Hallmark+ is launching its newest direct-to-Hallmark+ series with the premiere of Paris Is Always a Good Idea. The series premieres on Thursday, July 30, with the first two episodes and goes through August 27. The series stars Lacey Chabert and Scott Michael Foster, and is a limited 6-episode series that is streaming exclusively on Hallmark+.
The Paris Is Always a Good Idea series is based on the much-loved Jenn McKinlay book of the same name. This is the story of career-driven nonprofit executive Chelsea Martin (Chabert), who travels to Paris to secure a major donor and is shocked when her confident rival-turned-ally, Jason Knightly (Foster), is sent to join her. While in Paris, an unexpected and heartfelt message from her late mother and a push from her father and her sister send her on an unexpected journey to reconnect with the three past loves she once left behind in Europe. From the rolling hills of Ireland to the magic of Paris, and the sun-kissed vineyards of Spain, Chelsea retraces old footsteps and discovers that sometimes moving forward means first looking back.
The book and the series take different paths, but the heart is still the same. The first two episodes show that Hallmark is going in a more mature direction. No, it’s not spicy, but the story is more mature. It’s not your typical light-hearted rom-com. And yes, I am here for this. We see Chelsea as this work-obsessed woman who has never actually dealt with the grief of losing her mother a decade ago. While in Paris for work, she must deal with her grief and the what-ifs of her past and learn to deal with her work rival.
Telling the story in a six-episode limited series was the best option for this story rather than the traditional two-hour movie. Rather than rushing through a whirlwind European journey, the show takes its time and is thoughtful with the adventure. While the show highlights classic tropes, like rivals to allies, dealing with grief, and a self-discovery journey, it is done in a more thoughtful way.
Lacey Chabert is simply splendid in this role. She plays Chelsea with vulnerability and grace and a dash of her signature sparkle. Scott Michael Foster plays Knightly. He is full of humor, antagonistic charm, and heart. Hallmark fans were already in love with him after his turn in the fan-favorite movie, Return To Office.
Also shining in the series is Rebecca Hanssen as her sister, Annabelle. She is one to watch throughout this series. Chelsea’s loving dad is played by Henry Czerny, and Barbara Niven plays his love interest, Sheri. In episode two, Chelsea heads to Ireland with her sister and reconnects with her former love, Colin. Colin is played by Stephen Hagan. Hallmark fans are rejoicing at seeing Lacey and Stephen reunite on screen. If you are asking why? Stephen played opposite Lacey in the fan-favorite Christmas movie, A Royal Christmas.
Our verdict is that this is a must-watch series. Fans who are looking for a great summer European adventure with a message will not be disappointed with this. Hallmark has knocked this out of the park with this series. Personally, I love some of the changes from the book that I already loved to the series. I am glad that the creative team kept the Cancer awareness sentiment front and center when Chelsea and Knightly are discussing work and when Chelsea is dealing with the grief of losing her mother. I’m excited to see where this story will take us.
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Say Oui To Romance in Paris Is Always a Good Idea on Hallmark+ Review
