INDIANAPOLIS — The NFL playoff picture is starting to take shape, but also taking shape is Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas. Easily the most anticipated movie this year is "Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story."
In the movie, Alana Higman (Hunter King) and her family are finalists to win the Kansas City Chiefs' "Fan of the Year" contest. Derrick (Tyler Hynes), the team's director of fan engagement, must evaluate how the Higmans stack up against the other two finalists — and as the two spend time together, it's clear there's a spark between them.
"It's really sweet and has a lot of fun cameos in it, and we can't wait for everyone to see it," said King ("The Young and the Restless," "Life in Pieces").
When "Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story" was first announced, there was speculation that it was going to be based on pop star Taylor Swift and tight end Travis Kelce's relationship, but we know now that isn't the case.
"I'm so excited for everyone to see the movie. We were so excited to make it. We put a lot of love and heart into it," King said. "Getting to film in Kansas City, I've never seen fans like this before. People that live in Kansas City, you feel their loves for the Chiefs anywhere you go."
However, just because it's not about one Kelce doesn't mean another can't have a cameo in the film. Donna Kelce, mother of Travis and Jason Kelce, plays a manager of a barbeque restaurant in "Holiday Countdown: A Chiefs Love Story."
"She was so incredible. She was so sweet, so humble, so down-to-Earth. She's America's mom," King said. "She was so much fun to have on set. I was so excited to meet her. We talked about our favorite candy, and I was like, 'This is my favorite conversation I've ever had.'"
Winners of three of the last five Super Bowls, the Chiefs have arguably knocked the Dallas Cowboys off their perch of America's favorite team.
"Since meeting some of the players – even a year prior to shooting this movie when I made a trailer with the Chiefs promoting their post-season – I fully get it," said Hynes ("Three Wise Men and a Baby," "Letterkenny"), who is a Canadian and didn't grow up with football. "It's wild how much this game and culture and the people pull you in once you get a peek behind the curtain. I've watched every game this season."
"Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story" premieres Saturday, Nov. 30 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel.