Benjamin Ayres Reveals Hallmark Secrets in New YouTube Series
Hallmark star Benjamin Ayres has launched a new YouTube series called “The Professor’s Lounge,” which is part of his growing Romance University initiative.
This new series offers fans a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Hallmark movies and answers their burning questions about the process.
Ayres, who has appeared in over 20 Hallmark movies, started Romance University to connect with fans and raise money for charity. Now, he’s taking it a step further by creating engaging content that delves into the magic of Hallmark filmmaking.
Benjamin Ayres: The Man Behind Romance University
Two years after launching Romance University, Benjamin Ayres has created an ever-growing community of rom-com enthusiasts.
This initiative has not only raised thousands of dollars for charities through merchandise sales and fan events but has also become a platform for Ayres to connect with his fans on a deeper level.
A Growing Community of Rom-Com Fans
Romance University began as a whimsical idea in late 2022 when Ayres attended Christmas Con.
He designed a tongue-in-cheek school emblem for an imaginary school called Romance University and put it on hoodies and buttons to hand out. The response was overwhelmingly positive, leading Ayres to turn it into an official entity.
Today, Romance University boasts nearly 6,000 Instagram followers and continues to expand its reach.
The Birth of “The Professor’s Lounge”
In 2025, Ayres launched a new YouTube series titled “The Professor’s Lounge”.
This series, which is uploaded three times a week to Romance University’s YouTube channel, aims to answer fans’ questions and share behind-the-scenes stories from Hallmark movie sets.
Each episode is less than 10 minutes long, making it a quick and engaging way for fans to learn more about their favorite movies and stars.
What Fans Can Expect
In the first video released on January 6, Ayres explained the concept of ADR (automated dialogue replacement) and how the editing process impacted a scene in 2024’s “The Santa Class.”
Other episodes have covered topics such as:
- How involved screenwriters are in each shoot
- Whether actors use their own cell phones or props in scenes
- If actors get to keep their movie wardrobes
Fans, whom Ayres affectionately calls Romance University “Alumni,” can submit their questions via a Google docs form, making the series highly interactive and fan-driven.
Challenges and Triumphs in Creating the Series
Ayres initially offered a series of online classes via Zoom for Romance University members in 2024. However, managing the logistics of these classes proved too complicated in between his filming schedule.
This led him to opt for a simpler route in 2025 with the free YouTube series, which is accessible to everyone.
The Joy of Hosting
Despite being most comfortable portraying characters and following a script, Ayres has discovered a newfound passion for hosting.
Conducting red-carpet interviews for Hallmark Channel’s “Holiday Touchdown” premiere in November was a turning point for him. He realized how much he enjoys connecting with fans and sharing his experiences in a more personal and unscripted manner.
The Impact of Romance University
Romance University has had a significant impact on both fans and charitable organizations.
The initiative has raised substantial funds for women and children in need through merchandise sales and fan events.
Ayres never expected Romance University to become what it has, but the overwhelming response from fans has inspired him to continue growing the initiative.
Future Plans for Romance University
With the success of “The Professor’s Lounge,” Ayres plans to keep filming new episodes as long as it remains fun and fulfilling.
He is excited to see how the series evolves and what new opportunities it may bring.
Ayres also hinted at bringing other Hallmark stars, whom he calls “Professors,” into the mix, adding another layer of depth and variety to the series.
Conclusion
Benjamin Ayres’ journey with Romance University and “The Professor’s Lounge” is a testament to his dedication to his fans and his passion for storytelling.
By offering a behind-the-scenes look at the magic of Hallmark movies, he has created a unique and engaging platform that resonates with rom-com enthusiasts.
As Romance University continues to grow, fans can look forward to more exciting content and opportunities to connect with their favorite Hallmark stars.
