I didn’t have high expectations going into A Knight to Remember, and honestly, a big part of that came down to the promotional poster. It didn’t capture the charm you expect from a Hallmark movie, and it certainly didn’t do Julie Gonzalo and James Trevena any favors with those blank stares.

A statue of an English knight arrives in Chicago for an art exhibit. While cleaning the statue, museum conservator Emily impulsively kisses the statue, bringing him to life. Photo: James Trevena, Julie Gonzalo Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Allister Foster

Still, I gave it a shot. It’s set in my hometown, Chicago, so I felt like I had to support it; plus, I’m a sucker for a predictable, cheesy love story. Much to my surprise, I ended up genuinely enjoying it and liking it way more than I thought I would. It’s easy to be critical of these movies because, yes, they’re into all the Hallmark staples—with plenty of pumpkin spice latte references to emphasize that this is a fall film—but there’s also real heart and some solid comedic moments.

I wasn’t fully convinced by the premise of a medieval knight who’s turned to stone and accidentally comes back to life to find true love. But as I started my watch, my mind raced to remember where I saw a knight-turned-real-boy storyline before, eventually landing on one of the more enjoyable Christmas films of years prior— Vanessa Hudgens The Knight Before Christmas. Turns out, there is something captivating and heartwarming about time-traveling knights (with great manners and a big flirting game) finding their place in the modern world.

As for the plot, there was plenty to work with, starting in 1428, when marrying for love wasn’t the norm; Sir Griffin already knew he didn’t want the life laid out for him. Maybe he was more of a modern man than he ever even knew. 

In fact, he’d rather be turned to stone than marry Princess Beatrice, which, frankly, says a lot. I do wish we got more of his past, or even a glimpse of Beatrice, but alas, the story fully focused on Griffin’s present-day adventures, navigating a world that was so deeply unfamiliar to his time.

As Griffin’s wish was granted centuries later, he woke up after Emily planted a kiss on his stone lips.  And yes, I did spend a few minutes wondering why she committed to fully kissing a stone figure with such passion, but I guess we’re just rolling with it. Love (or loneliness) makes you do crazy things! 

As the stone pieces keeping him trapped break away, Griffin is freed. And he’s been preserved in all his glory, apparently, without any bad breath! (I know, these are the things you just accept when diving into these rom-coms, but I couldn’t shake it.)

He navigates this big, new world with wide-eyed wonder. 

The biggest thing to throw him off? Cars… or rather, rideshares.

From here on out, I will be referring to my shower as “indoor rain” because that’s much more logical. Thanks, Griffin. 

Memory foam beds (“sleeping on clouds”) and bagels—all become part of his journey, as does a pumpkin spice latte, and it’s charming to see him enjoy one for the first time ever.

Meanwhile, Emily is dealing—very casually, I might add—with the whole “a statue went missing” fiasco at the museum. 

“What, did it just get legs and walk away?” my mother would ask… And, well…

Personally, I would not be that calm, but she clearly doesn’t have the same debilitating anxiety that I do anytime my boss pings me asking if I have a minute to chat. 

And she’s far more focused on helping Griffin complete his quest before he turns back to stone again, a fate he’d, understandably, like to avoid if at all possible.

Part of that mission involves Emily convincing herself and everyone around her that she’s not into him, despite being totally into him.

And there’s the aptly-timed Medieval Fayre hosted by her good friend Marcus, who was totally crushing on her work BFF, Ivy. Griffin picked up on it in mere seconds, but sadly, we never got to see anything pan out between them, which is a missed opportunity. There was no payoff to all those moments teasing the connection between Ivy and Marcus. Couldn’t we get a little kiss on the cheek during one of the fair moments?

There’s also Emily’s ex, Tom, who complicates everything. 

He’s leading the investigation into the missing statue, clearly motivated by career ambition (which tells us all we need to know about what kind of husband he was), along with a smidge of little jealousy that Emily has a hunky new dude around.

A statue of an English knight arrives in Chicago for an art exhibit. While cleaning the statue, museum conservator Emily impulsively kisses the statue, bringing him to life. Photo: James Trevena, Julie Gonzalo Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Luka Cyprian

To be fair, his suspicion that Griffin could be a con artist isn’t entirely unreasonable given the armour with the residue matching the one found at the museum. But it’s the way he undermines Emily in the process, suggesting she’s so gullible, that makes it so extremely easy to root against him. When he tries to rekindle their relationship, playing the “I miss you” and “you were the best thing to happen to me” card, she shuts it down quickly—and rightfully so. 

In the end, Tom gets what’s coming to him when his conflict of interest is exposed, as well as the fact that he broke into an apartment to obtain evidence.

He really thought he did something… 

It’s a satisfying moment, just as it was to see Emily tell Tom the entire truth about Griffin, only for him to dismiss it as a joke. I wouldn’t have minded seeing Tom fully realize just how wrong he was about Griffin, and that he just lost the love of his life to a piece of stone! 

The core of the story revolves around Griffin’s fate, as Emily has just three days to fall in love with him or he’ll turn to stone forever. 

The catch is that her feelings have to be real, as Griffin refuses to tell Emily what’s at stake so that she doesn’t feel manipulated or forced into loving him.

No pressure or anything! 

The deadline looms, but Emily continues to struggle to admit how she feels, her past with Tom clearly leaving its mark. 

Even as Griffin’s fingers begin to turn gray, Emily can’t get the words out, which is frustrating. 

Of course, this is Hallmark, so things work out. Emily realizes her life has been split into “before Griffin” and “after Griffin,” and she can’t imagine a life without him. The clarity helps her finally embrace her feelings, and it’s sealed with a kiss.

Griffin stays in the modern world to permanently enjoy the perks of indoor plumbing, and the two move forward together, bringing their story to life as part of the museum’s exhibit, which is such a hit that they’re embarking on a world tour. 

It’s a happy ending, as expected—even if Emily had us in the first half.

As for the standout quote from the film, the award goes to Griffin, as he reflects on the world that no longer exists: “I do not ache for lost love, I ache for lost life.”

Slightly cheesy? Sure! But also surprisingly meaningful.

Did you enjoy A Knight to Remember as much as I did? What stood out most to you? Share your thoughts! 

Read more: Hallmark Unveils 2026 Countdown to Christmas Schedule—Including the Premiere Date for ‘Mistletoe Murders’ Season 3

Traitors has proved that the format works even when the contestants in Alan Cumming’s Scottish castle aren’t famous. 

You put a bunch of strangers into a castle, use money as the motivation, push them to their limits during challenges, throw a few traitors hiding amongst them, and watch them swiftly turn on each other at every round table. 

Instead of eliminating traitors, they are outing faithfuls, while the cloaked murderers use their daggers in the shadows to kill off even more of their faithful flock. 

And thus, with or without celebrities, the concept of Traitors works because it plays on our instinct to trust others while constantly questioning who might betray us. That tension—combined with deception, strategy, and the thrill of figuring it out—keeps people locked in, waiting for the next episode to drop.

Sadly, it won’t be tonight. 

Why Is There No New Traitors: New Blood Episode Today (October 1, 2026)?

There will not be a new Traitors: New Blood episode airing on Oct. 1, 2026, on NBC.

The reality competition series premiered on NBC on Sept. 17 with a two-hour launch event, followed by two more episodes airing the following week.

There is no new episode scheduled for tonight, with episode 5 picking up again on Oct. 8! 

And there’s a very direct reason why this week is a no-episode week—instead, NBC is airing the 2026 MLB Playoffs! 

Traitors: New Blood Episode Schedule

Traitors: New Blood will air 12 episodes through November 19, including a two-hour season finale.

Below is a list of the full episode schedule: 

• September 17: Episodes 1 and 2 air the premiere back-to-back starting at 8:00 p.m. ET. 
• September 24: Episodes 3 and 4 air back-to-back starting at 8:00 p.m. ET. 
• October 1: No New Episode.
• October 8: Episode 5 airs at 8:00 p.m. ET. 
• October 15: Episode 6 airs at 8:00 p.m. ET. 
• October 22: Episode 7 airs at 8:00 p.m. ET. 
• October 29: Episode 8 airs at 8:00 p.m. ET. 
• November 5: Episode 9 airs at 8:00 p.m. ET. 
• November 12: Episode 10 airs at 8:00 p.m. ET. 
• November 19: Episodes 11 and 12 air the finale at 8:00 p.m. ET

How to Watch Traitors: New Blood 

The competition will air weekly on Thursday nights on NBC. New episodes will also be available for streaming the next day, exclusively on Peacock. 

Traitors: New Blood Cast (Including Those Who Have Been Murdered) 

Full Cast (All 22 CivilianPlayers)

• Abbey Benjamin
• Abby Lee
• Arisa Thomas
• Ben McDonnell
• Clyde Moser
• Jay Vinnedge
• Joe Vanella
• Katie Fites
• Kim Daily
• Kriste Lewis
• Logan Smith
• Madeline Kostopulos
• Mark Zgoda
• Michael Foote
• Morgan Cook
• Niyyah Hayes
• Shane Beatty
• Sherry Kuehl
• Tomica Adams
• Victor Vollbrechthausen
• Wyatt Gillespie
• Xavier Scruggs

Current Traitors

• Joe Vanella
• Tomica Adams
• Katie Fites

Murdered (by Traitors)

• Kim Daily
• Xavier Scruggs
• Logan Smith

Banished (Roundtable votes)

• Madeline Kostopulos
• Arisa Thomas

If you’re looking for something new to binge, this week’s lineup has a little bit of everything—from reality TV favorites and emotional dramas to long-awaited adaptations and returning hits. Whether you’re in the mood for escapism, romance or competition, these fresh releases are worth adding to your watchlist.

Here’s everything to watch this week—July 13-19, 2026! 

Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro (ABC – July 13)

A new spin on the beloved franchise hits primetime, introducing rising talent hoping to make it big in the ballroom. With high-energy performances and familiar faces behind the judges’ table, along with Mirrorball Champion Robert Irwin as host, this latest iteration aims to keep the long-running format feeling fresh.

Hot Ones: Extra Heat (Netflix – July 13)

The viral interview series gets an extra kick with this new 30-min format, turning up the spice—and the intensity. As always, celebrities face tough questions while battling increasingly fiery wings.

All American (The CW, Final Season- July 13)

The hit drama returns for its final chapter, wrapping up years of storytelling centered around football, family and ambition. Fans can expect emotional goodbyes and long-awaited resolutions as the series heads toward its conclusion.

 Lucky (Apple TV+ – July 15)

This new series blends mystery and drama, following a con artist whose life takes an unexpected turn when luck—and fate—collide. With a compelling premise and strong performances, it’s one to watch. First two episodes drop starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Annette Bening and Timothy Olyphant.

Ride or Die (Prime Video – July 15)

Action and relationships take center stage in this high-stakes series, starring Octavia Spencer and Hannah Waddingham. Two BFFS who thought they knew everything about each other, except that one of them is an international spy. 

Heartstopper Forever (Netflix – July 17)

Not exactly a show, but fans of the beloved coming-of-age story can look forward to this heartfelt continuation, bringing more romance, growth and emotional moments to the screen in a feature-length format.