Chad Michael Murray stars in Joy to the World, a heartwarming holiday rom-com. The film premiered on Hulu and Disney+ on November 1, 2025. Emmanuelle Chriqui leads alongside Murray in this festive tale. The movie promises unexpected romance and authentic holiday magic.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Release Date: November 1, 2025 on Hulu and Disney+
- Runtime: 1 hour 27 minutes of festive entertainment
- Cast includes Chad Michael Murray, Emmanuelle Chriqui, and Ayesha Curry
- Director: Jerry Ciccoritti brings the charm to life
- Perfect holiday viewing for couples and families this season
What Happened: Fake Husband, Real Feelings
Lifestyle guru Joy Edwards faces a major problem. TV cameras are coming for a live holiday special featuring her perfect Christmas dinner. But there’s a catch: her carefully crafted image is completely fictional.
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Joy recruits her best friend Max Rocklin, played by Murray, for a wild solution. He’ll pretend to be her devoted husband on camera. What starts as a fake act becomes something genuine and unpredictable.
The chemistry between them sparks as they prepare for the cameras.”She recruits her best friend to pose as her fake husband,” explains the plot, “but they discover something real along the way.” The line between performance and reality gets delightfully blurred.
“One Christmas. Two broken hearts. Infinite possibilities.”
Why This Matters: Holiday Romance Done Right
This Hulu original brings festive cheer straight to your screen. The holiday movie market has exploded with options, but Joy to the World stands out with authentic chemistry and genuine laughs.
Chad Michael Murray continues his career resurgence in feel-good content. Fans remember him from One Tree Hill, but Murray has become a holiday movie favorite. Emmanuelle Chriqui brings star power as the driven lifestyle guru hiding behind her own persona.
This film arrives at peak festive season, December holidays approaching fast. Streaming directly on Hulu and Disney+ makes it instantly accessible. You won’t need movie tickets or complicated streaming searches.
The chemistry between the leads feels fresh and genuine. Real emotions drive the narrative beyond typical holiday rom-com tropes. Viewers want authenticity, and this delivers it with style.
The Details: Cast, Runtime, and Production
Here’s everything you need to know about this charming holiday film:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | November 1, 2025 |
| Streaming Platforms | Hulu and Disney+ |
| Runtime | 87 minutes (1 hour 27 minutes) |
| Director | Jerry Ciccoritti |
| Lead Cast | Emmanuelle Chriqui, Chad Michael Murray |
| Supporting Cast | Ayesha Curry, Josh Reich, Taya Messier |
| IMDb Rating | 6.0/10 from 63+ user ratings |
| Content Type | Holiday Romance/Comedy |
Jerry Ciccoritti directs with a light touch that lets the comedy breathe. His approach favors genuine moments over forced sentiment. Neal H. Dobrofsky and Tippi Dobrofsky wrote the screenplay with care and wit.
The ensemble cast strengthens the entire production. Ayesha Curry joins as a friend character, adding depth beyond the main romance. Supporting players like Josh Reich and Taya Messier round out the family dynamics beautifully.
What To Watch For: Scene-Stealing Moments
When you settle in to watch this holiday rom-com, here’s what makes it special:
- The chemistry between Murray and Chriqui feels authentic and electric
- Supporting characters bring genuine laughs beyond predictable humor
- Real emotional stakes emerge beneath the holiday wrapping
- The film balances romance perfectly with comedy timing
- Holiday production design creates a festive atmosphere throughout
Pay attention to how the film frames Joy’s internal conflict. She’s built an empire on perfection but discovers authenticity matters more. This theme resonates deeper than typical holiday fare.
The fake husband premise could feel tired, but the execution feels fresh. Chemistry carries what could’ve been routine. By the midpoint, viewers stop thinking about the setup and just enjoy the ride.
Will Chad Michael Murray’s Holiday Magic Capture Your Heart?
Holiday rom-coms need two things: chemistry and heart. Joy to the World delivers both in abundance. Chad Michael Murray proves he’s a genuine romantic lead, not just a nostalgia play.
Emmanuelle Chriqui anchors the film with vulnerability and strength. She makes Joy sympathetic despite her flaws and facade. The role could feel one-dimensional, but Chriqui adds layers.
Streaming on Hulu and Disney+, accessibility isn’t an issue. The 87-minute runtime means you’ll finish before midnight. Perfect for a cozy holiday evening or festive date night.
Does holiday rom-com authenticity matter to you? Are you tired of predictable Christmas movies? Will you give Joy to the World a chance this November?
Official Trailer
Watch the full official trailer to see Murray and Chriqui’s chemistry firsthand:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWGLra-jDek
Sources
- IMDb – Complete cast, crew, and technical specifications
- Hulu Press – Official release information and platform details
- Variety – Industry coverage and premiere information
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.