The Unofficial Ranking of Hallmark Leading Men
leading Hallmark guys who look damn good in a peacoat
I have a confession—I secretly love Hallmark movies.
Every Christmas, I go home to North Carolina and visit my folks. While I’m here, I get plenty of use of their cable package. I tend to stick to the news, the local PBS station, and TCM, but inevitably, the holiday season always brings the Hallmark Channel to my attention.
Yes, I know they’re not the crème de la creme of cinema. Yet, I find myself entranced by the Hallmark Movie™️ in all its festive optimism, even if I’m a proud, single city dweller with no current plans to move back to my hometown and fall in love with the town’s resident bookseller/lumberjack/farmer/hardware store owner who got away.
Still, I think there’s something sweet about how community-focused Hallmark Christmas movies are. Be it a small town resisting the finance bro’s attempts at actual gentrification or a heroine learning the true meaning of family after the death of a loved one, there is always some deeper message about the power of the Christmas Spirit.
Despite their infinite cliches, I find myself watching hours and hours of them this time of year. I’ve watched so many of these movies that I think I could give a definitive ranking of the best Hallmark movie leading actors. In fact, I think I will.
Why am I doing this? Well, I’ve always had a fascination with these movies and the people who make them. I briefly considered creating a YouTube review channel titled the Hallmark Cinematic Universe but lost out on that niche long ago.
It helps that Hallmark has made inroads in the representation department and now officially features gay couples/stories, as well as some religious holiday diversity. (I just watched one called The Christmas Baby where a lesbian couple adopts a baby who’s been left in their store late one night. It was honestly pretty cute.) Obviously, they still lean a little too far into the sanitized, white bread, Canadian vibes, but I can appreciate their attempts at pulling in a larger audience.
I’m also a little creatively blocked and needed something to do with my 🧠👊 while I’m off from work. I hope you all enjoy (?) this truly unhinged and unwanted ranking of mostly Canadian actors I’ve never met and never will meet 😀
First—a few criteria for our leading men:
Critically important is their willingness and ability to commit to the bit. I think we all know Hallmark movies tend to be bland, so when they offer a leading couple with real chemistry (or at least a kind-hearted leading man worth sitting through a ridiculous amount of commercials for), it makes the whole experience more enjoyable.
Also important is their Hallmark movie leading male archetype. Is our leading man the brooding, tall, dark, and handsome type with a secret heart of gold? Is he the sweet and funny type with a great smile and witty comeback worthy of a 90s romcom? Or is he the rarest type—an intelligent man of authority with kindness and sincerity expressed in his entire being? Sure, I may be a bit biased here, but soon you all will see the significance of such a measure.
Last but certainly not least is how good they look in a Hallmark characteristic scarf and peacoat. This is a key part of their allure and charm. If they don’t put these guys in winter clothes for their screen tests, I’d genuinely be surprised. It’s practically the uniform!
Okay—onto the ranking.
5. Andrew Walker
Shrug He’s hot. He’s blonde. He’s got a great jawline. I can accept these facts of life, even if he’s not precisely my type. (I can definitely get behind the stubble, at the very least.) He often plays the quintessential “good guy.” He’s not my favorite but does well enough as a leading man for me to accept him in a pinch.
Favorite Hallmark film: My Christmas Family Tree (2021)
Jane Austen Hero Equivalent: Mr. Charles Bingley
Can he commit to the bit? Yeah, well enough. 6/10.
Hallmark Archetype? Eh, kinda boring. The good guy to the bad boy and class clown. 6/10
Does he rock a peacoat? Yeah. He can wear a peacoat. 8/10
4. Luke McFarlane
When (and if) you think of a Hallmark leading man, Luke McFarlane is likely the face that comes to mind. He’s tall, handsome, and remarkably intelligent. He’s also warm and kind enough to keep you invested, even if you’re a few glasses of pink wine in and/or a white mom in her mid-40s looking for an escape from her husband. #respect
You also might recognize him from his starring role in the film Bros (2022) opposite Billy Eichner. That’s right! This man has RANGE. While he’s been a Hallmark guy in the past, he somehow transcends that stereotype at the same time because he’s so good at what he does. He also plays the cello (very well, I might add!)
Favorite Hallmark film: Chateau Christmas (2020)
Jane Austen Hero Equivalent: Mr. George Knightley
Can he commit to the bit? Yup. 8/10
Hallmark Archetype? Perfect Hallmark Type you want to cuddle up next to at night! 9/10
Does he rock a peacoat? Eh, for the most part. I prefer him in workwear canvas though ;) 6/10
3. Paul Campbell
Paul Campbell is Hallmark’s comedian, but in no way does this fact detract from his adorableness. His characters are always funny and full of witty comebacks. He’s also easily the realest of guys on this list. I can easily imagine meeting him in real life and finding the same guy underneath all the Hallmark knitwear. He’s also as sweet as Apple Pie, despite his Canadian ancestry!
Favorite Hallmark film: Christmas at the Catnip Cafe (2025)
Jane Austen Hero Equivalent: Mr. Henry Tilney
Can he commit to the bit? My God, yes. He wins this one by a landslide. So good! So funny! So willing to do and be whatever the movie calls for! 10/10
Hallmark Archetype? The sweetest and funniest guy ever ❤️ 9/10
Does he rock a peacoat? He can for sure rock a navy peacoat and striped scarf. 8/10
2. Tyler Hynes
Of all the Hallmark leading guys, Tyler Hynes is easily the sexiest. He also happens to be painfully sweet and sincere in all his roles, which makes for a near-perfect combination. While he may seem a tad on the quiet side at times, he makes for a great romantic partner in the long run. A younger, brooding-obsessed me would be entirely smitten if he walked into my life!
Favorite Hallmark film: A Picture of Her (2023)
Jane Austen Hero Equivalent: Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy
Can he commit to the bit? Oh, yes. He has played it straight. He’s played the romantic hero. He’s even done a little humor here and there! 8/10
Hallmark Archetype? A beloved bad boy with a heart of gold! Seeing him enter the screen with a dog tag and that leather jacket? Let’s bring it back around, Tyler! Do a twirl for us! 9/10
Does he rock a peacoat? Eh. Okay, I guess. However, he wears leather like no other! 7/10
1. Kristoffer Polaha
Okay, so obviously, we’ve covered a lot of white bread guys in this ranking. It’s par for the course, I suppose, but there is one man that consistently fits the bill for me, despite my propensity towards all women and maybe five guys.
However, no one compares to Kristoffer Polaha. For one, he is one of the few actors on this cable channel with true acting chops. Just take a look at his resume and you’ll see early credits from Lincoln Center, Roundabout, and the Stella Adler Conservatory, as well as a long career in film and television, including his breakout role as Nathan “Baze” Bazile in Life Unexpected. Seeing this show cemented Polaha in my mind as THE Gen X man.
As for Hallmark, he has a weirdly impressive roster of films, including starring alongside Meghan Markle in the 2016 hit Dater’s Handbook. I watched a few of his other Hallmark flicks the other day. I was impressed by his performances, even in a series of films that were otherwise…so-so. He really does give his all to the bit, even when the writing, production, and the rest of the cast aren’t exactly on his level.
Seriously though—it’s the way he blows all of our criteria out of the water.
Favorite Hallmark film: A Small Town Christmas (2018)
Jane Austen Hero Equivalent: Captain Wentworth ❤️
Can he commit to the bit? Fuck yes. If he is on my screen, I am immediately locked in. The way his eyes shine? Love. The way he laughs? Glorious. The way he cradles a woman’s face when she’s upset? Wowza! 9/10
Hallmark Archetype? If Jane Austen wrote a Hallmark Hero, Kristoffer would easily play a Wentworth type. He is warm and sociable, if a little uncommunicative in some cases with his love interests. In the end, his emotional intelligence is out of this world. Most importantly, he can deliver a love confession like no other. 10/10
Does he rock a peacoat? You know he can. 10/10
Did anyone want this? No, but here it is anyway. Enjoy this weird Boxing Day ranking! Watch a Hallmark movie! Do your worst in the comments!
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
I watched CHRISTMAS AT THE CATNIP CAFE and SHE'S MAKING A LIST on purpose!
this is amazing. i also unapologetically love hallmark christmas movies and i seem to be hella behind because i haven’t seen any of these!! ty for the list im getting started asap