Everyone is talking about the incredible mystery series Mistletoe Murders. This Christmystery stars Sarah Drew, Peter Mooney, and Sierra Marilyn Riley.
Now that the Hallmark Channel has kicked off Countdown To Christmas 2025, and premiered the first two episodes of Mistletoe Murders Season 1, fans of the Audible series may wonder why the storyline of “Poison In A Pear Tree” was slightly altered from the hit Audible Original. While this story matches up closely to the premiere episodes of the Audible series, “The Cookie Crumbles,” the killer is different. This is the reason why.
‘Mistletoe Murders’ On Hallmark Channel Is Same DNA As Audible Original
The DNA of the Hallmark series Mistletoe Murders and Audible Original is the same. Ken Cuperus, the creator of the hit Audible series is also the Hallmark showrunner. This a big reason why the series is so fantastic. Unlike some book adaptations, these stories come to life with the same mystery-in-a-mystery feeling.
That also means that this creator can have some fun with this television adaptation. This includes creating new stories. Although the first mystery is similar to the OG, the future mysteries will be different. There are two reasons why. Speaking to the Hallmark Mysteries & More podcast, Cuperus explained why there was a change.
First of all, they filmed Mistletoe Murders Season 1 in the summer. Although they were filming in Canada, it was sweltering hot with record high temperatures. It was hard enough keeping the cast and crew comfortable, let alone include a frozen pond for the “Hearts Of Ice” episode for TV. Along with nixing a Santa Claus parade on the Audible Original, Cuperus explained that the budget required some creative thinking to keep production costs in check.
Next, Ken Cuperus also wanted to give fans of the Audible Original something new. He started out, “I wanted to come out of the gate with a familiar story, but I did change some aspects of it.”
He continued with sharing how he had watched and enjoyed the first season of the HBO hit series Game Of Thrones, but as he had read the George RR Martin novels, he felt that the story was the same on screen. He wanted new stories.
Therefore, he created a cornucopia of new stories for the Hallmark series to give fans of the Audible Original something new and fresh.
How To Watch ‘Mistletoe Murders’ On Hallmark
Mistletoe Murders Season 1 is currently airing on Friday nights on the Hallmark Channel. In addition, the entire Season 1 is available to stream on Hallmark+.
Mistletoe Murders Season 2 premieres with the first two episodes on Friday, November 7, at 8 p.m. Eastern, on the Hallmark Channel. The first Season 2 two-part episode is called “The Cold War.” Those episodes will be available to stream on Hallmark+ the next day. There is a total of six episodes in the second season.
As for the Audible Original, Season 4, starring Cobie Smulders and Raymond Ablack, this new season will be available starting on Thursday, November 6.
Have you listened to the Mistletoe Murders Audible Original or watched the Hallmark series or both?
4 responses to “Why Hallmark’s ‘Mistletoe Murders’ Stories Different From Audible Original”
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