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The Ultimate Cast Guide To Hallmark's 'Holiday Mismatch': A Sabrina Reunion You Didn't See Coming

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The latest Hallmark Channel movie, *Holiday Mismatch*, which premiered on November 3, 2024, has instantly become a fan favorite, primarily due to a nostalgic reunion that delighted viewers. This romantic drama brought together two beloved stars from the classic sitcom *Sabrina the Teenage Witch*, making it a must-watch entry in the annual "Countdown to Christmas" event. The film's success hinges on the hilarious chemistry between its leads, who play two feuding mothers trying to sabotage their children's accidental dating app connection. The movie’s fresh appeal comes from its unique premise: two competitive, strong-willed women—Kath and Barbara—who clash while volunteering at a local Christmas committee, only to discover they have inadvertently matched their adult children on a dating app. This unexpected twist sets the stage for a delightful holiday romp, blending rivalry, romance, and plenty of festive spirit. Below, we dive deep into the full cast, their roles, and where you might have seen these talented actors before.

Meet the Stars: Full Cast List and Biographical Profiles

The central draw of *Holiday Mismatch* is undoubtedly the reunion of former *Sabrina the Teenage Witch* stars Caroline Rhea and Beth Broderick. Their on-screen rivalry as feuding mothers brings a humorous, competitive edge to the holiday cheer. Beyond them, the film introduces a charming pairing of younger leads, a key element for any successful Hallmark romance.

Caroline Rhea as Kath Stone

Biography and Career Highlights:

  • Role in *Holiday Mismatch*: Kath Stone, a competitive mother who accidentally matches her daughter with her rival's son.
  • Born: April 13, 1964 (Current Age: 61 in 2025)
  • Place of Birth: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
  • Known For: Rhea is a highly successful Canadian stand-up comedian and actress. Her career took off after appearing on *Star Search* and *Comic Strip Live*. She is internationally best known for her iconic role as the eccentric Aunt Hilda Spellman in the original *Sabrina the Teenage Witch* series (1996–2003).
  • Recent Projects: Beyond her stand-up tours, she has provided voice work for *Phineas and Ferb* and starred in various other television movies and series, consistently showcasing her sharp comedic timing.

Beth Broderick as Barbara

Biography and Career Highlights:

  • Role in *Holiday Mismatch*: Barbara, Kath's equally competitive rival and the mother of Shane.
  • Born: February 24, 1959 (Current Age: 66 in 2025)
  • Place of Birth: Falmouth, Kentucky, USA
  • Known For: Broderick is an American actress, writer, and director. She is most famously recognized for playing the intellectual and often exasperated Aunt Zelda Spellman alongside Rhea in *Sabrina the Teenage Witch*.
  • Recent Projects: Since her time as a Spellman, she has had recurring roles in major series like *Lost* and *Under the Dome*, and continues to be a staple in made-for-TV movies, often demonstrating a strong dramatic range.

Jon McLaren as Shane Harrison

Biography and Career Highlights:

  • Role in *Holiday Mismatch*: Shane Harrison, Barbara's son, who is matched with Lauren through a dating app.
  • Born: October 26, 1984 (Current Age: 41 in 2025)
  • Place of Birth: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
  • Known For: McLaren is a versatile Canadian actor and producer. His filmography includes roles in thrillers like *House at the End of the Street* and action films such as *Race* and *The Covenant*. He is also an accomplished voice actor, notably for his work in *Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy* (2021), showcasing his broad appeal across genres.

Maxine Denis as Lauren Stone

Biography and Career Highlights:

  • Role in *Holiday Mismatch*: Lauren Stone, Kath's daughter, the other half of the accidental dating app match.
  • Born/Raised: Dubai, UAE
  • Nationality: Lebanese/Canadian
  • Known For: Denis is a rising star in the industry, working as an actress, writer, and director. She is a Lebanese/Canadian creative artist who currently resides in Montreal. Her notable works include *A Sad Love Song*, *These Games We Play*, and *The Unfold*, where she demonstrates her multi-faceted talent. *Holiday Mismatch* marks a significant role in her growing filmography, establishing her as a charming leading lady.

The Rest of the Talented Ensemble Cast

While the four main actors drive the central romantic comedy, the supporting cast provides the necessary depth and comedic relief that makes a Hallmark movie truly memorable. Their performances ground the story in a believable, festive community.

Key Supporting Roles

The film's topical authority is strengthened by a strong ensemble who fill out the world of the Christmas committee and the family dynamics:

  • Bruce Dinsmore as Mark Harrison: Dinsmore, a veteran actor and voice artist, plays Mark Harrison, Shane’s father. He is known for his extensive voice work in animated series and video games, bringing a familiar, grounding presence to the role.
  • Amanda Ip as Danielle: Ip plays Danielle, a supporting friend or colleague who adds to the comedic situations.
  • Rebecca Croll as Yolanda Sharp: Croll’s role as Yolanda Sharp is another entity that helps build out the community setting where Kath and Barbara's rivalry takes center stage.

Why 'Holiday Mismatch' is More Than Just a Christmas Movie

Beyond the snow-dusted streets and festive decorations, *Holiday Mismatch* has resonated with audiences for several key reasons, elevating it above the typical holiday fare. The movie successfully leverages nostalgia while delivering a fresh, modern plotline.

The *Sabrina* Reunion: A Nostalgic Easter Egg

The most talked-about element of the film is the highly anticipated reunion of Caroline Rhea and Beth Broderick. The two actresses, who played the iconic Spellman aunts for seven seasons, have openly discussed how much they enjoyed working together again. Fans were thrilled to learn that the movie even includes a special "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" Easter egg, a subtle nod to their magical past that only dedicated fans would catch. This intentional inclusion of nostalgia acts as a powerful marketing tool, drawing in viewers who might not typically watch Hallmark films.

The Modern "Dating App" Twist

The plot is grounded in a very modern dilemma: the complexities of dating in the digital age. The idea of two mothers accidentally setting up their adult children via a dating app—and then trying to *un-match* them—is a fresh take on the classic mistaken identity trope. This "accidental setup" provides a humorous and relatable foundation for the romantic drama, appealing to a younger demographic while still retaining the heartwarming elements Hallmark is known for.

The Creative Team Behind the Success

The film's success is also a testament to the creative team. *Holiday Mismatch* was directed by Caroline Labrèche and written by Sarah Wise. Labrèche, known for her strong direction in the romantic drama genre, skillfully balanced the comedic rivalry between the mothers with the burgeoning romance between the children, Shane and Lauren. Wise’s script is praised for its snappy dialogue and ability to weave together the two generations' storylines seamlessly. In conclusion, *Holiday Mismatch* is a standout addition to the Hallmark Christmas lineup. It’s a beautifully executed romantic comedy that successfully pairs beloved veteran talent with fresh faces, all while delivering a story that is both current and delightfully festive. The chemistry of the entire cast, from the feuding moms to the accidentally matched couple, makes it a must-watch for anyone looking for a dose of holiday cheer and a touch of magical nostalgia.
The Ultimate Cast Guide to Hallmark's 'Holiday Mismatch': A Sabrina Reunion You Didn't See Coming
cast of holiday mismatch
cast of holiday mismatch

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