Alison Sweeney is entering a brand new era both on screen and in real life.
This Saturday (February 28), the longtime Hallmark favorite returns to the network for Romance at Hope Ranch, part of Hallmark Channel’s swoon-worthy Loveuary lineup celebrating fresh starts, second chances and love that finds you exactly when it’s meant to. But this time? The story feels a little more personal.
In the film, Sweeney plays Hope Morgan, a woman determined to fulfill her childhood dream of running a ranch in the breathtaking town of Ruidoso, New Mexico, while reviving the beloved Giddy Up Gala. She’s focused, driven and unapologetically chasing what sets her soul on fire — a character Sweeney says is unlike anyone she’s played before.
“I’m so excited for fans to see ‘Romance at Hope Ranch’ because in some ways she is such a different character than any others I’ve played,” Sweeney tells Celeb Secrets. “She is on a mission for what she wants to accomplish and is totally focused on making her dream come true.”
And yes — for all the Hannah Swensen loyalists out there, there’s a familiar face. Sweeney reunites with Gabriel Hogan (aka Norm in the mystery franchise), though this time they’re stepping into an entirely new dynamic.
But the real heart of this film? It’s closer to home than ever.
In a full-circle moment that mirrors the movie’s emotional core, Sweeney stars opposite her real-life 17-year-old daughter, Megan, who makes her acting debut playing her on-screen daughter. And when the film opens with a tearful dorm room goodbye, those emotions weren’t entirely scripted.
“When Hope says goodbye to her daughter in the dorm room, I was much more emotional than I expected,” Sweeney shares. “My daughter Megan is playing my daughter and I realized how soon that moment will happen for us in real life.”
For Sweeney, who developed the story herself, the project was deeply intentional. As she prepares to enter her own empty-nester chapter, she wanted to explore what happens when a woman rediscovers old passions and reclaims space for herself after years of putting family first.
“I really wanted to tell it about a woman entering the next chapter of her life,” she explains. “I’ll soon be an empty nester, and many of my friends already are, so I wanted to explore revisiting old loves and passions when the time of caring for kids in the house ends.”
Off camera, she couldn’t be prouder watching Megan navigate her first professional set with confidence and maturity. On camera? The lines between art and life blurred in the most beautiful way.
Add in charming small-town energy (Sweeney says Ruidoso locals were “incredibly welcoming”), unpredictable ranch animals that required a little extra improv, and a Loveuary-ready romance built on years of creative trust with Hogan — and you’ve got all the ingredients for a heartfelt, cozy classic.
Keep scrolling for our full Q&A with Alison Sweeney, where she opens up about working alongside her daughter, embracing fresh starts at every stage of life, and why this Hallmark love story might be her most meaningful yet.
Romance at Hope Ranch premieres TONIGHT, February 28th @ 8/7c on Hallmark Channel, streaming next day on Hallmark+.
Celeb Secrets: “Romance at Hope Ranch” premieres this Saturday on Hallmark Channel! What makes this movie a must-watch for fans of your past Hallmark films?
Alison Sweeney: “I’m so excited for fans to see ‘Romance at Hope Ranch’ because in some ways she is such a different character than any others I’ve played. I love that. She is on a mission for what she wants to accomplish and is totally focused on making her dream come true. Plus for all the Hannah Swensen fans, I reteam with Gabe Hogan, who plays Norm in some of those movies.”
CS: In the movie, Hope Morgan is starting a whole new chapter in her life by running a ranch and reviving the Giddy Up Gala. What drew you to this story and to Hope as a character?
AS: “I developed the story and I really wanted to tell it about a woman entering the next chapter of her life. I’ll soon be an empty nester, and many of my friends already are, so I wanted to explore revisiting old loves and passions when the time of caring for kids in the house ends.”
CS: This film really captures Hallmark’s Loveuary spirit, which is all about romance, second chances, and fresh starts. Has playing Hope made you reflect on your own experiences with love, growth, or new chapters in life?
AS: “My husband and I have been married for almost 26 years so I’m very lucky with my own relationship but it’s absolutely reinforced my belief to try new and different experiences and to take challenges at every age and stage.”
CS: Was there a particular scene in the movie that really resonated with you or made you feel emotional while filming?
AS: “When Hope says goodbye to her daughter in the dorm room, I was much more emotional than I expected because my daughter Megan is playing my daughter and I realized how soon that moment will happen for us in real life.”
CS: You play a mother on screen while Megan plays your daughter. How surreal was it to act alongside your real-life daughter for her first-ever acting role?
AS: “I am so proud of Megan. She did a great job overcoming her nerves and being incredibly professional and ready to tackle the role.”
CS: Megan stayed in character even as you got teary-eyed. Did you have to give her any advice or tips during filming, or did she just instinctively know what to do?
AS: “Megan has grown up with my acting in various roles and she’s done some school theater acting so she understands what is part of the job vs. real emotions.”
CS: Looking back, did you see any parallels between your early acting experiences at 16 and Megan’s first time on set?
AS: “I hope I was as supportive of a mother to Megan as my mom was with me. I definitely think that Megan was more mature about it all than I was!”
CS: What was your favorite part about filming in the picturesque town of Ruidoso, New Mexico? Any fun on-set stories you can share?
AS: “Being in Ruidoso was so great. The town and the people were incredibly welcoming and we had so much fun with all the local cast and crew.”
CS: Were there any challenges filming with animals or on a ranch set that brought unexpected laughs or surprises?
AS: “Animals certainly don’t understand camera blocking, rehearsals or angles so we had to do more improv than in most of my movies but that made an extra fun challenge.
CS: If you could give your viewers one piece of advice about embracing fresh starts or unexpected love, what would it be?
AS: “To quote Nike, ‘Just say yes!’”
CS: Since we’re Celeb Secrets, what is a behind-the-scenes secret from filming this film that we wouldn’t know just by watching it?
AS: “There is a fun Easter Egg to Hannah Swensen fans, taken ten years ago. I’ll be on social media during the premiere Saturday so if fans see it, I hope they’ll take a picture and tag me or tweet me on X.”
