For as much as “Finding Mr. Christmas” brings the laughs each week — from wild physical challenges to host Jonathan Bennett’s ridiculous puns and lead judge Melissa Peterman’s hilarious observations — the fourth week of Hallmark’s second season may have actually delivered even more tears than giggles.
The episode that premiered on November 24, 2025, ended with everyone crying, including us. Bennett, Peterman, guest judge Hunter King, all six remaining hunks, and one shell-shocked EntertainmentNow writer (ahem) were choking back tears over the night’s heartbreaking elimination.
Spoiler Alert: Don’t want to know who was sent “home for the holidays” during the fourth week of “Finding Mr. Christmas” season two? Then stop reading here.
‘Finding Mr. Christmas’ Contestants Are Seriousy Bonding
Part of what made this week’s elimination so emotional is that it was evident the remaining contestants have really started to bond. That included a touching one-on-one chat between Marcus Brodie, who shared that his mom was diagnosed with cancer weeks before he left to film “Finding Mr. Christmas,” and Robbie Simpson, who revealed in the previous episode that he didn’t get to see his mom before she died. It was lovely to hear them share openly with each other, and Simpson said he was available anytime to talk.
The episode’s Festive Face-Off provided some comic relief, as the six guys had to run around in inflatable balls — like human hamster wheels — knocking down Christmas tree statues. Real-life Ken doll Davey Fischer won the challenge, but Simpson took second place; a personal feat, given that he continually feels like he doesn’t have the athletic prowess for such physical challenges.
Then it was on to the Star Quality Challenge, in which the guys had to work together in groups of three to prepare for a mock scene with Hallmark star Hunter King (who was adorably sweet, insightful and funny). Simpson, who works as a theater director at home in New York, butted heads slightly with singer-songwriter Rustin Sailors on the scene’s setup, which had them playing brothers meeting Hunter’s boyfriend, played by Brodie. Bennett noted their “power struggle,” and the judges didn’t feel like their delivery was as strong as the second team’s.
As Fisher’s prize for winning the Festive Face-Off earlier, he got to sit in with Bennett and Peterman as they critiqued the first group, gaining critical intel for his team on what the judges were looking for. He and Craig Geoghan played Hunter’s brothers with much more humor and brotherly camaraderie, and Angel Garet was a bit smoother and believable as her suitor than Brodie.
‘Finding Mr. Christmas’ Elimination Ceremony Was Brutal
HallmarkGeoghan won the judges’ adoration during his skit with his comic timing and creative choices, so they said he won the Star Quality Challenge. The two who butted heads a bit, Sailors and Simpson, were in the bottom two, though they both tried to say they were collaborating vs. competing.
In the end, Bennett said Sailors out-acted Simpson by just a smidge, so — choking back tears — he bid farewell to Simpson. What a loss! He was the show’s only openly gay contestant and, in addition to sharing about losing his mom, he also vulnerably talked several times about how meaningful bonding with the guys was and realizing he could compete — and even excel — in athletic challenges after years of feeling like an outcast.
After Bennett delivered the news, Simpson said being part of “Finding Mr. Christmas” had been “a life-changing experience.” As Bennett’s lip trembled and contestants were seen choking back tears, Simpson told him, “You have been such an important person to me for so long and to have been picked by you to come here, is beyond my wildest dreams. And I just want to make you proud.”
Literally Everyone Was Crying at the End of ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’ Week 4
Ohhh, come on! How is anyone supposed to keep their composure with that kind of heart-tugging speech? Welp, nobody did. Peterman and King were seen dabbing their tears as Bennett embraced Simpson, and through his own tears, told him, “You made me proud, and you made our community proud.”
Garet was clearly struggling, Fisher couldn’t look up, Sailors had tears streaming down his cheeks, and Brodie’s eyes were filled with tears. So, we’d like to propose a new rule: if a contestant’s departure causes everyone to sob, maybe just let them stay? Feels like the Hallmark way.
It’s now down to just five great guys vying to become Hallmark’s next leading man. To catch up on this season (or the first from 2024), “Finding Mr. Christmas” is available to stream via Hallmark+ and airs Monday nights on Hallmark Channel.
