Holiday Touchdown is returning to Hallmark with a brand-new football-themed Christmas movie set to air on November 22, 2025. The film, titled Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story, features a fresh storyline centered around loyal Buffalo Bills fans Morgan Quinn and Gabe DeLuca. The 90-minute national premiere will air on Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET and stream the next day on Hallmark+. Directed by Dustin Rikert and co-written by Vanessa Marano and Danielle Morrow, the movie continues Hallmark’s partnership with the NFL after last year’s Kansas City–themed installment. This new release blends romance, mystery, and NFL cameos for a family-friendly holiday event.
Cast, Setting, and Release Format
Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story stars Holland Roden as Morgan Quinn and Matthew Daddario as Gabe DeLuca, two neighbors raised next to Highmark Stadium and lifelong members of the Bills Mafia. Joining them are Joe Pantoliano, Caroline Aaron, Tracy Pollan, Steve Schirripa, and Patti Murin in supporting roles.
The movie continues Hallmark’s growing holiday collaboration with the NFL. According to production details, Bills players Damar Hamlin, Dion Dawkins, Dawson Knox, and franchise legend Jim Kelly make cameo appearances throughout the film.
The story follows Morgan and Gabe as they work together to solve a Christmas-themed mystery involving their families, ultimately discovering deeper feelings for each other. Filming took place near Buffalo landmarks to maintain authenticity for Bills fans.
The premiere is set for Saturday, Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel, with next-day streaming access on Hallmark+. Additional streaming options include Prime Video Channels, DirecTV Stream, Fubo, and Philo.
Quotes, Reactions, and Analyst Commentary
Early industry commentary suggests that Hallmark’s integration of NFL culture continues to attract broader audiences beyond traditional holiday movie fans. Streaming analysts note that last year’s Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story became one of Hallmark’s highest-rated seasonal titles, setting a high bar for this year’s Bills-focused sequel.
Representatives from Hallmark highlighted strong fan engagement leading into the release, citing the popularity of the Bills Mafia and its passionate national following. While no official cast quotes were released ahead of the premiere, promotional materials emphasize the film’s balance of football spirit, family themes, and holiday romance.
Media observers say that combining NFL players with Hallmark’s holiday format is becoming a competitive ratings strategy, particularly during Thanksgiving weekend.
Audience Reach and Franchise Growth
The Holiday Touchdown series continues to expand Hallmark’s seasonal lineup, pairing sports culture with holiday storytelling. Analysts expect the Bills-focused sequel to draw substantial viewership in football markets, especially as the NFL season enters its playoff push.
By featuring real Bills players, the film leverages built-in team loyalty and creates crossover appeal similar to last year’s Kansas City version. The premiere weekend timing also positions the movie within Hallmark’s most-watched programming window.
Streaming partners—including Hallmark+, Amazon Prime Video Channels, and Fubo—anticipate a surge in holiday sign-ups boosted by exclusive early access to the network’s Countdown to Christmas catalog.
Upcoming Announcements and Availability
Following its live premiere on Hallmark Channel, Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story will be available to stream on Hallmark+ starting Nov. 23. International release timing is expected to be announced in early December.
Hallmark has not confirmed whether Holiday Touchdown will expand into an annual NFL-themed anthology series. However, continued high ratings could lead to additional team-specific installments in future holiday seasons.
For now, the 2025 movie marks another major addition to the Countdown to Christmas slate while strengthening Hallmark’s partnership with professional football audiences.
Sources
ESPN TV Desk, Reuters Entertainment, Hallmark Channel Press Office, On3 Sports Media, AP Streaming Desk
