Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Something New (2023 TV Movie) User Reviews

Disappointed and that's new

[cgvsluis · 5/10 · 15 June 2023]

I am a huge fan of the Aurora Teagarden Mystery series on Hallmark and after seeing a trailer for this reboot of the series, I tuned in with some trepidation. I was really happy to see Marilu Henner back as Aurora's mom Aida...but that was all that was back. They even changed out all the sets in the fictional town Lawrenceton. The police station is new, Aida's home is new... the college campus is new. Everything is bigger, newer and sleeker...taking away that small town Washington feel. They didn't even show the stock footage with the waterfall from upstate New York they fans have grown to love.

Ok...so the sets are all new and the town is completely modern and different, what about the entire new cast?

Well, I was disappointed. I am going to start with the star, Skyler Samuels, who plays Aurora...she was definitely not Candace Cameron Bure. I didn't really feel that she embodied the character either. Her acting at times was campy and she didn't really connect with the fellow cast members. I understand she came from a Disney background and maybe that explains her overly bright and unrealistic approach to the character. Side note here.... the wardrobe was also very odd. This is supposed to be a prequel yet no attempt was made to have an older style of clothing or to keep the characters preferred colors or styles. Now on to the "new" Sally, who in the past has been the best friend to Aurora. She has been portrayed as a bit mousy or timid and unsure...she also is a reporter. Now the old her has a blog and is an amazing perfectionist party planner? It didn't really ring true to her character and the new actress Kayla Heller didn't seem to connect with Aurora on that best friend level in addition to coming across as far more bossy than Sally has been portrayed by the wonderful Lexa Doig (i would love to hear her thoughts on her character's personality change. The only returning character that I appreciated was the young Arthur, played by Evan Roderick. Although I am not sure the "just friends" rings true because I am fairly certain that they did date prior to his marriage to Lynn...in addition to being friends. I did think the character was played pretty closely to what I expected otherwise.

I do really like the actor Steve Bacic, I hope he will continue to be an excellent asset to this new series as Detective Cook.

The emphasis on library science was interesting...but I think unnecessary. Think the true crimes leaning is a better way to go (like the later series), but that is just my opinion.

And where is a younger version of our local librarian Lillian? Missed opportunity there.

The story follows Aurora who is home from college working at a diner and helping her best friend Sally with her wedding preparations, when Sally's fiancé disappears after an altercation with a mysterious stranger. When the stranger is found dead below the fiancé balcony, Aurora becomes concerned that Sally might be marrying a murderer...she and beat cop Arthur try to piece together who did it.

I have really enjoyed Hallmark's cosy mystery series with Aurora, Hannah Swensen and Mystery 101 being my favorites. I have always appreciated the large supporting cast that gave Aurora a small town community feel and I appreciated the writing. This taking the series back to a younger age I am finding a little disassociating. I am disappointed, but at the same time don't want to be discouraging. I know a lot of actors have left Hallmark...which is sad and may prevent some of my favorite series from ever continuing. But did they loose writers as well? If the writers are still there, I have hope because they have brought us some great material before and I am hoping they can do it again. This may need a fresh rewrite. Not a recommendation yet from me...but maybe in the future it will be? I hope.

Aurora

[My5terygi5l · 6/10 · 14 June 2023]

So, to start - Aurora is younger and while the actress that plays her is probably a good actress, she is not what I think of when I think of a young Aurora. Original Aurora was played, perfectly, by Candace Cameron. The original Aurora was bubbly and cute with a cute little voice and when she was exploring a crime she had emotions both in her face and her actions/reactions. I have the same to say about the rest of the cast. Sally was ok, and to anyone who decided to bring weight into a review, that was not a factor and advise was not necessary or needed. The actress was over the top for Sally. Arthur was tall and now as a young man is average height. Now, out of all of the actor's on this particular Aurora, he is the best. The story itself was mediocre. It was like everybody was pretending to like their characters. The person involved in the plot was no surprise and honestly all of the character's had figured it out. No surprises. I feel like Hallmark is trying to get back in with those of us who loved the original mysteries. Those actor's are gone. The mistake has been made. However, if they want to try again with young Aurora, they need to get one that reminds us of the original character who actually had emotions.

Decent Enough Mystery, but...

[rachelrosalee · 7/10 · 2 October 2023]

Before I say anymore, I want to admit total and complete bias with the original Aurora Teagarden cast.

As far as origin stories go, this one feels like it missed the mark. I was hoping they'd explore Aurora's decision to become a librarian and possibly even the launching of the Real Murders Club. This mystery did neither of those things. Instead, Aurora is a TA and working part-time at a diner. Sally isn't a reporter yet and Aida hasn't become a real estate powerhouse yet. All of that may have been fine, but the movie doesn't really dig into that.

Although I recognize that Aurora and Arthur dated at some point, it's still a little awkward to see the longing looks between the two characters. Any romance would make me feel like they were cheating on Lynn and Nick! The movie doesn't exactly explore that piece, so, sigh of relief.

The mystery itself was okay. It gave new Aurora the opportunity to do some sleuthing. But I'm used to Aurora, Sally, and the Real Murders club putting their heads together to uncover the villain. That element was missing, but it was still okay. It didn't feel like Roe and Sally (by Samuels and Heller) were best friends either. So I think some of the chemistry was missing among the cast. I mentioned I was biased, right? I probably wouldn't have been satisfied with anyone stepping into these roles. Except maybe CCB and Lexa Doig's daughters.

Overall, not a horrible mystery. I don't know that I would watch this particular movie again. If you loved original CCB Aurora, I'd say give it a watch. But you won't learn anything new about Aurora Teagarden.

Shame they couldn't keep the young actors from the previous movie

[SunnyDaise · 7/10 · 23 January 2024]

Sadly I couldn't get into this movie - it would have been more convincing with the young actors from the previous movie continuing for this prequel. Marilu Henner is amazing but otherwise it looks like a different show too much, I just couldn't get my bearings - it reminds me of the Emmerdale soap special when they recast everyone except the character who got dementia, so they viewer would be just as confused! Maybe if this was a series I would settle into it better, because it is fun to explore the backstory and I'm quite sad this didn't quite work out as I hoped. Perhaps better on a second viewing - although the youngeractors' diction is faster and harder to follow than Bure and co. I hope Hallmark do more mysteries starring over 40s - and preferably without murders.

Fresh faces

[muse-48720 · 7/10 · 3 November 2023]

I've been watching cheesy hallmark mysteries and movies for a long time. Most of the mystery series are not groundbreaking, but they're entertaining for what they are. It's never a great shock to find out who the killer is. Most of the time in these shows I have it figured out within the first 10 minutes.

I don't know if some of the other reviewers are aware that CCB left the network because of different "values" (insert eye roll). She's gone so they had to move on. I think a pre-quel was a nice way to reboot the series. Screen writers do it all the time and change up the characters. Frankly I found CCB's portrayal to be whiny and annoying and was tired of seeing her be the same person in almost everything on Hallmark for a decade.

It was nice to see some fresh faces and not Arthur's uptight detective wife from the future.

This was much what you would expect from hallmark. I would watch more if they continue.

No, Just No

[tdmeddac · 2/10 · 23 June 2023]

I love Aurora Teagarden. The Original. It was very original.

This version is completely miscast from all of the characters in the book.

CCB had so much appeal as Aurora. This young woman, who is a very lovely person, is just not Aurora. And Sally? Are you kidding us? Definitely not a step up. And don't even start on the love interest for Aurora. Arthur is just so different from how someone who watched the original would think.

I love that Marilu is back as Aurora's mother but she even looked confused by all these strange new characters.

There are so many different mystery stories they could turn into movies. Leave Aurora alone. Unless you can get CCB back.

Different than the others doesn't mean bad

[kymberly80 · 8/10 · 19 June 2023]

I just watched this newest movie and then read the reviews that others gave it. While I see their point (different heights for the Auroras, Sally with a different personality, etc etc), I don't think it's a bad thing. I thought it was a fresh look which these movies needed. The movie takes place in 2008 and honestly, clothing styles haven't changed THAT much since then. With that being said, that's a bunch of years - people grow. Sally could be different now than in 2008 based on life experiences since then. I'm not the same person I was in 2008. I thought the movie was interesting and kept my attention. The former Aurora left for a much more religious company and she clearly no longer thinks Hallmark has the same values as her, she isn't coming back anytime soon. Also, if you have read the books, the way they wrote the former Aurora is MUCH different than the books (she was very prudish in the books). The books also take place in Georgia and the movies in the PNW. So they were already taking creative license and with this new Aurora, they have taken some more - doesn't make it bad, just different.

Still finding its voice!

[Fun1988 · 7/10 · 11 February 2024]

I must began by saying that I really did like it. I do agree with another reviewer that they do need another Sally. She's a good actress but not tall enough. That makes a difference. Lexa Doig's daughter was good in the last Aurora Teagarden: Haunted by Murder. It was great to see Sally's aunt Gladys, Karen Kruper. She was a great addition. Also, seeing a young Arthur was also a treat. Marilu Henner was also a great touch, there was really no need to change her she looks young enough to be her mom. In summary it was a nice addition to the Aurora Teagarden Mysteries. I can't wait for more episodes in this series.

NOT a fan of next gen actors

[nettystuph · 2/10 · 12 June 2023]

I was SO EXCITED for the next Aurora Teagarden movie. I waited like a child waiting for Santa. I went from super excited to super, SUPER disappointed when I saw all these new, young actors playing the roles. Not impressed with my lump of coal.

Apparently, Ro was a foot taller when she was younger. And somehow, the town was more modern in 1995 than it is in the 2020s.

I really hope someone in the movie making business brings back our favourite actresses in mature roles instead of this fakery. I want so badly to see Candace C Bure, Lori Loghlin, Allison Sweeney in the original roles. I LOVE the original A Teagarden movies, the Garage Sale mysteries, and the Murder She Baked movies. They are the best. This young actors fakery is NOT it by a long shot. I won't watch another if this is the direction they're going.

Loved it

[Skybirdie · 9/10 · 23 September 2023]

I enjoyed every minute of this prequel. The new cast was fabulous! Skyler Samuel was great in the role of Aurora. I also really enjoyed the new Arthur and Sally. I was also happy to see Marilu Henner return. I look forward to seeing more from this next generation of actors.

I loved the original Aurora mysteries, but I never cared for Candace Cameron. As much as I liked the mysteries, she always annoyed me.. I think I will enjoy the new ones even more. Excited to see what is next for Aurora and her friends.

I am becoming more of a Hallmark fan with every new movie. I like how they are evolving with the times.

Who likes rehashed leftovers?

[gfrasmd · 3/10 · 22 June 2023]

The Aurora Teagarden series has been a successful, staple product of Hallmark Channel. The recurrent characters are true and tested, have enlivened the uneven plots, and are expected by viewers with some fondness. Candace Cameron, no matter how much you like her, has a presence, a warm personality that brings animation to the shows. Now Hallmark proposes a prequel, with almost entirely new actors, though including Marilu Henner, who should best be cast as the grandmother of the younger Aurora. It is only natural that viewers would made comparisons with the old cast and feel uneasy in adopting so much change.

The mystery, itself, works reasonably well, albeit far from spectacular. What does not, and falls unconvincingly flat, is the chemistry of all new characters and the general acting ability of new cast. Do not expect much warmth or animation from most performances. A particular letdown is the new Aurora. Skyler Samuels conveys no warmth whatsoever. Her acting has a certain wooden quality, little expressive. Her body language is often awkward and inconsistent with the action. Even her, rare, smiles look more like contemptuous smirks. Essentially, her Aurora turns out difficult to warm up to.

So, why mess up with a good thing and rehash it? Hallmark would do better creating a new series with new characters. The audience would not feel betrayed in their expectations and, possibly, swallow it less painfully.

Miscasting will be its downfall

[hayesmikiet · 4/10 · 22 June 2023]

I get Hallmark's desire to try again and not waste the talents of Marilu Henner and Steve Bacic (with no new Garage Sale Mysteries), but Hallmark should have left well enough alone. The Ro and Sally characters are tragically miscast. While the cast could likely hold its own with an independent storyline, they couldn't do the original justice. This feels like Hallmark trying to stick it to Candace C. Bure for leaving... but it backfired. The girls don't look like they would grow up into adult versions of Ro and Sally, and the personalities are too different to even suspend disbelief. It's just all wrong. Take the name Aurora Teagarden off the series, and let the cast find its way under a new concept. Good luck.

prequel

[newyorksmama · 8/10 · 28 December 2023]

I believe this series takes place in 2008 and it's a prequel to the original series. I think they did a wonderful job and not much they could do since the original cast majority left hallmark and went to the other production company so hallmark has been left trying To keep the fans happy . I think the prequel showing us what Aurora would've been like out of college and how she started out is perfect even showing her mother Mary Lou Henner before she was a successful real estate agent. I think we're going to be OK. Change is good baby step it people . I've watched twice now I like it a lot. :) .

It was just meh...

[staybeautiful-72706 · 4/10 · 11 June 2023]

I watched this movie with my almost 7 year old daughter who is absolutely obsessed with Aurora Teagarden (that was her Halloween costume last year). She's a Candace Cameron Bure super-fan, so we were hesitant about this new movie.

I understand the prequel series plan, having lost CCB to a new network. It was the smartest way to keep the series going, without fans throwing a complete fit for recasting the main character. But this new movie fell flat for me. The story was okay, but it didn't connect well to the established story/characters we've come to know and love. If it were a stand-alone mystery, I'd say it was decent. It just lacked a lot of the magic that kept me coming back to the original series.

A lot of the characters that were back as younger versions seemed so drastically different from the versions we have come to know and love. The young Sally is the biggest example. We've never heard anything from older Sally about almost getting married (which they wrap up at the very end by having Aurora say Sally made her promise to never say his name ever again?) and her fiancé being a suspect/criminal. The actress had a whole new take on the character that just didn't fit, in my opinion, after watching 18 films of a Sally I loved. I understand that people change as they grow up, but I don't think the younger Sally fit with the established character. Young Sally hasn't finished her degree and has a blog? Older Sally seems to love her job as a newspaper reporter. I get that blogs were becoming popular in the mid-2000s, but it just doesn't seem like Sally. This version of Sally seemed much more like a modern-day influencer type as opposed to the down-to-earth, simple Sally we know.

Skyler Samuels did okay with the younger Aurora role, but she had huge shoes to fill. Some scenes, I believed she was a younger Roe, but then the next I'd think the opposite.

Young Arthur was also fine. The version we've come to know of Arthur is that of a former flame that has moved on and now loves Aurora as a friend. It's almost like her protects her the way a brother would protect a sister. The version we saw in this film is a young man who has become interested in this girl he knew in high school but hasn't yet dated. So a very different vibe.

As for Aida, the timeline confuses me a little. In "Til Death Do Us Part", Aida said that she wasn't home for the poker game in question because she was just starting her real estate business and worked long nights. How long was Aida's real estate business struggling to pick up? Because that game was "24 years ago" at the time of the wedding, and this prequel movie was in 2008?

Candace Cameron Bure announced her departure from the network over a year ago. They've had that long to craft a story that made sense and would be a good addition to the series. This looks more like a money/ratings grab. Rather than writing a whole new series, they're planning to ride the coattails of the series' popularity for as long as they can. They should've just let it rest.

Candace has left but Aurora remains!

[thomas-paul-1 · 8/10 · 10 February 2024]

For those who expect Candace Cameron Bure then forget this. She's left Hallmark for a Christian network and rather than kill the series, Hallmark has made a prequel that covers Aurora's years in college. Those complaining that Aurora is different should remember that she is 20 years younger in this series. But this new prequel is fun and interesting and I for one am glad Aurora is back.

What is odd is that it doesn't feel like 20 years before the first Aurora. It's more like a young Aurora that takes place in the current day. And the actors don't feel quite as if they have are ready to work together but the original cast had 18 movies to get it right. We can't expect it to be perfect on the first try.

The story is Sally is getting married and the groom disappears at the rehearsal. We know Sally isn't getting married so the question becomes is the groom the victim or the murderer? Or is something else going on? I found the story fun and interesting and I'm looking forward to future episodes.

Won't be watching

[rfouledout · 1/10 · 10 July 2023]

I have seen all the Aurora Teagarden movies (many times), and will probably continue to watch the reruns. This just shouldn't have been done. Casting is terrible - all of it. I am very sorry to hear that all new movies will be with this cast. Write a different movie for these actors and they might be fine.

I always look forward to new movies in each mystery series and will miss the Aurora movies very much. If, after 18 movies, the original actors no longer wish to be part of the movies, then Hallmark should find another book series. You can't just replace characters we've come to love. I will not be watching.

Dreadful, dreary mistake

[fbarrylangford · 1/10 · 31 August 2023]

Whilst l totally understand Hallmark wishing to continue the Aurora Teagarden mysteries, and would happily have continued to watch had the new series been up to the standard of the previous 18 movies, I'm sorry to say this first film will be the last l watch. It would be a difficult task to find young actors who were total lookalikes and soundalikes for the Aurora and Sally we have grown to know and love, but surely in all of Canada there were two more suitable candidates! The new Aurora lacks the warmth and charm of the original and simply cannot carry a leading role, and the less said about the new Sally the better. There is zero chemistry between these two, and I would be surprised if Hallmark can keep the series going for long with such totally miscast leads. For me, the only saving grace was Marilu Henner - superb as always and, thanks to clever lighting (and possibly a little outside help!), looking fabulous and totally credible as a 15 years younger version of Aida. Such a shame more care was not put into the casting and look of this production... a wasted opportunity and a sorry postscript to a much loved series.

Love the new series!

[ginnylockrem · 10/10 · 16 October 2023]

Refreshing to see the reboot of the Aurora Teagarden Mysteries. Nice to see Marilu Henner back and actors in the lead that can actually act. We are hoping that the series continues and that we don't have to wait too long for the next installation. The prior series was so formulaic and predictable towards the end. We would get the episodes all mixed up.it would be nice to have a new series to watch and look forward to. It seems so fresh and it's fun to see the back story of Aida and Aurora. Also fun to see how Aida became the successful real estate agency owner. Wonder how long it will take for Arthur and Toe to get together?

Shrug.

[Racingphan2 · 3/10 · 13 June 2023]

What's the point? Candace Bure signs a free agent contract with another network, so after 18 movies let's replace her and continue on? Well, okay, but the casting of the new Aurora is uninspired and lost.

There's nothing wrong with Skyler Samuels as young Aurora, except that she's generic , boring and really nothing special. (Did I say boring?).

The highlights of the movie are of course the veteran actors. Marilu Henner is eternally awesome, and still easy on the eyes. And Hallmark and Lifetime mainstay Steve Bacic is always reliable.

Hallmark desperately needs to develop a new generation of stars, and none of them are here.

Wow so many negative Nancy's 😐

[dogsragoness1982 · 9/10 · 6 February 2024]

I've seen all the original movies with Candace and I used to love them, but when she left hallmark, and I learned why she left it really soured me to her and honestly it makes it hard for me to enjoy watching anything she is in anymore 😥.

I actually enjoyed this new take on this series and I am excited to see where they will take it.

To all the negative comments... what were they supposed to do? People loved the series and were demanding updates so they had to do what they had to do. I know what her conditions were for returning and they leave a really bad taste in my mouth and I for one am happy that hallmark stood by their decision to be more inclusive and I will support them ❤❤❤.

Not the same

[slwenger · 2/10 · 10 July 2023]

Always loved the series. But this is not even close to what we have grown to love. The characters are recast, the locations are redone and previous connections are lost. This Sally is not the same personality as the original. The casting of Ro's and Sally's daughters in the final episode is much closer than these actors. Glad that Aida brings some familiarity, but that is all. Probably won't watch any more episodes. I am only an hour in and waiting only for the solution.

The young actors did a very admirable job. So hard to play a prequel to an established character. But did they even try to emulate the previous characters?

Just Not The Same

[sonicgeekette · 4/10 · 7 August 2023]

I was excited to see a new Aurora Teagarden movie, however, after I started watching it, I quickly noticed that it just doesn't have the same feel as the other movies. It's missing the heart. I like that they kept Marilu Henner as Aida, Aurora's mother, and brought Karen Kruper back as Sally's Aunt Gladys. But felt like they could have included other characters from the original series, especially John, Sally's uncle and her cousin Lizzie Allison. I feel like these characters would have been there for Sally for her wedding.

It's missing the opening sequence with a shot of the Lawrenceton water tower, streets downtown, and the waterfall (which is really in NY not WA). And I'm not sure if it included the same music at the beginning as the original series. Other reviewers mentioned the change of sets not giving it that small town feel, especially the change in Aurora's and Aida's house. But their house, especially Aurora's changed a lot through all the movies. In one of the later movies I think they even made a joke about it with Sally saying how Aurora kept moving. One thing I found confusing was that the house they used for the wedding venue seemed like it was the same house they used in the original series as Aunt Gladys's house. But in this movie, it wasn't her house.

I like seeing Steve Bacic in this movie as the detective. This makes his 3rd Hallmark Mystery Movies series he's appeared in after Garage Sale Mysteries and Murder 101. I also felt that Evan Roderick did a good job staying true to playing Arthur. He felt like a younger version of Peter Benson's character. I can't say the same for Aurora and Sally. While I applaud Hallmark for trying to keep a fan favorite series alive after some of the lead actors have left, I don't feel this movie did the series justice. It just doesn't feel the same.

Murder and missing person mystery..!

[kamalbeeee · 8/10 · 6 September 2023]

Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Something New (2023)

A guy went missing before his marriage and he is in suspects list of the murder as well... A detective tryvto find him and start to investigate his fiancee who her friend too and others also... She reveals lot of truths behind his missing and murder.. Good story and screenplay.. But acting little amature... One time watchable movie..!

Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Something New takes place during Aurora's (Skyler Samuels) post-college days when she finds herself back home in Lawrenceton. While her mother, Aida (Marilu Henner), struggles to keep her newfound real estate business, Aurora supports herself by working as a teacher's assistant in a crime fiction class and waitresses at the local diner at night, where she shares her love of researching true crime with her best friend, Sally (Kayla Heller), and police officer, Arthur (Evan Roderick). When Sally's fiancée doesn't show up at their wedding rehearsal, maid of honor Aurora gets Arthur to help her search for him. When they discover a body, everyone assumes it is Sally's tardy groom, but when it turns out to be someone else, Sally's fiancée becomes the main suspect.

Perhaps Miss Samuels should have sought out Mrs. Bure's help

[crochetvj · 3/10 · 14 June 2023]

The acting seemed stilted. Aurora looked nothing like the petite Mrs. Bure from the original series. Even multi-talented Marilu Henner, the consummate professional, seemed uncomfortable in her role. She tried however, there was no flow between the characters. I liked the actors individually but not as a cast. Hallmark really needed to do more homework before producing this movie. What is really disappointing is that the storyline was lost to a cast that appeared to be thrown together at the last moment. The story was good and would have been a standout for the start of "Something New" if it had just a bit more polish.

Disappointed

[pmmontelongo · 3/10 · 22 June 2023]

I was disappointed in this new show. The actress playing Aurora was not my idea of a young Aurora. And the actress playing Sally was not anything like the real Sally. I was happy to see Marilu Henner back. I did like the actor who played the young Arthur and I do like Steve Bacci. If it doesn't get better I won't be watching. I noticed the town looks different and I miss the opening waterfall that was in the previous show. This was one of Hallmarks best series and I hope it will continue with maybe some adjustments so it will be a continued success. I hope with time the show will develop into the great show it was before.