Episode 35: Listeners' Choice V: Diversity Matters "Christmas with the Darlings" Recap

Hallmark Heartbeats

This week in continuance of Hallmark's Christmas in July, I did a LIsteners' Choice Poll: Diversity Matters theme in celebration of Hallmark's conscious decision to diversify its cast and storylines. Despite the low participation in the poll, listeners' choice was none other than 2020's Christmas with the Darlings starring Katrina Law and Carlo Marks.

During this podcast, I took a moment on top of the soapbox and talked about my disappointment in the homophobia in the fanbase. I received some very disappointing pushback with this week's poll because holy crap, I wanted to celebrate Hallmark channel finally being inclusive to the LGBTQ community. And then don't even get me started on the HORRIBLE response from the Hallmark fans about The Good WItch historic kiss between Zoey and Joy. There are many positive responses from the fandom, Team Joey is still strong, but boy is the homophobic response loud and shameless.

But anyway I also highlight the history of hallmark white washing their storylines and the actors. Only just recently, POC actors such as Julie Gonzalo and Katrina Law is having their cultures recognized in their roles, Julie speaking spanish to her Hispanic family in Jingle Bells Bride and Katrina sneaking in some Mandarin in this movie.

These are all steps Hallmark Channel has taken in their quest for inclusivity and diversity. And it should be celebrated.

So back to Christmas with the Darlings. I love this movie. Max is the perfect man, and Charles is the horrible villain. Lol. Kids are cute. And the message is clear in this movie. Family First.

You can listen to the podcasts in all platforms, Apple Podcast, Google Play, Spotify, iHEart Radio, Tune-in+Alexa, Pandora and Youtube.

Follow us on

Twitter: @hallmarkheartb1

Instagram: @hallmarkheartbeats

Facebook: Hallmark Heartbeats Podcast

Support the podcast by buying me a coffee please: www.buymeacoffee.com/hmarkheartbeats

Upcoming Podcast:

Second Wave of Summer Nights Movies

8/3 Love, For Real Recap

8/6 Interview with Taiana Tully

8/10 The 27-Hour Day Recap

8/17 Sealed with a Kiss: Wedding March 6 Recap

8/24 A Little Daytime Drama Recap

8/31 Sweet Pecan Summer Recap