led to him becoming a full-time actor for the past three years.
Robbie Simpson (35, New York, NY)
- Occupation: Acting teacher
- Bio Fun Fact: Robbie recently moved in with his partner Kyle of two years, with whom he hopes to marry and start a family. He feels incredibly blessed by his family’s unwavering support of his sexuality.
Rustin Sailors (37, San Diego, CA)
- Occupation: Musician
- Bio Fun Fact: In a truly Hallmark-esque Christmas encounter, Rustin met his future wife, Lindsay, in a candy shop in the charming town of Julian during the holiday season.
Tune In for Holiday Magic and Meaningful Representation
As audiences prepare to tune in, Finding Mr. Christmas Season 2 is poised to deliver not only festive entertainment but also a powerful message of inclusivity and authentic representation. The series continues to be a testament to Hallmark’s evolving vision, ensuring that holiday magic is accessible and relatable for all viewers. Don’t miss the premiere on Monday, October 27, 2025, and follow the journey to crown the next Mr. Christmas!
