Lifetime Is FINALLY Giving Us the Gay Christmas Movie We Wished For

Lifetime is gearing up to release its first-ever movie with an LGBTQ+ romance as the central storyline!

Expected this holiday season, The Christmas Set-Up follows the romance of two characters named Hugo and Patrick.

The official description reads: 

"Hugo, a New York corporate lawyer and his best friend Madelyn head to Milwaukee to spend the holidays with his mom Kate, who is also in charge of the local Christmas celebrations. Ever the matchmaker, Kate arranges for Hugo to run into Patrick, Hugo’s high school friend and secret crush, who has recently returned after a successful stint in Silicon Valley. As they enjoy the local holiday festivities together, Hugo and Patrick’s attraction to each other is undeniable and it looks as though Kate’s well-intentioned Santa-style matchmaking is a success. But as Hugo receives word of a big promotion requiring a move to London, he must decide what is most important to him."

Casting is underway and production is set to begin later this month. 

"We are thrilled to continue our legacy of creating a holiday destination that is welcoming to all at Lifetime," said Lifetime and LMN programming EVP Amy Winter. Last Christmas, Lifetime premiered Twinkle All the Way, which featured a same-sex kiss. "With more new movies than any one cable network for streamer, I couldn’t be prouder of the incredible talent joining us in front of, and behind the camera, on these new holiday movies."

This past June, rival cable network Hallmark was called out for its lack of LGBTQ+ stories in its holiday programming following the announcement of their 40 upcoming projects. After being called out, the network said queer holiday movies are in "active negotiations." Vice president of network program publicity, George Zaralidis of Crown Media Family Networks promised, "We are committed to creating a Hallmark experience where everyone feels welcome."