Chad Michael Murray Stars in Holiday Rom-Com "Joy to the World"
Chad Michael Murray appears in the heartwarming holiday romantic comedy Joy to the World, which premiered on Hulu and Disney+ on November 1, 2025. Emmanuelle Chriqui co-stars in this festive story full of unexpected romance and genuine holiday magic.
Plot Overview
Lifestyle expert Joy Edwards faces a crisis when TV cameras arrive to film a live holiday special featuring her flawless Christmas dinner. The problem? Her carefully built image is completely fabricated. To solve this, she enlists her best friend Max Rocklin, played by Chad Michael Murray, to pose as her devoted husband during the broadcast.
“She recruits her best friend to pose as her fake husband, but they discover something real along the way.”
What begins as a pretend arrangement soon blossoms into unexpected and authentic chemistry—as they prepare for the cameras, the line between performance and reality beautifully blurs.
Unique Appeal in the Holiday Movie Market
While the holiday film genre has grown crowded, Joy to the World distinguishes itself with genuine laughs and authentic chemistry. Chad Michael Murray continues to thrive in feel-good content, adding to his holiday movie repertoire since his memorable role in One Tree Hill. Emmanuelle Chriqui shines as a driven lifestyle guru hiding behind a crafted persona.
Cast Highlights
- Chad Michael Murray as Max Rocklin
- Emmanuelle Chriqui as Joy Edwards
“This Hulu original brings festive cheer straight to your screen.”
Author’s Summary
Joy to the World is a charming holiday rom-com that combines heartfelt performances and relatable characters, making it a standout festive film for 2025.