Pop-Culturalist.com

The cast of Hallmark’s The Way Home journeyed to New York Comic Con to discuss the first season of their acclaimed series.

Since its premiere in January, this time-traveling drama (yes, you read that correctly, a time-traveling drama on the network) has captured the hearts of Hallmarkies worldwide, thanks to its multi-generational narrative that delves into themes such as loss, love, identity, ethics, trauma, and the pursuit of reconciling one’s past.

The show follows the lives of three generations of strong, independent women: Kat Landry (Chyler Leigh), her teenage daughter Alice (Sadie Laflamme-Snow), and Kat’s mother, Del (Andie MacDowell). More than two decades ago, significant events led Kat to leave her small Canadian farm town, causing a rift between her and Del. Facing a crossroads in her life, Kat returns to her family’s farm with Alice, but the reunion doesn’t unfold as she expected.

Unexpectedly, Alice and Kat discover the ability to travel between the past (1999) and the present. They are determined to uncover the truth behind their family’s tragedies and rewrite a new history. Throughout their time-traveling journeys, Kat’s childhood friend, Elliot (Evan Williams), supports them in both eras, aiding these three women in reconnecting.

A first-of-its-kind for Hallmark, The Way Home has exceeded expectations and is the epitome of must-see TV. Cast members Chyler Leigh, Sadie Laflamme-Snow, and Evan Williams were on hand to discuss the creative process behind bringing The Way Home to life and to highlight their Season 1 experiences.

Sadie Laflamme-Snow kicked off the conversation and reflected on the moment that her character arrives in 1999, saying, “One of my fondest memories was filming that sequence. We had been filming in the present day for a while. It’s the first time that it’s revealed that Alice can time travel through the pond. She meets Colton, teen Elliot, and teen Kat. It was just as it seemed on screen in terms of how amazed I was by how the world had transformed. It was magical and beautiful. I kept that moment with me the whole season.”

Chyler Leigh added, “It’s amazing to watch a series where you’re not a part of the teen versions of these characters. You get to watch it back, and you’re like, ‘I’m learning something from this.'”

Those distinct timelines provide audiences with a deeper understanding of these interpersonal relationships and the situations and occurrences that have led these characters to where they are today. When talking about the blossoming relationship between Elliot and Kat, Evan Williams shared, “The writers did such a good job with the push and pull. Because we get to see them as kids, we see all these internal gears start to move. We really sense that this has been a long time coming. It’s more tangible than just saying it.” But it also makes it more devastating as revelations are made as the season progresses.

If you haven’t checked out Season 1 yet, what are you waiting for? All ten episodes are available on Peacock, and Season 2 is expected to air in 2024.