Hallmark Channel’s Christmas movies have provided much-needed escapism this particular holiday season

The Washington Post

“We would typically be the first person to mock the idea of the Hallmark Channel,” says Monica Hesse, “but there is something specific about this December: It’s crap. The news stinks, current events stink — turning on the television, in general, stinks. Another beloved icon revealed to be a sexual predator? Nope — let’s watch Hallmark.” The annual “Countdown to Christmas” has provided essential escapism,  especially with a total of 33 new movies this year that are made year-round on a modest budget of a few million dollars. “But this, after all, is the point of Hallmark: it can blend together so seamlessly, and a few hours after turning off the TV, you might have no idea what you just watched,” says Hesse. “Escapist television is a well-known commodity, but by God do we need it this year. Lobotomy television, even.”