Hallmark launches Christmas lineup with new Chicago Bears romance film

Hallmark’s annual Countdown to Christmas schedule kicks off on Oct. 17 with the premiere of “Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story.” The film follows Chicago firefighter Matt, played by Robert Buckley, who tries to secure media coverage for his grandmother’s milestone 500th Bears game, while reporter Avery, portrayed by Lyndsy Fonseca, is assigned to the story. Shot in July across Soldier Field, various city locations and the Bears’ Halas Hall in Lake Forest, the cast includes Marsha Mason, Barbara Alyn Woods, Khary Payton, Tamera Mowry-Housley, Marilu Henner, Jake Connelly and Dyon “Mojo” Brooks, plus appearances by Bears coach Ben Johnson, players Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland, and former stars Mike Singletary, Charles “Peanut” Tillman, Dan Hampton and Connie Payton.

The movie is produced by Hallmark in partnership with the NFL and Skydance Sports, marking the third installment of the “Holiday Touchdown” series after previous titles featuring the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills. Director Dustin Rikert leads the project, with Andrew Gernhard and Molly M. Mayeux producing and Jessica Matthews and David O’Donnell serving as executive producers.