Inside Mistletoe Murders Season 2: Sarah Drew & Peter Mooney Reveal Everything Fans Want to Know
When Hallmark fans talk about TV obsessions, Mistletoe Murders sits at the top of the list According to stars Sarah Drew and Peter Mooney, that love is absolutely earned. During a recent press junket, we joined a group of Hallmark podcasters to dig into the behind-the-scenes magic, the emotional depth, the romance, the mystery, and yes, even the cats.
If you’re counting the days until season three is announced, you’re in the right place. We gathered every juicy detail they spilled.
Season 2’s Big Emotional Shifts: Flashbacks, Gazebos & Going Deep
Drew revealed that filming the Season 2 flashbacks, where she plays a younger version of Emily (Grace), was a turning point:
“As soon as I got into hair, makeup, and wardrobe, I found myself walking differently, talking differently… she is a different person.”
Both actors teased the now-legendary gazebo scene, calling it “epic,” “multidimensional,” and absolutely worth the wait.
Mooney emphasized how far Sam and Emily have come:
“They’re not just getting to know each other… they’re digging in and trying to pull down their walls.”
The Love Story: Why It Works (and the Scene Sarah Fought For)
This series doesn’t rush the relationship, and that’s by design.
Drew shared that a key Season 1 moment was originally meant to end with a kiss, but she insisted the scene needed to land differently:
“He should respond by not asking for anything from her in return… just hold her in it.”
And that long, emotional hug?
“They said, ‘We’re keeping the whole hug in. I don’t care how long it is.’”
It’s now one of her favorite moments across both seasons. Mooney got vulnerable about the romance, too:
“It’s why I make a joke—because I feel vulnerable talking about it.”
One Word to Describe the Set Vibe? FUN.
When we asked whether the set leaned more cozy-Christmas or dark-mystery, Mooney had the perfect answer:
“This is the vibe.” (Gesturing to their playful banter.)
“When it comes to cozy, it’s a bit too hot—we’re acting the cozy.”
Drew said there’s time for fun on set because everyone comes prepared:
“Nobody has their sides. Everybody’s off book. And then we’re just joking and cracking up between every take.”
Breaking Her Hand? Sarah Drew Still Tried to Finish the Scene
Yes, really. During a Season 2 stunt sequence, Drew broke her hand—and still tried to push through:
“I wasn’t crying… because I can’t wreck my makeup.”
Mooney filmed his side of a fireplace scene with her stunt double silently mouthing lines while the script supervisor read off-camera.
His text to her from set?
“That’s acting, baby.”
Emily’s Cats? They’re Diva Co-Stars
For everyone wondering: the cats are cute—but not cooperative.
“Cats don’t want to act. They don’t want to be there.” —Mooney
“As soon as all the people are on set… they will do whatever they want to do.” —Drew
Classic.
What They Want Fans to Know Before the Finale
The message is clear: Binge everything. Drew summed it up perfectly:
“The epic cliffhanger and delicious relational delight is so worth it… start from the beginning for the full satisfaction.”
Mooney added that the genre mashup is the show’s magic:
“It’s familiar and comforting… then there are twists that keep it exciting and unexpected.”
Sarah Drew as Executive Producer: Her Fingerprints Are Everywhere
Drew shared how deeply she’s involved behind the scenes—from picking Peter Mooney to shaping the romance to giving script and edit notes:
“What I really bring to the table is dropping the romantic relationship in… making it bigger, broader, grounded, layered, juicy.”
Mooney praised her leadership:
“To craft Sam and Emily’s story the way we do—having Sarah in both roles is so special.”
Final Thoughts: This Really Is Hallmark’s Best Work
The cast feels it. The fans feel it. And Mooney summed it up beautifully:
“There was an energy on set… and we captured it.”
Drew agreed:
“It feels like we’ve stumbled upon something magical.”
Watch the full interview with Sarah Drew and Peter Mooney
Podcasters featured in the interview:
- Eric – Hallmark Mysteries and More
- Rachel – Hallmarkies
- Roxanne – Everything About Hallmark
- Julie & Sarah – Suspenders Unbuttoned
- Stephanie – Heart in Motion
Listen to our reviews of Mistletoe Murders
- Mistletoe Murders Season 1, Episodes 1 & 2
- Mistletoe Murders Season 1, Episodes 3 & 4
- Mistletoe Murders Season 1, Episodes 5 & 6
- Mistletoe Murders Season 2, Episodes 1 & 2
- Mistletoe Murders Season 2, Episodes 3 & 4
- Mistletoe Murders Season 2, Episodes 5 & 6
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