Filmed on location at the iconic Churchill Downs, the movie follows Sadie Moore (Odette Annable), a greenhouse worker who dreams of crafting the legendary Derby rose blanket, and Ash Taylor (Andrew Walker), the CEO's son tasked with repairing the storm-damaged Twin Spires. When their paths cross, they must navigate family legacies and a long-buried generational secret.

Andrew Walker plays Ash Taylor, the wealthy CEO's son who is actually down-to-earth and handy with power tools. If you are a Hallmark devotee, you know him as the undisputed king of the network's modern era. He's starred in over 25 Hallmark films, most notably the massive holiday hits Three Wise Men and a Baby and its 2025 sequel, Three Wisest Men.

But if you're a millennial parent, your brain might be throwing back to the early 2000s. Yes, that is Cole Harper, Sabrina's snarky office colleague from the final season of Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Before that, he was a Canadian teen-show staple in Student Bodies and Radio Active. He's got that rare charm that works just as well for cozy family movie nights as it did for Saturday morning sitcoms.

Odette Annable plays Sadie Moore, the passionate greenhouse worker keeping her family's Derby legacy alive. Annable brings a grounded, warm energy to Sadie, which makes perfect sense given her incredibly diverse resume.

If you or your teens are into the Arrowverse, you know her as Samantha Arias (aka the terrifying worldkiller Reign) in the third season of Supergirl. If you're a medical drama fan, she was Dr. Jessica Adams on the final season of House. And if you're a sci-fi/horror buff, you'll recognize her as Beth, the central love interest in the iconic found-footage monster movie Cloverfield. She's also spent the last few years starring in the CW's Walker as Geri Broussard. Annable has a knack for playing characters with high emotional stakes, making her a perfect fit for a dual-timeline romance carrying decades of family drama.

Peyton Meyer plays Lefty in the 1932 historical flashback timeline. For parents of Gen Z kids (or Gen Z viewers themselves), Meyer is an absolute core memory. He played Lucas Friar, the sweet, Texas-bred love interest on Disney Channel's hit sequel series Girl Meets World. He also had a recurring role as Wes Manning on Disney's Dog with a Blog and played Jordan in Netflix's gender-swapped teen rom-com He's All That. Seeing him step into a period piece with a 1930s flat cap and vintage charm is a fun pivot for anyone who watched him navigate middle school drama with Riley Matthews.

Gregg Henry plays Frank Reed, the demanding Churchill Downs CEO and Ash's father. If you felt a sudden urge to yell at the screen when he showed up, it's because Gregg Henry has perfected the art of playing the arrogant, overbearing patriarch.

Most famously, he played Mitchum Huntzberger—the billionaire newspaper mogul who crushed Rory's dreams—on Gilmore Girls. He brought that same elite, manipulative energy to Scandal as the wealthy Hollis Doyle. But if your kids are Marvel fans, they know him as Peter Quill’s grandfather in Guardians of the Galaxy (the one by Star-Lord’s bedside at the beginning of the first film). Henry is a masterclass character actor who brings instant gravitas (and a touch of menace) to every scene he's in.

Brynn Thayer plays Lilli Taylor Reed, representing the older generation of the Reed family. Thayer is television royalty, with a career stretching back to the 1970s.

Classic TV fans will immediately recognize her as Leanne MacIntyre, Ben Matlock's daughter and co-counsel on the legendary legal drama Matlock. More recently, she's made memorable guest appearances on Suits as Lily Specter (Harvey's mother) and in the television adaptation of Fatal Attraction. She brings a classic, elegant, and deeply empathetic presence to the screen that anchors the family drama.

This isn't just a random assortment of actors; it's a brilliant bit of casting chemistry. Hallmark movies succeed or fail based on how much you care about the people on screen, and Kentucky Roses benefits immensely from having actors who know how to carry actual dramatic weight.

When you pair a seasoned sci-fi/drama lead like Odette Annable with a charismatic pro like Andrew Walker, the romance feels less like a paint-by-numbers script and more like a genuine connection between two people carrying a lot of history. Throw in the veteran scene-stealing of Gregg Henry and Brynn Thayer, and you get a family drama that actually feels like a family drama, complete with the generational friction that makes the dual-timeline structure work.

If you're planning a family movie night, Kentucky Roses is an incredibly safe bet. Unlike some of Hallmark's breezier, lighter fare, this one has a bit more mystery and historical drama, which actually makes it a great watch for middle schoolers who might otherwise find standard rom-coms "boring." There's zero content to worry about—no language, no violence, just a wholesome focus on craftsmanship, family legacy, and solving a decades-old mystery.

Pro-tip: If your kids get hooked on the historical aspect, use it as a springboard to talk about how traditions are made. The "garland of roses" is a real-life Churchill Downs tradition that dates back to 1896, and the movie does a great job showing the sheer amount of work that goes into creating it.

If you are looking for more family-friendly films that the whole crew can enjoy without anyone rolling their eyes, check out our best family movies by age list.

Q: Is Kentucky Roses appropriate for kids?

Yes, absolutely. Like almost all Hallmark Channel movies, Kentucky Roses is completely clean and family-friendly, with no inappropriate language, violence, or mature themes. It's rated TV-G and is safe for viewers of all ages.

Q: Where was Kentucky Roses filmed?

Unlike many Hallmark movies that are filmed in Canada or Florida, Kentucky Roses was actually filmed on location at the historic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. This gives the film a highly authentic, visually stunning backdrop, especially during the Derby scenes.

Q: What other Hallmark movies has Andrew Walker been in?

Andrew Walker is one of Hallmark's most prolific stars. He is best known for starring in Three Wise Men and a Baby (and its sequel Three Wisest Men), Christmas Island, A Bride for Christmas, and the Curious Caterer mystery series.

Q: Who plays Lefty in Kentucky Roses?

Lefty is played by Peyton Meyer, who is best known for his role as Lucas Friar on the Disney Channel series Girl Meets World.

If this cast got you feeling nostalgic for the shows you used to watch, or if you're looking to curate your family's next great watch list, we've got you covered.