Chad Michael Murray Stars in Holiday Rom-Com "Joy to the World"
Chad Michael Murray headlines Joy to the World, a heartfelt holiday romantic comedy that premiered on Hulu and Disney+ on November 1, 2025. Emmanuelle Chriqui co-stars as the lead alongside Murray in this festive story filled with genuine romance and holiday spirit.
Plot Overview
Lifestyle expert Joy Edwards faces a crisis when TV cameras arrive to film a live holiday special showcasing her flawless Christmas dinner. However, her perfect image is entirely fabricated. To solve this, she enlists her best friend Max Rocklin, portrayed by Murray, to pose as her devoted husband on camera.
"She recruits her best friend to pose as her fake husband, but they discover something real along the way."
What begins as a staged act between friends soon blossoms into unexpected genuine connection. Their chemistry ignites as they prepare for the broadcast, blurring the lines between performance and reality in a heartwarming way.
Distinctive Festive Appeal
Amidst a crowded holiday movie landscape, Joy to the World stands out by delivering authentic chemistry and plenty of laughs. This Hulu original brings festive cheer directly to viewers' screens with its fresh take on holiday romance.
Career Highlights
- Chad Michael Murray, known for his role in One Tree Hill, continues his resurgence in feel-good holiday films.
- Emmanuelle Chriqui adds star power as Joy Edwards, a driven lifestyle guru whose public persona masks deeper truths.
Author's summary: Joy to the World blends authentic chemistry and heartwarming moments, marking Chad Michael Murray’s strong return to holiday rom-coms.