The leaves have barely fallen, pumpkin spice is still holding strong, and yet the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) is ushering in Christmas cheer with the return of its annual OWN For the Holidays lineup.

Now in its seventh year, the event brings audiences three new original films that celebrate love, family, and togetherness from a distinctly Black perspective. Beginning November 29, OWN will premiere a new title each Saturday at 9 p.m. ET/PT: Fake Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, The Christmas Showdown, and Very Merry Mystery.

“From the beginning, OWN has led the way in creating holiday movies that reflect the lives, families, and traditions of Black audiences,” said Tina Perry, President of OWN. “This year’s premieres continue our commitment to stories that celebrate love, laughter, and the joy of togetherness.”

The 2025 slate features a powerhouse mix of beloved performers and rising stars, including Loretta Devine, Tristan Mack Wilds, Kiki Layne, Amber Stevens West, Corbin Reid, Obba Babatundé, Etienne Maurice, Ashleigh Murray, and Carla Renata.

The Lineup

“Fake Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”

Premieres Saturday, November 29 at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Starring: Kiki Layne and Etienne Maurice

Kiki Layne stars as Maya, a reserved college professor whose small fib snowballs into a full-blown holiday predicament. After claiming she is in a relationship with an unconscious stranger, Maya finds herself swept into his family’s Christmas plans. The situation grows even more complicated when she realizes her ex, Daniel (Maurice), is the family’s trusted doctor.

The film reimagines the “fake relationship” trope with humor and tenderness, while giving Layne space to showcase a lighthearted side rarely seen since The Old Guard. Beneath the comedy lies a story about vulnerability, second chances, and the courage it takes to open your heart again.

“The Christmas Showdown”

Premieres Saturday, December 6 at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Starring: Amber Stevens West, Corbin Reid, Loretta Devine, Obba Babatundé, and Carla Renata

Former best friends April (Reid) and Chastity (Stevens West) have not spoken in years. Their once-inseparable bond broke when April abandoned their shared dream of moving to New York, choosing Paris to pursue her career as an event producer. When both women return home jobless and searching for a fresh start, they find themselves competing for the same opportunity — a coveted event design position for the Sugar Heights Christmas Eve Spectacular.

Under the watchful eye of veteran producer Hen (Devine), the two must decide whether to collaborate or continue their feud. What begins as rivalry turns into an exploration of ambition, accountability, and forgiveness. Devine’s warmth and timing lend humor to a story grounded in female friendship and the messy beauty of starting over.

“Very Merry Mystery”

Premieres Saturday, December 13 at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Starring: Ashleigh Murray and Tristan Mack Wilds

Ashleigh Murray brings charm and wit to Bea, a beloved beauty-shop owner in Goldfern, Georgia. Known for her artistry and unmatched Christmas spirit, Bea is the glue of her small town. During a holiday Murder Mystery party at a local mansion, the host suddenly vanishes, leaving behind a ransom note and a trail of questions.

Bea teams up with her boyfriend Troy (Wilds), a newly promoted detective, to solve the case before Christmas morning. The film fuses romance, humor, and suspense, proving that cozy storytelling and a good mystery can coexist. Murray and Wilds’ chemistry turns this seasonal whodunit into one of the lineup’s most intriguing offerings.

Behind the Movies

OWN For the Holidays continues a cultural legacy of storytelling that affirms Black joy in its many forms.

Representation remains at the heart of OWN’s approach. Each film places Black characters at the center of narratives that are joyful, aspirational, and deeply human. These stories celebrate our humor, ambition, and love without relying on stereotypes or erasure. The laughter feels familiar, the family dynamics ring true, and the soundtracks echo the rhythms of our homes.

The series also highlights the power of continuity. For seven years, OWN has built an audience that treats these premieres as a seasonal ritual — a gathering place for warmth, comfort, and connection. Viewers tune in not just for romance or holiday décor, but for the reminder that tenderness and togetherness belong to us too.

Behind the Camera

All three films are produced by FOX Entertainment Studios for OWN. The collaboration continues OWN’s strategy of expanding its scripted universe while keeping storytelling grounded in authenticity and emotional truth.

Since launching in 2011 as a joint venture between Harpo Inc. and Warner Bros. Discovery, OWN has evolved into a leading destination for character-driven content that reflects real life with grace and honesty. From acclaimed series like Queen Sugar to event specials and docuseries, the network has consistently elevated stories that celebrate the Black experience through love, resilience, and hope.

How to Watch

The films will air on three consecutive Saturdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT:

• November 29: Fake Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
• December 6: The Christmas Showdown
• December 13: Very Merry Mystery

Each title offers a perfect opportunity for community viewing. Host a cozy night in with cocoa and conversation, or turn each premiere into a themed gathering — pajama brunches, hot-cocoa bars, or watch-party trivia are all encouraged. However you choose to celebrate, these stories are best enjoyed in good company.

Assets courtesy of OWN Network