Hallmark Media Announces That Matthew Lawrence and TLC’S Chilli Will Host an All-New, Original Series "Second Chance Love"

On January 1, 2026, Hallmark+ subscribers will have a new unscripted series to watch titled "Second Chance Love" where five couples will attempt to rekindle their past relationships, Hallmark style.

The series is shot on location in Sardinia, Italy and will be hosted by real life couple Matthew Lawrence and TLC's Chilli.

Never Heard of Matthew Lawrence or Chilli?

Hallmark's big reveal of the show's hosts is supposed to impress viewers, but if you're scratching your head because you've never heard of them, you're not alone!

Lawrence is an actor, singer, and podcaster best known for roles in Mrs. Doubtfire, Boy Meets World, and Brotherly Love with brothers Joey and Andrew.

TLC's Chilli, whose real name is Rozonda Thomas, is known for her part in the girl group TLC, which peaked in the late '90s after earning four grammy awards.

Yeah. Still never heard of them.

"Second Chance Love" Is Promoted as an "Unscripted" Series--What Does That Mean?

Unscripted is defined as "reality TV that no one wants to watch."

Just kidding. That's my definition.

Hallmark is scrambling to attract younger viewers, and they are banking on millennials and Gen Z'ers tuning in for reality TV rather than romcoms and cozy mysteries. Several digital initiatives are also aimed at younger viewers, such as the Hallmark+ streaming service.

In the meantime, Hallmark's longtime, faithful audience and biggest demographic isn't interested in reality TV. At all. Labeling it "unscripted' sounds more appealing and is a marketing ploy to mask that it's as staged as the WWE or January 6.

According to some sources, Hallmark's prime viewership encompasses women in their late 40s to early 50s. However, National Media Spots, Inc. lists the median age as 67 with 91% of viewers falling in the 45-65+ age range. Despite the overwhelming majority of its viewers refusing to watch reality TV, Hallmark continues to roll out this genre of programming.

What do viewers REALLY want? I'll tell you at the end!

What Is Second Chance Love on Hallmark+ About?

Hallmark Media teases the reality series this way: "If you had a second chance at love, would you take it?"

Second Chance Love gives five couples, ranging from their 30’s to 70’s and who dated 5 to 40 years ago, a second chance to reconnect with the one who got away against the backdrop of a romantic Italian resort. 

Hosts Lawrence and Chilli will guide five couples through an "unforgettable journey." Hallmark claims the pair will bring a deeply personal, authentic perspective to the series.  (Whatever, still not watching).

Hallmark Media explains that "five pairs of first loves reunite for a two-week journey filled with nostalgia, emotional reflection, and intimate dates. Led by the hosts, they revisit their pasts, confront unfinished business, and rediscover what once brought them together. As they build new memories and lean on each other for support, one big question remains: will they rekindle the spark they once had or discover that love belongs in the past? Told only in the way Hallmark can, with heartfelt emotion, authentic connection, and just a touch of magic, this new, original series is a celebration of second chances and the enduring power of love."

No matter how Hallmark dresses it up, reality TV is not what Hallmark fans want. 

Chilli Gushes Over Second Chance Love

“Working with Hallmark is a dream come true because the brand represents good quality content. I’ve always been very specific about brand alignment because representation matters in every aspect of partnership.” said Chilli, host of Second Chance Love. “I love what Hallmark stands for, and this project is special to Matthew and me for several reasons. As executive producers and hosts, we can’t wait to share the inspiration behind the pursuit of true love.”  

Pictured: Chilli

A Word from a Hallmark Media Exec on Second Chance Love

 

“Studies show that nearly 80% of reunited first loves stay together for years, often for life.” said David Stefanou, head of Unscripted Programming, Hallmark Media.  “There’s something undeniably powerful about a love that endures, even across time and distance. It’s a theme that has defined so many of Hallmark’s most cherished stories, and with Second Chance Love, we’re bringing that magic into the real world. We’re giving couples the chance to rediscover a connection that may have never truly faded.” 

Pictured: David Stefanou, head of Hallmark Media's Unscripted Programming

Second Chance Love is created by Jonathan and Meredith Sinclair. The show is executive produced by Rob Lobl, Jonathan Sinclair, Meredith Sinclair, and Jonathan Singer. The series comes from Critical Content. 

Hallmark Should Read the Room--Here's What Viewers Really Want

I admin a Hallmark fan page on Facebook of 143K+ viewers, and there is a common cry I hear daily--"WE WANT MORE MOVIES!"

When I share posts about upcoming episodes of reality shows like Finding Mr. Christmas, Baked with Love: Holiday, Celebrations with Lacey Chabert, The Motherhood, etc., the comment section quickly fills with fans expressing their complete disdain for reality TV.

Scan the comment section of Hallmark's official Facebook page of 2.9 million followers when they post about reality shows, and you'll see the enthusiasm and support is markedly absent!

If anyone is tuning in for these "unscripted" series, they are too embarrassed to admit it.

Throughout the Countdown to Christmas, fans have bombarded my Facebook page asking for more "oldies." The general consensus among fans is that although some newer Hallmark movies are great, the ones from the Hallmark Hall of Fame collection and movies produced prior to 2020 are classics.

Why do viewers like older movies better than newer ones?

Prior to 2020, Hallmark movies had heart. Faith (not "the universe") was the center of many of them, and no "woke" politics infected the storytelling. Casting choices were based on chemistry and talent, not checking DEI boxes. The content was family-friendly and did not include perverse storylines about LGBTQ characters.

If Hallmark is concerned with attracting younger viewers to ensure the brand lives on, there's a simple formula that works: share stories with heart, stories that emotionally involve viewers, and plots that reflect American values surrounding faith, family, and country. No matter what the demographic, all ages will tune in for poignant stories with happy endings.

Hallmark fans also want more than 2-5 movies per day on each channel instead of an endless stream of old sitcoms. If we could have one channel that played movies 24/7, we would be ecstatic.

Although Second Chance Love is exclusive to Hallmark+, the network holds a track record of sharing the content on Hallmark Channel at a future point.

If reality TV isn't your thing, let Hallmark know here.