Mistletoe Murders delivers a fun and clever debut season, but everything about its sophomore run is where so much of its excellency lies. Twice as clever, twice as fun, and twice as romantic, it’s one of the best Hallmark properties to date, and we really aren’t screaming about it nearly enough. It’s always rewarding when you can tell that a leading star cares about the character as much as you do, and Sarah Drew’s love for Emily Lane is transcendent. How she weaves in so much heart and compassion into the role is no small feat, and it makes Mistletoe Murders Season 2 that much more incredible.
Because the show is so deeply character-driven, it also helps to ensure that every episode isn’t merely just an entertaining mystery, but it’s a discovery that takes us one step closer to solving a gorgeously cozy Christmas-themed puzzle. It’s Emily’s story, first, and the mystery second, allowing her journey to be one that’s both rich with nuance and riveting.
At the same time, while a good slow burn always hits, there’s also something to be said about the progression we get in Sam and Emily’s romance, and how every beat of it makes Mistletoe Murders Season 2 that much more delightful. The love story is so well written and so perfectly executed through admirable beats of vulnerability that from “Cold War” to “Twas the Fight Before Christmas,” we get a small glimpse of magic on our screens. Add them to every best of 2025 ship now because Season 2 proves they’ve got everything.
And again, so much of it once again boils down to the performances. There are always conversations and unfair critiques about how romance is too saccharine, but love is actually the most universal emotion we all know. Depictions of romance on TV shouldn’t decrease; they should increase, and Hallmark consistently plays a part in this by pairing people with exceptional chemistry. And more than anything, it’s not just the chemistry that’s fun, but it’s the thoughtfully profound moments of vulnerability that remain so achingly memorable. Both Peter Mooney and Drew layer their respective characters with such tremendous depth and nuance that every scene we get, whether together or apart, is overflowing with emotions.
In addition, the cases this season are even more intriguing than they were during the debut, and the insight we get into Emily’s past as Grace thoroughly fleshes out the character with remarkable ease. It fills in blanks and crevices while spreading giddy holiday cheer that’s honestly a blast these days.
The series isn’t just a one-hit wonder, but it’s clear now more than ever that every season is about to make the stories even better. The more we get, the more enjoyable it’ll become, and this second season is especially great at hinting at this.
Achingly vulnerable, riveting in every way, and full of incredible performances from Sarah Drew and the whole cast, Mistletoe Murders Season 2 is a must-watch for romance fans. It’s a must-watch for anyone who wants joy and depth in a compelling marriage with one another, with loads of giddy holiday shenanigans for extra coziness.
Mistletoe Murders Season 2 is now streaming on Hallmark+.
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