The Importance of a Cozy Hallmark Movie or Series
Coziness and nostalgia are the bedrock of the Hallmark ecosystem.
The Hallmark Channel prides itself on feel good movies that signify nostalgia, family, and love, familial and romantic. While the channel has been around since the early 2000s, the product of The Jim Henson Company and Hallmark Entertainment’s The Odyssey Channel, the brand has been around for over a century. The wholesome and family-friendly network provides cozy escapism as a solution to a chaotic world.
What is a “cozy” show or movie? It’s something that not only makes us feel comfortable but reduces stress and appeals to the heart. The noise of the real world can be shut out for a brief time, replaced by beautiful landscapes, pleasant characters, upbeat music, and heartwarming themes. The Hallmark Channel offers mysteries, westerns, love stories, faith-based tales, summer adventures, and Christmas sagas. There’s no cursing, gratuitous sex or nudity, or over-the-top violence. One can escape to a time that harkens to a previous era or an ideal realm of joy and peace.
Why is nostalgia important? It can transport us to a time that brings fond memories and simpler times. The combination of positive remembrances and feelings generally makes us happy. Who doesn’t want something that makes them happy? The past can also bring up painful memories but processing those feelings can help us deal with them. Home for Christmas Day (2017) could trigger memories of active military duty or heartbreak. But in revisiting those things, there's satisfaction in knowing they’ve passed.
The Hallmark Channel has some rival networks now, like Cozi TV and MeTV, but they are the “hallmark” of cozy programming. Created in 1910 by J.C. Hall and his brothers Rollie and William, Hallmark was a postcard business founded in the Midwest. The business really started to flourish during WWI and the card/envelope pairing, in-store card displays, and fancy holiday or special occasion wrapping paper started to change the greeting card business. In 1944, the brothers had the catchphrase "When You Care Enough to Send the Very Best," and by 1951, they put their stamp on television with the Hallmark Television Playhouse anthology series, now known as the Hallmark Hall of Fame. The fact that it's the longest running primetime series and has received numerous awards, including Emmys and Golden Globes reinforces its appeal and importance in popular culture.
The Angel Network, which is crowd-funded, is faith-based and offers family-friendly entertainment with a Christian theme. Many of the stories are biblical, with The Chosen series being their most popular. It premiered in 2019 and revolves around the life and ministry of Jesus. In contrast, The Hallmark Channel’s most popular and long-running show is When Calls the Heart, which premiered in 2014 and is a frontier drama set in 1910. Wholesomeness is something that doesn’t have to be religion-based, but incorporates certain values.
The Lifetime Network is the antithesis to the Hallmark Channel. It’s a station geared towards women and often has stories about domestic abuse and surviving trauma. It also has a section for feel good flicks, particularly during the holidays. Movies like Christmas at Mistletoe Lake (2022) and Christmas Eve After (2020) tug the heartstrings during Christmas and New Year’s. However, when one thinks of Lifetime, one doesn’t think of escapism but of dealing with the harsh realities of true crime. It makes us aware of the dangers in society, while the Hallmark Channel keeps us safe from them.
Cozy television shows and movies are forms of “emotional self care” according to scientific research. Instead of spending money on a day at the spa, why not make some tea or cocoa and relax with a Hallmark Channel movie marathon replete with cheery Christmas movies and optimistic love stories? Your mind and body will thank you.
Sonya Alexander started off her career training to be a talent agent. She eventually realized she was meant to be on the creative end and has been writing ever since. As a freelance writer she’s written screenplays, covered film, television, music and video games and done academic writing. She’s also been a script reader for over twenty years. She's a member of the African American Film Critics Association and currently resides in Los Angeles.
