The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast PEL Presents PMP#212: Holiday Romance Films
Dec 24, 2025
Explore the charm of Hallmark-style holiday romance films with hosts reflecting on their personal connections to the genre. They discuss the formulaic plots, the comforting predictability that makes these films feel like 'comfort food,' and the surprising skill behind their production. The conversation touches on the rise of streaming platforms, casting choices, and the genre's intentional blandness. Listeners will also hear about specific films, recommendations, and the cultural significance of these seasonal favorites.
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Comfort Food Formula
- Hallmark-style holiday romances are deliberately formulaic comfort food that viewers use as background, low-attention entertainment.
- Mark Linsenmeyer and Lawrence Ware emphasize predictability as the genre's main appeal for holiday multitasking.
A Devoted Fan Confesses
- Lawrence Ware confesses he loves these movies, watching them from before Thanksgiving through Christmas.
- He self-identifies as a dedicated fan who knows the genre's tropes inside out.
Industrialized Rom-Coms
- These films are economically engineered products: cheap, fast, and targeted rather than artistically ambitious.
- Al Baker notes they need not be 'good movies' to succeed because they fulfill a specific commercial and social function.