Christmas is right around the corner, and that means that Christmas programming is coming. While this writer is a Scrooge from head to toe, guards come down when it comes to Jonathan Bennett. His passion for storytelling, life, and inflatables is contagious. Watching him on the television show he created – Finding Mr. Christmas is just all sorts of joyful.
Season 2 is almost here, and this weekend Hallmark released a first look at the men vying for the title. Bennett is the host of the show, and he’s no stranger to Hallmark or to hosting television. The actor hosts such shows as Cake Wars, Cupcake Wars, Halloween Wars, and Food Network’s Battle of the Decades. He’s been in such Christmas movies for Hallmark like The Christmas House, The Christmas House 2: Deck Those Halls, and The Holiday Sitter. Combine the two, and he’s definitely the perfect man for the job.
Finding Mr. Christmas is Hallmark’s first reality television show, with the grand prize being that the winner stars in a Hallmark movie. While we’re still waiting for Finding Miss Christmas (make it happen), we have no qualms about spending our time watching this show and trying to figure out what each stage has to do with making a movie.
But you don’t question Jonathan Bennett – you may think you know what you need, but in truth, he tells you what you need. We definitely need Finding Mr. Christmas in our lives.
WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS
Rustin Sailors
Hometown: San Diego, Calif.
Occupation: Musician
A Little Bit About Him: He met his wife in a Christmasy small town candy shop. That’s some CUTE AF s***. He’s got a rock-and-roll edge. We’re obsessed with his hair. Optomistic and filled with joy, he’s filled with the holiday spirit. He loves Christmas. He loves life and is a constant student of it.
Our First Impression (based off the pic): He’s sexy – the hair, the music, the smile.
Robbie Simpson
Hometown: New York, N.Y.
Occupation: Acting teacher
A Little Bit About Him: He believe that Hallmark leads balance heart, humour, and authenticity. His Mom passed away recently and he makes sure not to take time for granted and that he is with his father for the holidays. Recently moved in with his partner of two years, Kyle.
Our First Impression (based off the pic): Robbie has the most trusting eyes. Like we could get lost. We don’t need to know much, we trust him. Please let Robbie live up to that. We are rooting for him.
Marcus Brodie
Hometown: Hamilton, Ohio
Occupation: Model, actor
A Little Bit About Him: Started acting after his girlfriend got him acting lessons and now does it full time.
Our First Impression (based off the pic): Him taking the acting lessons and going to classes and listening to his girlfriend, we know he’s gotta be a smart and a good man.
Logan Shephard
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Occupation: Server, photographer
A Little Bit About Him: He likes legos and identifies as a Ravenclaw. A RAVENCLAW. Likes watching Hallmark movies with his fiancee – Hannah. He’s described as having gentle warmth.
Our First Impression (based off the pic): We need to know what the ring around his neck is for. Like what significance it has. Love the scruff. We can’t get over that he’s a Ravenclaw or that we’re using that as a reference for people still.
Jake Schume
Hometown: Lake View, N.Y.
Occupation: Former NFL player, personal trainer
A Little Bit About Him: Former NFL and XFL player. He played for the Jets, Bucaneers, and Packers. Now a personal trainer with a sweet tooth.
Our First Impression (based off the pic): First, had to google XFL and then wonder why we’re punished with two football leagues. Also had to google where Lake View is. But there is something about his smile… that has us doing a double take. He’s a proud Dad and if you find his Instagram, have a napkin, cause DAMN. You will drool
Gabriel Thaxton
Hometown: Laramie, Wyo.
Occupation: Model
A Little Bit About Him: He’s a new daddy! He gives happy guy energy. He’s a vibe.
Our First Impression (based off the pic): He seems like he’s just so happy and we love that. Also looks like he’s getting a lot of sleep – which for a new daddy is a miracle. So we applaud.
Davey Fisher
Hometown: Lake Tahoe, Nev.
Occupation: Commercial model, actor
A Little Bit About Him: He’s doubled for Chris Hemsworth. Enough said.
Our First Impression (based off the pic): If you put him in a flannel, beanie and an ex and then dropped us in the woods with him we feel like he could chop down all the trees and get us out.
Drake Kuyper
Hometown: Denver, Colo.
Occupation: Model, social media manager
A Little Bit About Him: Social Media Manager – so we feel his struggle. To be a Hallmark Hunk (leading man) he thinks it is important you’re chivalrous, have a really big heart, confidence and that main-character energy.
Our First Impression (based off the pic): Yes, we’re gonna talk good hair genes. Own it and drop the hair care routine. We just are hesitant with the party in the back vibe of the hair. But we’re serious we need hair routine.
Craig Geoghan
Hometown: Lake Ronkonkoma, N.Y.
Occupation: Personal trainer, actor
A Little Bit About Him: His favorite Christmas memory is him getting a puppy for Christmas at the age of 7. He named her Nala.
Our First Impression (based off the pic): We wouldn’t even come up with one because what the photoshop is going on with his sweater. Like what’s a big photoshop fail.
Angel Garet
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
Occupation: Model, actor, and bartender
A Little Bit About Him: Angel became a US citizen in 2018. He’s committed to the show, having studied everything from the first season to make sure he is on top of his game. We applaud this.
Our First Impression (based off the pic): Angel has some hair volume going on there that we can definitely get behind. Need to know his secrets. Angel is Latino and we’d love to see a latino leading man.
GUEST JUDGES
- Janel Parrish
- Heather Hemmens
- Alison Sweeney
- Hunter King
- Ashley Williams
- Sharon Lawrence
- Erin Krakow
- Hallmark super fans Gail and Alicia (they were on Christmas At Sea)
We’re going to need Bennett’s husband to be a judge at least once. If anyone knows what makes a Hallmark Hunk, he does. We would definitely trust his opinion.
WHERE CAN YOU WATCH IT
Finding Mr. Christmas season 2 premieres Monday, Oct. 27, on Hallmark Channel.
