Had a blast talking with Jonathan Bennett, star of “Christmas at Sea” on the Hallmark Channel. We talked about getting discovered on a train, his golden doodle, meeting his Idol Chevy Chase, and of course, everything “Christmas in July” happening on the Hallmark Channel.
Hallmark Channel sets sail on summer joy with its 13th Annual CHRISTMAS IN JULY
event, headlined by the all-new original docuseries CHRISTMAS AT SEA, premiering July 7. From
exclusive Countdown to Christmas sneak peeks to fan-voted movies, fans are in for a month of merry
must-sees.
At the heart of this year’s event is the premiere of the all-new original docuseries CHRISTMAS AT SEA,
debuting Monday, July 7 at 8 PM ET/PT on Hallmark Channel and streaming next day on Hallmark+.
Produced by Big Fish Entertainment for Hallmark, this four-part limited series 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. Viewers will meet cruisers with
unforgettable stories — a surprise proposal and wedding, lifelong best friends on a long-awaited girls’
trip, a teenage grandson celebrating his 16th birthday with both grandmothers, and more — as they set
sail for the ultimate fan adventure.
Along the way, fans take part in festive events like carol-oke, holiday trivia challenges, and Christmas
competitions, all while mingling with an all-star lineup of Hallmark talent including Benjamin Ayres,
Jonathan Bennett, Wes Brown, Erin Cahill, Paul Campbell, Taylor Cole, Nikki DeLoach, Sarah Drew,
Tyler Hynes, Kimberley Sustad, and Andrew Walker. From on-deck meet-and-greets to behind-the-
scenes moments with beloved stars, CHRISTMAS AT SEA brings the magic of Hallmark to life on the high
seas in a joyful celebration of the season and the fans who make it special.
JONATHAN BENNETT – His striking good looks may have made Jonathan Bennett an object of affection
for the “plastics” in Mean Girls as the heartthrob Aaron Samuels, but his talent and commitment to the
craft are what have led him to becoming one of the most sought-after talents in Hollywood.
Bennett realized his life-long dream of starring on Broadway in Monty Python’s acclaimed Spamalot
musical comedy. When not hosting Food Network’s top-rated Halloween Wars, he continues to add to
his Hallmark credits inclusive of the GLAAD Media Award-winning The Groomsmen film trilogy, as well as
serving as creator/producer/host of their first-ever unscripted competition series, Finding Mr. Christmas,
which has garnered three Critic’s Choice Real TV Award nominations. He’s since masterminded yet
another unscripted vehicle for the network, Murder Mystery House, in which Hallmark fans are invited to
join in on the investigation by narrowing down the suspects comprised of favorite Hallmark talent for a
generous cash prize.
Previously, Bennett broke new ground at Hallmark starring in and executive producing The Holiday Sitter,
the network’s first Christmas movie featuring same-sex leads. Fans have since dubbed him “The Gay King
of Christmas,” for his many hit Holiday movies on the network including The Christmas House and Cherry
Lane franchises.
The talented actor also hosts Time Square New Year’s Eve and Battle of the Decades on Discovery+.
Additionally, his work to bring more LGBTQ+ storylines to television and movies also earned him the
Equality Visibility Award.
Other fan-favorite roles include taking on the iconic character Van Wilder in National Lampoon’s Van
Wilder: Freshman Year, as Steve Martin’s antagonistic son-in-law in Cheaper by the Dozen 2, as well as
roles on popular shows such as Doctor Odyssey, Station 19, Law & Order: SVU, Fantasy Island and more.
