You probably didn't see it coming, but QVC actually made a movie. Yeah, that QVC. Back in 2022, the shopping giant decided to dive headfirst into the holiday romance craze with its first-ever original feature film. It’s called Holly and the Hot Chocolate, and if you’ve spent any time scrolling through streaming options during December, you’ve likely seen the thumbnail.
But here is the thing: because it wasn't a big Hollywood theatrical release, people are constantly asking about the cast of Holly and the Hot Chocolate. Who are these people? You recognize their faces, but the names might be on the tip of your tongue.
It’s a mix of seasoned TV movie veterans and a very familiar face from the world of home shopping. Honestly, the casting is exactly what you'd expect for a cozy, feel-good flick—lots of charm, great sweaters, and zero stress.
Ryanne Duzich takes the lead as Holly
The heart of the movie is Holly, a big-city food critic who finds herself stranded in a small town. Classic trope? Absolutely. Ryanne Duzich plays Holly with a level of earnestness that makes the whole "stuck in a snowstorm" thing feel less like a cliché and more like a warm hug.
Duzich isn't a newcomer. You might have spotted her in The Right Stuff or The Resident. She has this way of playing the "city girl" without making her feel like a total jerk, which is a hard balance to strike in these types of movies. In Holly and the Hot Chocolate, her character is obsessed with finding the perfect cup of cocoa, which leads her to a local shop that—shocker—changes her life.
The leading man: Evan Williams as Marco
Every holiday movie needs a guy who owns a small-town business and looks great in flannel. Enter Evan Williams. He plays Marco, the owner of the local hot chocolate shop. Williams brings a grounded, slightly protective energy to the role.
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If Williams looks familiar, it’s probably because he played Chevalier de Lorraine in the series Versailles. That’s a huge jump from a period drama about French royalty to a movie about cocoa on QVC, but he pulls it off. He and Duzich have a natural, easy chemistry. It’s not over-the-top or melodramatic. It’s just... sweet. Sorta like the drink they’re selling.
The QVC connection: David Venable
This is where the movie gets meta. David Venable is basically QVC royalty. He’s the host of In the Kitchen with David, and if you’ve ever bought a high-end air fryer at 2:00 AM, you know exactly who he is.
In the cast of Holly and the Hot Chocolate, Venable plays a character named—wait for it—David. He’s a beloved figure in the town of Pine Falls who is famous for his "secret" hot chocolate recipe. It was a clever move by the network. It rewards long-time QVC fans while giving the movie a bit of "real world" grounding for the people who actually shop there.
Honestly, he’s not just a cameo. He’s central to the plot. His character is the one who created the town's legendary cocoa, and the mystery surrounding that recipe is what drives Holly’s interest.
Supporting players who round out Pine Falls
The town of Pine Falls feels lived-in, and that’s thanks to the supporting cast.
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- Beth Broderick: You definitely know her as Aunt Zelda from Sabrina the Teenage Witch. She plays Carol, and she’s exactly the kind of presence you want in a Christmas movie. She brings that "cool aunt" energy that makes every scene feel a little more professional.
- Maximo Masefield: Playing the role of Leo, he adds that youthful spark that reminds the audience that life in a small town isn't just for people having a mid-life crisis.
The casting director, Amy Herwig, clearly knew what they were doing. They didn't go for A-list superstars because that’s not what this genre is about. They went for actors who feel like people you could actually meet at a diner in a town that smells like peppermint.
Why this movie was actually a huge experiment
You have to understand the context here. QVC wasn't just trying to compete with Hallmark. They were trying to create a new way to sell things. While you're watching the cast of Holly and the Hot Chocolate fall in love, the network was actually selling the hot chocolate mix used in the film.
It’s called "social commerce."
Some critics found it a bit cynical, but if you’re a fan of the genre, does it really matter? The tropes are all there. The lighting is soft. The stakes are low. It’s comfort food in cinematic form. The movie was written by Brian Turner and Garrett Frawley, who are pros at this specific type of storytelling. They know exactly when to hit the "almost kissed" moment and when to bring in the misunderstanding that almost ruins everything.
Misconceptions about the production
One thing people get wrong is thinking this was a low-budget YouTube skit. It wasn't. QVC partnered with veteran producers to make sure it looked as good as anything you’d see on GAC Family or Lifetime. They filmed in locations that actually look like a winter wonderland, and the production design is surprisingly high-end.
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Another common mistake? Thinking it’s a musical. It’s not. There’s plenty of holiday music, but the actors aren't breaking into song every five minutes. It’s a straight romantic comedy with a heavy focus on "foodie" culture.
What to do if you want to watch
If you missed the initial premiere on QVC+ (their streaming service), you can usually find it during the holiday season on various ad-supported streaming platforms or through the QVC app itself.
Your next steps for a cozy night in:
- Check the QVC+ app: This is the most reliable place to find the film year-round. It’s usually free to stream there.
- Look for the merch: If you actually want to taste what they’re drinking, search for "David Venable Hot Chocolate" on the QVC website. They often bring the mix back for the winter season.
- Follow the cast: Ryanne Duzich and Evan Williams are both active on Instagram and often share behind-the-scenes stories about filming in the cold.
- Pair it with a marathon: If you like the vibe of this movie, it pairs perfectly with A Christmas Recipe for Romance or The Santa Summit.
The cast of Holly and the Hot Chocolate managed to do something pretty impressive: they made a shopping network's first movie feel like a genuine part of the holiday TV landscape. It’s a light, airy watch that doesn't demand much of you, which is exactly why it works. If you're looking for a film that feels like a warm blanket, this is the one. Grab a mug of something hot—maybe even the official mix—and settle in.
Practical Insight: When watching "shoppable" movies like this, keep your phone handy. The technology is designed so that the items you see on screen—from the mugs to the sweaters—are often available for purchase in real-time through the streaming interface. It’s the future of how we consume media and products simultaneously.