It’s one of those things that sounds like a joke but is somehow, horrifyingly real: A Lifetime mini-movie/sponsored content exercise, produced in conjunction with KFC, starring Mario Lopez as Col. Harlan Sanders – a version of him who’s also a smoldering romantic suitor.
But yes, A Recipe For Seduction is very much real, and is set to debut December 13 at noon. And yes, it’s only 15 minutes long.
Lifetime, this time of year, airs “It’s A Wonderful Lifetime,” a seemingly endless series of Hallmark-style romantic Christmas movies, some of which star Mario Lopez himself. But A Recipe For Seduction is more of a traditional “Lifetime movie,” with crime, romance, and evil mothers-in-law. This one just happens to be a “a handsome, young chef,” with “secret fried chicken recipe and a dream.”
And the trailer is even more ridiculous:
The movie is described as “branded custom mid-form content,” which includes a special offer in which viewers can order KFC from UberEats, and also get get six free extra crispy tenders with a purchase of $20 or more.
“We’re no stranger to heating things up for the holidays, just like our famous fried chicken scented Firelog. But let’s face it, we could all use a little distraction this holiday season, so why not fill some of your time at home with a suspenseful drama and the comfort of our world-famous fried chicken?” Andrea Zahumensky, KFC U.S. CMO, said in the press release announcing the movie. “A Recipe for Seduction is a perfect excuse to curl up at home and escape to your own happily ever after.”
Lopez’s more traditional Christmas movie, FelizNaviDAD, will air immediately after the KFC mini-movie.
The Twitter reactions were particularly humorous: