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What's behind the glut of cheesy made-for-TV Christmas movies?
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Dec 13, 2016
Listen 10:13
What's behind the glut of cheesy made-for-TV Christmas movies?
TV movies like "A Very Merry Mix-Up" and "Matchmaker Santa" may not qualify as classics, but they've got a pretty loyal fanbase and can rake in some serious ratings.
The Hallmark Channel Original Movie “My Christmas Dream“ starring Danica McKellar, David Haydn-Jones and Deidre Hall.
The Hallmark Channel Original Movie “My Christmas Dream“ starring Danica McKellar, David Haydn-Jones and Deidre Hall.
(
Ricardo Hubbs
)

TV movies like "A Very Merry Mix-Up" and "Matchmaker Santa" may not qualify as classics, but they've got a pretty loyal fanbase and can rake in some serious ratings.

Movies and Christmas pretty much go hand in hand.

There are the big new releases in theaters, and the old stand-bys like "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Miracle on 34th Street" to rewatch.

A more recent trend is the seemingly never-ending flow of cheesy made-for-TV Christmas movies. Films like "A Very Merry Mix-Up," "A Christmas Detour," and "Matchmaker Santa":

They may not qualify as classics, but they've got a pretty loyal fanbase and can rake in some serious ratings.

And now some secret fans of the films are feeling emboldened to come out of the shadows.

Culture journalist Annie Zaleski, who's written about made-for-TV holiday movies, and Kacey Bange, who reviews the films on her blog TVMovieChristmas.com, join Take Two to explain the appeal of the genre. 

To listen to the full interview, click on the blue media player above.