✞A Joyful, HAPPY EASTER, Everyone! (Plus, a whole basket full of Easter Specials to watch this weekend!)

vintage Easter Card

* Happy Easter! *

EASTER PROGRAMMING / SPECIALS on TV:

UP:

Son of God - Good Friday, 2pm
Judas - Good Friday, 5pm
Risen - Good Friday, 7pm and 11pm
The Passion of the Christ - early Saturday, 1am
Heaven is for Real - Saturday, 7pm and 11:30pm
God's Not Dead - Saturday, 9pm
Risen - Easter Sunday, 1:30am and 9:30am
Fireproof - Easter Sunday, 11:30am
Courageous - Easter Sunday, 2pm
God's Not Dead - Easter Sunday, 4:30pm
Moms' Night Out (Comedy) - Easter Sunday, 7pm and 11pm


ABC:

The Ten Commandments - Saturday, 7pm


TCM:

The Greatest Story Ever Told - Saturday, 8pm
Barabbas - Saturday, 11:30pm
The Bible: In the Beginning - Easter Sunday, 10am
Ben-Hur - Easter Sunday, 1pm
King of Kings - Easter Sunday, 5pm
Easter Parade - Easter Sunday, 8pm
Holiday Inn - Easter Sunday, 10pm


INSP:

The Waltons "Easter Story Part 1" - Good Friday, 4pm
The Waltons "Easter Story Part 2" - Good Friday, 5pm
Bonanza "Caution: Easter Bunny Crossing" - Easter Sunday, 12am and 6pm
Jesus of Nazareth - Easter Sunday, 12pm


Freeform:

Hop (Animated Easter Bunny Movie) - Easter Sunday, 11:30am OR 9:50pm
(*Hop can also be seen on Disney.)


NICK Jr.:

Max and Ruby "Ruby's Easter Bonnet" (Cartoon)- Good Friday, 6am
Max and Ruby "Max's Chocolate Chicken" (Cartoon)- Easter Sunday, 6am and 2:30pm
Max and Ruby "Ruby's Easter Bonnet" (Cartoon)- Easter Sunday, 6:30am and 2pm
(plus, this and other Easter themed cartoons can be seen on Nick, Disney, Noggin, etc...)


WHT:

Puzzle Club: Easter Adventure (Cartoon) - Saturday, 2pm
Easter Is (Cartoon) - Saturday, 2:30pm

(*Interesting tidbit: the "Puzzle Club: Easter Adventure" cartoon is based on a book by dear, sweet Dandi Daley Mackall, whose book My Boyfriends' Dogs was also the inspiration for the Hallmark movie, of the same name!)


PBS:

Lawrence Welk - Easter Special - Saturday, 7pm



New this Weekend on TV...


Saturday March 31, 2018:

On this day… we bid farewell to March.

Come Home to Hallmark this weekend with...

Home by Spring

image: Hallmark Crown Media

Storyline via Hallmark: When an ambitious event planner gets an opportunity she can’t refuse, she goes undercover as her boss and returns to her rural hometown. With the help of her family and the man she left behind, she pulls off the perfect... Click Here to Read More...

Watch the Premiere of Home by Spring

Saturday March 31, 2018

at 9pm/8c. on the Hallmark Channel

Easter Sunday April 1, 2018:

On this first day of April... we rejoice!

* Happy Easter! *

When Calls the Heart

Season 5, Episode 7

“Heart of the Matter”

images: Hallmark Crown Media

Episode 7: “Heart of the Matter”
Storyline via Hallmark: Elizabeth assigns her students to follow business leaders in Hope Valley for a day. Meanwhile, Abigail and the town host two possible investors for the failing bank. Bill’s life is disrupted when AJ Foster arrives and turns herself in. Click Here to See More...

Watch When Calls the Heart Episode 7: “Heart of the Matter”

Easter Sunday April 1, 2018

at 9pm/8c. on the Hallmark Channel

vintage Easter Card

From Good Friday to Easter Sunday… I pray you all have a Blessed, Joyful Easter Weekend! Hallelujah! Jesus is Risen!


"On that first Easter morning, God filled the earth with hope so real, joy so pure, and love so true - our hearts still rejoice today!"

"Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
Calling for you and for me;
See, on the portals He’s waiting and watching,
Watching for you and for me.

Come home, come home,
You who are weary, come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
Calling, O sinner, come home!"

Please watch this lovely rendition of Carrie Underwood singing the beautiful hymn "Softly and Tenderly" last year at the CMA awards show. I pray it touches your heart ~ as it has mine...

Softly and tenderly... Jesus is awaiting us all to accept His Son as our Savior and come home - one day. For all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory, but God gave us a great, amazing gift, His Son, Jesus, who died upon the cross for our sins. All we have to do is repent of our sins and believe in our hearts and God does all the rest... He washes us white as snow!

Happy Easter to You All!!!
Blessings to You... Each and Everyone!!! Net

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."

~ 1 Peter 1:3

Hallmark's "Darrow & Darrow: In the Key of Murder" starring Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Wendie Malick, Tom Cavanagh, Lilah Fitzgerald, Mackenzie Porter & Geoff Gustafson!

MOVIE REVIEW

Movie: Darrow & Darrow: In the Key of Murder

Network: Hallmark Movies & Mysteries

Original Air Date: May 6, 2018

*NOTE: Fans of the popular Hallmark Movies & Mysteries series "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" will be excited to know... this "Darrow & Darrow" movie co-stars one of the POstables, Geoff Gustafson (Norman)!

CAST:

Kimberly Williams-Paisley ... Claire Darrow
Wendie Malick ... Joanna
Tom Cavanagh ... Miles
Lilah Fitzgerald ... Lou
Barclay Hope ... Raymond
Brandi Alexander ... Winnie
Antonio Cayonne ... Chester
Vincent Dangerfield ... Scott
Gelsea Mae ... Zoey
Mackenzie Porter ... Phoebe
Geoff Gustafson ... Jonah
Leah Cairns ... Norah
Robert Moloney ... Terry
Paul McGillion ... Coach Reed
TBA ... D.A. Ruth Ashland
Sage Brocklebank ... Detective Webb
Frank Zotter ... Dr. Armstrong
David Paetkau ... Evan
Edwin Perez ... Gilbert
Tosca Baggoo ... Judge Borsic
Vanessa Walsh ... Linda
John Tierney ... Mr. Wylkes
Glynis Davies ... Mrs. Bellamy
Sophia Reid-Gantzert ... Sarah Wylkes

PLOT:

Storyline via Hallmark: A simple offer of legal advice turns into the biggest challenge of Claire Darrow's legal career when her new beau, District Attorney Miles Strasberg, introduces her to his younger half-sister, Phoebe. A singer who has just completed her first album, Phoebe fears that she may have signed away her rights to her ex-producer, who is threatening to destroy the recordings. When the producer is found dead in his studio, police find evidence and motive enough to arrest Phoebe. Though Claire has never tried a murder case, Miles can't imagine trusting his beloved sibling's fate to anyone else. Working side by side with Miles, Claire sets out to uncover the truth behind the crime.

Movie Review:

Coming...


See or Skip:

Coming...


--
*images via: Hallmark Crown Media Family Networks
Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Brendan Meadows

ALISON SWEENEY to star in "The Chronicle Mysteries" on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries

Hallmark Press Release:

HALLMARK MOVIES & MYSTERIES
ORDERS
‘THE CHRONICLE MYSTERIES’
FRANCHISE

FROM AWARD-WINNING ACTRESS
ALISON SWEENEY

Sweeney Set to Star and Executive Produce the Franchise

Image: Alison Sweeney - Hallmark Crown Media

STUDIO CITY, CA – March 28, 2018 – Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, has ordered “The Chronicle Mysteries,” a new movie franchise from Alison Sweeney, with Sweeney set to star and executive produce. Sweeney will produce the movie series with Craig Baumgarten (Shattered Glass) of Zero Gravity Management. Melissa Salmons, who first worked with Sweeney at “Days of our Lives” and subsequently wrote several of her projects from Crown Media Family Networks, will write the movies.

“Viewers are going to love this new mystery from the incomparable Alison Sweeney,” said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming and Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks. “Sweeney’s return to Hallmark Movies & Mysteries is something we’ve been waiting for and we are so excited that she has worked to bring ‘The Chronicle Mysteries’ to life for us.”

“I’m so honored that Bill, Michelle and the entire team at Crown Media have supported my vision as an actress, producer and now content provider,” added Sweeney. “I’ve recently participated in a few true crime podcasts and met leading crime experts to bridge my obsession with true crime and my love of storytelling.”

“The Chronicle Mysteries” stars Sweeney, as Roberta "Robbie" McPherson a novelist and podcaster who's researching the cold case of Gina DeSavio. Robbie loves the chase, loves solving any puzzle or mystery. She is particularly interested in Gina's disappearance because she and Gina knew each other growing up together in a small town.

Sweeney previously starred and executive produced the “Murder She Baked” franchise of movies for Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, “Love on the Air,” “The Irresistible Blueberry Farm” and “Christmas at Holly Lodge” for Hallmark Channel.

press release via: George Zaralidis

-- HALLMARK MOVIES & MYSTERIES --

On "Heartland" Tonight on UP - Danger lies ahead!

Amber Marshall image courtesy: CBC

Heartland Season 11 rides on...

Episode 9: Challenges

Storyline: Amy tries to get everything organized at Heartland before joining Ty on a work-related journey, but Tim's concerns about the trip threaten to derail Amy's plans.

Airing: March 28, 2018 at 8pm/7c. on UP

Preview Clip:



Episode 10: A Fine Balance

Storyline: Ty finds himself in a dangerous situation and in order to save him Amy must turn to an unexpected source for guidance.

Airing: March 28, 2018 at 9pm/8c. on UP

Preview Clip:


Please know, I have not previously viewed these episodes.

I do hope you enjoy these all new "Heartland" adventures!

Blessings, Net

"Reap What You Sew: An Aurora Teagarden Mystery" starring Candace Cameron Bure, Marilu Henner, Peter Benson, and Lexa Doig!

MOVIE REVIEW

Movie: Reap What You Sew: An Aurora Teagarden Mystery

Network: Hallmark Movies & Mysteries

Original Air Date: April 15, 2018

*PLEASE NOTE PREMIERE TIME: This movie, like the latest installment of "Signed, Sealed, Delivered: The Road Less Traveled," is premiering at 7pm/6c. EST.

*Also Note: Miranda Frigon, who portrays Aurora's adversary Captain Lynn Liggett-Smith in the Aurora movies, unfortunately, will not be in this movie. She was taking maternity leave at the time of filming. However, an interesting tid-bit... Peter Benson's (Arthur) real-life wife, Julia Benson ("The Wedding March," "A Bramble House Christmas," "Cedar Cove"), will be co-starring in this Aurora movie!)

CAST:

Candace Cameron Bure ... Aurora Teagarden
Lexa Doig ... Sally Allison
Marilu Henner ... Aida Teagarden
Peter Benson ... Arthur Smith
Julia Benson
Jordana Largy ... Poppy Wilson
James Rittinger ... Jason Dell
Dave Colette
Catherine Lough Haggquist
Dean Marshall
Jesse Moss
Brad Harder ... Officer Heard

PLOT:

Storyline via Hallmark: Internet sensation and old family friend of Aurora Teagarden, Poppy Wilson, has returned to Lawrenceton to start her new embroidery business. But not everyone is happy with Poppy's success when she turns up dead. To find the killer, Roe must follow the unsettling truths that lead her—into the path of the killer.

Movie Review:

Coming...


See or Skip:

Coming...

--
*images via: Hallmark Crown Media Family Networks
Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: David Owen Strongman

Could Hallmark's Newest TV Movie be a Royal Mess? --- Plus, this Palm Sunday Weekend... "When Calls the Heart," "Risen," and we need a little Christmas!

Saturday MARCH 24, 2018:

It just may be a "Royal Mess" when a Matchmaker falls for her client, a Prince, in...

Royal Matchmaker

Storyline via Hallmark: Matchmaker Kate’s reputation as the “Queen of Hearts” reaches King Edward of Voldavia who hires her to find his son a bride. But Prince Sebastian has a moat around his heart, and Kate doesn’t see his tender side until he evokes his mother’s memory. She’s also learned he does humanitarian work, and before Kate knows it, she’s... Click Here to Read More...

Watch the Premiere of Royal Matchmaker

Saturday MARCH 24, 2018

at 9pm/8c. on the Hallmark Channel

Sunday MARCH 25, 2018:

Happy Palm Sunday!

It's the story after the Resurrection...

Risen

image via: Sony Pictures / Affirm Films

Storyline via UP: Risen follows the epic Biblical story of the Resurrection, as told through the eyes of a non-believer. Clavius, a powerful Roman Military Tribune, and his aide Lucius, are tasked with... Click Here to Read More...

Watch Risen this Palm Sunday

MARCH 25, 2018

at 7pm/6c. on UP

When Calls the Heart
Season 5, Episode 6
“Love and Marriage”

Jack and Elizabeth ride away in a Horse and Carriage...

Episode 6: “Love and Marriage” Jack and Elizabeth’s marriage is put to the test. Pastor Frank and Abigail resolve the future of their relationship. Bill helps a young girl solve a mystery. Click Here to See More...

Watch When Calls the Heart
Season 5, Episode 6

Sunday MARCH 25, 2018

at 9pm/8c. on the Hallmark Channel

"MARK"ing THE 25th!

In addition to this Sunday being Palm Sunday (the day that we remember and celebrate the day Jesus entered into Jerusalem as Savior and King!), it's also the 25th Day of the month... it's been 3 months since Christmas... and now, it's only 9 months until Christmas Day!

To commemorate this special time, as I've shared before, I watch a Christmas movie on the 25th day of each month. I'm delighted that many of you have joined along... including our friend Mark, who encourages us here, and makes a point to visit each month on the 25th to share which Christmas movie he watches! That's why I have named this feature after him... "Mark"ing the 25th!

Basically, each month, on or before the 25th, I will share which Christmas movie I have chosen to watch that day, and please do the same - in comments below!

For this Palm Sunday, my family and I have chosen to watch... "Signed, Sealed, Delivered: For Christmas." Since the premiere movie on UP, "Risen," tells the Resurrection story, we thought it would also be nice to watch "Signed, Sealed, Delivered: For Christmas," because it shares the precious story of Jesus' birth.

I hope you all have a Wonderful Weekend and Palm Sunday! If you plan to watch a Christmas movie on the 25th, please share in comments below.

Blessings to You All, Net

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

– Romans 5:8

"Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?"

– John 11:25-26

When Calls the Heart RENEWED for SEASON 6 & More HALLMARK News!!! #Hearties

image: Hallmark Crown Media

The Hallmark Channel announced some very exciting news - via Facebook Live Today in Central Park, with Crown Media’s President and CEO Bill Abbott, EVP Ad Sales Ed Georger, and two of Hallmark's favorite, well known actresses... Candace Cameron Bure and Danica McKellar!

image: Hallmark Crown Media

They announced Christmas Movie News, three Hallmark Movies & Mysteries movies, and a Season 6 for "When Calls the Heart," and more!!! I know I am personally ecstatic to know this beloved show will be returning for another incredible season... I can't wait to see what will happen next in Hope Valley!

It's quite appropriate that a blast of winter snow disrupted Hallmark in sharing this news the way they had originally planned... since they are the "Heart of Christmas!"  Even the first few days of Spring... look like Winter... when there is Hallmark news to reveal!

* Announced at Hallmark Upfront Event: *

*“The Chronicle Mysteries” starring Alison Sweeney

*“Picture Perfect” (or “Just Shoot Me”) starring Alexa PenaVega & Carlos PenaVega

*“Crossword Mysteries” starring Lacey Chabert & Brennan Elliott

*“Vet” (wt) a Christmas Movie for Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, starring Kellie Martin

*Untitled Christmas Movie - based on John Ondrasik's (Five for Fighting) hit song "Christmas Everyday"

*Home & Family Dream Holiday Home Decorating Contest

*More Pet Initiative Projects - Cat Bowl & renewal of American Rescue Dog Show

*“Meet the Peetes” (reality show) renewed for Season 2.

*“When Calls the Heart” renewed for Season 6!

*Christmas in July News: Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Gold Crown Christmas programming block will air from June 29, 2018 to July 8, 2018!

*Hallmark Channel’s Keepsake Christmas will run from July 6, 2018 until July 15, 2018. (no new Christmas movies are planned for July.)

*"The Most Wonderful Movies of Christmas" on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries begins November 4th, 2018!

*"Countdown to Christmas" on the Hallmark Channel begins October 27th, 2018!

To see the full video announcement... visit Hallmark Channel's Facebook page - HERE!

I know you all are just as excited as I am!!! Blessings, Net

Risen. The Movie after The Resurrection - Premiering this Easter Season on TV

MOVIE REVIEW

Movie: Risen

Network: UP

TV Air Date: March 25, 2018

Rated: PG-13 due to Biblical Violence

Originally released in Theaters: February, 2016

Risen is available on DVD.

CAST:

Joseph Fiennes ... Clavius
Tom Felton ... Lucius
Peter Firth ... Pilate
Cliff Curtis ... Yeshua
María Botto ... Mary Magdalene
Luis Callejo ... Joses
Antonio Gil ... Joseph of Arimathea
Richard Atwill ... Polybius
Stewart Scudamore ... Peter
Andy Gathergood ... Quintus
Stephen Hagan ... Bartholomew
Mish Boyko ... John
Jan Cornet ... Thomas / Dydimus
Joe Manjón ... Simon the Canaanite
Pepe Lorente ... Thaddeus
Stavros Demetraki ... Philip
Selva Rasalingam ... James
Manu Fullola ... Matthew
Mario Tardón ... Andrew
Stephen Greif ... Caiaphas
Àlex Maruny ... Pilate's Orderly
Paco Manzanedo ... Centurion
Tomás Pozzi ... Inn Keeper
Karim Saleh ... Zealot Leader
Jacob Yakob ... Soldier at Tomb/Niche Soldier
John Mula ... Holy Man
Yuric Allison ... Tomb Priest
Victor Trapani ... Nicodemus
Frida Cauchi ... Mother Mary
Mario de la Rosa ... Thief #1
Justo Usin Carrera ... Thief #2
Mark Killeen ... Antonius
Ramiro Alonso ... Leper #1
James Shilaimon ... Leper #2
Kenneth Spiteri ... Bitter Man
Claudio Carta ... Cart Driver
Clare Agius ... Cemetery Woman
Graham Charles ... Charnel Pit Guard
Kevin Naudi ... ID Soldier
Margaret Jackman ... Miriam
Beppe Abela ... Suspect #1
Manolo Caro ... Suspect #2
Alberto Ayala ... James the Just
Darien Asian ... Fisherman
Malcolm Ellul ... Rachel's Lover
Adrián López ... Fisherman
Mario Opinato ... Labourer
Jovan Pisani ... Pilates' Aide

PLOT:

Storyline via UP: Risen follows the epic Biblical story of the Resurrection, as told through the eyes of a non-believer. Clavius, a powerful Roman Military Tribune, and his aide Lucius, are tasked with solving the mystery of what happened to Jesus in the weeks following the crucifixion, in order to disprove the rumors of a risen Messiah and prevent an uprising in Jerusalem.


Risen is available on DVD.


Movie Review:

Coming...


See or Skip:

Coming...

--
*images via: Sony Pictures / Affirm Films

Amy teaches... Jack suspects... on "Heartland". UP-TV. Tonight!

Amber Marshall image courtesy: CBC

Heartland Season 11 continues...

Episode 7:
Our Sons and Daughters

Storyline: Amy tries to teach some old friends about the life-changing power of connecting to a horse.

Airing: March 21, 2018 at 8pm/7c. on UP

PREVIEW CLIP - Heartland "Our Sons and Daughters":



Episode 8:
Truth Be Told

Storyline:When Tim’s erratic behavior sparks concern from his loved ones, Jack suspects something else is going on.

Airing: March 21, 2018 at 9pm/8c. on UP

*Also, co-starring in this episode is actress Kate Drummond, who you may recognize from Hallmark Channel's "Love on Ice" and Hallmark Movies and Mysteries "Flower Shop Mystery" movies!

PREVIEW CLIP - Heartland "Truth Be Told":


As I typically pre-caution, I have not previewed either of these two programs, so please check ratings before viewing, etc... Heartland is commonly a family-friendly show; however, they sometimes deal with life and death, adult issues. For the most part, though, I do believe it's a program all ages can enjoy together.

Therefore... dust off your boots, settle in, and... I hope you will like these two new episodes of Heartland on UP tonight!

Have a great ride! Blessing, Net

LIFETIME Announces 14 NEW CHRISTMAS MOVIES for 2018 Holiday Season!

movie images courtesy: Lifetime

"It's a Wonderful Lifetime" is Back!

The Lifetime network is reviving this beloved Christmas promotional theme as the channel is becoming even more competitive during the Holiday Season... by ordering 14, yes FOURTEEN All New Original Christmas-Themed Movies to air throughout November and December, 2018!

With past well-loved movie offerings such as "Gift Wrapped Christmas," "Christmas in the City," and "Last Chance Christmas" and more recently, "Snowed-Inn Christmas" and "Christmas in Mississippi"... hearts were won over by these heartfelt, family-friendly festive Lifetime Christmas movies, that often starred actors and actresses we are familiar with on Hallmark, such as Andrew Walker, Bethany Joy Lenz, Hilarie Burton, Gabe Hogan, Meredith Hagner, Travis Milne, Wes Brown, Jana Kramer, Melissa Joan Hart, Ashley Williams, Arielle Kebbel and more!

It is certain to be a full Christmas TV Movie viewing Season... Bigger than ever for both Lifetime and Hallmark!!!

As you may recall, Hallmark officially announced the number of Christmas movies they are producing during their "Spring Fever" preview show, hosted by Danica McKellar. For the 2018 Christmas movie season, the Hallmark Channel will create 22 new Christmas films, while Hallmark Movies & Mysteries will create 12!

If you add up Lifetime and Hallmark together, well then... you have an incredible number... 48 all new Christmas movies! And, that doesn't include UP, ION, or INSP! Or, any other network... that may surprise us with a new Christmas movie! We will most likely end up with way over 60 Christmas movies for the 2018 Christmas Movie Season, a truly fantastic gift for all us TV Viewers who love Christmas Movies!!!

I hope you have enJOYed this news!!! Blessings, Net