A fan favorite Hallmark star gushed over a sweet response to one of his recent movies, and fans thought his reaction was adorable. Jonathan Bennett kept quite busy with Hallmark projects during this holiday season, appearing in multiple projects. One of them in particular was dubbed a favorite, and he was thrilled.
The Positive Response to ‘A Keller Christmas Vacation’ Has Jonathan Bennett Feeling Proud & Grateful
Bennett’s adorable reaction came after Us Weekly published its ranking of Hallmark’s top 2025 movies. The media outlet shared its “definitive (and unofficial) ranking” on December 20, and Bennett took to social media on December 21 to share his reaction.
The Hallmark star was bursting with joy because his 2025 movie, “A Keller Christmas Vacation,” snagged the outlet’s top spot on their list. The movie starred Bennett, Brandon Routh, and Eden Sher as estranged siblings who went on a holiday river cruise with their parents.
Us Weekly suggested the trio was “flawlessly cast” and noted that it hit “all the right feels.”
In sharing it via Instagram, Bennett gushed, “I’ll say it louder for the people in the back – A gay led rom-com just became the #1 movie of the year on Hallmark, according to Us Weekly.”
Bennett continued, “What started as a love story about two guys at Christmas, and their siblings, turned into something so much bigger — proof that audiences show up when stories are honest, joyful, and full of heart.”
“Grateful, proud, and feeling very holi-gay knowing that love like ours gets to take center stage… and top the charts,” he added.
He also wrote, “Christmas is for everyone,” and told fans that if they hadn’t had a chance to see “A Keller Christmas Vacation” yet, they could catch it on Hallmark+.
Hallmark Fans & Colleagues Loved Bennett’s Movie & His Reaction
Bennett’s Hallmark colleagues and fans loved his post. Several, including Melissa Peterman, Sarah Drew, Robert Buckley, Tyler Hynes, B.J. Britt, and Tamera Mowry, left comments filled with strings of positive emojis to show their love and support.
The Hallmark star’s husband, Jaymes Vaughan, commented that he was a “PROUD HUSBAND.”
A fan raved that “A Keller Christmas Vacation” was “The best Christmas movie of the 2025 season!!”
Haley, the host of the “Crown Chats” web series, wrote, “One of the all-time best Hallmark movies ever made! You continue to be a groundbreaker, and to deliver the most beautiful stories for everyone.”
Someone else added, “Congrats!!! I absolutely loved it and I may or may not have cried!!! I actually have it saved to my DVR!!!”
An additional Hallmark fan who loved the movie noted that they hope there will be a “part two” in 2026.
The response when Bennett shared the same post on his Facebook page was similar.
One fan acknowledged that the component of the movie where the family patriarch was diagnosed with Parkinson’s “hit home” for them.
They explained, “My parents sat my two brothers and me down in a similar way to tell us about our Dad. We rallied as a family as well. Thank you for telling that part of the story so well.”
“I loved this movie. The family dynamics were so authentic and the Parkinson’s twist was gut wrenching. The writing was amazing and acting even better. I think you really shine in the more serious roles, Jonathan,” read another Facebook comment.
I’m so disappointed in Hallmark for doing same sex relationships, especially during Christmas. This goes against the Christian values of the Bible. Hallmark used to respect those values. I know many people that feel this way and Hallmark is losing viewers. Love the sinners, hate the sin. I pray for the souls of those struggling with same sex attraction🙏. We all have choices!
God is perfect. He created Gay ppl. In addition He created animals with same sex attractions. Butt out. Take your prejudice and judgement elsewhere.
You are right, we all have choices. And you could choose not to watch it.
I can’t believe they didn’t include my top favorite movie from this season–A Newport Christmas. SMH.