In the weeks leading up to the filming of “Finding Mr. Christmas,” a playful dilemma lingered at Hallmark’s headquarters: what would be the elimination catchphrase for their first reality show?

A phrase like “You’re fired!” felt too harsh for a competition featuring ten handsome men ready for Hallmark movies, all competing for the coveted title of Mr. Christmas.

“That saying was a huge topic of conversation,” shares Jonathan Bennett, co-creator, executive producer, and host. He brainstormed playful phrases with lead judge Melissa Peterman. “I wanted it to be something lighthearted that would make people chuckle. We considered options like ‘That’s a wrap’ and ‘You’re on thin ice.’ Melissa had this amusing idea…”

“Oh, I had a fantastic suggestion,” Peterman interjects cheerfully, “‘Mine was, ‘You just got Kringled!’ Boom!”

The enchanting spirit of Kringle is at the heart of “Mr. Christmas,” set to premiere on Hallmark+ this Thursday. The winner is granted the exciting prize of starring in a lead role of a 2024 Hallmark Christmas film.

The film has already been shot, featuring the winner as a co-star alongside Jessica Lowndes in Hallmark Channel’s “Happy Howlidays,” which premieres on December 21 (8 PM EST/PST).

What’s their version of ‘You’re Fired!’ on ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’?

The reality show draws inspiration from Bennett’s own ideas, as he has been a familiar face on Hallmark Channel (including featuring in the first LGBTQ+-led Hallmark Christmas film, “The Holiday Sitter” in 2022) and has participated in reality series such as “Dancing with the Stars” and “Big Brother.”

“While watching ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race,’ I thought, ‘What if this is like a mix of ‘Drag Race,’ ‘The Bachelor,’ and Hallmark Christmas?'” Bennett shares.

Joining the fun, Peterman, known for her role in “Happy’s Place” (and “Haul Out the Holly” from 2022), 53, eagerly embraced the chance to help shape the future of Hallmark Christmas programming through this reality-show search. The channel has already produced an impressive 46 holiday films for this season alone.

“This format allows viewers to invest from the very beginning, as they will see who gets selected and watch them grow in their first Christmas movie and beyond,” Peterman explains. “Fans will say, ‘I’ve supported him since ‘Finding Mr. Christmas!'”

Bennett likens this to “Kelly Clarkson syndrome,” referencing the first winner of “American Idol,” who later became a celebrated singer and talk-show host.

The concept is as delightful as a candy cane. Contestants reside together in a festive ranch house in Utah, filled with holiday decorations, as they compete in various cheerful Christmas activities. Each week, Bennett, Peterman, and a guest judge gently eliminate one contestant and one stocking according to the competition results.

The premiere episode includes a “Star Quality Challenge” showcasing a hallmark of Hallmark films. The contestants perform a scripted “Meet Cute” scene alongside a Hallmark actress, and are evaluated based on the chemistry during their faux first encounter. Additionally, a “Festive Face-Off” features a fun challenge where contestants create emotional ugly Christmas sweaters that express their life stories.

“They only have 30 minutes to create a sweater that reflects who they are,” Bennett explains. “Imagine ten attractive guys crafting away with glue guns and then strutting their designs down a runway.”

Looking ahead, upcoming challenges include a Christmas tree obstacle course where contestants must smash through a block of ice to retrieve a saw and decorate the tree, catering to everyone’s rugged man fantasy, according to Bennett.

At the conclusion of each episode, one contestant will take down his monogrammed stocking from the fireplace, marking the end of their journey.

“When someone gets eliminated, they must take down their stocking and leave,” Bennett explains.

Although this could create some fierce rivalry, Bennett reassures that the Hallmark essence shines throughout. “Ten men entered the house as strangers; they departed as a family,” he notes.

“We’re not focusing on the negative aspects of people. There’s no need to break anyone down, especially during Christmas,” Peterman mentions. “We aimed for the charm of the ‘Great British Baking Show,’ not a disaster.”

Bennett admired not only the physical fitness of the “Mr. Christmas” participants but also their genuine nature, which involves a diverse group including actors, a firefighter (Isaac Ramirez, 28), and a former Navy rescue diver (Ezra Moreland, 31).

“Everyone enjoys the sight of a handsome man during Christmas,” Bennett says. “What surprised me was their openness. That’s the special ingredient of the show. Audiences will tune in for the excitement, the holiday spirit, and the charm. But they will stick around because they become attached to these guys.”

In a delightful twist, he even discovered the ideal phrase for eliminating contestants at the end of each show.

“We thought of saying, ‘I’m sorry, that’s a wrap.’ It’s like wrapping paper,” Bennett shares. “Then I add, ‘It’s time to take your stocking. You’re going home… for the holidays.’ Boom! I hope that catches on as a meme.”

“I’m still hoping for ‘You just got Kringled!'” Peterman remarks. “I plan to make that happen next season.”