Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story 2025 Movie Review
It really is quite amazing what the Hallmark Channel is working to accomplish right now. Because after years of being labeled as a one-trick pony when it comes to its programming, the network has responded in a stellar manner. For it is now offering shows that go deeper and offer thought-provoking stories that relate to everyday life, and its holiday programming lineup has received its own makeover as well. For gone are the days when the network featured a simple winter love story; its holiday movies now feature depth and stories that also reflect the world and the people that live within it. Not to mention, this universe of storytelling is now featuring stories designed to bring new fans into the fold.
Since earlier this season, we saw holiday storytelling and science fiction come together in A Newport Christmas, and last year… we saw the franchise reach out to football fans with their Kansas City Chiefs-themed love story. Which happened to be such a hit that Hallmark commissioned another holiday football tale. Since Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story arrived on the network last night, and well, this was quite the treat storytelling-wise. Since it was an unconventional holiday story that absolutely appeals to a wider base and harbors more than the standard love story and it accomplishes such feats by way of an introduction to two individuals living in Buffalo, New York.
There’s Morgan Quinn and Gabe DeLuca, whose two families share in a love of the Buffalo Bills. In fact, it’s safe to call Morgan a superfan, and Gabe, well, he works for the team and is putting the finishing touches on the new stadium, and when we meet them here, they’re dealing with a lot. After all, they’re making plans to say goodbye to the old Highmark Stadium with their families, and that requires some work, and they’re also eager to figure out a holiday mystery for Morgan’s uncle, Tommy. Whose been getting anonymous gifts for decades now, and yes, they’re in love with each other and unsure of how to say it. But bringing a truth to light while making sure the family properly says goodbye to a stadium that has given them a lifetime of memories… will lead to an incredible journey that will explore that love, second chances, and most important of all… football.
Which really is… a Hallmark Holiday Movie that does not resemble what we know. Despite the fact that, yes, there is a love story here. But let’s be honest, it is the foundation of these films, and what would they be without it? But what makes this one so unique regarding that is that we have multiple, unconventional love stories here. That focuses more so on how scary it can be to be honest about love and how it endures, and how it can be its own gift. Speaking of gifts, that’s also something that’s a focus here since the quest to figure out who is sending gifts to Tommy, and why, leads to a fascinating subplot involving the meaning behind gifts and how the right ones can change lives and inspire people in ways we never thought possible.
Plus, this story also takes the time to explore what second chances look like in our modern world when we think we cannot have them, and it deeply explores what it means to live life to the fullest and take chances, and that’s just stuff that’s refreshing and new to find in this type of story. But let’s be honest, the real draw here… is the football aspect of the story. Because this movie has the full approval of the National Football League, so everything that NFL fans love is present here. Since there are cameos from Bills heroes of yesteryear, from players on the team today, and even Head Coach Sean McDermott finds his way into the story, and we get to see Highmark Stadium, and the proud traditions of Bills Mafia on display, and that’s just a real draw for anyone that is about the sport or happens to a member of Bills Mafia.
Not to mention, this story also features some heavy hitters acting-wise to add to the story. Since Joe Pantoliano plays Uncle Tommy and Steve Schirripa drops by as well, and they play off of Holland Roden (Morgan) and Matthew Daddario (Gabe), well, and truly do add gravitas to what is a delightful Hallmark Holiday Film. Because this one has something for everyone, and it’s just a ton of fun. Thanks to its endearing story, its depth, and its celebration of football, and it really is one that the family can sit down and enjoy, and hopefully, this is a sign that we will see many more of these movies down the line. Because they’re unique, and hey, Hallmark, if you’re still in the planning stages for the next one, let this writer suggest the Denver Broncos as the next team you feature. Just saying. But that aside, this really is a treat, and a sign that Hallmark is serious about becoming a network for everyone, through stories that reflect life and lift us up along the way.
