The Holiday Calendar

Behind the Scenes of The Holiday Calendar: Kat Graham and Quincy Brown’s Festive Chemistry

Netflix’s 2018 rom-com The Holiday Calendar delivered cozy holiday vibes—and a behind-the-scenes dynamic that fans couldn’t get enough of. Starring Kat Graham (The Vampire Diaries) and Quincy Brown, the film followed a photographer who discovers a magical advent calendar predicting her future. While the movie itself leaned into whimsical charm, the real buzz centered on Graham and Brown’s off-screen rapport, latestnetflix.com argues, which spilled into promotional antics and playful interviews.

A Cast Built for Holiday Cheer

Director Bradley Walsh (not to be confused with the British TV host of the same name ) assembled a cast that blended rom-com veterans with fresh faces. Graham, stepping into the lead role of Abby Sutton, brought a mix of warmth and comedic timing, while Brown—known for his music career and previous acting roles—played Josh, Abby’s childhood friend and love interest. Supporting players like Ron Cephas Jones (This Is Us) and Genelle Williams added depth, but it was Graham and Brown’s chemistry that stole the spotlight.

The duo’s promotional appearances were packed with playful energy. In a Netflix featurette, they joked about their characters’ slow-burn romance and even staged a lighthearted "DIY disaster" segment, where they attempted (and failed) to recreate holiday crafts . Their banter suggested a friendship that extended beyond the set, with Graham later calling Brown "one of the most talented people I know" in a red-carpet interview .

Behind-the-Scenes Bloopers and Promo Shenanigans

Trailers and interviews hinted at a production that embraced the film’s festive spirit. The official Netflix trailer showcased Graham’s character navigating the calendar’s predictions, while a second trailer leaned into the rom-com tropes with a swoony soundtrack and Brown’s character delivering a grand gesture . But it was the behind-the-scenes content that gave fans a peek at the lighter side of filming.

In one clip, Graham and Brown playfully ribbed each other about their characters’ awkward moments, with Graham quipping about Abby’s "disastrous" holiday photoshoots . Another interview revealed that Brown had to step in to help Graham with a particularly tricky scene involving a snow globe—though neither spilled details on whether it was scripted or an actual on-set mishap .

Mixed Reception and the Magic of Nostalgia

Despite the cast’s enthusiasm, The Holiday Calendar received lukewarm reviews. SensCritique users rated it 4.6/10, with some critics calling it a "predictable but charming" addition to the holiday rom-com canon . A YouTube review echoed this sentiment, praising the film’s cozy aesthetic but noting its reliance on familiar tropes .

Still, the movie found its audience, thanks in part to Graham and Brown’s promotional efforts. Their interviews often veered into personal anecdotes, like Graham’s love for holiday traditions or Brown’s surprise at how much he enjoyed filming a rom-com . The duo’s genuine camaraderie made it easy for fans to buy into the film’s central romance, even if the plot itself was straight out of a Hallmark playbook.

The Verdict: A Festive Fling

The Holiday Calendar may not have reinvented the holiday rom-com, but it delivered exactly what it promised: a sweet, low-stakes escape with a side of on-screen chemistry. Graham and Brown’s off-camera dynamic—equal parts playful and professional—gave the film an extra layer of appeal, turning what could have been a forgettable entry into a cozy watch for fans of the genre.

For those who tuned in for the magic of the season, the real holiday miracle might have been the cast’s ability to make the film feel like a warm hug—even if the critics weren’t entirely sold.