TV Interview!
Interview with Jonathan Bennett, Melissa Peterman, Drake Kuyper, Marcus Brodie, Angel Garet and Robbie Simpson of “Finding Mr. Christmas” on Hallmark by Jamie 10/1/25
Finding Mr. Christmas is a reality competition on Hallmark premiering its second season on Monday, Oct. 27. I recently spoke with both the host, Jonathan Bennett and judge, Melissa Peterson, as well as four of the contestants: Robbie, Angel, Drake, and Marcus. Both Jonathan and Melissa were a delight, and they, as well as the contestants, seemed to have a lot of fun making the show, and the men made a lot of lasting friendships coming out of the competition.
I was only given the first episode to watch, but it was a lot of fun. The contestants take part in various Christmas-themed competitions, such as making a Santa costume to show who they are, as well as acting challenges where they get to perform alongside Hallmark stars. In the first episode, they had to ski over to actress Janelle Parris and act out a scene with her. That competition was hilarious, because most of the men didn’t know how to ski, and no one helped them with that. The four men spoke to me about acting out the scene with Janelle and which challenges they found difficult.
Jonathan and Melissa talked about advice they gave the contestants, many of whom were new to acting and the hoops they had them jump through. Both were really great conversations, and the series is worth a watch. Season 2 premieres 10/27 on Hallmark Channel and is available to stream the next day on Hallmark+.
Jonathan Bennett, Drake Kuyper and Marcus Brodie
Melissa Peterman, Angel Garet and Robbie Simpson
TRANSCRIPTS OF THE INTERVIEWS
JONATHAN BENNETT: Jamie’s coming to us from space! How’s the signal up there?
JAMIE RUBY: It’s hard to hear. [laughs] It’s nice to talk to you all. I enjoyed the first episode that we got to see. Jonathan, let me start with you. How do you feel that the show has evolved since last season?
JONATHAN BENNETT: You know, we took everything we learned from season one and, you know, expanded that into season two to make it even bigger and bolder than season one. I can’t believe I got away with what I got away with in season two. Like, when I said to the executives, “Hey, I want to hang them from a cable in a harness thirty feet and fly them through the air,” they were like, “Yeah, that’s a great idea.” And I’m like, “Are you sure?” They’re like, “Yeah.” I’m like, “Okay, great. I also want to put them on skis in the first episode and make them ski down a hill while having to memorize a scene and act with the biggest Hallmark star, Janelle Parrish, and they only get one take. They have to do it, and whatever happens, happens.” And they’re like, “Yeah, that’s a great idea.” And I’m like, “Great.” So, it’s just, you know, I think my sandbox has expanded, and I’ve been able to play with all the different things in it a lot bigger.
JAMIE RUBY: All right, that’s fair. Robbie and Angel, what made you both want to be a part of this?
ROBBIE: Oh, yeah. I’ve been watching Hallmark movies forever when I was on the couch with Hot Coco with my family members. So, to be able to be a part of the Hallmark universe and tell these stories that I have watched forever, I mean, Hallmark is the place for feel good entertainment. So, you know, when you click that on, you’re just going to feel good. And then also to do that with Jonathan Bennett and learning from him and also laughing with him was just a total blast and an easy yes for me.
JAMIE RUBY: What about you Angel?
ANGEL: I grew up in Venezuela, and I immigrated to this beautiful country, and every Christmas I would watch movies to enjoy it and learn English, and Hallmark was my go-to. Then, when the opportunity came to be part of a Hallmark on a scripted show, I was like, “I have to do this.” I’ve been doing this for years, every Christmas, and I’m excited that I’m part of it.
JAMIE RUBY: What did you two do to prepare? And did you go back and watch season one?
JONATHAN BENNETT: Yeah. What’d you do to prepare for this?
JAMIE RUBY: If anything.
JONATHAN BENNETT: If anything, they can’t really prepare what I put them through, because every day they’re like, “Why do we have to do [that]? What, Jonathan, what are we doing?”
ANGEL: I watched season one first. I researched who this awesome host was, and then just, a lot of self-talk. English is my second language, so I had to like, tell myself, “You’ve got this.” You just gotta be present, active, listening, cheer for others, let go of ego, let go of your past, enjoy the moment, pay attention and just take as much information from the hosts, your friends, and everybody else. And the Christmas movies help too.
JONATHAN BENNETT: That’s right.
ROBBIE: I love unscripted television. I love watching reality TV. So, this has been a total dream for me to get dropped into my ideal reality television show, you know, being an actor.
So, I watched season one, probably like three times, just trying to figure out everything that was going on, but that helped to a certain extent. But as soon as I got there, Jonathan [was] switching it up on us constantly, so I just realized that like every day, it just was about saying “Yes, and.” What are we doing today? Getting excited about that. Then, also just having fun. Like at the end of the day, I think that’s the name of the game, and that was what helped me do well was enjoying the time together and enjoying the other guys. And it was a total blast.
ANGEL: I mean, this show lets us bring our inner child out. We were kids in a playground, and that was just the best experience ever.
JAMIE RUBY: And Jonathan, having been in Hallmark Christmas movies, did you find yourself trying to give them advice? Did you try not to??
JONATHAN BENNETT: The best way to learn how to do something is to just do it. And I’ve done, I think, twelve, thirteen Hallmark movies at this point. So, like, I’ve learned so much from doing that when I’m hosting and judging these guys. I’m able to like share all my knowledge with them. And I’m like, “Hey, when you do this, you know, you might want to think about this, because this is going to happen.” Like anytime I have a chance to coach them, you know, from what I can coach, because it is a competition. So, I kind of got to let them – I’ll give them advice, but I don’t want to see – I’ve got to let them see what they do on their own first, you know? But then the feedback after they do it is usually where I’m able to help them and say, “Okay, next time do this,” you know? And they soaked it up like sponges.
ROBBIE: I think the thing that sets this show about apart from other reality television is that every day we showed up to set and felt supported, and Jonathan, Melissa, and the judges wanted us to succeed. They were helping us through that, and that’s not something you see on a lot of reality television, but it’s definitely why I think Hallmark putting their specific stamp on this show is what makes this different and why people are going to love this.
JAMIE RUBY: Did you guys have more trouble with the acting challenges or with the other challenges?
JONATHAN BENNETT: Ooh, that’s a good question. What’d you have a harder time with? I mean, they both struggled in both of them in different ways. I’m not going to lie, but that’s part of – that’s the fun of the show.
ROBBIE: I think what was hard is that for this show, you’re doing both at the same time. So, like you’re acting, but then you’re also doing it. Do you know, like riding an animal of some sort? Do you know?
JONATHAN BENNETT: They’re on skis or hanging in the air or riding an animal while acting.
ROBBIE: Yeah. So, you know, you can take an acting class. You can go to acting school for as long as you want, but nothing is going to prepare you for some of the stuff that you’re doing on this show. But if you just focus and just remember, kind of who you are, what you’re there to do, and then act opposite the incredible celebrity Hallmark scene partners that we had, then you’re going to do great.
JONATHAN BENNETT: What about you, Angel?
ANGEL: I mean, just, it doesn’t matter how prepared you are. Just like Robbie was saying, it’s just surprise after surprise. This season brought so many twists that kept us on our toes. Yeah. So, it doesn’t matter if it was an acting challenge, a modeling challenge, or anything. Everything was out of the ordinary.
JAMIE RUBY: You say that though. What surprised you the most?
ANGEL: What surprised me the most? The skis, because I’ve never skied before in my life, and I remember Jonathan was like, “Are you ready?” “No. How do you break?” “Bye! Action!”
[laughter]
JAMIE RUBY: What about you, Robbie
JONATHAN BENNETT: Angel falls down on his skis. We’ll do a spoiler alert.
JAMIE RUBY: A lot of people fell down.
ROBBIE: Watching Angel fall was not surprising to me, but what was surprising to me was I thought that I was signing up for an unscripted competition reality show, and as soon as I got there, I realized that that’s not what this was going to be. I met the other guys, and it became a show about community, and it wasn’t about the competition. The only person you were competing with is yourself every single day, and the community and the brotherhood that was developed between all of us. I don’t even think it was something anyone was expecting on set, like crew or hosts or judges. It just was this natural melding of all these awesome guys. So, I came for a competition, but I left for the community.
ANGEL: I remember when I fell and came back to the group, the guys were already talking amongst themselves. “All right. Does anyone know how to break?” “Oh, yeah. Do this. Do that.” We’re already helping each other. Like, hey, if you have a hard time, try this or do this. So, in my head, I was like, this is a competition and people are already helping each other? Wow.
JONATHAN BENNETT: And that was day one. I don’t shine if you don’t shine. That’s something I tried to instill in them is like, it doesn’t matter how good you’re doing. If the people around you and your scene aren’t doing well, then you’re not doing well. So, it’s like, make everyone around you better, and if you do that, then you’re going to be lifted up.
JAMIE RUBY: Speaking of scene partners, what was kind of like your first reaction, I guess, to getting to do a scene with Janelle? Were you nervous? How did you feel? Both of you.
ROBBIE: I think it was twofold, because you’re so excited to be working with these incredible actors, especially Janelle, that you’ve watched in so many networks and so many television shows, legends of Hallmark. So, you’re so nervous, but then at the same time, I had to remember, like, wait, she’s the best at what she does. So, just like Jonathan said, if she is shining, I’m going to shine. So, I was just listening to her, and being able to talk to her beforehand was really helpful. And the better she was, the better I was going to do, and that’s what I was able to give over to, and it made me feel so much better.
JONATHAN BENNETT: Did any of them really intimidate you, Angel, like any of the stars?
ANGEL: Her beauty intimidated me.
[laughter]
JONATHAN BENNETT: Janell is intimidating. She’s beautiful.
ANGEL: She was easy to connect. I remember introducing myself to her, and she gave me a big smile. “Hi, nice to meet you.” And then, spoiler alert, I take her down with me, and I’m like, “What are you doing?” Time slows down. Get up. We finally get up. And it was so smooth after that. Like, we got that out of the way. We got that out of the way. So, now let’s just have fun and enjoy the scene.
JAMIE RUBY: Yeah, the skiing part was hilarious. Jonathan, I want to ask you really quick. One of your first roles was on a soap opera on All My Children. What did that teach you, that experience? And do you still find yourself using that?
JONATHAN BENNETT: Yeah, you know, I think soap operas are the best training camp. And now it’s kind of like what they call the verticals, like the candy jar and the real shorts and all that. Those verticals are great training ground for actors, because it’s low expectations and low stakes. Like I said earlier, the best training is just to do it. And so, every day, when you’re on a soap, you’re standing in front of a camera, and you’re acting every single day. Whether it’s good or not doesn’t matter, because they’re going to shoot the next scene in two minutes. So, whatever you said is what’s going on in the air, and that’s a real quick way to learn how to become an actor. So, with, you know, Finding Mr. Christmas, I think there’s a similarity there. It’s like, just go do it. And they’re like, “Well, how do we do it?” Well, you’ll figure it out.
And to watch their growth from the beginning of the episodes to the end of the episodes, you know, throughout the whole season, to watch these boys grow, each one of them grow in a different way, and they take that with them onto their auditions.
JAMIE RUBY: I know we’re almost out of time, but what are you two taking away the most?
JONATHAN BENNETT: Yeah, what are you guys taking from the show?
ANGEL: I’m taking so much. I’m taking joy, vulnerability, teamwork. And this experience has taught me and made me a better man. Like I’m putting everything that I learned on this show into my own life with my personal lifestyle, with my family, and I’m excited for what’s next.
ROBBIE: Yeah, thank you, Hallmark.
JONATHAN BENNETT: Yeah. This might be Mr. Christmas. You never know. Or this could be Mr. Christmas. What are you taking away possible, Mr. Christmas?
ROBBIE: I’m really taking away that being your authentic self is absolutely what is wanted in this industry and is wanted at Hallmark. All of the things that make us who we are, the community, the love, the family, all of those values that you hold dear, just letting those out and being the part of the scene, whether it’s in a conversation you’re having with someone on the crew. I mean, that’s what it takes to be a Hallmark leading man is not just who you are in front of the camera, is who you are off the camera. It’s how you live your life. And when you’re able to let out all of those things that make you an authentic person and let people in on that, that’s the joy. And I think that’s what they’re looking for on the show.
VIDEO #2 TRANSCRIPT
JAMIE RUBY: Let’s start with you, Melissa. How do you think the show’s evolved since season one? What do you feel is different this season?
MELISSA PETERMAN: You know, season one, I think we loved what happened there. So, we didn’t really change the sort of the foundation of that show, but, you know, Jonathan had more time to dream of bigger challenges. So, everything got a lot bigger. We asked a lot more of the guys in the acting challenges. We have, we brought in, I think, I don’t know if we even brought in more mentors. We just, everything’s just a little bit extra in season two as far as we know what worked here. So, let’s dial it up a notch. And I enjoyed watching that happen.
JAMIE RUBY: For both of you, what made you want to be a part of it? We’ll just go Drake, then Marcus.
DRAKE: Yeah, I would say what made me want to be a part of this is just really how wholesome Hallmark is. Like whenever I think Hallmark, I think Christmas. And I think that like, it’s in the background whenever we’re in Christmas, I just think of, you know, my mom making cookies and it’s in the background playing. It’s just like a happy memory of childhood. So, when I heard that Hallmark was interested, I’m like, “Absolutely, let’s do this. I’m so in, so excited to take on this role.”
MARCUS: And for me, when I first heard about the show, me and my girlfriend started watching the first season, and we were just, we were hooked. Like after the first episode, we were like, “Do you want to watch another one?” They’re like, “Yeah.” And we ended up binge watching like four or five episodes in a row. So, I knew. I was like, “Okay, this is something I probably want to do.” And my girlfriend really pushed me, like, this is going to be a great opportunity to see how much you’ve grown, seen how much you’ve learned and see what you can learn from the other people on the show, the other judges, other guys. And I learned so much. So, it was great to be able to be on the show.
JAMIE RUBY: Marcus, other than watching the show, what else did you do to prepare? Is there anything you can think of?
MARCUS: Oh man, I didn’t do much to prepare. I just really wanted to come into the show with an open mind, be ready to learn, ready to see how much I’ve grown, ready to open up about myself. And it took a lot for me to get to the point where I could just open up about myself and be myself. I feel like I kind of got to that point, and within a couple of days, like us guys, we’ve got so close. So, it made it easier to open up about myself because of how close and how much the other guys were opening up.
JAMIE RUBY: All right. Drake, what about you? Did you watch season one, and what did you do to prepare?
DRAKE: Yep. So, I watched all of season one, and that’s what I was hoping was my preparation. Little did I know they were about to crank up the heat, and then competitions were way, way more intense. So, pretty much watching that was a big deal. I also didn’t have any experience in actually speaking lines, so I was like in front of my camera trying to practice with my brother, trying to go back and forth and get a little more experience before this, because I knew this was going to be a pretty big jump and from my experience to, you know, being on TV.
MELISSA PETERMAN: See, that’s what I love about this show is that we’ve got guys that [are] from all different like levels and experience of acting and the reality is anyone could win, because if you’ve got that it factor, you know, you can teach them that other stuff, because otherwise, someone can take all the classes in the world, but if they don’t have that sort of special equality that doesn’t really matter. So, I love that there’s people from all different levels of acting experience.
JAMIE RUBY: That leads me into my next question. I was going to ask you, do you find yourself though trying to give them acting advice since you’ve been doing it a while, or do you feel like you have to restrain yourself somewhat since you’re a judge?
MELISSA PETERMAN: I’ve never restrained myself in anything whether it’s a buffet or being a judge. No, I think my job is to tell them stuff. I may not always be right. I can only speak from my experience as someone who’s auditioned a million times and worked with different people. So, I can only tell them, I think I’m supposed to tell them what I know, and I really took that seriously, because they’re going to hear no a lot. Actors are going to hear no. You’re going to be asked to get up the next day and go back in a room and maybe hear no again, and you have to really want it.
And what I loved about the show, is just like in real life, they’re going to be competing for jobs against friends or people they know, and they’re going to maybe watch their friend get the job, and they don’t. And what I try to say all the time is, “You’re going to need those friends.” If you’re going to be in this business, you’re going to want that support group.
And what I love seeing, is these guys really did create a brotherhood that I think will continue on long after the show is gone. And you [are] going to need that in this business, because I don’t think I would have gotten through my very – anytime in LA or auditioning without having someone I could call and go, “Oh, I had this audition and what do you think?” She’s like, “Oh, I went in on it yesterday, and here’s what I think.” And just to really build a community, because that’s what you really need to succeed, I think.
JAMIE RUBY: You say that, but for the two of you though, was that hard at all? I mean, you’re friends with each other but you also kind of want to beat each other too. So, how do you balance that?
MARCUS: It was definitely hard, because we grew so close so quick. Like, having to see anybody go home during that first elimination, it hurt. When we first walked into that first elimination, we all felt it. It hit us, because it was like, wow, this is real. Somebody really has to go home right now.
DRAKE: Yeah, definitely, the bonds we created so quickly. It reminded me of football. Like, all of us just spend hours together, you know, and then the next thing you know, you’re competing again at some an hour later. That was definitely super tough to kind of balance that, but what was great, is everyone was so supportive. It was one of those things where if you messed up, people were rallying behind you. Like, “Hey, you’ve got this next one.” And that was such a good feeling to just know that these guys had my back, you know?
MELISSA PETERMAN: I think if even, if any of the guys walked in thinking it was a competition, and I have to come in with my game face, I think the show and the format quickly strips that away. You know, they can come in thinking, “I’m not going to show I’m – game face. They’re not going to get to know me. I’m here to win.” It’s formulated that we really want to get rid of that quickly, and it sort of happens.
MARCUS: Oh yeah.
JAMIE RUBY: For the two of you, what did you find more difficult? The first challenges, or, I mean, obviously I’ve only seen the first episode, but the [other kinds of] challenges, or the acting challenges, because I think they both kind of cause other problems.
DRAKE: Yeah, I would say that the first challenges felt like less pressure, because like, you’re just getting that advantage and stuff, but then the acting challenges, that’s when you had to lock in. You’re like, “This is the part where I really need to focus.” So, I felt like a little bit less pressure from the challenges, even though it was fun and it was intense, it felt like the actual acting challenges when you really had to lock in.
MARCUS: And I would probably say the opposite. Maybe just because I have a little bit more of a background in acting, but obviously not a ton, but a little bit more, but the first ones were a little bit more about opening up about yourself, and that’s harder for me. It always has been. And the show helped me be able to do that a lot more, but I was a little bit more afraid that I was going to have to talk about myself more, and that’s almost more fearful for me than just acting or, you know, acting in somebody else’s shoes, almost.
MELISSA PETERMAN: It’s hard. I mean, it’s easy to play, you know, when they give you the words to say. It’s hard to –
MARCUS: Exactly, but then when you have to talk about yourself, that’s a whole ‘nother level. You have to really be vulnerable and show your real self.
MARCUS: That’s a good point.
JAMIE RUBY: I was going to say, Drake, is that something you struggled with?
DRAKE: Yes. I was going to say for any of the ones where it felt like, you know, you really had to open yourself up, that did feel tough. Like there’s obviously some walls that like, it’s kind of hard to just talk about yourself.nIt’s not a character you’re playing. This is actually you. It’s like when they’re actually learning who is Drake Kiper, like it definitely is a little bit more intense and it’s a lot harder to just open up and say everything, you know, it takes a little bit. It does help though having other guys do it as well. Like, you see these guys that you’re getting close with, and they’re also showing who they are. It makes it much, much easier to share yourself.
JAMIE RUBY: Melissa, obviously you’re on the other side of that, but is there anything that you found a challenge in this?
MELISSA PETERMAN: Eliminations. I hated them. I really hated to tell somebody that, you know, it was time; their time was over on the show, because I know what that feels like, and it doesn’t always feel great.
And that was really hard for me, because I was at that point very invested, and still am, in all of them and want them to succeed. So, I did not look forward to eliminations. And I want everyone to know, nobody walked in there without being so serious about it and thinking about it and talking about it. But also, I hope imparting on everybody that this isn’t over. This is just today, and like, that’s the life of an actor. Today is maybe not your day. Tomorrow might be your day. So yeah, eliminations were very difficult.
JAMIE RUBY: Yeah, I was going to say, I’m sure this will still give everybody more opportunities, regardless of the outcome.
MELISSA PETERMAN: People are going to watch and fall in love with all of these guys. And somebody is going to see something that, you know, their faces are going to be in front of a lot of people, and that’s the beauty. There’s a lot of – everyone wants something different. Some days, you know, they’re looking for a Drake. Someday they’re looking for a Marcus, and tomorrow they’re looking for a Marcus.bLike that’s what’s the beauty of the business. Things can change in an hour, truly.
MARCUS: I mean, come on, they’re always looking for a Drake.
DRAKE: Yes, man, no, don’t be humble.
MARCUS: And a Melissa, of course.
JAMIE RUBY: For you two, what was it like for the first time you acted against another Hallmark star?
MELISSA PETERMAN: Ooh, I want to hear.
MARCUS: Oh man. Well, acting for the first time with Janelle [Parrish] was amazing. I mean, I remember skiing up and then seeing her and being nervous. But then once she started saying her lines, it like relaxed me, and I was able to kind of fall into the scene. So, you could just tell she was a pro, and it made everything so much more relaxed and easy.
DRAKE: Yeah, to piggyback off what he said, it was really nice to have such a professional in there to where there’s a lot of crazy things going on with it, and you have to be able to like remember your lines and everything. And I feel like her confidence helped you gain confidence. Like, okay, this is where I’m supposed to be. This is what I’m doing. Like, let’s do it. I feel like that helped, because there’s some crazy elements in the acting scene. It’s not just, you know, two people standing there. We’re skiing, we’re doing – the weather’s crazy. Everything just comes together to become like a more difficult thing.
JAMIE RUBY: Who else were you guys looking forward to getting to work with during this season?
MARCUS: That’s a good question. You know, I was really hoping that Jonathan and Melissa would hop in a scene with us and maybe do something crazy.
DRAKE: That would have been so cool.
MELISSA PETERMAN: I don’t know how much they can spoil it.
[crosstalk]
MARCUS: I wish we could have done more scenes with Jonathan and Melissa, just because they’re so good at acting.
MELISSA PETERMAN: Jonathan’s not even sitting here. You can just say Melissa.
MARCUS: Melissa. I was gonna say Melissa first, because I mean, she’s so quick, so witty, so funny. She brings the best actor out of you. So, I mean, I would have wanted to do everything with Melissa. Of course.
MELISSA PETERMAN: I’m just gonna give you another lesson right here. When you’re sitting next to the person, say them.
MARCUS: Yes, say them, Melissa. Put down Jonathan. Got it.
[laughter]
MELISSA PETERMAN: Not put down, just say. Yeah, I don’t know how much we can, because I know that they, I think people know who we have coming on for mentors, but I’m not sure that they can spoil all of them. But I will say this, that I would tell every contestant, like when you have time with the Janelle Parris or an Ali Sweeney or any of the Chris Palaha, when you’ve got people there, take that time. That’s a gift. You’re getting somebody who’s been working. Ask questions, listen to what they say, watch what they do when they walk on a set, and what they ask a director. And I learned something every day. You’re not done learning ever, ever, ever, ever. Yeah.
JAMIE RUBY: I know we’re almost out of time, but really quick, what did you two take away the most? What did you learn in particular?
MARCUS: Just to be yourself and be vulnerable, be willing to open up and just be yourself, because at the end of the day, people are gonna judge you, whether you’re yourself or acting like you’re somebody else. So, you may as well be yourself and be as happy as possible.
DRAKE: I would say definitely being vulnerable. I mean, just watching these guys open up and you just can develop such a deeper relationship when you actually know the true person. Like, don’t be afraid. Don’t be afraid to hide anything, like just be yourself and be vulnerable and you’ll end up making closer friends.
Transcripts by Jamie of Sci Fi Vision
MORE INFO: Official Site Trailer
Finding Mr. Christmas Renewed for Season 2!
Hallmark has renewed its first-ever hit reality competition series, Finding Mr. Christmas, for a second season! Hosted by Jonathan Bennett with lead judge Melissa Peterman (Reba, Haul Out the Holly: Lit Up), the reality series follows 10 aspiring actors who compete in festive challenges and learn how to become the best Hallmark leading man — from present wrapping and dancing to acting and on-screen kissing. Each week, one man is sent “home for the holidays,” while the winner lands a starring role in a Hallmark Channel Countdown to Christmas movie. Season 1 winner Ezra Moreland made his movie debut as the star of “Happy Howlidays” alongside Jessica Lowndes.
Finding Mr. Christmas season 2 is part of Hallmark’s new slate of unscripted series, branded as “Reality TV with Heart”. This original programming brings together friendly competition series, community building, home and lifestyle enhancement shows, aligning with the company’s brand principles of joy, hope, warmth, connection, family and most definitely…love.
Proofread and Edited by Brenda