Home WebMail Friday, November 1, 2024, 09:29 AM | Calgary | -4.8°C | Regions Advertise Login | Our platform is in maintenance mode. Some URLs may not be available. |
Posted: 2020-08-04T00:04:55Z | Updated: 2020-08-05T00:12:51Z

If all goes according to plan, 2020 could change the game for LGBTQ-inclusive holiday entertainment.

On Monday, Lifetime unveiled plans for 30 new movies that will comprise its Its a Wonderful Lifetime lineup, scheduled to kick off in mid-October. The slate will include The Christmas Setup , the networks first film to feature a same-sex couple as its central romance.

Though the cast and creative team for The Christmas Setup has yet to be announced, a synopsis of the film reads as follows:

Hugo, a New York corporate lawyer and his best friend Madelyn head to Milwaukee to spend the holidays with his mom Kate, who is also in charge of the local Christmas celebrations. Ever the matchmaker, Kate arranges for Hugo to run into Patrick, Hugos high school friend and secret crush, who has recently returned after a successful stint in Silicon Valley.

As they enjoy the local holiday festivities together, Hugo and Patricks attraction to each other is undeniable and it looks as though Kates well-intentioned Santa-style matchmaking is a success. But as Hugo receives word of a big promotion requiring a move to London, he must decide what is most important to him.

And The Christmas Setup isnt Lifetimes only diverse yuletide offering. The network has also announced plans for A Sugar & Spice Holiday, about a Chinese American family. The script will be written by Eirene Donohue, with Jennifer Liao attached to direct.

We are thrilled to continue our legacy of creating a holiday destination that is welcoming to all at Lifetime, Amy Winter, programming executive vice president of Lifetime and Lifetime Movie Network, told TV Line . I couldnt be prouder of the incredible talent joining us in front of, and behind the camera, on these new holiday movies.

Holiday-themed made-for-TV films have been hit with increasing criticism for their adherence to heterosexual (and overwhelmingly white) stories. That shifted slightly last year, when Lifetimes Twinkle All the Way included a kiss between a gay couple (played by Brian Sills and Mark Ghanim) at its conclusion.