‘Tis the season for sappy Hallmark holiday specials. On Sunday, Dec. 14, “Oy to the World!” premieres at 8 p.m, offering a tried-and-true formula: It’s a Christmas-Hanukkah misunderstandings mash-up, with plenty of plaid flannel, gleaming white teeth and a leading man (Jake Epstein) who looks suspiciously like Adam Brody in “Nobody Wants This.”
Here’s the short version: When Temple Beth Am’s water lines break, members need a place to celebrate Hanukkah. St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church, conveniently across the street, offers a shared space. And, since the last night of Hanukkah coincides with Christmas Eve, St. Joseph’s youth choir director (Brooke D’Orsay) and the Brody-esque substitute youth choir director from Temple Beth Am (Epstein) need to put on an inter-religious music benefit.
Spoiler alert: Sparks are stronger than the static on Epstein’s ugly holiday sweater.
Adding to the drama: The pair are high school rivals (read: secret crushes), and romantic tension ensues as they attempt to pull off a magical night complete with awkward “Hanukkah bush” jokes and tinsel. A preview clip shows them browsing menorahs on racks that look suspiciously like HomeGoods while making stiff chatter.
D’Orsay is a Hallmark Channel stalwart, starring in holiday specials like “A Not So Royal Christmas” and “A Godwink Christmas: Second Chance, First Love.” Epstein has starred on Broadway as Gerry Goffin in “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” which at least bodes well for the musical element of this extravaganza.
Will this seasonal special bring joy or…oy? Stay tuned on Sunday to find out!
“Oy to the World!” premieres Sunday, Dec. 14, at 8 p.m., with streaming available the next day on Hallmark+. Additional broadcasts will air on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 10 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 20, at 11 p.m., Friday, Dec. 26, at 8 p.m., and Friday, Jan. 2, at 8 a.m.
