AS part of the network’s Spring Into Love lineup, which features made-for-TV movies released in March, April, and May, Branching Out serves as a feel-good film for the whole family.
Hallmark Channel’s Branching Out is the network’s latest movie offering, taking viewers on a journey that shows it’s never too late to put down your roots and grow.
Where was Hallmark Channel’s Branching Out filmed?
Hallmark Channel films are known for their light-hearted, family-friendly, and heartwarming storylines.
They’re also known for their picturesque settings, with many films set in small, cozy towns.
While most Hallmark films – especially those thematically set around the winter holidays – are shot in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, some movies choose to shoot on location.
Another movie in Hallmark’s 2024 Spring Into Love lineup, Falling In Love In Niagara, for example, was filmed at the stunning Niagara Falls.
Branching Out, Hallmark’s newest made-for-TV escapade, was also filmed in a new setting: Utah.
On February 14, 2024, the Utah Film Commission announced that it had approved several new productions to start filming in the state, including Branching Out.
Branching Out “was approved under the state’s Motion Picture Incentive Program and is expected to spend about $2.3 million in Utah, earning it $200,000 in tax credits, according to the film commission,” as reported by the Utah News Dispatch.
Branching Out follows a single mother, Amelia Weber, who, ten years prior, had a daughter with the help of IVF treatments – and an anonymous sperm donor.
When Amelia’s daughter, Ruby, is assigned a school project instructing her to explore her family’s heritage and to make a quintessential family tree, she is devastated that her “tree” and her knowledge of her family are much smaller than her classmates’.
With the help of a DNA test, Amelia can find Ruby’s father, TJ Cruz, a professional guitarist who just so happens to live near the two of them.
To Amelia’s surprise, TJ wants nothing more than to meet Ruby, and he introduces her to his extended family.
Ruby is ecstatic that her family tree is “sprouting more leaves,” and Amelia’s protective instincts and independent nature are challenged as she begins to fall for TJ.
Viewers will have to tune in to see how the movie ends, but knowing Hallmark, a happy ending is sure to be in store for the entire family.
Who is in the cast?
Branching Out features three main characters alongside a few other key cast members.
The movie stars Cora Bella as Ruby Weber, a girl who receives a school assignment to create a family tree.
Sarah Drew stars as Amelia Weber, Ruby’s mom, who conceived her on her own – with the help of IVF.
Juan Pablo Di Pace stars as TJ Cruz, a professional guitarist and, at one point in time, an anonymous sperm donor who turns out to be Ruby’s biological father.
Branching Out marks Bella’s feature-film debut, as she previously starred in the 2022 short film Test Drive.
Drew is best known for playing Dr. April Kepner on ABC’s hit medical drama series, Grey’s Anatomy, a role she maintained for nine seasons.
She also voiced Stacy Rowe in the cult classic animated series Daria and appeared in episodes of Everwood, Mad Men, Private Practice, and Cruel Summer, among others.
Branching Out isn’t Drew’s first rodeo – or Hallmark movie.
She’s also appeared in the movies Twinkle All The Way (2019), Christmas In Vienna (2020), Reindeer Games Homecoming (2022), and Guiding Emily (2023).
Di Pace is an actor, musician, and director, best known for his role as Nicolás Treviño, aka Joaquin, in the 2015 TV series Dallas.
He’s also known for playing Fernando in the Full House reboot series Fuller House and for starring as Jesus in the historical religious drama A.D. The Bible Continues.
Di Pace previously appeared in the 2008 hit musical film Mamma Mia! and has acted in several TV movies before his breakout role in Branching Out, including Dashing In December (2020) and Raise A Glass To Love (2021).
Branching Out’s additional cast members include:
- Juan Diaz Garay as John Fischer
- Cameron Foremaster as Ranch Hand
- Candace Kirkpatrick as Sofia
- Mia Marina as Bianca
Foremaster is best known for his roles in the 2018 thriller film Looking Glass and for playing a military contractor in the HBO series Westworld.
Kirkpatrick is known for her role in the 2021-2023 TV series Vindication and for her roles in the made-for-TV films An Angelic Christmas (2022), It’s Christmas Again (2022), and Surprised by Oxford (2023).
Marina previously acted alongside Cora Bella in the 2022 short film Test Drive.
Branching Out was directed by Maclain Nelson, who is no stranger to the Hallmark Channel.
He’s previously served as the executive producer of several made-for-TV movies for the network, including The Christmas Bow (2020), Holiday for Heroes (2019), and In The Key Of Love (2019).
He also produced the 2019-2020 TV series Show Offs.
How can I watch Branching Out?
Branching Out premieres on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
The made-for-TV movie will make its debut exclusively on the Hallmark Channel.
Branching Out premieres at 8 pm ET or 7 pm CT.
Branching Out will also air on the following days at the following times:
- Sunday, April 28 at 7 pm ET
- Thursday, May 2 at 9 pm ET
- Saturday, May 11 at 10 pm ET
- Tuesday, May 21 at 9 pm ET
Viewers who prefer to watch Branching Out on their own time can also stream the movie the day after it airs, beginning on Sunday, April 28, 2024.
The made-for-TV movie will be available to stream on several streaming services, including Hallmark Movies Now.
Hallmark Movies Now is offering new users a free, seven-day trial offer.
New users can then choose to subscribe to the service on a monthly or yearly basis.
Subscriptions range from $5.99 per month or $59 per year.
NBC Universal’s unique partnership with the Hallmark Channel also allows all Peacock subscribers to stream Hallmark’s original series and films on the platform.
Branching Out will also be available to stream and watch on Philo, Sling TV, Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV, and Fubo.