Hallmark Announces ‘Family History Mysteries’ Starring ‘PLL’ Alum Janel Parrish

Hallmark Photo: Janel Parrish Credit: ©2021 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Luba Popovic

Hallmark Media has announced that Pretty Little Liars alum, Janel Parrish is starring in a new mystery series. What is the Family History Mysteries: Buried Past about, and when can Sleuthers expect to see the premiere?

Hallmark Announces Janel Parrish Starring In New Mystery

On Wednesday, Sleuthers got some pretty exciting news. Deadline reported that Janel Parrish (Right In Front Of Me, Holly & Ivy) is starring in a new Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Signature Mystery series called Family History Mysteries. The first movie is called Buried Past.

In addition to Parrish, Niall Matter (Aurora Teagarden, Never Kiss A Man In A Christmas Sweater), and Morgan David Jones (Murdoch Mysteries, When Hope Calls) star in this new series.

What Is Hallmark’s Family History Mysteries: Buried Past About?

In this new Hallmark Signature Mystery, Sophie McClure (Parrish) is a genealogist with a special goal. Her expertise is to locate family members and reunite loved ones.

Therefore, when Jonathan (Jones) has a medical emergency and needs a bone marrow donor, Sophie has to work fast. She enlists her ex-boyfriend Jackson (Matter), who is Jonathan’s twin brother, to help her gather the information she needs to find their long-lost birth father.

Although Jackson and Jonathan never knew about their father, the end result makes her want to “explore the mystery of her own adoption.”

Photo: Niall Matter Credit: ©2022 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Pooya Nabei
Photo: Niall Matter Credit: ©2022 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Pooya Nabei

Other Details About Family History Mysteries

Amber Benson (Ann Rule’s A Murder To Remember, Morning Show Mysteries) wrote the script, with Jonathan Wright (The Royal Nanny, Jolly Good Christmas) directing.

In addition, Hallmark fan favorite, Nikki DeLoach, is one of the Executive Producers. She also stars in her own mystery series with Andrew W. Walker, called The Curious Caterer Mysteries. Moreover, the second movie of that series will premiere in 2023.

When Will Hallmark Premiere Family History Mysteries: Buried Past?

Sleuthers won’t have to wait very long for this new Hallmark mystery. Family History Mysteries: Buried Past will premiere in January 2023. The exact date is forthcoming.

Janel Parrish, Niall Matter Thrilled About New Series

On Twitter, the Coyote Creek Christmas star shared the article, as well as shared her enthusiasm for working with Niall Matter.  “With the world’s best co pilot 🥰 @niallmatter this is a fun one!”

Niall Matter went to Twitter to reply to Janel Parrish’s post on this new Hallmark Mystery.

So proud to be a part of this one with you @JanelParrish and I couldn’t have asked for a better brother @jonesing4morgan @hallmarkmovie #FamilyHistoryMysteries.

Hallmark Mysteries Are Back For 2023

Sleuthers who were disappointed that Hallmark only made five mysteries in all of 2022 should feel more optimistic about 2023. Family History Mysteries is the second movie announced for 2023. That sounds like Hallmark is not abandoning mysteries, but reinventing its brand.

Finally, are you excited about this new mystery series? Let us know in the comments below.

Georgia Makitalo

16 Comments

  1. I am so excited for this as are my two daughters. I have been a family history researcher for 62 years (I’m still young at heart). One daughter is director of the Knoxville Family History Center. My parents were also genealogists-thus my love for it. I hope this won’t be a short lived series. I have lots of stories that would make good movies. Good Luck!

  2. Is each episode a complete story or does it continue week to week. I hope each week has a complete story.

  3. I am really looking forward to this series since I like the actors but I also enjoy genealogy quite a bit. This is right up my alley. Thanks, Hallmark.

    1. Exactly! Like the other ones like Murder She Baked, Aurora Teagarden, Murder
      101, and others. I don’t think there was ever an explanation as to why they stopped them.

  4. Just watched the 1st Family History Mysteries. It was a very good movie. Hope the next in the series comes soon.

  5. It is extremely difficult to know how to find specific series. Regarding Family History Mysteries, is there only ONE movie, or do all of them have the same title?

  6. I was so excited for the new Movies and Mysteries Series and was not disappointed. I very much hope this one continues. Several of the much liked series have been cancelled. Really don’t like that. Invest time in a series then it’s gone. Please continue Mystery 101. It didn’t even end right.
    Thanks

  7. Loved this one….but hoping you will continue the other mysteries. So disappointed that there haven’t been any more of most of the other mysteries that we all look forward to. I’ve had to look to other channels to try to find some. Very disappointed.

  8. Can’t wait for family history mysteries next movie. Totally enjoyed it. Hallmark keep making these mystery movies. I would like to know when new episodes are airing

  9. Hallmark has been known for good, family films. Any social agenda is unnecessary. While the genealogical film was good, the murders in the Murder & Mystery had their place. Genealogy doesn’t pack the same punch. New leading ladies are nice additions. Looking forward to a continuation of the quality for which Hallmark films were famous.

  10. We just watched your new movie .. Family History Mysteries. Would love to see more of these mystery movies. Although this is not a murder mystery, it kept our attention and love the different people. We do miss the other mystery series, but truly enjoy something new. Thank you Hallmark, We love your movies!!! My husband too!!!

  11. I watched the first movie and really enjoyed it. I don’t watch that many movies but I’m looking forward to the next one.

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