I received this wonderful news today from my friends at UPtv and just had to share!
UPtv has been given the honor of the "No. 1 network for audience growth in 2026"!
I think that has a lot to do with the popular dramas the channel has aired over the year, including Blue Skies, Hudson & Rex, Heartland, and Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries.
See all of the details in the press release below.
And mark your calendars for UPtv's Christmas movies - returning in November! (See link for the Christmas movies at the end of this post.)
Press Release:
ATLANTA – Oct. 7, 2026 – UPtv, the home for uplifting entertainment, is the No. 1 network for audience growth in 2026.¹ UPtv now ranks No. 30 among Cable networks for delivery of W18+.² Fueling UPtv's impressive growth are hit series Hudson & Rex, UP Faith & Family original series Blue Skies, which just wrapped its impressive cable debut, and acquired fan-favorite series The Rookie. Season to Date, Blue Skies season one ranks #8 in HH delivery in the Thursday 9 p.m. - 10 p.m. time period and Hudson & Rex season eight ranks #11 in HH delivery in the Thursday 8 p.m. - 9 p.m. time period versus all ad-supported cable.³
"We’re honored that our viewers have made UP the fastest-growing cable network in 2026, a remarkable achievement that’s a direct reflection of the strong demand for uplifting entertainment," said Philip Manwaring, CEO of UP Entertainment. "Viewers continue to seek out stories that inspire, entertain and bring people together, and our team has been relentlessly focused on delivering programming that meets that demand. We're grateful for the loyalty of our audience and look forward to continuing to serve them as we carry this momentum into the holiday season and beyond."
UPtv is celebrating the “Most Uplifting Christmas Ever” beginning Thursday, Nov. 5. From royal romances and holiday mysteries to beloved family traditions and unexpected second chances, UPtv's 2026 Christmas lineup delivers a season filled with heart, hope and holiday cheer. Featuring eight premiere movies and stars including Vivica A. Fox, Kelley Jakle, Kym Johnson Herjavec, Carson Kressley, Franco Lo Presti, Gilles Marini, Rob Mayes and Jonathan Stoddard, this year's collection showcases the uplifting storytelling that defines UPtv. A Thanksgiving week marathon of The Rookie adds even more feel-good viewing for audiences gathering with family and friends throughout the holiday season.
To find UPtv in your area, visit our Find Your Channel page. UPtv is available through a variety of cable, satellite and streaming providers, including Xfinity, DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, DISH, Frndly TV, Philo, Sling, Spectrum TV and Verizon Fios TV. Availability varies by provider and market. If you are a YouTube TV customer and would like UPtv added to your live TV lineup, please go here to request the channel.
1Nielsen Official Currency. HH C3 (000); Total Day M-Su 6a-6a; 2026 YTD (12/29/25 - 8/30/26) vs. 2025 YTD (12/30/24 – 8/31/25) % increase/decrease rank among all Ad-supported Cable Nets
2Nielsen Official Currency. W18+ C3 (000); Total Day M-Su 6a-6a; 3Q26-to-date (6/29/26 - 8/30/26)
3 Nielsen Official Currency, L3 HH AA(000) 8/13/26-9/26/26 Th 9p-10p time period rank among all ad supported cable. For HR, 8/6/26-9/26/26 Th 8p-9p time period rank among all ad supported cable.
About UP Entertainment
UP Entertainment is the home for uplifting entertainment for passionate and diverse audiences across the leading cable, satellite and streaming platforms. Brands include UP Faith & Family, UPtv, aspireTV, aspireTV+, GaitherTV+ and Cine Romántico. UP Faith & Family is the leading subscription streaming service in uplifting entertainment. UPtv is the trusted network for adults seeking positive programming with relatable stories about relationships, filled with love and laughter, through exclusive premiere movies, box-office hit films and beloved series. AspireTV is the television network that celebrates and reflects Black culture, life and style in a way that is inspiring, authentic and entertaining. AspireTV+ is a new subscription streaming service for Black culture and urban lifestyle entertainment. GaitherTV+ provides access to Gaither’s renowned and growing library of full-length award-winning Country, Gospel, Bluegrass and Christian concerts and specials, early premieres of new performances and shows, and exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews. UP Entertainment in partnership with PixL Dos, also manages and distributes Cine Romántico, a FAST channel featuring the best of Hollywood TV romance movies in Spanish. Additionally, UP Entertainment represents partner brand Ovation TV, an independent television, production, and digital media company, with an unparalleled commitment to the arts, culture and entertainment. UP Entertainment’s award-winning pro-social initiative, “UPlift Someone,” has inspired over 200 million people to uplift others through its social videos.
Congratulations to UPtv!!! I know many of us here at It's a Wonderful Movie really enjoy your mystery series, and of course, we always look forward to Christmas, too!
To check out UPtv's Christmas Movie Premeires, click here!


























