Graduation Cards
"Saddle up, Hallmark fans: the channel has greenlit Ride, an original primetime series about a rodeo dynasty," Deadline reveals.
According to their article, "Ride is described as a multigenerational family drama that follows the lives of the Murrays as they struggle to keep their beloved ranch afloat. Here’s the logline: “After a tragic loss, each character embarks on an empowering journey of transformation and self-discovery while also uncovering a twisted web of secrets, threatening to tear the family and their small Colorado town apart at the seams. Emotions run high and clashes are common in the complicated Murray clan, but they are a tight-knit group who don’t give up easily. And the three strong women of the family – widowed rodeo queen Missy, matriarch Isabel, and former teen run-away Valeria – resolve to stand strong against all challenges and save their land, come what may.”
We can expect to the series to premiere in 2023 on the Hallmark Channel, as filming will take place this summer in Calgary, Alberta in Canada. Deadline also mentions Ride will be "co-produced by Endeavor-backed Blink49 Studios and Seven24 Films, in partnership with Bell Media for CTV Drama Channel in Canada. The series is based on an original script by husband and wife writing team Rebecca Boss & Chris Masi (Our Kind of People), who along with Sherri Cooper-Landsman (Beauty and the Beast, Brothers and Sisters) are showrunners and executive producers."
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CAST UPDATE:
Hallmark Press Release:
HALLMARK CHANNEL
KICKS OFF PRODUCTION ON "RIDE,"
NEW, ORIGINAL PRIMETIME SERIES
TO PREMIERE IN 2023
Nancy Travis, Tiera Skovbye, Beau Mirchoff, Sara Garcia, Jake Foy and Tyler Jacob Moore Set to Star
STUDIO CITY, CA - August 4, 2022 - Production began today on "Ride," Hallmark Channel's new, original primetime series, shooting on location in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. A compelling, family drama centered on a rodeo dynasty, the series will premiere on Hallmark Channel in 2023.
The network has also announced the casting of the dynastic McMurray Family. The series follows Missy McMurray, played by Tiera Skovbye ("Riverdale," "Nurses"). A former rodeo queen, Missy is a McMurray by marriage and struggles to find her place in the family. Nancy Travis ("Last Man Standing," "The Kominsky Method") is Isabel McMurray, the tough-as-nails family matriarch fighting to keep her family legacy afloat following a tragedy. Beau Mirchoff ("Good Trouble," "Hidden Gems") is Cash McMurray, the second-born son who will carry on his family's legacy; Sara Garcia ("The Flash," "Reign") is Valeria Galindo and Jake Foy ("Designated Survivor," "A Little Daytime Drama") is Tuff McMurray, Isabel's youngest son. Rounding out the cast is Tyler Jacob Moore ("Shameless," "Once Upon a Time") as Gus, a handsome stranger who comes into their lives.
"We are excited to welcome the talented cast of 'Ride' to our family here at Hallmark Channel," said Lisa Hamilton Daly, Executive Vice President, Programming, Crown Media Family Networks. "We believe our viewers will be drawn to this exceptional, layered story that will make it a fan-favorite."
"Ride" is a multigenerational family ensemble following the lives of the McMurrays, part of a rodeo dynasty going back a generation, as they struggle to keep their beloved ranch afloat. After a tragic loss, each character embarks on an empowering journey of transformation and self-discovery while also uncovering a twisted web of secrets, threatening to tear the family and their small Colorado town apart at the seams. Emotions run high and clashes are common in the complicated McMurray clan, but they are a tight-knit group who don't give up easily. And the three strong women of the family - widowed rodeo queen Missy, matriarch Isabel, and former teen run-away Valeria - resolve to stand strong against all challenges and save their land, come what may.
"Ride" is co-produced by Endeavor-backed Blink49 Studios and Seven24 Films, in partnership with Bell Media for CTV Drama Channel in Canada. Based on an original script by husband and wife writing team Rebecca Boss and Chris Masi, who along with Sherri Cooper-Landsman are showrunners and executive producers. John Morayniss, Carolyn Newman and Virginia Rankin are executive producing for Blink49 Studios; Greg Gugliotta and F.J. Denny executive produce for Nitelite Entertainment; Elana Barry and Josh Adler executive produce for Circle of Confusion; and Jordy Randall and Tom Cox executive produce for Seven24 Films. Paolo Barzman directs and executive produces. Endeavor Content will handle the international distribution for the series.
# # #
ABOUT BLINK49 STUDIOS
Co-founded in 2021 by industry veterans CEO John Morayniss, Non-Executive Vice Chair Patrice Theroux, COO Jeff Lynas and CFO Nelson Kuo-Lee, Blink49 Studios is a full-service indie studio focused on the development, production, and monetization of premium scripted and unscripted content for a global market. Headquartered in Toronto with offices in Los Angeles, Blink49 Studios was formed in partnership with its anchor investor and lead strategic partner Endeavor Content. With a combined experience of innovative deal-making and strong relationships in the creative community, Blink49 Studios takes a content-first approach by partnering with best-in-class writers, creators, producers, and talent as well as supporting new and diverse voices.
ABOUT HALLMARK CHANNEL
Hallmark Channel, owned by Hallmark Cards, Inc., is Crown Media Family Networks' flagship 24-hour cable television network. As the country's leading destination for quality, feel-good entertainment, Hallmark Channel delivers on the 100-year legacy of the Hallmark brand. The network's lineup of signature original content includes movies, primetime scripted series and specials. Dedicated to helping viewers celebrate holidays, seasons, and life's special moments, Hallmark Channel is home to a host of annual programming events, including the highly successful Countdown to Christmas, which has become a pop culture phenomenon and a beloved holiday tradition for millions of viewers. Rounding out the network's slate are some of television's classic comedies and series, including The Golden Girls, Frasier, and Reba.
ABOUT SEVEN24 FILMS
SEVEN24 Films is an independent film and television production company whose work has spanned over two decades. Executive Producers Tom Cox and Jordy Randall have produced dramatic series, mini-series, television movies and feature films garnering over one hundred industry awards and nominations. In addition to Family Law, SEVEN24's current projects include the hit family series Heartland - the longest running one-hour series in Canadian history - now in its fifteenth season for CBC, Netflix and UPtv, Wynonna Earp on Syfy and CTV Sci-Fi, and half hour comedy JANN for CTV and Hulu. SEVEN24's focus on integration of scripted programming with interactive content and social media has helped make Heartland and Wynonna Earp two of the most dynamic scripted television projects in the digital space. Previous projects include Damnation with NBC Universal for USA, Fortunate Son, a political thriller for CBC and NBCU International, Dark Cargo, a noir thriller for YouTube Premium, Young Drunk Punk for Rogers and CBC, the Canadian Screen Award winner Borealis, the Gemini Award winning movie Mayerthorpe and Gemini Award winning Mini-Series Burn Up. Tom Cox and Jordy Randall were also co-producers on numerous high-profile feature films including the Academy Award nominated Brokeback Mountain and are both recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of their contribution to the arts. SEVEN24 Films was recently named Playback Magazine's Production Company of the Year.
My Quick Take:
First, this is giving me all sorts of feels of the TV Series, Heartland, especially since this new series will also be based on a multigenerational family living on a ranch. They are also filming in Canada, but the setting for the story is Colorado.
Please share your thoughts in comments below...
Blessings, Net 🐎🚜
Not really into this right now, and it's not just the 'worried about it being woke' fact either. Maybe I'll change my mind sometime down the road. Personally, if it's taking Hallmark this long to make a decision on WCTH, I think it means it'll end up moving to GAC eventually. (could be wrong, but it doesn't really make sense to release the Season ratings and not renew it!) -Maria
ReplyDeleteI'm concerned Hallmark's new push to woke will result in this series having many preaching moments. I miss the old Hallmark without their current agendas in recent movies.
ReplyDeleteMy biggest concern is that they keep it clean, family-friendly, & God-honoring. If they make it woke, it will fail. "Go woke, go broke" is certainly happening, & I don't know when companies will learn that we don't want the woke agenda crammed down our throats. Enough is enough.
ReplyDeleteIt does sound a lot like Heartland. I know they film in Calgary, I hope they dont film this where they film Heartland?
ReplyDeleteThey do seem to like to start up new movies, series, shows without giving an ending to the other shows, movies.
Sabrina
My immediate thought was that I'm sure this move was influenced by the immense popularity of Heartland. But you made the reference here before me, so my comment is appended to yours. 💛
DeleteDoes this mean When Calls the Heart is not coming back.
ReplyDeleteEstra, No official word, yet, from Hallmark on Season 10 of WCTH, but announcements like this make me loose even more confidence in it becoming a possibility.
DeleteMaybe it's just me, but these new shows don't really sound new. In fact, they sound like rehashed material of other pre-existing content. As soon as I read the synopsis for 'The Way Home' (the show Net announced last month), I immediately took notice of how it sounded like a carbon copy of 'Chesapeake Shores', the show Hallmark is in the process of canceling. The time travel component of 'The Way Home' feels reminiscent of the Hallmark film, 'Three Wise Women' (I haven't seen that movie, but I'm familiar with its premise).
ReplyDeleteWith 'Ride', it not only sounds like a regurgitation of 'Heartland', but also the 'J.L. Family Ranch' films. The "three strong women" element of both upcoming shows is a replica of the Merriwick family from 'The Good Witch' television show.
It's inevitable for story ideas to get repeated over time. However, it seems like Hallmark doesn't have a desire to try anything different. When Hallmark had a full line-up of TV shows, each show had a unique look and feel, providing a variety of content for their consumers. Excluding 'When Calls the Heart', the network's upcoming programming feels more of the same. Hallmark claims their offerings are "original". Yet their actions speak louder than their words.
Sally, I agree! As I mentioned above, I instantly got a feeling of "Heartland" when I saw this. That series not only features a multi-generational family living and working together on a ranch, but it also began with a major tragedy that shook the entire family. According to the press release, "Ride" will also begin with a tragic loss.
DeleteYour other comparisons are spot on! By the way, I have seen "Three Wise Women" once. In my opinion, it wasn't good at all... so I sure hope "The Way Home" is much better.
We know Hallmark is used to repeating the same formulas when it comes to rom-coms, so I guess their "original" series will also be much the same.
I'd watch this
ReplyDeleteBrian Bird mentioned Morgan Kohan & Chad Michael Murray
ReplyDeleteKey Casting Details Revealed for Upcoming CTV Original Drama SULLIVAN’S CROSSING
Morgan Kohan stars alongside fan-favourites Chad Michael Murray and Scott Patterson –
– Canadian singer, songwriter, and actors Tom Jackson and Andrea Menard, along with Lynda Boyd, Allan Hawco, and Amalia Williamson, round out the cast –
– SULLIVAN’S CROSSING is from #1 New York Times Bestselling author Robyn Carr and Executive Producers Roma Roth and Christopher E. Perry, the team that brought viewers the hit series VIRGIN RIVER
Executive produced by Reel World Management in association with CTV and Fremantle, SULLIVAN’S CROSSING is being produced as an interprovincial coproduction with Nova Scotia based producer Mike Volpe and Ontario based producer Mark Gingras. SULLIVAN’S CROSSING is an adaption of the New York Times bestselling novels by beloved author Robyn Carr, reuniting her with Reel World Management's Roma Roth and Christopher E. Perry, executive producers of the hit series, VIRGIN RIVER. Fremantle will handle global distribution. “We cannot wait to bring this honest and powerful adaptation to life alongside our fantastic producing partners, and Reel World Management and Fremantle,” said Justin Stockman, Vice-President, Content Development & Programming, Bell Media. “Led by a star-studded cast, we know viewers will fall in love with the story and characters, and make SULLIVAN’S CROSSING a must-watch series.” "I'm excited to once again be working with author Robyn Carr to develop an emotionally compelling series that will resonate with her dedicated global fan base," said Roma Roth, Showrunner and Executive Producer. “At Fremantle we are always looking for strong IP and authentic stories that speak to audiences around the world,” said Fremantle’s Michela Di Mondo, Executive Vice President, Distribution and Sales, Canada and an Executive Producer on the series. “We are extremely excited to be partnering with CTV and Reel World Management to bring Robyn Carr’s iconic book series to the international market.” In SULLIVAN’S CROSSING, Neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan (Kohan) has her world turned upside down when a scandalous incident throws both her personal and professional life into turmoil. She leaves her life in the city and returns to Sullivan’s Crossing, a rural campground and outpost nestled amongst the sweeping vistas and cliffs she once called home, where her estranged father, Sully Sullivan (Patterson), still looks after the day-to-day operations catering to hikers, bikers, and mountain climbers. The 10-episode, hour-long romantic drama sees Maggie navigating her complicated present and confronting her painful past as she attempts to reconnect with a side of herself she had long ago forgotten. Tackling issues including family, community, conflict, loss, and love in a realistic and purposeful way, SULLIVAN’S CROSSING is a series about healing, letting go, and ultimately, opening yourself up to a world of new opportunities
https://www.bellmedia.ca/the-lede/press/key-casting-details-revealed-for-upcoming-ctv-original-drama-sullivans-crossing/
This is rather dismaying news for the possibility of more When Hope Calls - with Morgan Kohan filming 10 episodes for this new Canadian TV series. Would she be too busy with this filming schedule to do both?
DeleteChad Michael Murray is also a favorite of mine. I sure hope he'll still be able to squeeze in filming a new Christmas movie this year.
I hope Morgan Kohan returns When Hope Calls for GAC for 10 episodes
DeleteAlso, SULLIVAN’S Crossing for 10 Episodes too for Hallmark Channel
I am looking forward to The Way Home, especially when I hard CCM was staring. As for Ride, it seems like Hallmark is trying to capitalize on the Yellowstone phenomenon. So far Yellowstone is not woke, but that cannot be guaranteed for Hallmark. In all honesty, I have not watched a thing on Hallmark. It will be interesting to see the cast for Ride, but right now, I no longer trust Hallmark for family friendly viewing. Hallmark used to be my "happy place" but sadly, no longer.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about my previous post--I got my shows mixed up!! Looking forward to CMM's Sullivan's Crossing. As for The Way Home, again, for me, it's broke if its woke. Thanks, Net and everyone--sorry for my confusion! Can't wait for CMM!!
ReplyDeleteCast update for "Ride" added above.
ReplyDeleteOne of the lead roles will be actress Tiera Skovbye, who you may recall from the Hallmark movies: Three Weeks, Three Kids and Christmas Cookies. I think she sounds like an excellent choice to star in a ranch style series. Now, I'm just wondering what the series will be like.
Received word today from a Vulture article about how Hallmark not getting into streaming has helped it that this show will not return for a 2nd Season. Just as well too, 1 woke show is bad enough. -Maria
ReplyDelete