I was just reading an article at heavy.com, which shares in detail how Hallmark Media has responded to viewers of the series, Mystery 101, repeated requests on social media to bring back this fan-favorite mystery.
Hallmark's response:
“We loved making “Mystery 101” and we’re so glad you enjoyed sleuthing along with us. We want to let you know that our talented sleuths have solved the last mystery and are off the case. In the coming weeks and months there are exciting new mysteries on the way that we know you’ll love!”
My Quick Take:
Wow! I must say, I'm beyond disappointed, but not really surprised. Mystery 101 was such a spectacular series with an incredible cast, led by Jill Wagner and Kristoffer Polaha. Their chemistry on screen was undeniably strong. I'm baffled by Hallmark's decision to end this well-loved mystery series. Their statement above is a complete contradiction. Hallmark left us, viewers, with a mystery cliffhanger in Mystery 101, and now they are trying to convince us to watch their new mysteries. I'm not really interested in any new ones, personally, since they abruptly ended numerous mystery series I was already invested in. Do you feel the same way? The only one I'm still somewhat curious about is Hannah Swensen Mysteries, since it seems to be the only original still left, unless they bring back Signed, Sealed, Delivered. It's certainly going to be harder to enjoy any of them, as I did in the past.
Please share your thoughts in comments below.
Blessings, Net
I'm not really surprised, but I am real sorry for everyone who loved these movies. You all deserved so much better.
ReplyDeleteThis definitely won't go over well for Hallmark in the long run, given how high rated and popular this 1 was. -Maria
and it looks like I'm right on this 1 as well. A Tumblr pal of mine says that Hallmark is really getting blasted on social media, even trending on Twitter because of all the angry fans!
DeleteDefinitely doesn't bode well for their future mysteries with this kind of behavior. I mean, never letting anyone know that they've cancelled franchises (we only know about the ones that we know of from the actors!), and with this one, they buried the news in a reply to a Facebook post! Yeah, that's right. That's how much Hallmark really cares about these popular mystery franchises. Which is they would rather make 1 woke mystery after another then give endings and actual respect to their clean and popular franchises.
And if you ask me, I would rather see GAF make another SSD movie then this disrespectful mess of a network! -Maria
I hope GAF gets more films into production. I am really annoyed with Hallmark.
DeleteI am not happy that Hallmark will not make another Mystery 101. We were left with a cliffhanger and will never get a final answer. Quite disappointed. This seems to a a pattern with the executives in charge at Hallmark programming. Making your fan base upset is not good business.
DeleteLike you, Net, I'm very disappointed, and I too won't be investing any more of my time in Hallmark's mystery series. I don't understand it - you would think that Hallmark would at least want to film one more movie, since according to the writer on heavy.com, the script is written and it resolves the cliffhanger from the seventh film. With the right advertising, I am sure it would be a ratings winner. But noooooo...! Once again, Hallmark's logic...or lack thereof...fails me!
ReplyDeleteYup, Hallmark has succumbed to the "woke" disease.
DeleteI am not surprised. And I also never believed that there was a script written either.
ReplyDeleteI'm not surprised, but since they kind of seemed to "give up" on many of their classic series (outside of Aurora which does feel complete), I'm a little more skeptical of "investing" in their new series. Anyway... really sorry they aren't continuing with this given how much the fans championed it and the way they ended the film. I didn't see it because I knew it wouldn't be satisfying after all the Twitter convo. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's beyond rude that they said basically mystery 101 is done, but don't worry we have new mysteries coming. Why invest in any Hallmark mystery knowing how they treat one of the most popular mystery series?
ReplyDeleteSabrina
"That we know you'll love"..... No thank you Hallmark! Very rude, they didn't even apologize for the whole drag that lasted 2 or more years. Well, hopefully this means GAFamily or UpTV can do it themselves. I wonder what Jill's and Kristoffer's thoughts were on this?? Kristoffer said there was already a script written.
ReplyDeleteI will be sticking to the Hannah Swenson mystery, SSD, and the original first and best mysteries. I love to rewatch them anyway.
Abigail, Kristoffer Polaha and Jill Wagner have responded. Both were disappointed, but very kind. They thanked one another, their cast, crew, etc... and of course, their loyal fans.
DeleteI'll share their statements...
Kristoffer Polaha posted this on Twitter:
Well kids, looks like the cat’s out of the bag. #Mystery101 has solved its last mystery.
You are the most incredibly supportive fans ever! We LOVE you!
@JillWagner @robinthomas101 & I had the most amazing time entertaining you by bringing Travis, Amy, & Graham to life.
But…😉
Jill Wagner posted this on Instagram:
The End . @polahaha thank you for being such a good friend and partner in this amazing ride . I’m proud of what we created buddy . @robinthomasactor you made being your daughter easy . Thank you for lending your talents to our show . To @prestonvanderslice , the best robin to my Batman ! To all the crews over the years … the show was built on your backs ! Thank you !!! And to the fans ….. just so you know in my mind, Amy and Travis get married and go on a super long honeymoon to Fiji.!! 😉 thank you all for being so supportive and loving the show like you did ! Stay tuned for the next chapter with me , lots of fun things coming your way ….. and you know I always love a good mystery 😏 #Mystery101
I feel like they both ended their comments with another cliffhanger. Don't you? They were both very sweet, but quite mysterious. I'm hoping Jill's hint means she might do a new mystery for Great American Family!
Hmm, interesting. I, too, see cliffhangers in both of their comments, Net. It would have just been a nice goodbye from each, except for those last comments. I would hope that they wouldn't tease like that for no actual reason. Guess time will tell!
DeleteOf all Hallmark's abandoned mysteries, this one screams for a resolution. It's insane how they left the last episode!
I'm definitely with everyone feeling incredulous disappointment and annoyance at Hallmark's patronizing "come along, children, we have new mysteries you'll love," attitude.
~Alicia
Jill Wagner bolted Hallmark for GAF. Even though she isn't under an exclusive contract, this was simply a hissy fit by Hallmark.
ReplyDeleteWhat is your favorite Mysteries movie on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries?
ReplyDeleteSince December 2021, Wagner has not appeared on the Hallmark Channel & has moved over to Great American Family. She appeared in “A Christmas Miracle for Daisy” for the Bill Abbott-run network in 2021 & “A Merry Christmas Wish” in 2022. She also co-created “Lioness,” an upcoming Paramount+ series with Taylor Sheridan, & will star in the series.
ReplyDeleteYes but Jill told me on Instagram that she never left Hallmark. So if they wanted her for a movie she said she would do it in a second. They just haven't asked her.
DeleteI checked out Lioness the upcoming series not a family mystery looks violent probably won't watch it
DeleteI could see this coming. I dislike Hallmark more and more every day.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same - Hallmark keeps disappointing!
DeleteSadly, I expected it. I hope that Great American Family starts making mysteries.
ReplyDeleteI think there was always the slight hope that there might be another Mystery 101 - although Jill Wagner has made a couple of movies for GAF she is not contracted exclusively to them and she made a short video letting the fans know that she was more than willing to take part in one while Kristoffer Polaha continues with Hallmark.
ReplyDeleteI don't know why Hallmark pulled the plug, but even this announcement was low key and I think the best description is patronising.
Mystery 101 was second only to Aurora in viewing figures.
I personally preferred it although my very favourite was Ruby Herring.
I'm sure they wanted bigger audiences but the fact is that the figures they were getting were still bigger than those for the mysteries they are now showing.
We know that the 8th script had been written and in view of the obvious interest on social media etc it's hard to understand why one final movie could not have been made, given the ending to the 7th instalment.
It really does feel that Hallmark are treating the viewers with contempt in this instance,
Surely we at least deserve to know what had transpired to lead to the situation at the end of the last movie?
I really would love someone to spill the beans although it certainly wouldn't be Kristoffer who has intimated he knew the next plot as he wouldn't want to rock the boat with Hallmark.
This and A Cosy Christmas Inn both unfortunately in the past year are two of the lowest points in the history of Hallmark.
Shame on them - Florence
I completely agree with you, Florence!
DeleteWholeheartedly agree!!
DeleteTotally agree, Florence--shame on them!
Delete~Alicia
Yep, agreed! Hallmark has had some real lows the last while, but between Mystery 101, A Cozy Christmas, and the Aurora Teagarden prequel, they've been the worst. Hissy fit vindictive it seems. There's something seriously wrong afoot at Hallmark. They'd rather lose viewers and money than produce tried, true and wholesome winners. It is wonderful to read all ya'all's comments, I'm in the Amen and Ditto Corner, 100%! And thank you Net for keeping us in the (wholesome godly!) know with all the networks, you're very appreciated! XO
DeleteI tried 15 mins of that Paul Campbell one and couldn't finish it. They had no chemistry at all and I could care less why the guy was murdered.
ReplyDeleteMisty
I'm upset by this news. This was such a great series and the characters were perfect together. And that cliffhanger was awesome so I was looking forward to it continuing. And I agree that I am not interested in their new mysteries and won't be watching. They've canceled too many good ones already.
ReplyDelete101 was not my favorite, but I ❤️❤️ Jill & Kristoffer together!!
ReplyDeleteRuby Herring was a favorite, as well as Crossword Mysteries because of the leads.
Hallmark Media has already proven they don't follow up after the first new mystery, except Caterer, with Nikki & Andrew.
I liked a few new ones but gave up on more.
I adore Lacey & Will💞💞💞💞 but I have No delusion they will make more, for heavens sake Will had to Co-wrote the Story, just to pair them back up!!!
My sequel to Christmas Waltz is just a dream, if it was All about ratings ?? In 2020 it was The Highest Rated movie of the Year for Hallmark.
Movies & Causes they promote usually does poorly in the ratings, but it doesn't seem to matter, and they stay silent when it does.
Have a Blessed day 🙏🙏
I really liked Jill and Kristoffer together. They had strong chemistry. I am very sorry that Hallmark won't be doing any more of Mystery 101, but not surprised because over the last two years Hallmark has disappointed over and over again with their pandering to the "woke" disease so prevalent nowadays. Sad.
ReplyDeleteNet, I agree with you. I am disappointed Hallmark isn't finishing the Mystery 101 series. I am also not interested in the new mysteries. The ones I have watched aren't that good. For me watching any new Hallmark mysteries is a waste of my time. Thank you for posting this information about Mystery 101.
ReplyDeleteVery disappointed to hear that there will be no more Mystery 101. That was our favorite. They never ended it and they just left us hanging there. Glad we got them on dvd. Most likely will not watch any of the new ones. The ones we've seen haven't been all that great. And besides who wants to start watching a new one when it probably won't finish either. Did the same with Martha's Vineyard and others. Really haven't been watching much Hallmark any more since they went woke. Too bad. Used to be a good place to go for a nice movie. Hope they soon put some Christmas movies on dvd. And others.
ReplyDeleteChristmas movie scramble: 1)Christmas on Candy Cane Lane, 2) Twas the night before Christmas, 3) My Southern family Christmas, 4) The Picture of Christmas, 5) Haul out the Holly, 6) A Merry Christmas Wish, 7) The Gift of Peace, 8) Christmas in the Wilds, 9) We Need a little Christmas, 10) A Christmas Present. RG
ReplyDeleteI am beyond disappointed that Hallmark has ended Mystery 101 and for the life of me I can't understand why they would cancel one of their top rated shows. It was my favorite mystery and Jill and Kris on screen chemistry was off the charts. I think Hallmark has some people making some very bad decisions. I'm not watching their new mysteries. I'm just about done with Hallmark period. They have really shown with this move that they don't respect or care about the fans! They claimed they were restructuring their programming then come out with some very similar programming...Curious Caterer for example has Mystery 101 written all over it. I don't Hallmark has made a movie with any lead actor that has made one for GAC with the exception of Cameron Matheson. I had hope when I saw he was filming with Alison! But WRONG!!!
ReplyDeleteJoyce, I know exactly what you mean. I was feeling a bit of hope myself when I learned Cameron Mathison was doing another Hannah Swensen mystery. I figured if he could work for both channels, then why couldn't Jill. Cindy Busby and lots of supporting actors have also worked for both networks. It just doesn't make sense. They knew how much the fans wanted this; I think there's something else personal going on behind-the-scenes.
DeleteAbsolutely Net! I think they are being very childish and vindictive. As Soon as Jill made that first Christmas movie for GAC they started advertising Mystery 101 with just Kris. People complained but they never changed the ads!
DeleteYou already know how upset this makes me! And honestly, the last few mysteries that I have watched don't even seem like cozy mysteries. Some have a creepy vibe to them. I really hope GAF is working on developing a mystery series or two.
ReplyDeleteJennifer R, That is such a good point. I've been getting that same feeling, too. There does seem to be a shift there with the mysteries feeling more creepy and edgy. They are probably trying to compete with other contemporary crime dramas.
DeleteBy the way, I would love to see new mysteries on GAF too!
Yeah, I haven't enjoyed any new ones as much, either. Cozy was Hallmark's niche, and I can't see them ever being anything but laughable trying to imitate big budget mystery/crime series that actually make entire seasons of content. Alas, if they don't get their act together, I'll just console myself with Monk reruns. 😊
Delete~Alicia
Yes, exactly, thank you for bringing this up Jennifer R and Net...that is exactly how I felt about Curious Caterer. Having watched the first one, I had since forgotten why I didn't like it and wasn't keeping tabs on the series. So then I watched the second one and it all came back to me...that dark feeling and unease in the pit of my stomach. Yup, not watching another one of those...
Deletesad for the fans, but not surprised
ReplyDeleteI have to say I’m beginning to lose patience with Hallmark, they are doing everything they can to move away from the loyal viewers who have stuck by them for so long. I can put up with a lot of stuff because I want to see my favorites acting but this Is really my last straw. If they think the can draw a big crowd of younger people then go for it, but I for one may only tune in at Christmas time and that’s only because I love the holidays and enjoy watching all the older movies! -Susan Ann
ReplyDeleteYou’re right, Net, Hallmark’s statement is a complete contradiction. I don’t know what’s wrong with these cable execs this week. Fox News cancels Tucker Carlson and Hallmark Media cancels Mystery 101. Neither could have been for financial reasons. It must’ve been personal. Based on the backlash of both sets of viewers, it’s evident no one in the board room was listening to their viewers. Both networks are sure to take a ratings hit due to these absurd decisions. Rob
ReplyDeleteAt this point I don’t want them to make anymore Signed Sealed Delivered. They’ll just ruin it with their non family friendly content. And I know Kristin and Crystal, at least, are in favor of the changes Hallmark has been making. Kristin even threatened to not do the last movie
ReplyDeleteif Hallmark didn’t start including LGBT content. I was nervous about the last movie because of that, but, thankfully, they kept it clean. I don’t trust them to do the same if they make another one, so I hope they leave it alone. I would love it if Kris moved to GAFamily, but considering the fact that his last Christmas movie had a gay couple I don’t think it will happen. I’ll just skip that awful cliffhanger and picture as Jill said Travis and Amy honeymooning in Fiji (reference to Pearl in Paradise) and living happily ever after.
I hope Jill Wagner will do another mystery with GAF
ReplyDeleteI agree. Hallmark has gone down in quality taking off good mysteries with actors and actresses that have wonderful connection on the set. It is not a family site anymore. slipping in gay scenes in other movies which I will never watch. They are really not what they used to be. I'm not sure they care so much about the public response
ReplyDeleteI’m saddened by this but not surprised. They did the same with Cedar Cove-an abrupt ending. And while I know many of you like When Calls The Heart, I have not watched since they killed Jack. Daniel Lissing missed much of that season. I don’t know why they didn’t have a conversation with him about his character leaving and going to another post as a Mountie?? Instead they made us wait years for a wedding and then kill him off.
ReplyDeleteI left all Hallmark channels for a while but I really wasn’t impressed with GAF movies this past Christmas. I realize they’re a new network and there’s lots to work out. And while there seems to be “competition” between the networks it saddens me how many expressed their disdain with GAF. Bill Abbott gave many of the Hallmark stars their start at the network when he was there.
I am very picky now of what I watch on Hallmark. I appreciate Net and all the commenters here.
I don't share most of the opinions here. Hallmark mysteries have been always been really poor and I don't blame them for wanting to try new things. But please, try NEW things, not the same boring movies with different actors. I don't care about culture wars, I want thrilling scripts in my mysteries. If I want to watch a good mystery I always end choosing one made by the british. So much better quality.
ReplyDelete