20+ Holiday Original Movie Premieres On TV Featuring Black Talent For 2020
Starting last week with Unwrapped Christmas, executive produced by Tiffany Haddish, Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd and Dominique Telson, there are at least 20 holiday films appearing on TV featuring a slew of Black talent in lead roles. Here’s a roundup of some of the films that will be airing on TV or streaming services. Hallmark and Lifetime titles are also available on Philo.
Christmas Unwrapped on Lifetime
October 24 at 8pm
Exec Producers: Tiffany Haddish, Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd, Dominique Telson
Starring: Amber Stevens West, Marco Grazzini, Cheryl Ladd
Christmas Unwrapped follows Charity (Amber Stevens West), an ambitious reporter, who learns the true meaning of Christmas when she investigates Erik Gallagher (Marco Grazzini), a beloved member of the town who insists all the gifts he provides are from none-other than Santa himself.
“Gary and I made a romantic comedy Christmas movie because we need love during this time in the world. We need to see love and joy and to be reminded that miracle do exist. Add to that Bosede's directing magic along with Amber, Marco and Cherion's acting skills, and you have Christmas Unwrapped!,” says EP Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd
Jingle Bell Bride on Hallmark
October 24 at 8pm
Starring: Julie Gonzalo and Ronnie Rowe Jr.
Jingle Bell Bride follows Jessica Perez (Julie Gonzalo) as she’s on the hunt for a rare flower called the Jingle Bell Bloom for one of her client’s weddings. When she gets stuck in Alaska on her way back with the flower, she bonds with Matt (Ronnie Rowe Jr.), who gave her a ride from the airport and whose family gives her a place to stay. Since Jessica is focused on making it back in time for the wedding, she might not realize that her own chance at happiness is right there with Matt. Can they make it work? Or will they need a Christmas miracle to make it happen?
Deliver By Christmas on Hallmark
October 25 at 8pm
Starring: Alvina August and Eion Bailey
After a long, self-imposed dating hiatus, kind-hearted bakery owner Molly Ford (August) is surprised to suddenly find herself drawn to two men. First, sparks fly each time she repeatedly bumps into her small town’s handsome newcomer and his adorable, young son Charlie (Kesler Talbot). Next, she feels a special connection during late night phone calls with the charming stranger coordinating the town’s annual Christmas festival. The truth is that both are the same man, Josh Harling (Bailey), whose heart is equally guarded following the loss of his service member wife. While Josh wants to focus on being a father to Charlie, he doesn’t realize that that Charlie has made a wish, a special message recorded on a new Christmas teddy bear, for his dad to find love by Christmas. As the festival approaches and Molly and Josh are close to discovering that their connection is deeper than either of them realized, each must decide if they are ready for this new chance at love.
The Christmas Aunt on Lifetime
November 1st at 8pm
Starring: Keshia Knight Pulliam, Jarod Joseph
When Rebecca Miller returns home to Tennessee two weeks before Christmas to take care of her niece and nephew while their parents are away, the last thing she expected is to reconnect with her childhood best friend, Drew. As she attempts to revive the kids’ Christmas spirit and redeem their faith in Santa, she rediscovers her favorite childhood activity: 12 Days of Christmas–something she always did with Drew. As the kids’ faith in the holiday grows, Rebecca and Drew’s friendship returns, and she starts looking at Drew in a whole new light
Operation Christmas Drop on Netflix
November 5th
Starring: Kat Graham and Alexander Ludwig
Congressional aide Erica Miller (Graham) forgoes her family Christmas gathering to travel across the Pacific at her boss’ request. At a beachside Air Force base, she clashes with Capt. Andrew Jantz (Ludwig), who knows her assignment is finding reasons to defund the facility.
A New York Christmas Wedding on Netflix
Release Date: November 5th
Director: Otoja Abit
Starring: Chris Noth, Nia Fairweather, Cooper Koch, Adriana DeMeo, Tyra Ferrell
A New York Christmas Wedding stars Nia Fairweather as Jennifer Ortiz, a young professional living a seemingly perfect life. Aside from an overbearing future mother-in-law, Jennifer lives in comfort with her loving and very wealthy fiancé David (played by Abit). When a family dinner becomes uncomfortable, Jennifer leaves for a run. She encounters a young man with whom she instantly feels a connection. Unbeknownst to her, the young man is a guardian angel who shows her what would have happened had she not denied her true feelings for her childhood best friend Gabrielle (Adriana DeMeo).
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
Release Date: November 13, 2020
Studio: Netflix
Producer: Get Lifted’s Mike Jackson and John Legend, 260 Degrees Entertainment’s David E. Talbert, Lyn Sisson-Talbert, Burr! Productions’ Kristin Burr and Brillstein Entertainment Partners’ David McIlvain
Director: David E. Talbert
Screenwriters: David E. Talbert
Starring: Forest Whitaker, Madalen Mills, Keegan-Michael Key, Sharon Rose, Phylicia Rashad, Anika Noni Rose, Kieron Dyer, Justin Cornwell, Lisa Davina Phillip, and Hugh Bonneville
A musical adventure and a visual spectacle for the ages, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is a wholly fresh and spirited family holiday event. Set in the gloriously vibrant town of Cobbleton, the film follows legendary toymaker Jeronicus Jangle (Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker) whose fanciful inventions burst with whimsy and wonder. But when his trusted apprentice (Emmy winner Keegan-Michael Key) steals his most prized creation, it’s up to his equally bright and inventive granddaughter (newcomer Madalen Mills) — and a long-forgotten invention — to heal old wounds and reawaken the magic within.
The Christmas Edition on Lifetime
November 15 at 8pm
Starring: Carly Hughes, Rob Mayes, Marie Osmond, Aloma Wright
It’s Christmas time and Jackie (Carly Hughes), an up-and- coming journalist, finds that her life is at a crossroads until she finds an unexpected opportunity – to run a small-town newspaper in Alaska. Jackie decides to give it a try and relocates to the small picture-perfect small town. Using a series of Christmas articles, she’s able to quickly return the newspaper to profitability, and soon falls in love… both with her new home and the handsome son of the paper’s former owner. However, when her old boss announces plans to take over the paper for herself, Jackie will need a Christmas miracle to save it.
The Christmas Doctor on Hallmark
November 15 at 8pm
Starring: Holly Robinson Peete, Adrian Holmes, Chris Wood and Nicole Anthony
Zoey (Peete) is a locum tenants doctor. Her job is to go from town to town, to temporarily fill in for absent doctors. This can be for a few days or up to six months.
Zoey loves this role. Always putting others before herself, this opportunity allows this former military doctor to keep on giving. Now, she is in Vermont, and it is right before Christmas. The local doctor is recovering from surgery, so Zoey has to extend out herself to the local people. Doc warned her that there would be some “friendly fire.” They are used to their one doctor, so she has some pretty big shoes to fill.
She instantly meets some of the “colorful” characters. They include a very handsome software engineer Luke (Holmes). With Luke, Zoey is able to confess some of her deepest fears. This sort of vulnerability opens her up to something more. Can she allow herself to let love in?
Dolly Parton’s Christmas On The Square on Netflix
November 22, 2020
Director: Debbie Allen
Starring: Dolly Parton, Christine Baranski, Jenifer Lewis, Treat Williams
A rich and nasty woman, Regina Fuller, returns to her small hometown after her father’s death to evict everyone and sell the land to a mall developer - right before Christmas. However, after listening to stories of the local townsfolk, reconnecting with an old love, and accepting the guidance of an actual angel, Regina starts to have a change of heart. This is the story about family, love, and how a small town’s Christmas spirit can warm even the coldest of hearts.
A Christmas Tree Grows In Colorado on Hallmark
November 24th at 8pm
Starring: Rochelle Aytes and Mark Taylor
Erin is planning the town’s Christmas celebration and must win over firefighter Kevin in order to obtain the beautiful spruce tree from his property for the celebration.
Merry Liddle Christmas Wedding on Lifetime
November 28th at 8pm
Starring: Kelly Rowland and Thomas Cardot, Debbi Morgan, Bresha Webb, Latonya Williams, Jaime M. Callica, Nathan Witte, Chris Shields
Lifetime’s first-ever Christmas sequel! Once again, we follow Jacquie Liddle (Kelly Rowland), as she and Tyler (Thomas Cardot) try to plan their perfect destination Christmas wedding. Naturally, Jacquie’s plans go awry when her boisterous family intervenes in her planning and her snooty wedding planner quits in protest. While nothing goes as initially planned, Jacquie and Tyler get a Christmas wedding more memorable than they could have ever dreamed.
Christmas in Carolina on Roku
Release Date: December 1, 2020
Studio: Legacy Distribution
Director: Peggy Williams
Starring: Kellie Shanygne Williams; Darius McCrary; Joslyn Y. Hall; David L. Rowell; Jessi Nicolet; Terrence Shingler
After losing her parents in a car accident, Elle (Joslyn Y. Hall of ‘Atlanta’), a career-driven investment banker has given up on finding love and the Christmas spirit until she meets Wesley (David L. Rowell of “Com-pli-cat-ed’), a former NBA player and CEO of a small marketing firm. Impetuously, Wesley invites Elle home for Christmas in South Carolina with his mother and uncle (Kellie Shanygne Williams and Darius McCrary of ‘Family Matters’ who reprise their roles as siblings). Hesitantly, Elle accepts and is thrown for a loop when she falls in love and finds the spirit of Christmas again.
“Being able to bring the story of Elle and Wesley’s romance to life was an absolute joy, especially as I was able to incorporate Christmas into it!” says writer/producer, Stacie Davis. “I sincerely hope that everyone finds some holiday cheer in Christmas in Carolina!”
The Business of Christmas on BET+
December 3rd
Starring Jennifer Freeman, Lawrence H. Robinson, Kamel Goffin and Daphne Reid; directed by Thomas J Churchill
In an effort to save the family's store and home, the Franklin children come back home to help their parents save the family store and family home. While doing so, they re-discover the core values of love, family and the holiday spirit.
Christmas In Evergreen: Bells Are Ringing on Hallmark
December 5 at 8pm
Starring Holly Robinson Peete, Rukiya Bernard, Antonio Cayonne, Barbara Niven, Colin Lawrence, and Ashley Williams
As Michelle's wedding approaches, Hannah steps up to help finish the launch of the new Evergreen museum while questioning her relationship and future with Elliot.
The film is directed by Linda-Lisa Hayter with Zac Hug, and Shari Sharpe serving as writers. Charles Cooper serves as producer and Jacquelyn Renner serves as exectuive producer.
Let’s Meet Again On Christmas Eve on Lifetime
December 5th at 8pm
Starring: Kyla Pratt, Brooks Darnell
When college sweethearts, Corinne (Kyla Pratt) and Rob (Brooks Darnell), get opportunities on opposite sides of the world, they decide to part ways and meet again in two years on Christmas Eve to see if they are really meant to be. However, when one shows up and the other doesn't, the fate of their romance seems to have reached the end. Many years later the two end up bumping into one another when they are both hired to help bring together a Christmas Eve wedding. With many questions left unanswered, they are about to embark on a journey filled with romance and magic, just in time for Christmas Eve.
Also cast in the film are Nancy Sorel, Paul Essiembre, Sarah Luby, John B. Lowe, Marina Stephenson, Erik Athavale, Rachel McLaren, and Hazel Venzon.
A Christmas Surprise on BET and BET Her
December 5th at 8pm ET/PT
Starring: Wendy Raquel Robinson, Keesha Sharp, Will Blagrove, Katelynn Bennett, Mustapha Slack.
Tanya Hamilton (Wendy Raquel Robinson) is an outgoing, self-made businesswoman who is looking forward to spending Christmas with her beloved daughter Brittney (Katelynn Bennett). But when Brittney comes home, she has a surprise for her mother: she’s engaged! Shocked and disapproving of Brittney’s less-than-impressive artist fiance Amiri (Mustapha Slack), Tanya struggles to accept her daughter’s impending Christmas wedding. To make matters worse, Amiri invites his elitist mother, Demetria (Keesha Sharp), to stay with everyone at Tanya’s house for some pre-wedding bonding. Now the holiday is thrown into chaos as she deals with her less-than-impressive and soon-to-be son-in law, his overbearing mother, and an impending wedding.
Christmas Dilemma on TV One
Release Date: December 6, 2020 at 7pm
Director: Essence Atkins
Starring: BJ Britt, Brittany Hall, Carl Anthony Payne II and Christopher B. Duncan
CHRISTMAS DILEMMA follows a newlywed couple Jay (Britt) and Monica (Hall) as they struggle to decide which set of in-laws they should join for their first Christmas. After each pleads their case and even attempts a little trickery, they decide to bypass the guaranteed disappointment of picking one family over the other. Unbeknownst to them, the decision is made for them when their families show up at their home unexpectedly. Drama ensues as the in-laws clash, long-lost relatives decide to make an appearance, and Jay's grandmother joins the holiday festivities accompanied her caretaker who just happens to be Jay's gorgeous ex-girlfriend.
Marry Me This Christmas on Bounce
December 6 at 9p
Wriiten by J.J. Jamieson (Christmas at Graceland) and directed by Megan Follows (Maternal), the feature-length romantic comedy stars Brandon Jay McLaren, Gabrielle Graham, Kareem Alleyne, Eugene A. Clark, Rothaford Gray
This holiday movie is the story of Daniel English, a bighearted, energetic, buoyant pastor who returns to his hometown church to take over for his mentor and falls for a parishioner. When out of the blue she asks him, "Will you marry me?" Pastor Daniel is thrilled-until he realizes she is asking him to officiate her wedding with someone else. Just how far will the Pastor go for true love?
A Christmas For Mary on OWN
December 8 at 9pm
Vivica A. Fox stars with Jackée Harry and Morgan Dixon (“Being Mary Jane”) in a holiday tale of rediscovery and renewal when up-and-coming journalist Lena Jones (Dixon) is tasked with delivering a story by Christmas that will wow her boss, magazine editor Vivian Vaye (Fox), who is dangling a promotion to head writer over Lena’s head. Intrigued by a portrait of a mysterious woman painted by her late grandfather, Lena journeys to the small town of Pineville, where with her mother, Deborah’s (Harry) blessing and support, Lena uncovers a long-ago forgotten tale of young love that not only uncovers cherished memories of the past, but also inspires Lena to follow her heart and find her own true love … and her perfect Christmas story. “A Christmas For Mary” is produced for OWN by Hybrid, LLC in association with Harpo Films.
Beaus Of Holly on ION
December 12 at 7pm
Starring Jennifer Freeman, Johnny Pacar, Nikki Leigh, Michael Copon, Shelton Jolivette and Adam Huss; directed by Anthony C. Ferrante
When Holly boldly proposes to Phil, he confesses he needs to first work things out with a long-ago ex. Having booked a romantic holiday sleigh ride, despondent Holly pours her heart out to sleigh driver, Jake, who takes a refreshing interest in her, until Phil returns.
The Christmas Lottery on BET and BET Her
December 12th at 8pm ET/PT
Starring: Reginald VelJohnson, Asai’h Epperson, Christina “Brave” Williams, Candiace Dillard Bassett, Lorenzo “Renny” Cromwell, Terayle Hill, Kay-Megan Washington, Phylicia Morgan
Gerald Davenport has requested his three estranged daughters Diedre, Nicole, and Tammy come together for Christmas for a big announcement…he has won a $10-million-dollar lottery! To get their share, the sisters must repair their broken relationship. But when their dementia-stricken mother, Diane, forgets where she hid the ticket, the Davenport’s are now in a race to find the ticket and fix their family all before Christmas Day.
Directed by Tamika Miller, the film was produced by MarVista Entertainment, Octet Productions.
Christmas Comes Twice on Hallmark
December 13th at 8pm
Starring: Tamera Mowry-Housley and Michael Xavier
Cheryl Jenkins (Mowry-Housley) is an astrophysicist who works for the National Science Foundation reviewing grant applications for projects, although she’d prefer to be working on a project of her own. Cheryl heads home to spend the holidays with her family and first on the agenda is a visit to the annual Christmas carnival with her sister Trish (Zarrin Darnell-Martin, “Burden of Truth”). While there, Cheryl sees a carousel in the distance and ventures over to take a ride. But when the revolutions wind down and she returns to the carnival to find her sister, Cheryl discovers that — somehow — it’s five years earlier. Dissatisfied with where she is in life, Cheryl sees this as a chance to change her path by making different choices. As Cheryl navigates her way through her visit back in time, she’s able to connect with her beloved science teacher Ms. Nelson (Ralph), who was an inspiration to her both in and out of the classroom and had passed away several years previously. The time Cheryl spends with Ms. Nelson as well as with her “frenemy” George (Xavier) helps her find a new appreciation for what she’s doing in life and starts to see George in a new light. But when the carousel returns Cheryl to present-day Christmas with lessons learned, will the love she found be waiting for her?
The Christmas Sitters on ION
December 13 at 7pm
Starring Tristin Mays, Nathan Owens, GloZell Green, Melissa Ordway, Justin Gaston and Chris Soules; directed by Dylan Vox
Facing holiday flight delays on a return trip from Europe, two parents double-book incompatible babysitters: the mother’s BFF lawyer friend, Nora, and the dad's guitarist half-brother, Max, to look after their two kids and dog. After a rather stormy start, an attraction grows.
Cooking Up Christmas on OWN
December 15 at 9pm
Directed by Roger M. Bobb
Produced by Errol Sadler and Ty Walker
Cast: Meagan Holder, Lamman Rucker, Jen Harper, Laparee Young, Lindsey Amani Blackwell
Meagan Holder (“Pitch”) stars in this family-centric holiday story as Chloe, an Atlanta-based chef at a fine dining restaurant who gets fired just weeks before Christmas and reluctantly takes a job with pro baseball player Donovan Jackson (OWN’s “Greenleaf” star Lamman Rucker), who is a single dad of three needing a live-in-chef to get him through the holidays with the kids. Chloe only takes the job in order to save up enough capital to live out her dream of opening her own restaurant, but soon finds herself caught up in the ups and downs of the Jacksons encounter during her residency. Throughout the holiday season in the Jackson household the importance of family and Chloe’s good Southern cooking are two constants that remain. As Christmas comes to an end, Chloe discovers that her lifelong dream might finally come true... and that her heart has a mind of its own.
A Christmas Exchange on Lifetime
December 15th at 8pm
Starring: Laura Vandervoort and Rainbow Sun Francks
The holiday season has started and Molly Cooper (Laura Vandervoort) is looking for joy. Finally living her childhood dream, Molly swaps her quaint farmhouse for London Financier Patrick Kingston's (Rainbow Sun Francks) posh apartment. Through the ups and downs of her new life in London and searching for romance, Molly begins to look forward to all communication with Patrick. Likewise, Patrick finds Molly's warm emails and texts charming and compelling. Sparks fly between them as they get to know each other as they live in each other's spaces.
A Christmas Exchange is produced by Brain Power Media with Beth Stevenson and Stan Hum executive producing. Justin G Dyck directs from a script by Neale Elizabeth Kimmel.
Holiday Heartbreak On BET & BET HER
December 16 at 6pm
Karma hits hard at Christmas when a loving father, played by comedian Michael Colyar, discovers that his womanizing past is coming back to haunt his daughter, played by Maryam Basir, after a curse destroys her love life.
Rounding out the cast of this romantic comedy are LisaRaye McCoy, AJ Johnson, DeWayne “Kountry Wayne” Colley, Tiffany Black, B Simone, Kenneth Wayne and Lonnie Bee.
First Christmas on OWN
December 22 at 9pm
Cast: Idara Victor, Tonea Stewart, Samantha Smith, Mason Beauchamp, Peyton Jackson, Amanda Tavarez
Given up for adoption and placed in foster care at a young age, writer Halle Downing (Idara Victor, “Alita: Battle Angel”) receives the blessing of a lifetime when she is invited to spend Christmas in New Orleans with the biological family she never knew she had – The Moores. Halle’s grandmother “Memaw” (Tonea Stewart, “A Time to Kill”) welcomes the young woman with open arms, completely overwhelming Halle with emotion at the significance of finally finding her family. Extremely excited to meet her twin siblings Tiffany (Samantha Smith, “Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins”) and Glenn (Mason Beauchamp, “NCIS: New Orleans”) along with younger brother Drew (Peyton Jackson, “Nobody’s Fool”) for the first time, Halle soon faces the hard reality that finding her place in this close-knit family is going to take longer than she thought, something that becomes particularly evident when she witnesses Tiffany’s apprehension about introducing her new girlfriend Paris (Amanda Tavarez, “Queen Sugar”) to the family for the first time. However, as Christmas approaches, Halle begins to gain perspective on the Moore family dynamic and ultimately comes to embrace and celebrate her first family holiday with a special gift that tells her she is right where she is supposed to be.