Summary of "How TV Holiday Rom-Coms Got So Successful (Encore)" – The Indicator from Planet Money

Release Date: December 24, 2024
Hosts: Waylon Wong and Adrienne Ma

Introduction to the Holiday Rom-Com Phenomenon

In the holiday season, audiences across television and streaming platforms are greeted with an abundance of heartwarming romantic comedies. In this encore episode of The Indicator from Planet Money, hosts Waylon Wong and Adrienne Ma delve into the evolution and burgeoning success of made-for-TV holiday rom-coms. They explore how these films became a staple, driven by strategic decisions from television executives and shifting audience appetites.

Hallmark's Pioneering Role in the Genre

Waylon Wong and Adrienne Ma highlight the pivotal role of Hallmark Channel in transforming the landscape of holiday rom-coms. Bill Abbott, former CEO of Hallmark Channel's parent company, provides historical context:

"For the most part, the TV movie space was really only a few movies leading up to Christmas. You know, maybe five or six Christmas movies a year."
[03:02] Bill Abbott

Recognizing an untapped market, Hallmark launched Countdown to Christmas in 2009, significantly increasing the number of holiday films. Within a few years, Hallmark expanded to air 12 original holiday movies annually, featuring titles like A Princess for Christmas and Mistletoe Over Manhattan.

"There was a little bit of that [12 Days of Christmas] there, to be candid. We kind of thought, what's a good number? And 12 kind of made sense for the business model anyway."
[04:15] Bill Abbott

Budget Constraints and Production Strategies

One of the key factors behind the proliferation of these holiday rom-coms is their frugal production approach. Bill Abbott explains that Hallmark allocated approximately $12 to $15 million for a dozen movies, a fraction of the budget compared to Hollywood productions like Paramount’s No Strings Attached, which cost around $25 million.

"You look back. There are Christmas movies that had no snow, that were clearly in warm weather, things we would never do now because we didn't have the budget to create that overall setting and location."
[04:56] Bill Abbott

To maximize resources, these films typically feature simple, small-town settings and are filmed swiftly, often within a few weeks. This approach not only keeps costs low but also fosters a consistent and immersive Christmas atmosphere that audiences crave.

Casting and the Role of Familiar Actors

The strategic casting of recognizable actors plays a significant role in the genre's appeal. Danica McKellar, renowned for her role as Winnie Cooper in The Wonder Years, is a notable figure in holiday rom-coms. She remarks on the efficiency of such productions:

"We have so many years in the business that we don't need more than two takes."
[05:56] Danica McKellar

Her involvement, along with other familiar faces, attracts loyal viewers and provides a sense of continuity and reliability to the genre.

Additionally, the decision to film in locations like Ontario, Canada, leverages substantial tax credits (35-40%) offered by the provincial government, further reducing production costs.

"Christmas at the Drive In. In this film, her character is trying to save the town drive-in movie theater from getting torn down."
[07:02] Danica McKellar

Challenges in Diversification and Modernization

Despite its success, the genre faces critiques regarding its lack of diversity and over-reliance on traditional tropes. Yulene Kuang, a screenwriter, shared her experience attempting to introduce more contemporary and diverse elements into Hallmark's scripts:

"After maybe like three or four rounds of that back and forth, I'm sure some beleaguered executive at Hallmark was like, pull the plug."
[09:03] Yulene Kuang

Kuang's efforts to infuse the narrative with references to real-world figures and incorporate political themes were met with resistance, reflecting the network's preference for non-controversial and universally appealing storylines.

Yulene’s experience underscores the delicate balance Hallmark seeks between maintaining its signature feel and evolving to embrace more diverse storytelling.

Industry Insights and Future Directions

Bill Abbott emphasizes the importance of avoiding excessive sentimentality while maintaining the genre's charm:

"One thing we have is like the cheese alert. The minute we sniff it out, it's like, move on."
[10:15] Bill Abbott

This “cheese alert” ensures that the films remain endearing without tipping into over-the-top sentimentality that might alienate viewers.

Furthermore, while Hallmark and similar platforms have gradually introduced more diverse stories, the genre predominantly features straight white couples and idyllic settings. However, there are signs of progress, with films like Hulu’s Happiest Season (2020) starring Kristen Stewart, recognized as the first queer Christmas rom-com.

Conclusion

The success of made-for-TV holiday rom-coms is a testament to strategic planning, budget-conscious production, and an understanding of audience desires for comforting, predictable narratives during the festive season. While the genre continues to thrive, ongoing efforts to diversify and modernize its offerings could further enhance its appeal. As the holiday season approaches each year, networks like Hallmark remain at the forefront, crafting stories that bring warmth and joy to millions of viewers.

Notable Quotes:

• "We have so many years in the business that we don't need more than two takes."
  — Danica McKellar [05:56]

• "Before going into it, I thought they were very vanilla kind of cookie cutter romances. What I have learned is that there's a lot of work that goes into the making of a Hallmark movie."
  — Yulene Kuang [09:36]

• "One thing we have is like the cheese alert. The minute we sniff it out, it's like, move on."
  — Bill Abbott [10:15]

This detailed exploration provides a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to the rise and sustained success of holiday romantic comedies on television and streaming platforms. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the genre, this episode offers valuable insights into why these heartwarming stories continue to captivate audiences year after year.