Chicago Bears drafted for Hallmark holiday movie in 2026
The Chicago Bears are the featured NFL team in Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story, a Hallmark Channel original set to premiere later in 2026 during the network's 17th annual Countdown to Christmas event. Hallmark Media, the NFL and Skydance Sports announced the partnership on Thursday, with production starting this summer entirely in Chicago. Bears head coach Ben Johnson and tight end Colston Loveland revealed the news in a video shared across social media.
Key Takeaways
- Third NFL holiday film: The Bears follow the Kansas City Chiefs (2024) and Buffalo Bills (2025) in Hallmark's Holiday Touchdown franchise.
- Chicago shoot: Filming begins this summer at locations across the city, highlighting iconic spots and Bears fan traditions.
- Casting open: Local agency 4 Star Casting is seeking extras to play football fans for shoots on July 7-8.
- Release window: The movie debuts later in 2026 during Hallmark Channel's Countdown to Christmas; no exact premiere date yet.
- Lead cast TBD: The "talent draft" will be announced later, though past installments included player and coach cameos.
What is Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story?
Hallmark Media, the NFL and Skydance Sports on Thursday 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. Skydance Sports serves as executive producer, partnering with Hallmark Media and NFL Films on the project.
The film marks another step in the league's push to blend football fandom with holiday programming. For more on seasonal streaming and TV debuts, see our Streaming & TV Alerts coverage.
When will the Bears Hallmark movie premiere?
The movie is set to premiere later in 2026 during Hallmark Channel's 17th annual Countdown to Christmas programming event. An exact air date has not been announced, according to the Chicago Bears and NBC 5 Chicago.
Production kicks off this summer. The entire shoot will take place in and around Chicago, showcasing iconic locations, beloved traditions and the passion surrounding one of the NFL's most storied franchises.
Who announced the Bears Hallmark partnership?
Bears head coach Ben Johnson and tight end Colston Loveland delivered the news in a social media video shared Thursday. Kevin Warren, president and CEO of the Chicago Bears, said the club is "honored, grateful and excited" to join Hallmark Media, Skydance Sports and NFL Films on the project.
Darren Abbott, president and chief brand officer of Hallmark Media, called the Bears "a perfect fit for a heartwarming holiday story" after the success of the first two Holiday Touchdown films. Jessica Matthews, SVP of film and TV at Skydance Sports, noted that few fan bases "carry their team's history the way Chicago carries the Bears."
Can Chicago fans audition as extras?
Yes. Hallmark put out a casting call for extras to film in Chicago July 7-8 as football fans, according to a post by local casting agency 4 Star Casting reported by Block Club Chicago. Fitting dates are scheduled for June 29-30.
Extras must provide their own Bears apparel and winter attire for the July shoot. The lead cast will be revealed at a later date, though prior films featured cameos from coaches, players and notable fans.