When Alison Sweeney’s newest Hallmark Channel rom-com premieres on February 28, 2026, she’ll have an extra-special co-star by her side. Alison’s real-life daughter, 17-year-old Megan Sweeney, will make her acting debut, playing her college-bound daughter in “Romance at Hope Ranch.”
Alison Sweeney’s Daughter Megan Says Her Mom Has Always Inspired Her
When Alison posted in September that her husband Dave and daughter Megan had surprised her on the set of her new movie for her birthday, she and Megan were actually filming a scene for “Romance at Hope Ranch.”
In an interview with People published on February 3, Megan said, “I’ve always been inspired by my mom’s dedication to her acting career, and I wanted to make her proud since she offered me a role in her movie. At first, I was incredibly nervous because I’d never acted in front of the camera before and wanted to be perfect for her.”
In addition to working with Megan, Alison also got to film with her longtime “Hannah Swensen Mysteries” co-star Gabriel Hogan, who’s played Hannah’s buddy Norman for over a decade.
According to the official logline for the movie, Alison plays Hope Morgan, whose daughter is starting college. “Hope sets out to begin a new chapter of her life,” Hallmark’s synopsis says, “fulfilling her childhood dream of running a ranch in the picturesque town of Ruidoso, New Mexico and reviving the beloved Giddy Up Gala, a tradition she’s determined to bring back.”
“But her fresh start at Hope Ranch quickly turns into a whirlwind of challenges,” the description continues, “As Hope navigates ranch life, sparks fly with old flame Jack Bennet (Hogan), who’s moved to Ruidoso in a bold attempt to win her back.”
The logline concludes, “Meanwhile, Hope finds unexpected support in her charming neighbor Tom Grayson, her best friend Lori, and the quirky townsfolk who rally around her. As she helps her daughter overcome a fear of failure at college, Hope faces her own issues accepting help. As the gala approaches, she discovers that community, love, and second chances might just be the key to building the life she’s always dreamed of.”
Alison Sweeney & Her Daughter Megan Got to Horse Around on Set of New Hallmark Movie
In addition to bonding over movie-making, the mother-daughter team got to lean into their shared love of horses on-set. Alison has carried on her own mother’s talents as an equestrian, and Megan has followed in their footsteps, regularly competing with her beloved horse.
On a post about one of Megan’s 2025 competitions, someone asked Alison in the comments whether the actress gets nervous for her daughter. Alison replied, “Yes. Definitely way more nervous than she is. I am trying to contain it, but … it’s tough!!”
Alison and Megan got to spend time with horses on the set of “Romance at Hope Ranch,” which was directed by Hallmark newcomer Tailah Breon, best known for her music videos with artists including Missy Elliott, Fantasia, and Faith Evans, as well as multiple Lifetime movies.
Alison served as executive producer alongside her producing partner Craig Baumgarten and Michael Slifkin. She told People that Baumgarten was the one who suggested they cast Megan. Although she was uncertain at first, Alison said the movie became especially “meaningful as I shared the screen with her for her TV acting debut.”
Filmed in New Mexico, the production hired over 90 locals, including 30 crew members, 12 principal actors, and 50 background roles, a spokesperson for Sweeney told EntertainmentNow.
Hallmark Channel’s “Romance at Hope Ranch” premieres on February 28 at 8 p.m. Eastern time, and will be available to stream the next day via Hallmark+.
Cannot wait!! Mother/Daughter/Horse movie …yes!! Perfect for my daughter and me! Love Alison .. have followed her since Sami!
OMG, can’t wait for 2/28!!! Love Alison and now a movie with her daughter, WOW!!! Alison and Gabriel have been together for a long time and now he’s Alison’s leading man in their new movie. Didn’t know that Alison was a wonderful equestrian. LOVE HORSES!!!