How Holly Robinson Peete Brought Black Love to Hallmark Christmas
She stars in two Hallmark films as the ‘Countdown to Christmas’ begins
Dr. Zoey is running from the memories of being a war medic, and now, as a traveling physician, she barely stays anywhere long enough to grow roots, let alone fall in love. Holly Robinson Peete brings the good doctor to life in a new Hallmark Channel film, The Christmas Doctor, which showcases traditional holiday cheer and frontline workers but was created under the shroud of Covid-19.
Robinson Peete, who pitched, wrote, produced, and stars in the film, is proud of this moment.
People who regularly watch Hallmark’s “Miracles of Christmas” movies already know that Robinson Peete has starred in at least a dozen films between two separate franchises that spike in viewership at this time every year. As executive producer, this film is literally her baby.
“I helped develop it. I got a chance to really — with my production partner — pitch it, nurture the concept, all of it,” says Robinson Peete, who also recently joined the season five cast of ABC’s American Housewife. “Then we found writers, and then we cast. So I was part of so much of the process, and it made me really have that much more skin in the game, if you will. It’s especially gratifying for me. I’ve done a lot of movies for Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies and Mysteries, but this one has a special place in my heart.”
The film follows the traditional holiday movie formula, so it’s not really a spoiler to say that there’s a guy and a gal, a kid or two, a picturesque town, lots of Christmas decor and lights, and a happy holiday meal scene. There’s also budding Black love.
“The Black love portion of this movie is awesome, right?” says Robinson Peete, speaking of her character Dr. Zoey’s relationship with the single man in town. “The idea of representation and diversity in [Hallmark] movies is really taking an exponential leap this year. We have so much content with people [of] different colors and different orientations. I’m feeling good about that…
