It’s a brand-new year on Hallmark, and we’re kicking off 2026 with a tropical twist. Today, we're diving into Lost in Paradise.

When the founder of a high-end fashion company gets marooned on a “deserted” island with a chef, romance blossoms as they work together to survive.

January 3 2026 | Hallmark Channel

• Lacey Chabert as Sophia
• Ian Harding as Max

Sophia runs a high-end fashion company and, surprisingly, doesn’t suck as a person. Unfortunately, her ex-husband — who is also an investor — wants out. He’s ready to cash in while the company is still hot.

Max is a talented chef who can’t seem to break out, despite being incredible at his job. He tried opening his own restaurant a few years ago, but it failed, and now he works for another chef who takes credit for everything Max creates.

There’s one ultra-wealthy person in all of Fiji that both Sophia and Max want to pitch for funding.

Max’s buddy happens to be a private jet pilot, so he offers to get Max to Fiji. What he doesn’t mention is that Max will have to work the flight as a flight attendant. The passenger? Sophia.

They actually hit it off on the flight — until they fly into a massive storm and crash-land. Honestly, they both handle it shockingly well. With nothing to do but survive, they start opening up about their lives. Things are going fine… until they wake up the next morning and realize all their belongings — including the snacks — have been washed out to sea.

The pilot and co-pilot head out to find civilization. They succeed, but can’t figure out how to get back to the original island.

Max catches a fish and cooks a delicious meal, because of course he does. Stranded life turns out to be kind of amazing. They grow even closer, and when Sophia injures her foot, Max gets the perfect excuse to carry her and take care of her.

While exploring more of the island, they spot smoke in the distance. Fire! Civilization! They investigate and discover a campsite — they’re saved! Except Max is convinced they’re pirates, so they panic and run.

There’s swinging. There’s heroic escaping. There’s a celebratory kiss.

Except… they didn’t actually escape. The “pirates” catch up to them and reveal they’re not pirates at all — they work for a resort. Yes. There is a fully operational resort on the island.

They’re taken to the resort, where Sophia’s team is waiting for her. She immediately dives back into work but promises Max they’ll stay in touch. Soon, she realizes she doesn’t want to live that way anymore. She takes a step back from work, tells Max how she feels, and they kiss. Big ones.

Cut to one year later: Max has opened his own restaurant, Sophia has found balance, and they’re happily together.

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