The Hallmark Channel draws inspiration from Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce in their new film, Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.

Here’s the thing about Hallmark Channel movies: they all basically have the same plot. It’s what the films do with those plots that matter. How do they change it up from other films? Well, something is different about this one. Nobody is moving from the big city into a small town. Although, to be fair, Kansas City, Missouri is the 37th largest city by population according to the 2020 U.S. Census. They climb higher when you include the metro area ranking–31st. All population comments aside, what is different about this one is that the film would not exist without the Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce romance. Their romance is a main reason why so many people decided to start rooting for the Chiefs, let alone watch the game. Like it or not, it’s why some people will probably end up watching the film.

Funny enough, both Hallmark and the Kansas City Chiefs are based in Kansas City, Missouri. Hallmark also has ties to the Kansas City Royals, too, as one of their artists had designed the Royals logo. Anyway, the film is a real collaboration between Hallmark and the NFL, even filming for three days at Arrowhead Stadium.

Alana Higman (Hunter King) enters her family into the Kansas City Chiefs Fan of the Year contest. She thinks her family history will be enough to win them the trophy. Her paternal grandmother is no longer living but her grandparents–Paul Higman (Ed Begley Jr.), Patty Higman, Nicolas Young (Richard Riehle), and Norma Young (Christine Ebersole)–and parents–Hank Higman (Diedrich Bader) and Leah Higman (Megyn Price)–all met at a Chiefs game. They had season tickets and continue to hold onto them.

After all, they are superfans of the team, with a history dating back to watching games at Municipal Stadium. Derrick Taylor (Tyler Hynes), the Director of Fan Engagement, has the responsibility of evaluating Alana’s family. Of course, the entire department has to vote on the winners. What the family doesn’t know until he walks in for the 11 AM appointment is that guy who just visited their diner and shop just a few days earlier–while exploring Kansas City–just happens to work for the Chiefs. It certainly adds some comedy to the whole situation. I mean, it’s smart of him not to say what he does for work because fans would probably ask about tickets. But naturally, there’s tension between Alana and Derrick before romance starts to bloom between them.

Decades earlier, Paul donated some money to Santa Claus (Abraham Benrubi) and received a Chiefs winter hat. Someone in the family wears it every year on Xmas or at the Xmas Day game for good luck. It takes on more meaning, especially now that the Higmans and Young families are subject to a feature story on the good luck hat. Unfortunately, it goes missing at a toy drive in the days leading up to the game. Alana starts freaking out about but both her family–and Derrick–remain calm.

There are several Kansas City Chiefs cameos in the film. Travis Kelce’s mother, Donna, has more of a minor supporting role as the manager of Norma and Nic’s than just a mere cameo appearance. Trent Green, Trey Smith, Andy Reid, Tammy Reid, Quinton Lucas, Matt McMullen, Mecole Hardman Jr., George Karlaftis, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire all cameo as themselves. Interestingly, Jenna Bush Hager cameos as the MC of the on-field Fan of the Year ceremony.

This film is made for people who are either into the usual Hallmark fluff or are a Kansas City Chiefs fan. It’s a cute film, don’t get me wrong, but it’s also very predictable because it falls under the Hallmark genre.

DIRECTOR: John Putch
SCREENWRITER: Julie Sherman Wolfe
CAST: Hunter King, Tyler Hynes, Richard Riehle, Christine Ebersole, Megyn Price, Abraham Benrubi, with Diedrich Bader and Ed Begley Jr.

Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story airs November 30, 2024 at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT on the Hallmark Channel. Grade: 3.5/5

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