Jesse Metcalfe Returns to Hallmark Channel in New Summer Romance "Absolutely Devoted to You"

The Big News

Hallmark Channel fans have something exciting to look forward to this weekend! Jesse Metcalfe—best known as Trace Riley from Chesapeake Shores—is making his return to the network in a brand-new original movie called "Absolutely Devoted to You." He stars alongside fan-favorite Kimberley Sustad.

Mark Your Calendar: The movie premieres Saturday, August 8 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel. Can’t watch live? Stream it the next day on Hallmark+.

What’s the Movie About?

Imagine this: A TV producer comes up with a brilliant plan to reunite a famous 90s boy band for a summer beach concert. Everything is going great—until she falls for the band’s reluctant lead singer.

That’s the heart of Absolutely Devoted to You!

• Kaitlin (Kimberley Sustad) = Ambitious TV producer with a wild idea
• Derrick (Jesse Metcalfe) = The handsome, reluctant lead singer of the 90s boy band
• The Conflict = Work romance + band reunion drama = Hallmark magic!

Meet the Stars

Kimberley Sustad as Kaitlin

Hallmark royalty! You’ve probably seen her in:

• The Nine Lives of Christmas & its sequel The Nine Kittens of Christmas
• A Godwink Christmas
• Wedding Every Weekend (which she co-wrote!)
• Christmas by Starlight (also co-wrote!)
• Three Wise Men and a Baby (co-writer)

Fun fact: She frequently teams up with Paul Campbell—both on screen AND as writing partners!

Jesse Metcalfe as Derrick

Welcome back, Jesse! After 5 seasons on Chesapeake Shores, he left in 2021 to explore other projects. Now he’s back where Hallmark fans love him most.

His Hallmark hits include:

• A Country Wedding (with Autumn Reeser)
• Chesapeake Shores (Seasons 1-5 as Trace Riley)

Recent non-Hallmark work:

• Roku’s Summer Sparks
• Great American Family’s Harmony from the Heart & Divine Influencer
• Films: On a Wing and a Prayer & Queen of Manhattan

Fun Fact: Jesse’s middle name is Eden!

Exclusive Sneak Peek & Photos

Parade has your exclusive first look!

• Watch the exclusive 57-second sneak peek (titled "PARADE Exclusive – Absolutely Devoted to You")
• Browse the photo gallery featuring:
  • Kimberley Sustad & Jesse Metcalfe together (major chemistry alert!)
  • Behind-the-scenes shots with the supporting cast
  • Beach bash scenes that scream "summer romance"

Supporting cast spotted in photos:

• Graham Verchere & Barry Levy
• Elijah Westgate
• Tetiana Ostapowych
• Romar Dungo, Connor Wong

How to Watch: Your Step-by-Step Guide

1. Set a reminder for Saturday, August 8 at 8 p.m. ET
2. Tune in to Hallmark Channel (check your local listings for channel number)
3. No cable? No problem! Stream it Sunday, August 9 on Hallmark+
4. Grab snacks (popcorn + chocolate = mandatory for Hallmark movies)
5. Enjoy the feel-good romance!

Important Points to Remember

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Premiere: Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET
• Channel: Hallmark Channel
• Streaming: Next day on Hallmark+
• Stars: Jesse Metcalfe (returning!) + Kimberley Sustad
• Vibe: 90s boy band reunion + summer romance = pure Hallmark joy
• Exclusive content: Parade has sneak peek + photo gallery

Summary

Hallmark Channel is delivering exactly what we need this summer: Jesse Metcalfe’s return in a charming new romance! Absolutely Devoted to You pairs him with the delightful Kimberley Sustad in a story about a TV producer trying to reunite a 90s boy band—only to fall for the reluctant lead singer. Premiering Saturday, August 8 at 8 p.m. ET, with next-day streaming on Hallmark+. Don’t miss Parade’s exclusive sneak peek and gorgeous photo gallery. It’s the perfect weekend treat!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When exactly does "Absolutely Devoted to You" air?

A: Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on Hallmark Channel.

Q: Can I watch it if I don’t have cable?

A: Yes! It will be available to stream on Hallmark+ starting Sunday, August 9 (the day after premiere).

Q: Is this Jesse Metcalfe’s first Hallmark movie since leaving Chesapeake Shores?

A: Yes! He left Chesapeake Shores in 2021 after Season 5, and this is his first project back with Hallmark Channel since then.

Q: Who else is in the cast besides Jesse and Kimberley?

A: The supporting cast includes Graham Verchere, Barry Levy, Elijah Westgate, Tetiana Ostapowych, Romar Dungo, and Connor Wong (all spotted in the exclusive photos!).

Q: Where can I see the exclusive sneak peek and photos?

A: Head over to Parade.com for the exclusive 57-second sneak peek and full photo gallery from the movie set.

Originally published by Parade on August 8, 2026 in the TV section.