Pretty Little Liars Duo Lucy Hale & Ian Harding Reunite for Holiday Rom-Com 'The Twelve Dates of Christmas'

Eight years after the iconic series finale, the beloved on-screen couple from Rosewood is set to give fans a major dose of nostalgia. Lucy Hale and Ian Harding, who captured hearts as Aria Montgomery and Ezra Fitz in the long-running teen drama Pretty Little Liars, are officially reuniting for a brand new holiday rom-com titled The Twelve Dates of Christmas. The announcement, which broke in 2025, has sent the show's dedicated fanbase into a frenzy. Who would have thought that after all the mysterious texts, blackmail, and that infamous 'A' reveal, the couple that sparked a thousand debates would find their way back to each other for a festive flick?

The Plot: A Festive Dating Marathon

So, what's this new project all about? According to reports, the film, directed by David Lipper, will follow a successful but lovelorn shop owner, played by Lucy Hale. In a twist of festive fate, she embarks on a personal challenge: to go on twelve different dates in the twelve weeks leading up to Christmas. The premise begs the question: can you find true love on a schedule, or is it just a recipe for holiday heartbreak? Ian Harding's role is being kept tightly under wraps, but let's be real—given their history, the odds of them being romantic interests again are higher than the chances of a PLL character keeping a secret. The film is co-written by Lipper and newcomer Seth Howard, with production handled by a consortium including Latigo Films and BuzzFeed Studios. Industry whispers suggest a streaming platform debut is most likely, perfectly timed for the 2026 holiday season. Isn't that just the cozy, low-stakes content we all crave by the fire?

From Controversial Couple to Co-Stars Reunited

Ah, 'Ezria.' The pairing that divided a fandom. For seven seasons, viewers watched the complicated, often controversial relationship between Aria, the high school student, and Ezra, her English teacher, unfold. They faced blackmail, lies, and a mysterious stalker, yet somehow ended up married in the series finale. Their reunion in The Twelve Dates of Christmas is already sparking conversation. Will this new film allow them to portray a relationship without the... let's say, problematic power dynamics of their past? It offers a chance to see Hale and Harding explore a brand new dynamic, one that doesn't involve hiding from 'A' in a classroom closet. Since PLL ended in 2017, both actors have built impressive resumes, proving they're more than just their Rosewood alter egos.

Where Have They Been Since Rosewood?

Let's check in on our stars' post-PLL journeys, shall we?

Lucy Hale's Career Path:

Hale has successfully pivoted from teen drama star to a versatile actress tackling horror, romance, and drama. She even released a studio album, Road Ahead, showcasing her musical talents. Her upcoming slate includes the thriller Legacy and the sci-fi project White Mars.

Ian Harding's Career Path:

• Film: Appeared in the Academy Award-nominated Ford v Ferrari (2019) and Love & Other Drugs.

• Television: Had roles in Chicago Med, Long Slow Exhale, and the holiday film Holidazed.

• Upcoming: Set to star in the forthcoming series Lost in Paradise.

Harding has cultivated a respected career in both film and television, often taking on more dramatic or supporting roles that showcase his range beyond the charismatic teacher persona.

The Streaming Holiday Movie Landscape

The Twelve Dates of Christmas is entering a crowded but lucrative arena: the holiday streaming movie. Think of the success of films like Jingle Bell Heist or Champagne Problems from recent years. These movies are the cinematic equivalent of a warm blanket—formulaic, comforting, and perfect for background viewing while wrapping presents. What gives this film a potential edge? The built-in fanbase. Much like Secret Santa (2025) leveraged nostalgia, this film has the powerful combo of a beloved on-screen pair from a defining 2010s series. The question isn't really if people will watch, but how many times they'll stream it while drinking hot cocoa. The producers are surely hoping for that magical algorithm boost that sends a title trending straight to the "Top 10 in Your Country" list.

Final Thoughts & Predictions

So, what can we expect from The Twelve Dates of Christmas? It likely won't be a cinematic masterpiece aiming for awards glory. Instead, it promises to be a charming, light-hearted holiday confection. Its greatest strength is the undeniable chemistry between its leads. Hale and Harding spent seven years developing a rapport, and that kind of history is something you can't fake. Whether they're trading flirtatious banter over gingerbread lattes or having a meet-cute in a Christmas tree lot, their comfort with each other will shine through. For fans of Pretty Little Liars, this is a delightful gift—a chance to see 'Ezria' in a new, hopefully less stressful, light. For general audiences, it's a promising holiday movie with proven stars. One thing's for certain: when December 2026 rolls around, a significant portion of the streaming population will be clicking play, ready to see if these two can find love in twelve dates or less. After all, if they survived Mona Vanderwaal and 'A.D.,' a few bad holiday dates should be a piece of fruitcake, right? 🎄