February 2026 Hallmark Movies First Impressions & What to Expect
Welcome to our complete guide to Hallmark’s February 2026 movie lineup! Whether you’re planning your viewing schedule or just curious about what’s coming, we’ve got all the details on the four original movies premiering this month.
Listen to Girls Gone Hallmark’s First Impressions of the February 2026 Hallmark Movies
Overview: February 2026 Hallmark Schedule
Hallmark is bringing us four original movies this February, featuring returning favorites and exciting new pairings. Here’s the complete lineup:
- February 7: The Way to You
- February 14: Because of Cupid (Valentine’s Day!)
- February 21: The Stars Between Us
- February 28: Romance at Hope Ranch
All movies premiere on Saturdays and will be available on Hallmark Plus following their television debut.
The Way to You (February 7, 2026)
Stars: Kim Matula and Erin O’Connell
Synopsis
New Yorkers Emma and Conrad agree to help each other find their missed connections after a subway blackout. Their search might lead to love, but not where either of them expects to find it.
Our First Impressions
Megan: This is my second most anticipated movie of the month! Kim Matula is making her first non-Christmas Hallmark movie (she’s done plenty of other projects, including season 2 of Hunting Wives and playing Jane Curtin in the Saturday Night Live movie). I’m really hoping this captures authentic New York vibes and not just Vancouver pretending to be New York. Setting it on the subway feels very intentionally New York, and I want them to lean into that.
Wendy: I’m excited to see Kim back! Erin O’Connell was in Junebug in 2024, and while he’s nice to look at, I’m a little worried about cookie-cutter casting. But I’m ready to eat crow if I’m wrong!
What We’re Watching For
- Authentic New York atmosphere: Will it feel like the real city or a backlot?
- The missed connections subplot: We hope the other characters are fully developed, not just plot devices
- Chemistry: Kim and Erin need to sell this romance
Movie Poster Thoughts
The poster is actually really well done. We noticed the font design incorporates subway map styling, which is a clever touch. The color palette is vibrant without feeling overdone, and neither star has that awkward “yearbook photo” energy that sometimes happens with promotional shots.
Production Details:
- Director: TBA
- Writer: TBA
- Supporting Cast: Sarah Luby as Hazel
Because of Cupid (February 14, 2026)
Stars: Amy Groening and Evan Roderick
Synopsis
Best friends Naomi and Marcus participate in a Valentine’s Day mocktail competition, but things go awry when Cupid interferes with a love potion that affects Marcus and several of their friends.
Our First Impressions
Wendy: This is my most anticipated movie! A thousand times yes to this pairing. Evan Roderick had a stellar 2025 on Hallmark (including Providence Falls, which I loved), and Amy Groening is criminally underused on the network. She’s a fantastic comedic actress.
Megan: I’m very on the fence about this one. I LOVE Amy and Evan individually, but that love potion element is a wild card. It could go full chaos mode or could be really fun. I’m hoping they lean into the silliness and commit to the bit! I want comedy, not awkwardness.
What We’re Watching For
- Tone: Will it be whimsical or ridiculous? There’s a fine line.
- The mocktail competition: Is this compelling enough to carry part of the story?
- Musical elements: Promo photos show both leads with microphones, so there might be singing involved
- Comedic timing: Can they pull off physical comedy and romantic chemistry simultaneously?
Production Details
- Director: Liz Farrer (first Hallmark directing credit; extensive TV experience including Schitt’s Creek)
- Writers: Myerson Amy, Kevin Duda (previously wrote Mystery on Mistletoe Lane, produced A Make or Break Holiday and A New Year’s Resolution)
Megan’s Take: This crew has interesting but not super familiar credits. I’m cautiously optimistic but a little nervous. That said, if anyone can pull off a love potion movie, it’s these two leads.
The Stars Between Us (February 21, 2026)
Stars: Sarah Drew and Matt Long
Synopsis
Seven years ago, Kim made a meaningful connection with a stranger during an eclipse event. Now a fledgling news reporter, Kim returns to Illinois for this year’s eclipse, unaware that their paths may cross again.
Our First Impressions
Megan: THIS IS MY MOST ANTICIPATED MOVIE OF THE MONTH. Sarah Drew is consistently wonderful, and Matt Long is very handsome. He hasn’t done a Hallmark movie since 2018’s Christmas Joy with Danielle Panabaker, but he’s been working steadily (51 episodes of Manifest, plus Private Practice and Jack and Bobby). I’m pinning all my hopes on Sarah Drew here. She’s got a great picker for projects.
Wendy: I’m drawn to destiny stories like this, and the celestial intervention angle is intriguing. However, I have a hard time getting super excited when I only know one of the leads well. Sarah Drew is incredible though, so I’m hopeful.
What We’re Watching For
- The seven-year gap: Why didn’t either of them try to reconnect before?
- Eclipse cinematography: Will they do justice to such a visually stunning natural event?
- Chemistry between leads: Can Matt Long match Sarah Drew’s energy?
Production Details
- Writer: Tim Huddleston (previously wrote Sense and Sensibility, 2024—which Megan really enjoyed despite mixed reviews)
- Director: TBA
Romance at Hope Ranch (February 28, 2026)
Stars: Allison Sweeney and Gabriel Hogan
Synopsis
Hope Morgan sets out to begin a new chapter of her life fulfilling her childhood dream of running a ranch in the picturesque town of Ruidoso, New Mexico, and reviving the beloved Giddy Up Gala.
Our First Impressions
Wendy: So weird that they’re pairing Allison with Gabriel Hogan (Norman from Hannah Swensen Mysteries). Allison is like a real horse girl in her private life. I’ve seen her and her daughter on Instagram in the horse world. I suspect Allison Sweeney wrote this one, or at least had a hand in getting it made.
Megan: Look, Allison Sweeney is solid, reliable, and Hallmark royalty. Gabriel Hogan is great too. I really enjoy him. It’s fun for Team Norman fans to see him in a romance. BUT I need more than just “Hannah and Norman reunited.” This story feels very classic Hallmark: save the community event, fulfill childhood dreams. It’s the tropiest of the tropes this month.
What We’re Watching For
- Originality: Can this transcend the basic formula?
- Horse scenes: Will they lean into Allison’s real-life equestrian experience?
- The Giddy Up Gala: What makes this event special enough to center a movie around?
Our Take: This feels like ending the month on a very middling, safe note. We don’t think it will be bad but predictability is highly likely. Classic Hallmark comfort viewing.
Our Excitement Rankings
Megan’s Rankings
- The Stars Between Us
- The Way to You
- Because of Cupid
- Romance at Hope Ranch
Wendy’s Rankings
- Because of Cupid
- The Way to You
- The Stars Between Us
- Romance at Hope Ranch
February 2026: Overall Thoughts
What We Love
- Strong casting across the board: No acquisitions! All original productions with quality talent
- No mystery movie: We’re going two full months without a mystery (March does have one scheduled)
- Valentine’s Day timing: Having Because of Cupid air on Valentine’s Day is perfect
- Fresh pairings: Several of these actor combinations are new to Hallmark
Girls Gone Hallmark February Podcast Schedule
Want to hear our full reviews? Here’s what we’re covering this month:
Tuesday Episodes (New Movies)
Full reviews of all four February original releases, dropping the Tuesday after each movie airs.
Wednesday Episodes (Hallmark Hall of Fame Tribute)
Four Hallmark Hall of Fame movies chosen by our Facebook group members! Find us on Instagram @GirlsGoneHallmark for the complete list of titles. All are available on Hallmark Plus.
Thursday Episodes (Valentine’s Throwbacks)
Fan-favorite Valentine’s themed movies from previous years. We’ll share the full schedule on Instagram so you can watch along. These will also re-air on Hallmark Channel throughout the month.
Where to Watch
All February 2026 movies will premiere on Hallmark Channel and be available on Hallmark Plus following their television debut. Check your local listings for air times.
Join the Conversation
Have thoughts on these movies? We want to hear from you!
Email us: [email protected] for inclusion in our upcoming listener mailbag episode
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We’re Your New Hallmark Besties
Hey there! We’re Girls Gone Hallmark! Megan’s a longtime Hallmark movie fan, while Wendy – well, she used to be a Hallmark hater. Now, we’ve teamed up to share our (often very different!) takes on these films. Get ready for some lively, fun-filled conversations!
Check out the library of Hallmark movies we’ve reviewed!
