While Sami Brady may be taking a breather from the drama of Salem, the woman behind the iconic role is anything but slowing down. Alison Sweeney,

a beloved daytime television powerhouse and longtime Days of Our Lives favorite, is riding straight into the spotlight once again—this time under the wide-open skies of

Hallmark’s latest romantic offering, Romance at Hope Ranch. Announced as part of Hallmark’s annual “Loveuary” programming event, the film positions Sweeney

at the center of a sweeping story about renewal, tradition, and the unexpected power of love.

For fans who have followed Sweeney’s career from soap opera legend to Hallmark mainstay, this new project feels like a perfect fit. Though Sami Brady isn’t currently stirring up chaos in Salem, Sweeney continues to captivate audiences elsewhere, proving once again that her appeal transcends genres and networks.

From Salem to the Saddle: Alison Sweeney’s Latest Transformation

Alison Sweeney has long been known for her versatility. On Days of Our Lives, she built Sami Brady into one of daytime television’s most complex and unforgettable characters—fiery, vulnerable, impulsive, and endlessly compelling. Over the years, Sami’s storylines have ranged from epic romances to jaw-dropping betrayals, cementing Sweeney’s status as a soap icon.

Now, she’s trading Salem’s secrets for scenic ranch land. In Romance at Hope Ranch, Sweeney steps into a very different world, one defined less by scandal and more by soul-searching. According to Hallmark’s official logline, the film follows Hope, a woman who discovers both love and renewed purpose while restoring a struggling ranch and reviving a cherished small-town tradition.

It’s a premise tailor-made for Hallmark’s audience—emotionally rich, character-driven, and rooted in themes of community and second chances. But with Sweeney at the helm, viewers can expect more than just a gentle romance. Her performances have always carried emotional weight, and this project promises to blend warmth with genuine depth.

A New Leading Man and a New Beginning

Sweeney stars opposite Gabriel Hogan, who plays her romantic counterpart in the film. While details about his character are being kept closely guarded, early buzz suggests their on-screen chemistry will be a major highlight. At the heart of the story is the restoration of Hope Ranch, a place that symbolizes not only the town’s heritage but also the emotional rebuilding both characters desperately need.

As Hope throws herself into saving the ranch, she reconnects with the values of hard work, community, and perseverance. Along the way, romance blooms—not as a distraction, but as a natural extension of healing and rediscovery. For viewers, the relationship promises to feel earned, grounded in shared purpose rather than instant attraction.

This kind of storytelling has become a Hallmark signature, but Romance at Hope Ranch stands out by leaning heavily into personal growth. Love isn’t just something Hope finds—it’s something she allows herself to believe in again.

Loveuary and the Power of Feel-Good Storytelling

Hallmark’s “Loveuary” event has become a much-anticipated tradition, offering audiences a full month of romantic premieres designed to uplift and inspire. By selecting Alison Sweeney as a headliner, the network is clearly leaning into star power with deep roots in daytime television.

Sweeney is no stranger to Hallmark viewers. Over the years, she’s become one of the network’s most trusted and recognizable faces, known for bringing sincerity and emotional clarity to every role. Her involvement alone signals that Romance at Hope Ranch will deliver exactly what fans crave: heart, hope, and a satisfying emotional payoff.

The film is set to air Saturday, February 28 at 8 PM EST, placing it squarely in prime time and positioning it as one of the marquee releases of the Loveuary lineup.

A Broader Loveuary Lineup with Soap Connections

Adding to the excitement, Romance at Hope Ranch isn’t the only Loveuary film boasting soap star pedigree. The Bold and the Beautiful alum Kim Matula, best known to fans as Hope Logan, is also stepping into the Hallmark spotlight. Matula stars in The Way to You alongside Aaron O’Connell, playing one half of a pair stranded during a New York City subway blackout.

That film, which premieres Saturday, February 7 at 8 PM EST, follows two strangers racing against time and circumstance to reconnect after missing their chance at love. The shared presence of soap veterans across Loveuary highlights Hallmark’s continued appreciation for performers who know how to deliver emotional authenticity.

Why This Role Matters for Alison Sweeney

Though Sweeney will always be synonymous with Sami Brady, her Hallmark work represents a fascinating evolution in her career. These roles allow her to explore quieter, more introspective characters—women shaped by life experience rather than driven by chaos. In many ways, Hope from Romance at Hope Ranch feels like the emotional counterbalance to Sami: grounded instead of volatile, reflective instead of reactive.

Yet the connection remains clear. Sweeney brings the same emotional intelligence and commitment to every role, whether she’s plotting in Salem or restoring a ranch under the open sky. For longtime fans, watching her lead another heartfelt story is both comforting and exciting—a reminder of why she’s remained such a beloved presence on television for decades.

A Story of Love, Purpose, and Community

At its core, Romance at Hope Ranch isn’t just about falling in love. It’s about finding meaning where it’s been lost, honoring the past while building something new, and discovering that sometimes, saving a place can help save yourself.

With Alison Sweeney at the center of that journey, the film promises emotional resonance, gentle romance, and the kind of hopeful storytelling that Hallmark does best. Whether viewers come for the love story, the small-town charm, or simply to see a familiar face shine in a new role, Romance at Hope Ranch is shaping up to be a must-watch event of the Loveuary season.

As Sami Brady waits in the wings for her next return to Salem, Alison Sweeney continues to remind audiences that her talent knows no bounds—and that sometimes, the most powerful stories are the ones rooted in hope.