Hitched for the Holidays

Julie and Rob are two single adults who agree to fake a relationship for the holiday season to stop their families from prying into their love lives. Julie wants peace from nosy relatives, Rob wants to dodge awkward questions at family dinners, and they figure an arranged romance will do the trick. As they play the part at gatherings and holiday events, small moments and shared jokes make their act feel less like pretending. The film follows how casual convenience begins to shift into genuine attraction, while family dynamics, personal baggage, and holiday expectations complicate what was supposed to be a simple arrangement.

Directed by Michael M. Scott and created by Gary Goldstein, the 2012 made-for-TV romance stars Emily Hampshire as Julie and Joey Lawrence as Rob, with supporting turns from Marilu Henner, Linda Darlow, and Serge Houde. It premiered on television and was aimed at viewers who enjoy seasonal romantic comedies.

The movie fits squarely within the holiday rom-com formula, so it has found a place among viewers who seek light festive fare on TV during the season. It’s often recommended by fans of familiar, feel-good holiday plots, and it resurfaces on streaming platforms and channels that program seasonal movies, making it a recognizable option for some audiences.

Critics and viewers gave it modestly positive responses, reflected in a vote average around 6.3 out of 10 from a small sample. Reviewers tended to praise the chemistry between the leads and the easygoing tone, while noting the story follows well-worn romantic-comedy beats. Themes include family pressure, the gap between appearances and authenticity, and how companionship can emerge from unexpected arrangements, all delivered in a light, approachable style.

The film did not receive major industry awards or notable nominations. It’s best appreciated as a seasonal, TV-friendly romance rather than an awards contender, and it reaches audiences primarily through holiday programming and streaming libraries.