Hallmark is the undisputed king of feel-good, predictable romance. “Love of the Irish,” airing Saturday, January 4 at 8:00 PM, aims to add a dash of Emerald Isle charm to the network’s standard formula. Shenae Grimes-Beech stars as Fiona, a woman apparently plagued by bad luck. In a move that could be seen as either desperate or inspired, Fiona travels to Ireland with her mother (Moira Kelly) hoping to change her fortune.
The premise doesn’t exactly scream originality, but let’s be honest, nobody watches Hallmark for groundbreaking storytelling. The real draw is the picturesque scenery, the lighthearted romance, and the guaranteed happy ending. “Love of the Irish” ticks all those boxes, throwing in a charming single dad (Stephen Hagan) for good measure. Will Fiona find true love amidst the rolling green hills? Will her luck miraculously change? Will there be a heartwarming scene involving a local pub and some traditional Irish music?
The answers are almost certainly yes, yes, and probably yes. Hallmark rarely strays from its established template, and “Love of the Irish” seems firmly entrenched in familiar territory. Filming on location in Ireland adds an extra bit of escapist appeal, allowing viewers to vicariously experience the charm of the country while Fiona sorts out her romantic destiny. The movie’s message – create your own luck – is a reasonably positive one, even if the execution might be a tad saccharine.
Love of the Irish premieres on Hallmark on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 8:00 PM.
