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Hallmark’s upcoming trilogy, “The Groomsmen,” is set to break new ground by featuring a gay wedding as the central storyline. Starring Jonathan Bennett, Tyler Hynes, and B.J. Britt, this trilogy is a fresh take from the network, known for its romantic tales that often adhere to traditional formulas .
The Trilogy’s Plot and Locations
“The Groomsmen” follows the lives of three best friends—Pete, Danny, and Jackson—each navigating love and relationships. What’s particularly exciting is that Pete, played by B.J. Britt, is a kind-hearted pediatrician, and his story includes a gay romance that culminates in a wedding. The films are set against stunning backdrops in Greece, Italy, and Bulgaria, providing a picturesque setting for these love stories to unfold.
“We got to shoot my character Danny’s storyline in Greece,” Bennett told PEOPLE. “And when you put me Tyler Hynes and B.J. Britt in Santorini, jumping off cliffs, it’s literally like paradise, and a dream come true because we got to film a gay love story in Santorini for Hallmark Channel.”
“It’s all the things that we love. We love destinations, we love friendship, we love romance, and we love Greece. So, like all those things combined for my movie, it blew it out of the water,” he adds.
A Milestone in Representation
Jonathan Bennett, who also serves as an executive producer, has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in media. He expressed his excitement about the project, noting its significance as Hallmark’s first film trilogy to feature a gay couple as the main focus. This marks a significant shift for the network, which has been gradually expanding its scope to include more diverse stories.
+Related: Watch Hubby’s Super Cute Reaction to Jonathan Bennett’s First Role
More Than Just a Wedding Story
The trilogy isn’t just about romance; it’s a celebration of friendship and love in all its forms. The films are directed by Ron Oliver and promise to blend humor, warmth, and heartfelt moments, characteristic of Hallmark’s signature style . Bennett’s involvement as both actor and producer highlights his commitment to bringing authentic LGBTQ+ stories to the screen.
When to Watch
“The Groomsmen” will premiere this fall on Hallmark’s new streaming service, Hallmark+, with the first movie titled “First Look.” This is just one of several new offerings from the network, which also includes other reality and scripted content aimed at diversifying its lineup.
In the Spirit of Inclusivity
This move by Hallmark is part of a broader trend towards inclusivity, reflecting a growing recognition that love stories come in many forms. As Bennett aptly put it, “It’s not just straight couples. It’s not just white couples. Everyone gets their love story”.
For those planning to tune in, “The Groomsmen” offers not just a romantic escape but a meaningful step forward in representation and inclusivity. And if you’re as excited as we are, you’ll want to mark your calendars for this groundbreaking series!