‘Tis the season that every holiday fan eagerly awaits! Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas returns to W Network and STACKTV beginning Friday, October 17, 2025. The beloved annual programming event featuring 10 consecutive weeks of holiday cheer continues to position W Network as Canada’s holly jolly headquarters for holiday entertainment all season long with feel-good stories of love, family, and friendship. During last year’s Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas, W Network reached nearly 10 million Canadians and was ranked as the #1 specialty entertainment station for A25-54, F25-54 and total viewers. This year’s event will feature 28 brand new merry movie premieres and six sparkling series premieres including returning seasons of festive fan favourites. Every jingle-worthy title from this year’s schedule will be available to stream exclusively on STACKTV. The season of giving continues as W Network will be available on National Free Preview from November 1 to November 30. Please check local listings for additional information.

“Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas has become a holiday tradition that millions of Canadians look forward to each year. We are proud to bring this beloved event to audiences through our exclusive and valued partnership with Hallmark,” said Jennifer Abrams, SVP Content and Marketing. “With a packed schedule of star-studded movie premieres, new limited series and returning favourites, W Network is the North Pole of TV holiday magic with heartfelt stories and uplifting themes that viewers know and love.”

MOVIES

This year’s movie lineup features a variety of well-rounded stories that encompass love in all its forms – from meet-cute romances and unbreakable family bonds, to the love of the game and the heartful connections felt through music. Christmas Above the Clouds is a comedic, modern retelling of A Christmas Carol set on a long-haul holiday flight starring Erin Krakow, Tyler Hynes and new Canadian Saturday Night Live cast member Veronika Slowikowska.

Next up, the Brenner boys (Paul Campbell, Tyler Hynes, Andrew Walker) are back for one final holiday with their mother (Margaret Colin) in their childhood home in Three Wisest Men, as the siblings all face exciting life changes and try to navigate adulting at a level they have yet to reach.

Then, set against the backdrop of the unique, tight-knit community of fans known as Bills Mafia, viewers will be treated to a heartwarming story in Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story which highlights the importance of family and, of course, featuring two touching love stories that span generations. Starring Joe Pantoliano and Steve Schirripa from The Sopranos, the movie also features Bills head coach Sean McDermott, running back Ray Davis, safety Damar Hamlin, offensive tackle Dion Dawkins, tight end Dawson Knox, long snapper Reid Ferguson, defensive tackle DeWayne Carter and wide receiver Joshua Palmer. Buffalo Bills legend Jim Kelly, former teammates Steve Tasker, Thurman Thomas, Scott Norwood and Andre Reed, along with Bills play-by-play announcer Chris Brown also appear. And paying homage to the late, great broadcast journalist and die-hard Bills fan Tim Russert, his son Luke Russert rounds out the team.

Celebrating the centennial of the Grand Ole Opry, the show that made country music famous, A Grand Ole Opry Christmas is a magical trip across time filled with music, hope and healing. Grammy® Award winner and Opry Member Brad Paisley wrote and performs original music in the movie.

Finally, Lacey Chabert and Andrew Walker reunite in She’s Making a List when a Naughty or Nice inspector (Chabert) who is investigating a case unexpectedly falls for the child’s father (Walker), things get complicated.

TV SERIES

Kicking off the series premieres this year is the all-new competition series Baked With Love: Holiday, debuting Monday, October 27 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Hosted by Tamera Mowry-Housley (Scouting for Christmas), the series boasts a judging panel featuring renowned Irish chef and restauranteur, Anna Haugh (MasterChef: The Professionals) and New York Times cooking expert, Vaughn Vreeland (NYT Cooking), and 10 pairs of family bakers competing for a chance to win $50,000 and to have one of their bakes featured in an upcoming Hallmark movie.

Next, Ready, Set, Glow lights up screens on Tuesday, November 4 at 9 p.m. ET/PT as Hallmark fan-favourite Wes Brown (Haul out the

Holly) goes around the country to spotlight spectacular holiday lights displays and the special stories and people behind them.

Then, four-part docuseries Christmas at Sea sets sail on Tuesday, November 25 at 8 p.m. E/PT and captures the joy, connection, and community that define the Hallmark fan experience, as it follows passionate superfans aboard Hallmark’s inaugural Christmas Cruise from Miami to Nassau.

Mae Whitman (Good Girls, Parenthood) reunites on screen with two-time Oscar®, Emmy® and Golden Globe® nominee Mary McDonnell (The Fall of the House of Usher, Battlestar Galactica) and Jane Seymour (Harry Wild; Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman) in the holiday rom-com series Twelve Dates ‘Til Christmas premiering Friday, December 5 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Based on the popular book The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenni Bayliss, Kate (Whitman), a Saville Row textile pattern designer, living in the quaint village of Blexford, England is signed up for The 12 Dates of Christmas – a festively themed matchmaking program featuring carefully curated, yuletide dating experiences. As she wends her way through the 12 dates, she takes a circuitous route to romance while also making some important discoveries about herself.

Additionally, Season 2 of the hit series Finding Mr. Christmas hosted by co-creator/executive producer Jonathan Bennett (Mean Girls, The Groomsmen) returns Monday, October 27 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Featuring lead judge Melissa Peterman (Happy’s Place, Haul Out the Holly) with help from fan-favourite guest judges, Finding Mr. Christmas takes 10 new acting hopefuls through a series of fun and festive challenges to show who has the talent – and the heart – to be Hallmark’s next leading man.

Plus, the merry mysteries continue when Season 2 of Mistletoe Murders returns with two back-to-back episodes on Friday, November 7 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Based on the Audible global hit podcast of the same name and created by Ken Cuperus, Mistletoe Murders from Lionsgate Canada and Headspinner Productions, stars Sarah Drew (Grey’s Anatomy) as Emily Lane and Peter Mooney (The Rookie) as Sam Wilner. The new season features more small-town intrigue and a glimpse into Emily’s life before coming to Fletcher’s Grove.

This year’s full lineup of fa-la-la flicks include:

Season’s Greetings from Cherry Lane – Friday, October 17 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

A Royal Montana Christmas – Saturday, October 18 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

A Christmas Angel Match – Sunday, October 19 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

Happy Holidays from Cherry Lane – Friday, October 24 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper – Saturday, October 25 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

Deck the Halls on Cherry Lane – Sunday, October 26 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

Rodeo Christmas Romance – Friday, October 31 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

Christmas on Duty – Saturday, November 1 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

A Newport Christmas – Sunday, November 2 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

Christmas Above the Clouds – Saturday, November 8 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

A Keller Christmas Vacation – Sunday, November 9 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

Three Wisest Men – Saturday, November 15 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

Tidings for the Season – Sunday, November 16 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story – Saturday, November 22 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

Melt My Heart This Christmas – Sunday, November 23 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

The X-Mas Club – Thursday, November 27 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

The More the Merrier – Friday, November 28 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

A Grand Ole Opry Christmas – Saturday, November 29 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

Christmas at the Catnip Café – Sunday, November 30 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

The Snow Must Go On – Wednesday, December 3 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

An Alpine Holiday – Thursday, December 4 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

She’s Making a List – Saturday, December 6 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

Single on the 25th – Sunday, December 7 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

The Christmas Cup – Thursday, December 11 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

A Suite Holiday Romance – Saturday, December 13 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

Oy to the World! – Sunday, December 14 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

A Make or Break Holiday – Saturday, December 20 at at 8 p.m. ET/PT

A Christmas Flame – Sunday, December 21 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

IS THIS THING ON? A new film from Bradley Cooper, starring Will Arnett and Laura Dern. The #NYFF63 closing night selection, only in theaters this December. In select theatres arri

As their marriage quietly unravels, Alex (Will Arnett) faces middle age and an impending divorce, seeking new purpose in the New York comedy scene while Tess (Laura Dern) confronts the sacrifices she made for their family—forcing them to navigate co-parenting, identity, and whether love can take a new form.

Directed by: Bradley Cooper
Screenplay by: Bradley Cooper, Will Arnett, Mark Chappell
Produced by: Bradley Cooper, Weston Middleton, Will Arnett, Kris Thykier
Cast: Will Arnett, Laura Dern, Andra Day, Bradley Cooper, Amy Sedaris, Sean Hayes, Christine Ebersole, Ciarán Hinds, Scott Icenogle

Paramount+ original comedy series CRUTCH, starring Tracy Morgan, will premiere on Monday, November 3, 2025. Produced by CBS Studios, all eight episodes of the series will be available to stream exclusively on Paramount+ at launch.

Set in the world of The Neighborhood, CRUTCH centers on its titular character Francois “Frank” Crutchfield (Morgan), who goes by “Crutch,” a brash, yet beloved Harlem shop owner whose world is turned upside down when his highbrow son and free-spirited daughter move back into the family home.

CRUTCH also stars Jermaine Fowler (Superior Donuts), Tony Award winner Kecia Lewis (Hell’s Kitchen), Adrianna Mitchell (Snowfall), Adrian Martinez (The Amateur), Braxton Paul (Sesame Street) and Finn Maloney (Suncoast).

In a special event within The Neighborhood universe, Morgan will also guest star as “Crutch” in an all-new episode of the hit comedy The Neighborhood streaming on Paramount+ Monday, November 10.

Welcome to Family Value – Calvin (Cedric The Entertainer) reaches out to his cousin Crutch (Tracy Morgan) to get Malcolm (Sheaun McKinney) a sweet deal on a new floor. However, Crutch insists on coming to L.A. to oversee the work himself, where he drives Tina (Tichina Arnold) crazy — and reveals an emotional vulnerability.

Hailing from Cedric The Entertainer and his production company, A Bird and a Bear Entertainment, CRUTCH is executive produced by Cedric and Eric C. Rhone and created by Owen Smith who will serve as executive producer and showrunner. Aaron Kaplan for Kapital Entertainment, Wendi Trilling for TrillTV, Mike Mariano and Tracy Morgan also serve as executive producers. The series is produced by CBS Studios and distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution outside of Paramount+ markets.

Mongrel Media x Mr. Will are thrilled to give Readers in Toronto and Vancouver a chance to see KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN. Screenings are on October 15, 2025.

Synopsis:

Argentina, 1983. With the country’s military dictatorship waging a brutal war against its political opponents, prisoners Valentín and Molina find themselves thrown together in a cramped cell. Initially at odds, they begin to bond as Molina narrates the story of his favorite movie, “Kiss of the Spider Woman.” From Bill Condon, the Academy Award®-winning writer-director of Gods and Monsters, Chicago, Dreamgirls and Beauty and the Beast, comes a visionary new interpretation of the literary and cultural landmark.

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and in the comments tell us which City you’re in. Tag a friend in the comments you’re taking with you! Multiple entries allowed.

Rules and regulations here.

Mongrel Media release KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN October 17, 2025.

(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media)

Today we get the Final Trailer for ROOFMAN! In theatres October 10, 2025 via Paramount Pictures.

Buy tickets here!

SYNOPSIS

Based on an unbelievable true story, Roofman follows Jeffrey Manchester

(Channing Tatum), an Army veteran and struggling father who turns to robbing

McDonald’s restaurants by cutting holes in their roofs, earning him the nickname:

Roofman. After escaping prison, he secretly lives inside a Toys “R” Us for six

months, surviving undetected while planning his next move. But when he falls for

Leigh (Kirsten Dunst), a divorced mom drawn to his undeniable charm, his

double life begins to unravel, setting off a compelling and suspenseful game of cat

and mouse as his past closes in.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY

Channing Tatum, Derek Cianfrance, Jonathan Montepare, Charles M. Barsamian, Rick Covert, Jack Selby, Sam Romano, Jonathan Glickman, Thom Zadra, Matthew Von Waaden, D. Mark Von Waaden, Chris Parker, Tyler Zacharia, Jeff Portnoy, Steven J. Toll, Randy Jones Toll

PRODUCED BY

Jamie Patricof, p.g.a., Lynette Howell Taylor, p.g.a., Alex Orlovsky, p.g.a., Duncan Montgomery, Dylan Sellers

SCREENPLAY BY

Derek Cianfrance & Kirt Gunn

DIRECTED BY

Derek Cianfrance

STARRING

Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, Ben Mendelsohn, LaKeith Stanfield, Juno Temple, Melonie Diaz, Uzo Aduba, Lily Collias, Jimmy O. Yang and Peter Dinklage

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment and Mr. Will are thrilled to give readers a chance to win DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE on 4k UHD!

Synopsis:: Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, the cinematic return of the global phenomenon, follows the Crawley family and their staff as they enter the 1930s. When Mary finds herself at the center of a public scandal and the family faces financial trouble, the entire household grapples with the threat of social disgrace. The Crawleys must embrace change as the staff prepares for a new chapter with the next generation leading Downton Abbey into the future.

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Tag a friend who loves Downtown Abbey! Multiple entries allowed.

Rules and regulations here.

Socials

Facebook: /DowntonAbbey |/UniversalPicturesAllAccess
X/Twitter: @DowntonAbbey | @UniAllAccess
Instagram: @downtonabbey_official | @universalallaccess

DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE IS AVAILABLE ON DIGITAL PLATFORMS TO BUY OR RENT NOW AND ON 4K UHD and BLU-RAY™ NOVEMBER 11, 2025!

DIE MY LOVE IS IN CINEMAS IN CANADA FROM NOVEMBER 7, 2025.

MUBI, the global film distributor, streaming service and production company, are excited to release the official trailer for Die My Love, the sensational new film from writer/director Lynne Ramsay (You Were Never Really Here, Morvern Callar, We Need to Talk About Kevin). The film will be released in cinemas across Canada on November 7, 2025. The film received its World Premiere at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year.

A hopeful young and loving couple (Grace and Jackson) move from New York to an inherited house in the country. Grace tries to find her identity with a new baby in the isolated environment. Yet as she begins to unravel, it’s not in weakness but imagination, strength and a stunning untamed vivacity that she discovers herself anew.

Set in rural America, Die My Love is a portrait of a woman engulfed by love and madness. It stars Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle), Robert Pattinson (Mickey 17, The Batman), LaKeith Stanfield (Judas and the Black Messiah, The Book of Clarence), Nick Nolte (Cape Fear, 48 Hours, The Prince of Tides), and Sissy Spacek (Carrie, Coal Miner’s Daughter, In the Bedroom).

DIRECTOR STATEMENT

At the heart of this story is the complexity of love and how it can change and transform over time. I aimed to keep it grounded, human, spontaneous and funny at times, capturing the moments that feel small but carry a lot of weight. This film is for anyone who’s ever been in a relationship – there’s heartbreak and beauty in vulnerability.

DIRECTOR BIOGRAPHY

Lynne Ramsay’s previous work consists of Ratcatcher (1999), Cannes 1999 Un Certain Regard, BAFTA winner Most Promising Newcomer; Morvern Callar (2002), starring Samantha Morton, Cannes 2002 multiple award winner, BIFA nominee for Best Director and Best Screenplay; We Need To Talk About Kevin (2011) starring Tilda Swinton, nominated for Cannes 2011 Palme d’Or, BIFA winner for Best Director, BAFTA nominated for Best Director; Swimmer (2012), BAFTA winner for Best Short Film; You Were Never Really Here (2017) starring Joaquin Phoenix, Cannes 2017 winner for Best Screenplay and Best Actor, BAFTA nominated for Best British Film; Brigitte (2019), part of Miu Miu’s Women’s Tales Series, Venice Film Festival 2019.

DIE MY LOVE WILL BE RELEASED IN CANADIAN CINEMAS ON NOVEMBER 7, 2025

TAYLOR SWIFT | THE OFFICIAL RELEASE PARTY OF A SHOWGIRL only is in theatres for three days October 3-5, but takes top spot in its debut for AMC/Cineplex Pictures, with $32 million from 3,702 theatres. By contrast, TAYLOR SWIFT: THE ERAS TOUR movie debuted in 2023 with $93 million.

Second is last week’s champ ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER with $12.3 million from 3,634 theatres for Warner Bros. This takes its tally over two weeks to $43.9 million domestically.

Debuting in third is Benny Safdie‘s THE SMASHING MACHINE with $6.2 million from 3,345 theatres for A24/VVS Films. The tiff50 selection gets 73% on the Tomatometer.

Fourth goes to GABBY’S DOLLHOUSE THE MOVIE with $4.7 million for Universal Pictures, a two week total of $21 million.

Rounding it out is THE CONJURING: LAST RITES with $4.2 million for Warner Bros., a run of $168 million over five weekends.

The iconic El Mocambo is proud to announce the second installment of its new Music That Moves concert series. On November 8, 2025, legendary Canadian musician Burton Cummings will return to the storied El Mo stage for a rare and intimate performance in support of MusiCounts, Canada’s music education charity associated with the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS).

An iconic Canadian rock legend and frontman of The Guess Who, Cummings has defined generations of music lovers with timeless hits including “American Woman”, “These Eyes”, and “Stand Tall.” Having performed at the El Mocambo in past decades, his return marks a true homecoming to one of Toronto’s most legendary live music venues.

“I have so many memories of playing the El Mocambo over the years,” said Burton Cummings. “The El Mo has its own history, and I am proud to be a part of it. Coming back for this series, in support of music education, makes it even more special. This night will be as much about giving back as it is about celebrating music together.”

With a capacity of just 350, fans will experience one of Canada’s most iconic voices up close, under the El Mo’s legendary neon palms. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., with the show starting at 8:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale today, October 3, at 10:00 a.m. EST at www.elmocambo.com. Prices are $200 for General Admission. A limited number of VIP tickets are also available, at a cost of $300, offering guaranteed reserved seating, private bar service and a fully accessible premium area for an elevated concert experience.

“MusiCounts is dedicated to ensuring all young people in Canada have access to the transformative benefits of music education,” said Kristy Fletcher, President of MusiCounts. “Partnering with a Canadian icon like Burton Cummings through the Music That Moves series at the El Mocambo makes this support even more meaningful. His legacy continues to inspire the next generation of Canadian musicians, and this event will help us put instruments into the hands of kids who need them most.”

The Music That Moves concert series, created by El Mocambo’s Director of Philanthropy, Dr. Shilpa Madon, brings together world-class live music with meaningful community impact. Each performance supports a different Canadian charity through ticket proceeds, forging a powerful connecting between culture with philanthropy.

“This series is about more than unforgettable nights of music — it’s about making a difference,” said Mike Chalut, Executive Director, El Mocambo. “We’re thrilled to welcome Burton Cummings back to the El Mo stage and to partner with MusiCounts, whose work inspires and equips the musicians of tomorrow.”

Music That Moves kicks off October 16 with Canadian rock icons Loverboy performing in support of SickKids Foundation. Tickets for the inaugural show are still available on ticketweb.ca.

For more information, visit elmocambo.com and follow on social: Instagram and Facebook.

About The El Mocambo

An icon of Canadian music history, Toronto’s El Mocambo has hosted legendary performances from The Rolling Stones, U2, Blondie, and many more. Today, the El Mo continues its legacy of world-class music while expanding its role as a hub for community impact.

About MusiCounts

MusiCounts is Canada’s music education charity, associated with CARAS and the JUNO Awards. MusiCounts makes music education inclusive, sustainable, and accessible for youth across the country by equipping schools and communities with instruments, resources, and opportunities. Learn more at www.musicounts.ca.

Cineplex Pictures release ANNIVERSARY in theatres Wednesday, October 19, 2025. Today, we get a new Trailer!

Directed by: Jan Komasa
Cast: Diane Lane, Kyle Chandler, Madeline Brewer, Zoey Deutch, Phoebe Dynevor, Mckenna Grace, Daryl McCormack, Dylan O’Brien
Synopsis: In this gripping thriller, a close-knit family is caught in the turmoil of a controversial rising movement known as “The Change.” Ellen and Paul (Diane Lane and Kyle Chandler) witness their lives fall apart when Ellen’s former student Liz (Phoebe Dynevor) reappears and starts dating their son (Dylan O’Brien). As Liz becomes a part of the Taylor family, tensions rise and loyalties are tested. Liz’s role in “The Change” brings simmering conflicts to the surface, unraveling the fabric of the family just as the nation itself stands on edge during an alarming and challenging time of uncertainty.

About Cineplex Pictures
Cineplex Pictures, a division of Cineplex, is a distributor of a wide range of films. Recent titles include The Long Walk, Ballerina, Flight Risk, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, The Strangers: Chapter 1, The Queen of My Dreams, The Boy and the Heron, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, SAW X, and John Wick: Chapter 4.