BJ Britt and Tamara Mowry-Housley continue their successful partnership with Hallmark in “Tidings for the Season”, a film that proudly showcases its heartfelt message. Directed by Linda-Lisa Hayter and written by Joey Elkins and Blake Silver, this movie focuses more on small acts of kindness rather than grand gestures—reminding us of the true spirit of holiday films.
Britt stars as Adam Kade, a polished anchor at a local news station accustomed to reporting headlines that sting more than they comfort. Enter Robbie (Elijah-Justus Lewis), a ten-year-old viewer who changes everything with a simple question: “Why can’t you ever report something good?” This innocent challenge prompts Adam to reevaluate not only his career but also its deeper purpose.
This introspection leads him to Robbie’s mother, Lucy (Tamara Mowry-Housley), a single parent balancing work, motherhood, and the struggle to keep everything organized. Mowry-Housley brings her trademark warmth and quiet strength to the role, grounding each scene with sincerity. When Adam and Lucy first meet, there isn’t an immediate spark—it simmers instead. Their connection develops from mutual respect into something tender, making their romance feel like a genuine reward rather than a foregone conclusion.
Director Linda-Lisa Hayter maintains a breezy yet thoughtful pace, allowing emotional moments to resonate. There’s a lovely theme of finding hope in everyday stories as Adam starts highlighting community heroes rather than focusing solely on crises. The film adeptly balances sweetness with a sense of purpose, illustrating that optimism isn’t naïve but rather essential.
The supporting cast, especially young Elijah-Justus Lewis, adds depth and humor without coming across as overly precocious. When Britt shares scenes with him, the chemistry feels naturally heartfelt—a reminder of how mentorship, compassion, and storytelling can beautifully intertwine.
“Tidings for the Season” doesn’t reinvent the Christmas movie formula, but it certainly enhances it. It’s the kind of feel-good film that earns its sentiment, affirming that joy—much like good journalism—still matters.
Final Grade: B
“Tidings for the Season” Premieres: Sunday, November 16 at 8:00 p.m. on Hallmark.
My introduction to Nate Dogg goes back to Dr. Dre’s 1992 debut, The Chronic, and the song “Deeez Nuuuts.” Even then, something about Nate’s voice set him apart from everybody else. He wasn’t just singing on rap records. He was bringing soul, gospel, street knowledge, and West Coast cool into the same space. He set the standard for hook singers in hip-hop, and dare I say, he’s still vastly underrated.
For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to give Stevie Wonder his due as he prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his masterpiece, “Songs in the Key of Life,” on tour. While the easy choice could have been “Knocks Me Off My Feet”—a classic that still resonates fifty years later—I chose “From the Bottom of My Heart,” the second single from his twenty-third studio album, “A Time to Love,” released in 2005.
It’s hard to believe that an iconic singing competition like American Idol has produced only two Black male winners in its more than two-and-a-half-decade history. Jamal Roberts made history last year when he won the show, following Ruben Studdard’s well-deserved victory in Season Two.