If you just flopped onto the couch and are staring at the TV wondering what movie is on Hallmark right now, you’ve probably noticed things look a little different than the usual snowy gazebos and hot cocoa stands. It is mid-January 2026, and the network has officially ditched the "Winterfest" vibes of yesteryear for something a bit more... tropical.
Honestly, it’s a smart move. Who wants to look at more snow when you’re already shoveling it?
Right now, Hallmark is in the middle of their Winter Escape programming event. Instead of parkas, we’re seeing sundresses. Instead of Vermont, we’re seeing the Amazon and Australia. If you’re watching on a Wednesday afternoon like today, January 14, the schedule is a mix of comfort-food classics and lead-ups to the big Saturday night premieres.
The Midweek Vibe: What’s Playing This Afternoon?
During the day on weekdays, Hallmark typically leans into their "Gold Crown" library. Today, you’re likely catching a rotation of fan favorites that keep the "Winter Escape" spirit alive even if they aren't brand-new.
- Early Afternoon: You’ve probably seen While You Were Dating or Lead With Your Heart.
- Late Afternoon (Right Now): We’re moving into the 4:00 PM slot, which is currently featuring Romance to the Rescue. It’s that 2022 flick where a woman tries to train a dog to impress a guy.
- The Transition: Around 6:00 PM, the channel usually pivots. Tonight, they’re actually running a marathon of When Calls the Heart Season 11 episodes to get everyone hyped for the new season that just kicked off.
The "Winter Escape" Newbies You Might Have Missed
If you’re looking for the fresh stuff—the 2026 premieres—those happen every Saturday night. We are currently sandwiched between two big ones.
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Last Saturday, January 10, we saw the premiere of A Melbourne Match. It starred Mallory Jansen as a travel writer (a classic Hallmark job, let’s be real) who heads to Australia and gets a tour from a retired Aussie rules footballer played by Ryan Corr. It was gorgeous. The drone shots of the Melbourne skyline actually made me want to go check my bank account for flight prices.
Before that, we had Lacey Chabert in Lost in Paradise on January 3rd. She was marooned on an island with a chef. It was very Cast Away but with better hair and significantly more flirting.
What Is Coming Up Next?
The movie everyone is buzzing about is Love on the Amazon, which drops this Saturday, January 17th.
It stars Jaicy Elliot and Rafael de la Fuente. The plot is kinda wild for Hallmark—she’s traveling deep into the Amazon jungle to find her sister, a researcher, and has to hire a "rugged" riverboat captain. It feels a bit like The African Queen but with that Hallmark polish we all expect.
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Hallmark Mystery: For When You Want a Little Grit
If you’ve flipped over to Hallmark Mystery (the channel formerly known as Hallmark Movies & Mysteries), you aren't finding many rom-coms right now.
Today is a total marathon of the classics. We’re talking:
- Matlock: Taking up the bulk of the afternoon.
- Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Candace Cameron Bure’s Real Murders and Three Bedrooms, One Corpse are slated for the 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM ET slots.
It’s basically the "cozy mystery" starter pack. If you’re looking for what movie is on Hallmark right now and you see a crime scene instead of a kiss, you’re definitely on the Mystery channel.
Why the Schedule Feels Different This Year
You might have noticed that Hallmark+ is taking a bigger bite out of the live cable schedule. A lot of people are getting confused because movies like Winter in Vail or The Perfect Setting are being pushed heavily on the app, while the live channel stays focused on the new "Winter Escape" theme.
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Also, we can't ignore the When Calls the Heart factor. Season 13 officially premiered on January 4th. Because the "Hearties" are such a massive fanbase, Hallmark is dedicating a lot of Sunday nights and weekday evening blocks to re-airing those episodes. If you turn on the TV and see Elizabeth Thornton in a 1910s dress, you’re watching the Sunday night flagship.
Actionable Tips for Hallmark Superfans
Don't just guess what's on. The schedule shifts fast, especially if there's a breaking news event or a programming change.
- Check the "Hallmark Movie Checklist" App: It’s actually updated for 2026 and lets you set reminders so you don't miss the Saturday premieres.
- Hallmark+ Exclusive: If you can’t find a movie on the live airings, check the app. They’ve started putting "Extended Cuts" of the Winter Escape movies there 24 hours after they air on cable.
- Set the DVR for Saturday: Love on the Amazon is expected to be one of the highest-rated movies of the month because of the location filming.
If you’re sitting there right now watching the tail end of a dog-training rom-com, stick around. The transition into the Hope Valley marathons usually starts around dinner time, providing a perfect backdrop for whatever you're cooking.
Check your local listings for the exact minute-by-minute breakdown, as ET and PT schedules usually differ by three hours.