Ian Harding’s Hallmark Movies: Hallmark’s New Leading Man (Updated 2026)
Ian Harding’s Hallmark movies have quickly become must-watch titles for fans – and his star is only rising. Best known for Pretty Little Liars, Harding has carved out a compelling second act as a Hallmark leading man, blending emotional depth with effortless charm. With a breakout turn in The Magic of Lemon Drops, a fan-favorite storyline in Holidazed, and a major crossover moment as one of the leads in Ripple – now trending after its release on Netflix – Ian Harding is having a moment. Add in his upcoming January Hallmark romance opposite Lacey Chabert, and it’s clear: Ian Harding’s Hallmark era is just getting started. Updated 2026.
What’s Next for Ian Harding on Hallmark (Updated)
Ian Harding’s momentum continues with Ripple, a character-driven drama originally developed for Hallmark+ that found a much larger audience after landing on Netflix, where it quickly began trending. Harding stars as Nate, one of four central characters whose lives intersect in unexpected ways, showcasing a more grounded, dramatic side of his range that has resonated strongly with viewers discovering him for the first time.
Hallmark fans won’t have to wait long to see him back in familiar territory, either. Harding is set to star opposite Lacey Chabert in Lost in Paradise, premiering this January.
Ian Harding in Holidazed (Hallmark Limited Series)
Ian Harding shines in his role as Josh Hill in the Hallmark+ limited series Holidazed, a multi-family holiday ensemble centered on one cul-de-sac during the most emotionally charged time of year. Harding’s storyline quickly became a standout, thanks to the quiet depth he brings to Josh—a man navigating regret, responsibility, and the possibility of a second chance.
As Josh, Harding shares a tender, layered arc opposite Erin Cahill’s Nora, a widowed sheriff raising her young son, Theo (Sebastian Billingsley-Rodriguez). Their connection unfolds slowly and thoughtfully, blending warmth, humor, and genuine emotional stakes. It’s the kind of understated performance Hallmark fans respond to—and one that solidified Harding as more than just a charming addition to the ensemble.
The Hill family storyline is one of Holidazed’s most heartfelt threads. Josh reconnects with Nora through court-mandated community service, and what begins as obligation evolves into something far more meaningful. Their scenes capture Hallmark at its best: character-first storytelling rooted in family, healing, and hope.
What Hallmark Movie Was Ian Harding First In?
Ian Harding made his Hallmark debut in Ghosts of Christmas Always (2022), a whimsical holiday romance that quickly became a fan favorite. Harding starred as Peter, a man nudged toward rediscovering joy and connection with the help of the Ghost of Christmas Present.
The role showcased Harding’s natural ease within the Hallmark tone – warm, earnest, and emotionally accessible – while also allowing for humor and vulnerability. For many viewers, Ghosts of Christmas Always marked the beginning of Ian Harding’s Hallmark era.
The Magic of Lemon Drops and Ian Harding’s Breakout Summer Role
Fans waited nearly 18 months for Ian Harding’s second Hallmark movie, but The Magic of Lemon Drops proved worth the wait. Premiering as part of Hallmark’s Summer Nights lineup, the film starred Harding opposite Lyndsy Fonseca in a story about second chances, missed timing, and personal growth.
While the narrative centers primarily on Fonseca’s character, Lolly, Harding’s Rory emerges as the emotional anchor. His performance adds nuance to a familiar trope, giving viewers a layered love interest whose history and sincerity ultimately make him the right choice. The film helped cement Harding as a reliable leading man beyond the holiday season.
Is Ian Harding in a Hallmark Christmas Movie?
Yes – Ian Harding has appeared in multiple Hallmark Christmas projects. Both Ghosts of Christmas Always and Holidazed are firmly rooted in the holiday season, offering fans plenty of festive charm paired with emotionally grounded storytelling.
In Holidazed, Harding’s Josh Hill stands out as a character defined not by grand gestures, but by quiet growth. His journey through grief, accountability, and renewed connection feels especially resonant during the holidays, making his performance one of the series’ emotional highlights.
What’s Next for Ian Harding: Ripple and Beyond
Ian Harding’s career momentum continues with Ripple, a character-driven drama that was originally developed for Hallmark+ before finding a wider audience after landing on Netflix. The series follows four strangers – Walter, Kris, Nate, and Aria – whose lives intersect in unexpected ways, revealing the ripple effects of connection, loss, and timing.
Harding stars as Nate, a role that allows him to stretch beyond traditional Hallmark romance into quieter, more dramatic territory. With Ripple trending on Netflix, the series has introduced Harding to a broader audience and positioned him as a crossover talent capable of thriving both inside and outside the Hallmark universe.
Hallmark fans will also see Harding return to familiar ground in January when he stars opposite Lacey Chabert in Lost in Paradise. Pairing one of Hallmark’s most beloved leading ladies with one of its most promising newer leading men, the film is already shaping up to be a winter highlight – and a key entry in Ian Harding’s growing list of Hallmark movies.
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!
