Christmas in the Spotlight: All About the Lifetime Holiday Rom-Com Inspired by Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce

Mar. 15, 2025

‘Christmas in the Spotlight.'.Photo:Lifetime/A&E

Lifetime/A&E

For those who thoughtTaylor SwiftandTravis Kelce’s romance was meant for the big screen,Christmas in the Spotlightmight just be bringing that fantasy to life.

The upcoming Lifetime rom-com is part of the network’s “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” lineup, which kicks off Nov. 16.Christmas in the Spotlightfollows the love story of a mega popstar and a football player, both trying to navigate their feelings for each other amid intense public scrutiny — a story line that may sound familiar toSwifties and Kansas City Chiefs fans.

Currently, the trailer forChristmas in the Spotlightremains under wraps, butJessica LordandLaith Wallschlegerhave been announced as the leads.

From the release date to where to watch, here’s everything we know so far aboutChristmas in the Spotlight.

What isChristmas in the Spotlightabout?

‘Christmas in the Spotlight.'.Lifetime/A&E

Sparks fly when Drew, a professional football player, crosses paths with Bowyn, a successful artist, who hasn’t yet found her “Mr. Right” — despite always singing about love and relationships.

The two meet backstage at one of her performances, where they instantly connect. But it’s only after Drew makes a public declaration of his feelings that their relationship truly begins to take off.

According to theofficial press release, “the pair has until the end of the holiday season to decide if they want to stay together, or let it go down in flames.”

Who is in the cast ofChristmas in the Spotlight?

Wallschleger is no stranger to playing athletes, as he stepped into the shoes of retired NFL playerRob Gronkowskifor FX’sAmerican Sports Story.

Meanwhile, Lord is excited to take on the new role. “PINCH ME!!” she wroteon Instagramin October 2024 in a post announcing the film’s premiere.

Additionally, Emmy Award-winning host and producerJeannie Maiwill play the role of Bowyn’s manager and TikTok influencerHaley Kalilwill make her television debut as Drew’s sister-in-law, Nicole.

When willChristmas in the Spotlightbe released?

Christmas in the Spotlightwill premiere on Lifetime on Nov. 23, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

Where can I watchChristmas in the Spotlight?

Who is directingChristmas in the Spotlight?

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift at an NFL game on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.Ezra Shaw/Getty

Ezra Shaw/Getty

While the synopsis forChristmas in the Spotlightdoesn’t explicitly mention their names, there are significant parallels between the film’s story line andSwift and Kelce’s relationship.

Before Swift and Kelce went public with their romance, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end attended the singer’s Eras Tour concert at his home stadium. After the show, during an episode of hisNew Heightspodcast with his brotherJason Kelce, he revealed that he had wanted togive Swift a friendship braceletwith his phone number but couldn’t do it.

Now, over a year since Swift and Kelce started dating, the cast ofChristmas in the Spotlightare giving them subtle shout-outs on social media leading up to the movie’s premiere.

When Lord (whose role mirrors Swift’s) expressed her excitement about her roleon Instagramin September 2024, she tagged the singer and athlete in the post.

“Hands down one of the most fun roles I’ve had the honor to bring to life," the actress wrote. “This was a total dream and I cannot wait for you to meet Bowyn!”

source: people.com