Happy first weekend of April, everyone! When April arrives, I truly feel like the promise of Spring is here, or at least near! Since we had a little snow recently here in the Midwest, one never knows when the Winter-like weather will end, and Spring weather will truly begin in all its splendid glory.
As we welcome in April, we will be showered this weekend with all sorts of wonderful movies and TV series options... with the premiere of a new mystery and romantic-comedy, plus the 11th season of When Calls the Heart and the series premiere of Blue Ridge and more!
See all of the details below...
Friday, April 5, 2024
Storyline: Hannah Swensen (Alison Sweeney) has been asked to teach a baking class at the college in town, but her equipment is tampered with causing an explosion that the fire department rules an accident. Soon, a colleague ends up dead and Hannah begins to put together the puzzle of the mysterious circumstances surrounding the murder while being on the list of suspects herself. Hannah leans on her friends and family to collect the breadcrumbs of foul play and put them together, and meets a different side of law and order when she crosses paths with Lake Eden’s by-the book prosecuting attorney Chad Norton (Victor Webster).
Premieres Friday, April 5, 2024
at 9pm/8c. on Hallmark Mystery
Saturday, April 6, 2024:
Storyline: A bookstore owner finds love and direction in life after agreeing to review a famous author’s new novel in her blind-date-with-a-book club.
Premieres Saturday, April 6, 2024
at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel
Sunday, April 7, 2024:
Into the Wild Frontier
Episode 3
Episode 3, “Bill Hamilton: The Last Mountain Man,” details via INSP:
Coming of age on the frontier, young Bill Hamilton joins Old Bill Williams on an epic adventure during the final days of the fur trade. The last true mountain man, Hamilton's courage is tested when he faces an epic showdown with Bannock warriors.
Into the Wild Frontier Episode 3
premieres Sunday, April 7, 2024
at 6PM ET. on INSP
Sunday, April 7, 2024:
Episode 1 - Pilot:
Sheriff Justin Wise's peaceful routine of serving and protecting the town of Blue Ridge while co-parenting his teenage daughter goes up in flames when the town's police station is burned to the ground under mysterious and very deadly circumstances.
Premieres Sunday, April 7, 2024
at 8pm/7c. on the Cowboy Way Channel
This is a weekly TV series that is streaming for free!
The Blue Ridge movie is also airing prior to the series premiere at 6pm/5c on the Cowboy Way Channel.
The Blue Ridge movie is also airing prior to the series premiere at 6pm/5c on the Cowboy Way Channel.
My Review of Blue Ridge: The Series –
If you enjoyed the action-packed adventures and mystery of the movie Blue Ridge, then you are going to love the same action, danger, and excitement in the first episode of Blue Ridge: The Series! I had the honor of pre-screening the first episode, and I can assure you that it has all the same thrilling dynamics and energy as the original film.
In the series, Johnathon Schaech returns as Sheriff Justin Wise, whose mission is to keep law & order in their remote country town. Sarah Lancaster portrays Justin’s now ex-wife, Elli, but it’s obvious the two still have a spark between them as they navigate raising their teenage daughter, Maddie, portrayed by Taegen Burns.
When Justin makes a routine traffic stop and rescues a woman who has been kidnapped, he and Maxine (A.K.A. 'Maxx,' his new female rookie deputy) discover there’s much more to this crime.
I won’t give away the mystery portion, but this intense storyline is truly captivating- involving a witness in hiding, a fatal fire, and a pursuit through the backwoods on four-wheelers.
Due to some violence, this series is probably best suited for mature, pre-teen age and up. Otherwise, this episode is family-friendly.
I enjoyed this first episode, and I’m looking forward to watching the rest of this series! ~Net
Where to Watch The Cowboy Way Channel:
*FREE via:
Philo, Xumo, Plex, DistroTV, and Redbox.
*Stream through these apps with a subscription:
Frndly TV, Sling FreeStream, and FreeCast.
*Watch on these TV's:
Samsung, Vizio Watch Free, and Roku.
If you need more info, visit https://cowboywaychannel.com/where-to-watch/.
Sunday, April 7, 2024:
Episode 1 - “When Stars Align” :
Storyline: Elizabeth turns over a new leaf. Nathan returns home from an investigation, and Bill questions its outcome. Rosemary chases a scoop. Lucas makes a surprise announcement.
Click here to see more images for this episode.
Premieres Sunday, April 7, 2024
at 9pm/8c. on the Hallmark Channel
Programming Notes & News:
*I've decided to change up this section of the weekend post, where I typically share a sprinkling of classic movies airing over the weekend. With Spring here and Summer on the way, I figure most of us will be a bit busier, likely outdoors more often, and have less time for older movies, so I won't be sharing this section as much in the coming weeks/months.
Once again, the weekend posts will mainly focus on the NEW Movies & Series premiering over the weekend. If there is something special airing, however, I may cover it every now and then.
For instance...
Have YOU heard about the NEW TV Channel, Merit Street? Dr. Phil McGraw (a well-known television host) has spearheaded this new network in partnership with TBN, Trinity Broadcasting Network.
Merit Street is a channel where you can find news and entertainment programs. The network officially launched on April 2, 2024 and promises to offer enlightenment and inspiration.
Included in Merit Street's schedule lineup for this weekend, on both Saturday and Sunday nights from 6pm-10pm, are family-friendly films that previously aired on Great American Family. This weekend, you can see Love in Aruba and Harmony from the Heart on Saturday and My Boss' Wedding and Passport to Love on Sunday.
For those of you who may have missed the initial airings of Just in Time, starring Laura Osnes, on Great American Family, you will have the opportunity to catch the encore airing on Merit Street on Saturday, April 13th at 7pm EST. (Please note: the movies will air from 7pm to 11pm - beginning on April 13th!)
If you're wondering where you can find Merit Street, it's available on DirecTV Channel 306, Dish Channel 247, or you can get the app through Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, etc... and watch free! Click here to visit Merit Street's Channel Finder Page for more details.
Also, I have more special programming details - UPtv has a marathon of the best of Amy and Ty Heartland episodes beginning Sunday at 1pm/12c. And don't forget, if you're a fan of the Heartland series, to check out the upcoming Virtual Fan Event on April 15th. Reserve your spot for the event at HeartlandFanFest.com.
I also want to congratulate UPtv for their spectacular ratings over Easter weekend! This is the scoop via Nielsen's ratings:
"UPtv’s Easter celebration reached 3.8 million viewers from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. The highest rated telecast of the stunt was Friday’s 10p airing of Passion of the Christ which ranked #36 in HH and Women & Persons 25-54."
[ Source: Nielsen L7 Most Current P2+ reach on 30 Easter Week telecasts 3/34/24-3/31/24. Passion of the Christ 3/29/24 8p-10p Ad Supported Cable Rank for HH, W25-54, P25-54 AA(000). ]
Christmas Movie News...
Guess what? Christmas movies are coming back on Hallmark Mystery in May! FOUR Christmas movies will air on Thursday, May 16th, all starring either Amanda Schull or Brendan Penny, who will be starring together in a new mystery, Family Practice Mysteries: Coming Home, on Friday, May 17th.
More Christmas movies are currently scheduled around Memorial Day weekend/week. Please note: some changes/additions may occur. See the current Christmas TV Schedule for details, and be sure to check back for any updates.
I hope you all have a truly beautiful weekend! I'm personally looking forward, most of all, to the new season of When Calls the Heart on Sunday night. I've noticed as I've been watching some of the earlier episodes during the Hallmark Family marathon this week how the show focused so beautifully on faith and remained a little more true to the time period, and I'm just hoping, as we enter the 11th season, that the show doesn't stray too far away from the feel and ideals of those earlier days.
Also, be sure to check out Blue Ridge: The Series on Sunday night! (If you didn't catch it, you can read my review above.) The first episode of Blue Ridge: The Series airs during the hour before WCTH at 8pm/7c, so you can easily watch both! And... if you haven't seen the mystery movie that started it all, Blue Ridge, will also air Sunday night at 6pm/5c. on the Cowboy Way Channel, just prior to the first episode!
Please note: I haven't pre-screened the new movies listed above. If you'd like to post a review on whether these films are family-friendly, please share in the comments below.
Blessings on your Weekend,
Net
*********************
☀️ SHINING HIS LIGHT: ☀️
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart;
and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him,
and he shall direct thy paths."
~Proverbs 3:5-6
Watching my own things this weekend.
ReplyDeleteAfter hearing of all those completely unsymapthic interviews, I've ultimately decided to go back to my OG plan of just hearing of how WCTH goes instead of watching it. I don't have the stomach these days to see a good man be completely degraded while his fiance flounces about with a man she only sees as a reminder of her dead husband.
-Maria
Really... I watched all of the ET interviews and the YouTube Heart to Hearties interviews and thought the lead cast was very kind and considerate. Very heartfelt.
DeleteBelated Happy Birthday Net🥳🥳
DeleteI'm pulling over 90 hours a week, not a lot of free time to read most posts, I did one earlier this week but missed your Special day!!
Maria dear❤️
I thought you and I had the same opinion on WCTH....
I have Not read any interviews, posts, I've even cut down on recording hallmark last few weeks, too many previews.
I saw weeks ago hallmark family was being hijacked, so I had to find The Waltons and Columbo somewhere else.
The good man being degraded comment just breaks my 💔 about Lucas😪🤧
Maybe not on here, but overall the Nathan fans have been awful towards Lucas!
I have always loved and respected Nathan, I don't understand tearing down one to elevate another-
The Good Lord believes in lifting up and loving your brother or sister through bad as well as good times.
I know it's just a show, but for me its another off target misstep on hallmarks long list...
They ruined the "Love Series" by Jeannette Oaks also...
I agree with Sabrina, Way too many repeats on some, and rarely shown others-
Christmas Waltz(my favorite) day or two into the new year, Not once since, it was the highest rated movie of 2020.
I never read the Hannah Swenson books, but I hope they don't just erase Mike after a mention or two.
I do love Victor❤️
I love and miss Sarah Lancaster, so thanks to having Frndly, I will be checking it out, enjoyed the movie.
Blessings to Everyone all over the Country🙏🙏
I agree, Maria. Erin and Kevin were very unsympathetic in their interviews. Erin never even mentioned the disappointment of one fan base and Kevin was very “this is the direction we’re going, get over it”. Chris was the only one who expressed genuine concern for those who didn’t understand the twist. The interviewer repeatedly referred to the breakup as respectful as if figuratively beating your audience over the head with the word makes it true. It was not respectful. Not in any sense. It was done at the train station after she told him several times she was going with him. Ugh. Sorry. Just when I think I’m over it I realize I’m not.
DeleteRebecca
Kathy, Thank you, honey, for the birthday wishes. You certainly are working hard with your 90 hours a week schedule. Bless your heart.
DeleteAs for the shows you like, The Waltons and Columbo... both The Waltons and Columbo will return to Hallmark Family next week. They just interrupted their normal lineup for the When Calls the Heart marathon. However, you can also see/record Columbo on Great American Family weekdays 6am-1pm, but I'm sure you've already seen this in their schedule.
As for WCTH, I agree with you... I don't like to see people putting others down online for liking one guy over the other. We definitely need to lift each other up!
And you are so right regarding those Love Comes Softly movies - they were nothing like Janette Oke's books, which I dearly love.
I hope you'll enjoy the new Blue Ridge episode whenever you get a chance to watch.
Take care...
Blessings, Net
Kathy, the only bits of interviews I've read are what hurt Hearties are telling me on Twitter, and I'm just astonished with each one I hear of! How can they just callously throw away a perfectly good love story just to repeat one that had to end after Season 5 in such an unsympathetic way?
DeleteI've only read some of the Love Comes Softly books, but I adored the movies when I watched them a few years ago. -Maria
Blind Date Book Club may be okay but to be honest can't get excited about anything here - Florence
ReplyDeleteI noticed The Royal Nanny is being played yet again on either HM or HM Mystery. I think they seriously have played it at least 4 times this year already and it is only April. With probably nearing 500 or more movies, they have to play the same movies???? Was that movie even good? I am not a fan of the royal movies so much. But really why keep playing the same moves?
ReplyDeleteIt makes me feel an agenda, like someone is propping certain movies. They are also playing Mystery on Mistletoe Lane AGAIN. It has probably been played 4 times as well this year.
HM can you please play other movies for Christmas so all of us get something?
Watched all the Hannah movies but not watching this. Will someone let us know if they even mention Det Mike Kingston, who Hannah is so deep in love with?
I do not watch WCTH, but even I knew when everyone was upset over E picking Lucas, that it was just to draw this show out even longer like many more years and for them to add angst to N & E. It was obvious. So not a shocker at all the E didn't marry Lucas, she never was going to. Glad all the Hearties have their show back, nothing would get me to watch this show. Nor that time travel show.
Sabrina
Sabrina, I was floored when I saw The Royal Nanny in the schedule again. You are so right; this movie has definitely been overplayed this year. And trust me, I really like The Royal Nanny; it's fun and intriguing, one of those rare rom-com Christmas movies that actually appeals to adults and kids, but I can't understand, like you said, why it is played so many times, when they have plenty of other movies that could play.
DeleteI was feeling optimistic when they recently added The Christmas Secret to the Friday night Hallmark Channel lineup, but I don't see any older movies like that listed in the near future.
Now, as for Mystery on Mistletoe Lane, they are probably playing that one a lot more since Victor is now the main guy on Hannah Swensen, and they are trying to establish Hallmark Mystery as THE Place for Christmas Movies with Mystery. I wonder if they got the idea to do this when ION premiered all Christmas Mysteries a couple years ago?
As for WCTH, I know the promos always highlight who Elizabeth Thornton is involved with, but the shows usually focus on the entire town of Hope Valley, and those are generally the stories I like best.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend! It's always nice to hear from you, Sabrina.
Blessings, Net
I have to disagree Net. Many characters are extremely underused and when they have any story arc it's usually about romance. Florence, Hickam, May,.. We don't know a regular things about them, everyday stuff, how they spend evenings,..what's everyday life, as a newlyweds,for Florence And Mr. Yost like etc. They mostly just stand in the background and say sentence or two. I feel like that early seasons had more depth. I know that Elizabeth is the main character but
Deletei lost any remaining respect i'd had for her character when she basically let everyone believe that that wedding cancellation is because Lucas had to leave Hope Valley because of his new job and not because she realized that she can't marry him since she just used him as a substitute for Nathan. She has always taught kids that they have to be honest, show honest remorse etc. but she just presented herself as a hypocrite at the end of the season 10. What's even sadder is that the whole city is on her side no matter what she does or what her intensions are. Henry atleast felt guilt even when they completely changed those past events to benefit his redemption arc so now he has nothing to feel guilty about. But he still felt/feel sorry. I truly does not understand these writers but it makes me sad
Thanks for all of your wonderful updates.
ReplyDeleteI already have the Hannah Swenson and Blind Date Book Club set to record! Okay for Blue Ridge, do I need to watch the movie first in order to understand the show? I love Sarah Lancaster so maybe I’ll try to find the movie to watch first. Happy watching everyone!
ReplyDelete~Paula
Paula, I think you can understand the first Blue Ridge episode without watching the movie, but the movie does give a more complete back story to the mountain people, especially 2 families that have a standing feud that goes back to past generations. Also, you can see the somewhat strained relationship Justin has with Elli and his daughter.
DeleteI agree, it is wonderful to see Sarah again, and she is fantastic in this.
Have a Blessed Weekend! Net
New article about Hallmark that is worth a read:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.nexttv.com/news/hallmark-leaning-on-traditional-strengths-in-upfront-negotiations
-Maria
Watching Blind Date Book Club!
ReplyDeleteWhat Christmas movies will be on Hallmark Mystery on Thursday May 16?
ReplyDeleteChris,
DeleteThese are the Christmas movies playing that day...
Thursday, May 16, 2024:
A Little Christmas Charm ... Hallmark Mystery ... 3pm
Project Christmas Wish ... Hallmark Mystery ... 5pm
Time for Them to Come Home for Christmas ... Hallmark Mystery ... 7pm
A Season for Family ... Hallmark Mystery ... 9pm
All are good ones! :)
I hope you're able to watch, Chris.
Blessings, Net
This looks like a good week of movies and of course WCTH!! I've had a hard week getting over tonsillitis(I even missed Easter :(, so I could use some of this cheer!
ReplyDeleteAbigail, Oh my, what a week you've had... I'm so glad to hear you are feeling better, honey. I hope you enjoy lots of good rest and relaxation this weekend, as you watch the new movies and WCTH! :)
DeleteBlessings to you! Net
Thank you Net! Feels good to be back chatting with my friends here. I didn't have the energy for anything and I missed you guys.
DeleteSo glad you're back and on the mend, Abigail! Continue to get lots of rest until you're 100%!
DeleteHi Abigail,
DeleteI concur with everyone who posted here. We missed you as well and I am so happy you are feeling better. Us KY girls need to be healthy and strong! :-) I hope you enjoyed some wholesome TV over the weekend. I pray you return to 100% very soon.
Aww, thank you. I feel better everyday!
DeleteI wonder how many people will see this movie. The reason I say that is the ratings can not be that great with the current lineup airing. When the ratings fall or drop than the advertisers if they get too low might pull their advertising. Than if that happens it I is possible that the cable companies will drop this channel. I do not understand the stubbornness that Bill and the programming department have with having Perry Mason air in Prime Time. No other network airs black and white programming in prime time the reason is simple they know that their fans do not want that type of programming
ReplyDeleteChristmas news! Thought I would share Great American Family is now promoting their Christmas movie starring Rhiannon Fish. I took a screen-grab of the new promo -
ReplyDelete*Click Here!*
The movie is titled "A Prince in Paradise 2." I do wonder if they will keep this title or somehow add Christmas to it. ~Net
I am really looking forward to this movie, I loved the first one! Thanks for the screen grab Net. And I agree with you, I think they will add Christmas in the title for this sequel, like “A Prince in Christmas Paradise” or just Christmas Paradise?
Delete~Paula
The new Hannah Swensen is family-friendly and enjoyable. Victor Webster did a good job, though it is sad that Mike was gone. Both her sister and Norman were present as well.
ReplyDeleteLaura, Thank you for adding this review for the new Hannah Swensen. I appreciate it very much, and I know others will, as well.
DeleteHave a Blessed Sunday, Net
Blind Date Book Club was family-friendly as well, thankfully. It was a cute movie.
DeleteSo excited about the Blue Ridge series!!! I really loved the movie! Disappointed a few of the characters have changed though. Net, have you been able to prescreen the whole series? I don’t want to start it if I don’t know it will all be family-friendly. I’d hate to get invested only to not know the end result. Of course, with the way they make movies and shows today they never resolve anything anyway. -Anonymous1
ReplyDeleteAnonymous 1, I have only been able to preview the first episode, so I don't know how the rest of the season will go for certain, but in saying that, I have high confidence in Imagicomm Entertainment, who (according to the "Blue Ridge" Press Release) is the content distribution arm of INSP. And INSP has strong standards when it comes to the content that they create. Hopefully, all 6 episodes will be as good as the original movie.
DeleteBlessings to you! Net
Oh goody!!! Thank you so much! I can’t wait to watch it then!!!-Anonymous1
DeleteSo excited about WCTH tonight!! Feels like forever my mom and I have been wishing she was with Nathan and puzzling over her choice of Lucas. Still, my heartfelt sympathies go out to the members of Team Lucas. I remember how my mom and I felt a few years ago when she chose Lucas so I know how upsetting it can be. I wish we could all get what we want!
ReplyDeleteIf I’m perfectly honest, though, my favorite thing about WCTH is Henry’s character arc. I’m a total sucker for a redemption story! So glad he’s back for season 11!!
Same here! I can't wait to see more of Henry(with a smile on his face!)
DeleteThanks for the detailed info about "Blue Ridge" and where to find it. I'm settling in to watch it on the Xumo app on my Roku, which I'm sure I never would have thought to do without you. Thanks!
ReplyDelete"Blind Date Book Club" -- this was an enjoyable family-friendly watch. :-)
ReplyDelete~Alicia
All
ReplyDeleteWe haven't seen the new Hannah Swensen movie but I will share a review after viewing. We did watch "Blind Date Book Club" and I have to say my husband and I absolutely loved it! It was cute, fun, sweet and uplifting. It was refreshing to see a movie that was not overly contrived and introduced some elements that weren't predictable. Erin and Robert had nice chemistry. Nothing felt forced. I liked how the secrets were unveiled early as well as them sharing a sweet kiss half-way through the movie. I liked everything about this lovely and endearing movie. :-) I am still smiling.....
We enjoyed Blue Ridge, Net. Great action-packed 1st episode, but I think Justin and Ellie have got to get back together eventually.
ReplyDeleteAnd it was nice to see everyone on WCTH again. We’re missing Fiona, though, but new little girl is sweet.
Hi everyone!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I just finished watching the new Hannah Swensen movie. We thought it was just okay. Her mother was completely over the top. I did not feel Victor or Alison had any chemistry. I like them both separately but honestly not together. It may be just me but I even felt their chemistry wasn't good in the Wedding Veil series either. Also, I thought the mystery was weak. We figured it out really early on. This movie left me feeling cold. I miss Cameron!
Joan, I watched it with my mom and we had those same thoughts. We keep hoping she'll end up with Norman. He's always there for he. Even in the dumpster diving. ;)
DeleteHi Joan & Abigail,
DeleteI thought the exact same thing! They had no chemistry at all, Victor seemed downright annoyed with her most of the time….and yes I love Mike, it’s just hard not to, he’s so likable but I think her & Norman just have that familiar comfort with each other since the very beginning so I’m hoping they can get back together. I did feel her mom was over the top but she cracks me up so it’s okay ;) We guessed the mystery right away too, I enjoyed Hanah and Norman’s time together better than the actual mystery.
~Paula
Abigail,
DeleteI agree with you and your mom. I think she should end up with Norman. I loved Mike, but Norman is a good match for her. They have a nice easy chemistry. :-)