BURBANK, CA and CHICAGO, IL – June, 25, 2026–– Hallmark Media, NFL and Skydance Sports today announced that the Chicago Bears have been drafted for Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story, the third all-new original movie in the successful franchise, set to premiere later in 2026 during Hallmark Channel’s 17th annual Countdown to Christmas programming event. The announcement was made through a video featuring Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson and Tight End Colston Loveland. Production kicks off this summer and will film entirely at locations in and around Chicago, showcasing iconic locations, beloved traditions and the passion that surrounds one of NFL’s most storied franchises. The talent draft (aka cast) will be announced at a later date.
“After the tremendous success of our first two Holiday Touchdown movies, we knew we wanted to continue the tradition by partnering with another iconic NFL franchise and fan base. The Chicago Bears have a rich history, passionate supporters, and a culture that extends far beyond the football field, making them a perfect fit for a heartwarming holiday story,” began Darren Abbott, President and Chief Brand Officer, Hallmark Media. “We can’t wait for audiences to experience this story and celebrate the passion and spirit that bring Bears fans together.
“We are honored, grateful and excited to join forces with Hallmark Media, Skydance Sports and NFL Films on this special project. As we continually look for ways to further the connection with our passionate Chicago Bears fans and amplify our global brand in creative ways, we will provide our club and our fans with the opportunity to grow together by creating a special, meaningful movie,” said Kevin Warren, President and CEO, Chicago Bears. “We look forward to the work ahead alongside Hallmark Media, Skydance Sports and NFL Films, and we are energized for the product we will create together, celebrating football, family, the Chicago Bears and the holiday season."
“Skydance Sports was built on the idea that the best sports stories live as much with the fans as with the athletes," said Jessica Matthews, SVP of Film and TV at Skydance Sports. "Few fan bases carry their team's history the way Chicago carries the Bears, a devotion that has been passed down from generation to generation. It’s a privilege to once again partner with Hallmark Media and the NFL on another exciting holiday film.”
Skydance Sports serves as the Executive Producer of Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story. As the exclusive content partner of the NFL, Skydance Sports is designed to create a top-end sports content studio and expand multi-platform sports programming across a broad range of formats.
ABOUT HALLMARK CHANNEL
Hallmark Channel is Hallmark Media’s flagship 24-hour cable television network. As the country’s leading destination for quality, feel-good entertainment, Hallmark Channel delivers on the 100-year legacy of the Hallmark brand. The network’s lineup of signature original content includes movies, primetime scripted series, and specials. Dedicated to helping viewers celebrate holidays, seasons, and life’s special moments, Hallmark Channel is home to a host of annual programming events, including the highly successful Countdown to Christmas, which has become a pop culture phenomenon and a beloved holiday tradition for millions of viewers. Rounding out the network’s slate are some of television’s most classic comedies and series, including The Golden Girls, Reba, and Gilmore Girls. For more information, please visit press.hallmarkmedia.com/
ABOUT THE CHICAGO BEARS
The Chicago Bears were established in 1920 as one of the founding franchises of the National Football League. As one of the most storied franchises in all of sports, the Chicago Bears boast nine NFL Championships, including one Super Bowl, and 37 Hall of Famers — the most of any NFL team. A pillar in the community for more than a century, the Bears strive for excellence and impact on and off the field by supporting initiatives focused on social justice, youth and high school football, girls’ flag football, health equity, education, volunteerism and civic involvement. The Chicago Bears were most recently featured on The Pick is In: Season 2 and Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Chicago Bears. Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story marks the first scripted film of its kind for the organization and will give fans a glimpse into the tradition, spirit, and love that flow through its devoted fan base and the City of Chicago year-round, but especially during the holiday season.
ABOUT SKYDANCE SPORTS
Skydance Sports is the industry-leading sports content studio behind critically acclaimed films and series including the Golden Globe-nominated Air (Amazon), America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys (Netflix), Hard Knocks: Offseason with the New York Giants (HBO), and Rafa (Netflix). Upcoming projects include docuseries The Dynasty: UConn Huskies (Apple TV), Hulu drama series The Land from Dan Fogelman, and Mr. Irrelevant, a theatrical film with Paramount Pictures.
