Lifetime set to finally give the gays everything they ever wanted for Christmas with its first-ever LGBT+ holiday film
Lifetime featured a same-sex kiss in a holiday movie for the first time in 2019, in the film Twinkle All The Way. (Lifetime)
Lifetime has announced its first-ever LGBT+ Christmas movie for the 2020 holiday season, beating its rival Hallmark.
The network featured its first holiday movie same-sex kiss in 2019’s Twinkle All The Way, and this year it will be stepping up its representation game.
The “It’s A Wonderful Lifetime” 2020 holiday slate will feature 30 new festive films, including the network’s first holiday film about an Asian-American family and its first Christmas romance focused on an LGBT+ couple.
The Christmas Set Up, written by Michael J Murray, is currently in the process of casting and production will begin next month.
Lifetime’s description of the film reads: “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, Hugo’s 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 Patrick’s attraction to each other is undeniable and it looks as though Kate’s 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.”
Amy Winter, executive vice president and head of programming at Lifetime, said in a statement: “We are thrilled to continue our legacy of creating a holiday destination that is welcoming to all.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the incredible talent joining us in front of, and behind the camera, on these new holiday movies.”
Hallmark promises its own LGBT+ Christmas movie.
Hallmark, Lifetime’s rival in the world of made-for-TV holiday movies, has promised that its 2020 line-up will include LGBT+ storylines.
Hallmark has already announced details of 18 new Christmas films – and while none have LGBT+ lead characters, the network’s parent company Crown Media said it would announce a further 22 festive films for the 2020 holiday season.
Crown Media spokesperson George Zaralidis told PinkNews: “We announced 18 movies of the estimated 40 holiday movies we will produce by year-end.
“Of those 40, I can confirm that we will include LGBT+ storylines, characters and actors. We are in active negotiations and look forward to announcing more details when we can.”
