**OWN Announce Premiere of New Holiday Films ‘The Christmas Showdown 2’ and ‘Tapping into Christmas’**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/TheChristmasShowdown2AmberStevensWestCorbinReidTappingintoChristmasCorinneFoxxtout-e12cc0830d984b0d85d2f0e2e2dd5194.jpg)
Fans of festive cinema are in for a treat this season as OWN gears up to unveil its latest holiday offerings. The network has released trailers for two new films: ‘The Christmas Showdown 2,’ featuring Amber Stevens West and Corbin Reid, and ‘Tapping into Christmas’, starring Corinne Foxx.
Tina Perry, president of OWN, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming projects, stating, “OWN for the Holidays has become a beloved tradition for our viewers. This year, we’re thrilled to bring them stories that capture the joy, warmth, and spirit of the season in very different ways.” The films are set to air on consecutive weekends, with ‘The Christmas Showdown 2’ debuting on November 28, followed by ‘Tapping into Christmas’ on December 5.
The sequel, ‘The Christmas Showdown 2’, picks up the story of Chastity (Amber Stevens West) and April (Corbin Reid), two event planners who are eager to make an impact in their hometown of Sugar Heights. Now independently operating H-Town Events, the pair faces new challenges when Mayor Ellis (Tommy Miles) hires Largesse Productions, led by the formidable Tate (Jenifer Lewis), to revitalise the struggling town. As the holiday season approaches, Chastity and April are determined to save their business while navigating personal relationships and competition.
In the trailer, Chastity exclaims, “Only two weeks until the Christmas Spectacular—I have a whole plan.” Her enthusiasm is met with playful banter from April, who encourages her to channel her Type-A personality for the good of the event. Yet, the duo soon faces challenges from Tate, whose sharp wit suggests she will push them to their limits. The dynamic between the characters, combined with the upbeat holiday spirit, promises a lively viewing experience.
Amber Stevens West and Corbin Reid share an undeniable chemistry that stems from their previous collaboration on the series ‘Run the World’. Reflecting on their friendship, Stevens West described their instant connection during a chemistry reading, highlighting how their interactions translate to the screen. “It’s just one of those things that you can’t really fake,” she noted, indicating the authentic rapport that enhances their performances.
‘Tapping into Christmas’ tells the story of Jeni Walker (Corinne Foxx), a young producer who returns to her hometown of Memphis after her theatre career in New York hits a stumbling block. Upon her return, she discovers that Heritage House, a cherished community theatre, is on the verge of closure. Joined by her sisters, Cora and Mable (Chloé and Maud Arnold), Jeni takes on the challenge of organising a holiday tap showcase to raise funds and reconnect with her passion for performing.
The film promises to feature a blend of music and dance, with choreography developed by the Arnold sisters, the founders of Syncopated Ladies, an internationally renowned tap dance company. As Jeni grapples with her feelings about returning to the stage, she has heartfelt conversations with her mentor Ms Dianne (Debbie Allen) and her sisters, underscoring themes of family support and resilience.
The trailer portrays Jeni’s initial reluctance, reflecting on her past fears and struggles on stage. However, the encouragement from her mentor and sisters suggests a journey of recovery and rediscovery, adding emotional depth to the festive narrative. The backdrop of the struggling theatre showcases a community fighting against adversity, which reflects universal themes of hope and togetherness.
As this year marks the eighth annual ‘OWN for the Holidays’ programming, the network aims to offer a rich array of stories that resonate with audiences during the festive season. Both films are expected to blend humor, drama, and holiday cheer, showcasing the importance of community and collaboration in overcoming challenges.
Fans can catch ‘The Christmas Showdown 2’ on November 28 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, followed by ‘Tapping into Christmas’ on December 5 at the same time. With a blend of charm, music, and festive spirit, these upcoming films are set to enrich the holiday season for viewers.