From Scalpel to Stars: Former ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Star’s Sci-Fi Series Makes a Surprising Move to Hallmark

Grey’s Anatomy alum Sarah Drew has a hit sci-fi show on the move, shifting from streaming to broadcast. Drew played April Kepner in the seminal medical soap, joining in its sixth season and remaining part of the main cast through season 14. During her time on the ABC hit, she shared screentime with originals like Sandra Oh’s Cristina Yang.

Drew came back to Grey’s Anatomy for a few episodes, credited as a special guest star, in seasons 17 and 18. However, she’s remained busy on the small screen since her headline-grabbing departure as April, recently fronting a fan-favorite genre show that’s now making a notable move.

TVLine reports that Mistletoe Murders season 2 will premiere on the Hallmark Channel this holiday season. Although an exact premiere date has not been announced so far, the sci-fi drama was a Hallmark+ Original for its first installment, which debuted in October 2024.

What To Know About Mistletoe Murders

There’s A Touch Of Sci-Fi

Described as a holiday whodunnit, the series stars Drew in the lead role of Emily Lane. A small-town shop owner with a secret past, Emily is joined by local detective Sam Wilner (Rookie Blue‘s Peter Mooney and teenage daughter Violet (played by Sierra Marilyn Riley), who works at Emily’s store.

As the owner of a year-round Christmas-themed store, named Under the Mistletoe, Emily resides in the tourist town of Fletcher’s Grove and finds herself investigating murders with Wilner (Mooney). However, as they begin to work together, Wilner begins to wonder if there’s more to Emily than he realizes.

With a cast that also includes Jean Yoon, Lara Amersey, and Kylee Evans, the sci-fi drama is executive produced by Ken Cuperus, Michelle Melanson, and Jocelyn Hamilton, with Melanie Orr and James Genn directing. The Hallmark show hails from Lionsgate Canada and Headspinner Productions.

Our Take On Sarah Drew’s Sci-Fi Show

It’s A Fun Change Of Pace

Drew was a core part of Grey’s Anatomy, bridging the gap between the soap’s early and later years, especially with how beloved the Jackson and April relationship grew to be among fans. She could always reprise her long-running role in some fashion, especially with how Grey’s is always open to familiar faces stopping by.

Perhaps the most famous medical drama of all time, Grey’s Anatomy has already enjoyed a 20-plus-year run on the air, and it continues into season 22.

But for the moment, it’s fun to see Drew as the main star of a drama. With a bit of intrigue and a bit of genre, Mistletoe Murders should scratch the itch for a wide array of viewers. It’s the holiday spirit combined with crime and a secret.