If you’re sitting on your couch wondering what is on Hallmark Movie Channel tonight, you’ve probably noticed the vibe has shifted. Gone are the relentless Christmas trees and the 24/7 "Countdown to Christmas" marathons. It’s mid-January 2026, and Hallmark has officially pivoted into its "Winter Escape" era. Honestly, it’s a relief. After two months of peppermint mochas and fake snow, I'm ready for the lush, tropical scenery they're serving up right now.
Tonight, Sunday, January 18, 2026, is actually a pretty big night for the network. We’re moving away from the cozy cabins of the holidays and heading straight for the Amazon rainforest and the high-stakes drama of Hope Valley. Whether you're a "Heartie" waiting for the latest series developments or just someone who needs a mental vacation to a warmer climate, the schedule is packed.
The Big Tonight: When Calls the Heart and Tropical Romances
The centerpiece of the Hallmark Channel schedule tonight is undoubtedly When Calls the Heart. We are officially into Season 13, and tonight’s episode, "Back to School," is the third installment of the season.
It airs at 8:00 PM ET/PT.
This season has been a whirlwind so far. Hope Valley is currently buzzing with the preparations for the new Goldie National Park. If you’ve been following Elizabeth and Nathan’s journey, this episode is a "don't miss" moment. There's a lot of tension around Elizabeth, Nathan, Allie, and Little Jack returning home—is it just for the weekend, or is there something more permanent brewing? The chemistry between Erin Krakow and Kevin McGarry is still the engine that drives this show, and tonight’s episode feels like it’s setting the stage for some major mid-season shifts.
The Movie of the Night: Love on the Amazon
Right before the Hope Valley drama, or for those catching the late-night replay, the featured film of the weekend is Love on the Amazon. This is a brand-new premiere from the 2026 "Winter Escape" lineup.
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Basically, the plot follows Gabby (played by Jaicy Elliott), a woman who travels deep into the Amazon to find her sister, a researcher. Along the way, she meets Ryder (Rafael de la Fuente), a rugged riverboat captain. It’s a classic "opposites attract" setup, but with a much higher humidity level than your typical Hallmark flick.
I’ll be honest: seeing Rafael de la Fuente on Hallmark is a bit of a treat. Most people recognize him from the Dynasty reboot, so seeing him trade the high-fashion suits for a rugged captain's look in the jungle is a fun change of pace. The cinematography in this one is gorgeous—lots of pink dolphins and lush canopy shots that make you forget it’s currently freezing outside.
What’s On the Other Hallmark Channels?
If you aren't in the mood for the main channel's romance-heavy lineup, the sister stations have a completely different energy tonight. Hallmark Mystery (formerly Movies & Mysteries) and Hallmark Family are leaning hard into their specific niches.
Hallmark Mystery: Super Sleuth Sunday
Over on Hallmark Mystery, it is an Aurora Teagarden Mysteries marathon day.
If you missed the morning blocks, don't worry. Tonight’s lineup includes some of the more recent entries in the franchise. Here is what the late afternoon and evening look like:
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- 4:00 PM: Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Something New
- 6:00 PM: Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: A Lesson in Murder
- 8:00 PM: Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Death at the Diner
Even though Candace Cameron Bure moved on a while back, the "reboot" era with Skyler Samuels as a younger Roe has really found its footing. It’s a bit more "period piece" vibes since it’s set earlier in her life, but the puzzles are just as satisfying. If you're tired of mysteries by 10:00 PM, they usually switch over to back-to-back episodes of Murder, She Wrote. It’s basically comfort food for the brain.
Hallmark Family: Wholesome Classics
Hallmark Family is sticking to its guns with the "Classic Series" approach. Tonight’s primetime slot belongs to Love and Sunshine at 8:00 PM. It stars Danica McKellar and is a classic military-dog-meets-romance story. It’s sweet, predictable, and exactly what that channel is designed for.
Earlier in the day, they ran a heavy dose of Heartland and Little House on the Prairie. If you’re looking for something to put on in the background while you fold laundry, this is your safest bet.
The Hallmark+ Factor: Streaming Exclusives
We can't talk about what is on Hallmark Movie Channel tonight without mentioning the streaming side. Hallmark+ (the rebranded Hallmark Movies Now) has been pushing a lot of exclusive content this month.
The big one right now is Second Chance Love. It’s their new reality series hosted by Matthew Lawrence and Chilli (yes, from TLC). It’s set in Sardinia and follows former couples trying to see if they can rekindle things. It’s Hallmark’s first real foray into the "reality romance" space that isn't just a scripted movie, and it’s surprisingly addictive.
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Also, if you missed the premieres earlier this month, you can find Lost in Paradise (Lacey Chabert) and A Melbourne Match (Mallory Jansen) on the app. Lacey Chabert getting marooned on a deserted island with Ian Harding is arguably the peak of this year's "Winter Escape" movies so far.
Why This Schedule Matters for 2026
Hallmark has clearly realized that their audience wants more than just a girl moving back to her small town to run a bakery. The 2026 "Winter Escape" theme is proof. They are spending more money on location shoots—Melbourne, the Amazon, and southern Italy are all featured this month.
It’s a smart move. In a world where every streaming service has a "rom-com" section, Hallmark is leaning into high-quality travel porn and long-form storytelling with When Calls the Heart.
Actionable Viewing Tips
- DVR the 8 PM slot: If you’re a fan of When Calls the Heart, make sure your DVR is set. The Season 13 episodes are moving fast, and the subplots with the National Park are getting complex.
- Check the App for Extended Cuts: Lately, Hallmark+ has been dropping "extended" versions of their Saturday night movies on the Sunday following the premiere. It’s worth checking if Love on the Amazon has some extra scenes.
- Don't ignore the Mystery Marathon: If you're a fan of Niall Matter, his performance in the Aurora Teagarden films is always a highlight, and the 8 PM airing of Death at the Diner is one of the better-written scripts in the series.
Whether you're watching for the romance, the mystery, or the nostalgia of a classic series, tonight’s lineup is a solid way to end the weekend. Grab a blanket, maybe a glass of wine, and let the 2026 "Winter Escape" take you somewhere warmer for a few hours.
To stay on top of the schedule changes, you can always check the Hallmark "Movie Checklist" app, which is surprisingly well-maintained for 2026, or just keep your eyes on the Hallmark+ dashboard for the latest streaming drops.