HALLMARK WINTER 2019 TCA NEWS - Signed, Sealed, Delivered, Chesapeake Shores, Christmas Movie News, Mysteries, and More!

Hallmark Press Release:

A NEW INSTALLMENT OF FAN-FAVORITE

‘SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED’

FROM EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

MARTHA WILLIAMSON

IN DEVELOPMENT FOR HALLMARK DRAMA

Stars Eric Mabius, Kristin Booth, Crystal Lowe and Geoff Gustafson to Return

PASADENA, CA – February 9, 2019 – Hallmark Drama is developing another installment of the fan-favorite movie franchise, “Signed, Sealed, Delivered,” created by “Touched by an Angel” executive producer Martha Williamson. The announcement was made today as part of Crown Media Family Networks’ bi-annual Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour. “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” is a comedic drama franchise that follows the lives of postal workers – known as the POstables – who transform themselves into an untraditional team of detectives to track down intended recipients of undeliverable mail.

Their missions take them out of the office into an unpredictable world where redirected letters and packages can save lives, solve crimes, reunite old loves and change futures by arriving late but somehow on time. “We’re thrilled to be able to give the devoted fans of ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered’ a new adventure so we can continue the story of the POstables,” said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming and Network Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks. “The emotional and heartfelt stories the talented Martha Williamson tells are a perfect fit for our newest network, Hallmark Drama.”

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Hallmark Press Release:

HALLMARK MOVIES & MYSTERIES

LAUNCHES SIGNATURE MYSTERY:

THE PREMIERE SUNDAY NIGHT DESTINATION

FEATURING NEW MYSTERY FRANCHISES

AND ORIGINALS OF RETURNING MYSTERY FAVORITES

New Franchises include “Chronicle Mysteries,” “Crossword Mysteries” and “Picture Perfect Mysteries” (wt)

New, Original Movies from Popular Franchises “Morning Show Mysteries,” “Hailey Dean Mysteries,” “Garage Sale Mysteries” and “Aurora Teagarden Mysteries”

PASADENA, CA – February 9, 2019 – Hallmark Movies & Mysteries announces it will launch SIGNATURE MYSTERY, the premiere Sunday night destination on television for thrilling mysteries featuring a slate of all-new mystery franchises and the return of the network’s highest-rated mystery series. On the heels of successful ratings in Q4, the network unveils plans for new installments of returning, popular mystery franchises including “Garage Sale Mysteries,” starring Lori Loughlin; “Aurora Teagarden Mysteries” starring Candace Cameron Bure; “Hailey Dean Mysteries,” starring Kellie Martin and based on the books by Nancy Grace; and “Morning Show Mysteries,” starring Holly Robinson Peete and Rick Fox and based on the books by Al Roker and Dick Lochte.

The returning hit franchises will be joined by all-new mysteries, “Chronicle Mysteries,” starring Alison Sweeney, “Crossword Mysteries” starring Lacey Chabert and Brennan Elliott and inspired by Will Shortz, crossword editor of The New York Times; and “Picture Perfect Mysteries” (wt) starring Alexa PenaVega and Carlos PenaVega. The announcement was made today as part of Crown Media Family Networks’ bi-annual Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour.

“Viewers have a strong appetite for our mysteries, and we’re thrilled to introduce new characters and develop partnerships with extraordinary talent to complement returning viewer favorites as we take our audiences on smart, exciting and thrilling adventures,” said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming and Network Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks. “Launching SIGNATURE MYSTERY as a Sunday night TV destination for smart Who Dunnits lets our viewers know we are deeply committed to the genre,” Vicary concluded.

NEW SIGNATURE MYSTERY FRANCHISE PREMIERES ON HALLMARK MOVIES & MYSTERIES INCLUDE:

“Chronicle Mysteries”
Starring: Alison Sweeney and Benjamin Ayres
Sunday, February 17, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Sunday, February 24, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Sunday, March 3, at 9 p.m. ET/PT

“Crossword Mysteries” Starring: Lacey Chabert, Brennan Elliott, John Kapelos and Barbara Niven
Sunday, March 10, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Sunday, October 6, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Sunday, October 13, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Sunday, October 20, at 9 p.m. ET/PT

“Morning Show Mysteries”
Starring: Holly Robinson Peete and Rick Fox
Sunday, April 7, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Sunday, April 14, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Sunday, April 21, at 9 p.m. ET/PT

“Hailey Dean Mysteries”
Starring: Kellie Martin
Sunday, May 5, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Sunday, May 12, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Sunday, May 19, at 9 p.m. ET/PT

“Picture Perfect Mysteries”
Starring: Alexa PenaVega and Carlos PenaVega
Sunday, June 2, at 9 p.m. ET/PT

“Garage Sale Mysteries”
Starring: Lori Loughlin
Sunday, August 4, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Sunday, August 11, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Sunday, August 18, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Sunday, August 25, at 9 p.m. ET/PT

“Aurora Teagarden Mysteries”
Starring: Candace Cameron Bure
Sunday, September 15, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Sunday, September 22, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Sunday, September 29, at 9 p.m. ET/PT

-- HALLMARK MOVIES & MYSTERIES --

Hallmark Press Release:

CROWN MEDIA FAMILY NETWORKS

ANNOUNCES FIRST-EVER ADAPTATION

OF A HALLMARK PUBLISHING

ORIGINAL NOVEL FOR TELEVISION

The Christmas Company by First-Time Novelist Alys Murray to be Part of Hallmark Channel’s 2019 “Countdown to Christmas” Programming Event

PASADENA, CA – February 9, 2019 – Crown Media Family Networks, one of America’s leading media content companies, announces its first original movie adaptation from Hallmark Publishing’s bestselling novel to-date, The Christmas Company. The new movie will be part of the network’s beloved “Countdown to Christmas” holiday slate. The announcement was made today as part of Crown Media Family Networks’ bi-annual Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour. “We chose The Christmas Company as our first book to become a movie because it contains all of the elements we know our viewers love – captivating characters, strong dialogue, and emotional connections so typical of the Hallmark brand,” said Bill Abbott, President & CEO, Crown Media Family Networks.

“This is certain to become another Christmas classic,” Abbott concluded. Hallmark Publishing, which began as an eBook publisher and now offers books in paperback and most recently audiobooks, is giving readers more ways to enjoy the kinds of uplifting, family-friendly stories that people enjoy on Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, Hallmark Drama and Hallmark Movies Now. The Christmas Company was written by first-time novelist Alys Murray, who is thrilled to join the Hallmark Channel family. “Hallmark’s ‘Countdown to Christmas’ has been a part of my family’s Christmas celebration for years,” said Author Alys Murray. “I couldn't be more honored that it is going to be part of that grand tradition of heartwarming holiday viewing!” The Christmas Company novel can currently be found on Hallmark.com, Amazon.com, ...and everywhere else books are sold.

ABOUT HALLMARK PUBLISHING Launched in 2017, Crown Media Family Networks’ publishing division, Hallmark Publishing, recreates the rich storytelling from Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries’ beloved movies as eBooks and paperbacks. From sparkling romances to intriguing mysteries, Hallmark Publishing offers a whole new way for viewers to engage with Crown Media’s stories and characters. In addition, some Hallmark Publishing novels will be adapted into new, original movies. Hallmark Publishing’s books can be found on Amazon, iTunes, Rakuten Kobo, and at Barnes & Noble retail and online stores.

To visit the network website, please visit www.hallmarkchannel.com/hallmark-publishing For more information, please visit www.crownmediapress.com Hallmark Publishing on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter

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Hallmark Press Release:

HALLMARK CHANNEL GREENLIGHTS

FOURTH SEASON OF HIT SERIES

‘CHESAPEAKE SHORES’

“Chesapeake Shores” Part of the Legacy of the Network’s Top 5 Series Sundays

PASADENA, CA – February 9, 2019 – Hallmark Channel announces it has renewed the network’s hit, original series “Chesapeake Shores” for a fourth season. Airing on Sunday nights at 9 p.m. ET/PT, “Chesapeake Shores” was one of Hallmark Channel’s most-watched original series and joins the network’s other primetime scripted shows as a top five-rated series on Sunday nights. Production on six episodes for season four is scheduled to commence this year for a season four premiere Summer 2019. The announcement was made today as part of Crown Media Family Networks’ bi-annual Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour. “Viewers have found a home in their hearts for ‘Chesapeake Shores’ and have consistently made it a top performing show year-after-year,” said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming and Network Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks.

“We look forward to further exploring the show’s heartfelt and compelling storylines as characters navigate the complexities of life and love,” Vicary concluded. Based on the novels of the same name by New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods, the series stars Jesse Metcalfe (“Dallas”), Meghan Ory (“Once Upon a Time”), Golden Globe® nominee Treat Williams (“Everwood,” Hair ), Academy Award® nominee Diane Ladd ( Wild a t Heart ), Barbara Niven (“Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove”), Laci J. Mailey (“Falling Skies”), Emilie Ullerup (“Sanctuary”), Brendan Penny (“Motive”) and Andrew Francis (“Final Destination 3”). The multi-generational family drama “Chesapeake Shores” follows Abby O’Brien (Ory), a high-powered career woman, divorcee and mother to two daughters, as she adjusts to life back in her hometown of Chesapeake Shores.

Abby now balances a budding relationship with her former high school sweetheart, Trace (Metcalfe), working for a firm that does business with her uncompromising father Mick (Williams) and raising her children. Returning to her hometown means engaging in the lives of her siblings: Jess (Mailey) a free-spirit trying to succeed as a bed and breakfast owner; Bree (Ullerup), a playwright who buys a bookstore in Chesapeake Shores after moving back home from Chicago; Kevin (Penny), a soldier adjusting to civilian life and new romance; and Connor (Francis), a new lawyer establishing his professional career. Having returned to Chesapeake Shores shortly after Abby, the O’Brien’s once-estranged mother Megan (Niven) strives to reestablish relationships with Abby and her siblings, though the O’Brien clan primarily looks to its wise grandmother Nell (Ladd) for guidance.

“Chesapeake Shores” is a Daniel L. Paulson Production. Dan Paulson, Michael Berns, Nancey Silvers and Sherryl Woods are executive producers. Matt Drake serves as producer.

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Hallmark Press Release:

HALLMARK CHANNEL ANNOUNCES

10TH ANNIVERSARY

OF AMERICA’S MOST TREASURED CELEBRATION

‘COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS’

Hallmark Channel Launches Year-Long Salute to TV’s Highest-Rated Program Event

PASADENA, CA – February 9, 2019 – Hallmark Channel, the worldwide leader in celebrations, announces the 10th anniversary of America’s favorite, most-watched holiday tradition, “Countdown to Christmas.” Hallmark Channel will honor the 10th anniversary of “Countdown to Christmas” with the biggest holiday season yet, featuring a programming extravaganza of a world record number of original premieres, celebrated talent, holiday specials and more! Currently, the network is in production on its first original holiday movie, “The Christmas Song,” starring Kristin Chenoweth, Scott Wolf and directed by Eric Close.

The announcement was made today as part of Crown Media Family Networks’ bi-annual Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour. “More than 115 million viewers in the past two years have seen ‘Countdown to Christmas’ programming and many have made the event a tradition in their homes,” said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming and Network Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks. “The 10th anniversary of ‘Countdown to Christmas’ will bring even more high-quality, holiday content and bring world renowned talent because while there are many imitators, there is still only one, the original and the best, ‘Countdown to Christmas,’” Vicary concluded.

“Countdown to Christmas” 2018 ratings delivered historic numbers and Hallmark Channel continued its stake as the highest-rated and most-watched cable network for the entire fourth quarter among W18-49 and W25-54. In addition to crushing the cable competition, Hallmark Channel out-performed the broadcast networks on Saturday nights, delivering more HHs and W25-54 than ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX in the 8-10 p.m. time period throughout the nine-week “Countdown to Christmas” run. The network also beat all of cable and broadcast among W25-54 delivery every Saturday night in the same two-hour time slot for the entirety of fourth quarter.

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Hallmark Press Release:

HALLMARK CHANNEL EXPANDS

ITS CELEBRATION OF SEASONS

WITH ‘COUNTDOWN TO SUMMER’

NEW SEASONAL PROGRAMMING EVENT

TO DEBUT IN MAY 2019

PASADENA, CA – February 9, 2019 – Hallmark Channel will add “Countdown to Summer” to its lineup of programming events celebrating the seasons and special occasions with three new, original movie premieres in the month of May.

The announcement was made today as part of Crown Media Family Networks’ bi-annual Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour. As temperatures around the country begin to rise and people yearn for the longer days ahead, the network will offer a fresh slate of movies designed to transport viewers to the upcoming carefree days of summer and whet their appetites for the sun, sand and romance that populate the warmer months.

“We strive to provide our fans with a viewing experience that immerses them in the sights, sounds and feelings of the seasons that is only available on our network,” said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming and Network Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks.

“Viewers have enthusiastically embraced our seasonal event strategy so we’re thrilled to expand on these offerings with the addition of ‘Countdown to Summer’ to the schedule,” Vicary concluded. This newest addition joins Hallmark Channel’s popular “Winterfest,” “Countdown to Valentine’s Day,” “Spring Fever,” “June Weddings” “Fall Harvest” and the event that started it all, “Countdown to Christmas,” which will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2019.

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Hallmark Press Release:

HALLMARK MOVIES NOW’S

FIRST ORIGINAL SERIES

‘WHEN HOPE CALLS’

PREMIERES AUGUST 2019

Spin-off of Hallmark Channel’s Beloved Series “When Calls the Heart” To Debut on Hallmark Movies Now

PASADENA, CA – February 9, 2019 –– “When Hope Calls,” Crown Media Family Networks’ first-ever streaming series, will premiere August 2019 on Hallmark Movies Now, the network’s digital streaming service. The series is spawned from Hallmark Channel’s longest-running, most-watched primetime series to date, “When Calls the Heart,” currently entering its sith season. The announcement was made today as part of Crown Media Family Networks’ bi-annual Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour. “‘When Hope Calls’ embodies the same heartfelt themes of community, family and faith that have resonated so strongly with ‘When Calls the Heart’ fans over the past si years.

This is another series that viewers are sure to treasure,” said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming and Network Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks. “The series rounds out the experience we are offering loyal viewers in 2019. Along with our linear networks, publishing and podcast platforms, our SVOD service is another way to enjoy the original content our brand is known for,” Vicary concluded. “When Hope Calls” follows Lillian (Morgan Kohan) and Grace (Jocelyn Hudon), sisters who were orphaned and raised very differently, as they reunite as adults and open an orphanage in a small Northwest town in the early 1900s.

The town and its people are on the cusp of change, transitioning from the simple times of the horse and buggy to the more modern times of cars and technology. The characters were introduced in the 2018 ratings record-breaker, “When Calls the Heart The reatest Christmas lessing.” Hallmark Movies Now launched in October 2017. Subscribers to the service have access to a robust library of content not available on Crown Media Family Network’s linear channels, with new programming available every week. Hallmark Movies Now is available on iOS, Android, Roku and Amazon Fire, among other devices. The SVOD service is also now available over the Internet on both Comcast’s Xfinity X1 and Co’s Contour platforms.

-- HALLMARK MOVIES NOW --

Hallmark Press Release:

CROWN MEDIA FAMILY NETWORKS

ANNOUNCES DEAL

WITH COUNTRY SUPERSTAR BLAKE SHELTON

PASADENA, CA – February 9, 2019 – Following the ratings success of “Time for Me to Come Home for Christmas,” which premiered during “Miracles of Christmas” on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries in December 2018, the network has announced a development deal with country superstar Blake Shelton for an all new Christmas movie for 2019. The announcement was made today as part of Crown Media Family Networks’ bi-annual Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour.

Shelton will serve as executive producer of the original movie. The all-new film will chronicle the emotional journey home at Christmastime and songs from Shelton’s library of Christmas music would be featured. “The theme of making your way home at Christmastime to be with loved ones resonated with our viewers in the first film Blake Shelton produced for us,” said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming and Network Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks. “We’re excited to offer a brand-new, heartfelt story with compelling characters our audience will connect with.”

-- CROWN MEDIA FAMILY NETWORKS --

Hallmark Press Release:

HALLMARK CHANNEL ANNOUNCES

DEVELOPMENT DEAL

ON MOVIE SPIN-OFF

OF HALLMARK CHANNEL’S

SUCCESSFUL SERIES

‘CHESAPEAKE SHORES’

Meghan Ory, Emilie Ullerup and Laci Mailey to Star in Spin-off Based on Characters From “Chesapeake Shores”

PASADENA, CA – February 9, 2019 – Hallmark Channel announces it has greenlit a spinoff movie based on characters from its original series “Chesapeake Shores.” The world of “Chesapeake Shores” will expand into the movie genre with more stories from the O’Brien sisters, Abby, Bree and Jess, played by Meghan Ory, Emilie Ullerup and Laci Mailey, respectively.

The announcement was made today as part of Crown Media Family Networks’ bi-annual Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour. “Our viewers have fallen in love with the O’Brien sisters, characters filled with pure joy, humor and heart,” said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming and Network Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks. “We are excited to dive deeper into their roles and shed more light on each of their journeys as these women balance romance, friendship, and family.” The movie is based on characters from the novels Chesapeake Shores by New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods. Meghan Ory, Emilie Ullerup and Laci Mailey will reprise their roles of Abby O’Brien, Bree O’Brien and Jess O’Brien.

With the winter weather dreary in Chesapeake Shores and their own love lives in a complicated state, Abby (Ory), Bree (Ullerup) and Jess (Mailey), adventure to Rome for the wedding of a childhood friend. While in Rome, they discover the wedding plans are in complete chaos and the bride may have a case of pre-wedding jitters because she has gone missing. In an attempt to find the bride, the O’Brien sisters scour the sites of Rome and work to create a happily ever after, while ultimately realizing the romance they each deserve back home in Chesapeake Shores.

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So much movie news to pour over... I hope you all are enjoying it all as much I am! I'm thrilled to hear we can expect more "Signed, Sealed, Delivered," plus more Mysteries, and I always love Christmas movie news, and so much more!

Enjoy! Blessings, Net