Hallmark has released news for their upcoming programming during the TCA event.
I've included the details below...
* 40 all-new Christmas movies are on tap for Hallmark and Hallmark+ this year!
* Hallmark Mystery will premiere 9 original "Miracles of Christmas" movies this holiday season.
* Hallmark+ Streaming Service to Launch in Fall, will include first Holiday Limited Series, “Holidazed,” Original Movies, and More
(basically, Hallmark Movies Now is being rebranded as Hallmark+)
The Hallmark portion of the TCA Event heavily focused on the content coming to Hallmark+.
Hallmark+ programming will include:
* “Celebrations With Lacey Chabert” - Lacey Chabert will honor real-life heroes
* “Finding Mr. Christmas” - a competition series hosted by Jonathan Bennett
* “Ready, Set, Glow!” - a Christmas lights display show hosted by Wes Brown
* “The Groomsmen” - this is a trilogy of films (like “The Wedding Veil”) that follow three lifelong best guy friends who stand up for each other at each of their big days. The series stars Jonathan Bennett, Tyler Hynes, and B.J. Britt star. (Please note: this series will likely include a same-sex couple)
* “Mistletoe Murders” - based on an Audible podcast, will star Sarah Drew and Peter Mooney. It will launch on Hallmark+.
* “The Chicken Sisters” - new series is set to debut on the app in mid-September
Coming in 2025 to Hallmark+:
* “Small Town Setup” - Ashley Williams helps parents play matchmaker for their adult kids
* “Home Is Where the Heart Is” Luke Macfarlane helps families renovate an important room in their home
The senior features editor at Variety, Emily Longeretta, shared this quote from the event:
When asked whether they'd consider more "racy holiday movies" or plan to "move more to the left as GAF moves more to the right?" EVP Lisa Hamilton Daly answers straight-forward: "No."
So... 40 more new Christmas movies is actually my big take-away from this. What do you all think? Is it too many or just right?
It's the number of movies I sort of expected from Hallmark. They had 42 last year. My preference is quality over quantity, but we'll see. Every year, there's a mix of movies I want to see and others I want to skip. And the number may change, give or take a few, by the time October comes around.
Please share your thoughts in comments below.
Have a Merry Day!
Net
Net, would you happen to know the breakdown of how many new Christmas movies are on Hallmark Channel and how many are on Hallmark+ (Hallmark Movies Now)? I'm just curious as to how many total will be on Hallmar Channel and Hallmark Mysteries (9). I don't plan on getting Hallmark+ so those new ones won't be on my list. Basically, I'm just asking how many new ones will be on Hallmark+. From there I can do the math. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteJim, That is an excellent question. I, too, was wondering what the breakdown might be for all three platforms.
Delete40 was the number mentioned, but I wonder if they are just ballparking it at this point, and the total will likely be somewhere around that number. Possibly more. Possibly Less.
Hallmark Movies & Mysteries (now Hallmark Mystery) had 9 Christmas movies last year, while the Hallmark Channel had 31 new Christmas movies, so I'm figuring they will have a similar amount this year. I can't imagine the Hallmark Channel doing less than the previous holiday season, but we'll see. It seems they are giving a bigger push towards their streaming service.
Yes Net, that is part of the reason why I asked. Streaming services are becoming more and more popular across the board. Companies are starting to push their streaming services over their traditional TV type channels more and more. I wonder if Hallmark will start gradually adding more NEW Christmas movies etc. to their streaming service and less on their traditional channels. I am curious to see how many new ones they put on their streaming service. At least for now though I think you will be right. There will probably be 40 total between Hallmark & HM channels like previous years. I will be curious to see if they put any brand-new original Christmas movies on Hallmark+ though. I hate to miss out on brand new original ones...ha-ha.
DeleteI am thinking that at least 10 or more movies will be on Hallmark + and I do not see any of them going to hallmark channel this year. The reason is they are just relaunching/rebranding Hallmark+ and they are going to want to get new subscribers as well. If the movies or any of the new programming comes to hallmark channel this year there would be no need for anyone to have or get hallmark+. I also believe there is a lot more going on with this. Why would you move over 140 movies to Hallmark now than rebrand the service. This whole thing makes no sense.
ReplyDeleteEven if I had the money, I still wouldn't pay for the service. I don't do reality shows, no matter what they are!
ReplyDeleteFeels like the actual 'brand' here has become way too much. -Maria
Will all 9 movies for Miracles of Christmas on Hallmark Mystery will be like Murder She Baked: A Plum Pudding Mystery?
ReplyDeleteA lot of these shows sounds really interesting! I am super bummed about the “Groomsmen” movies because yes if Jonathan Bennett us involved most likely there will be a same sex couple and I will not be tuning into that. It’s a shame too because I think he is a great actor, very naturally funny.
ReplyDelete~Paula
I don’t have Hallmarks streaming service, and this new programming doesn’t interest me a bit.
ReplyDeleteAdditional thoughts:
ReplyDeleteThis is just too much, honestly. I think trying to be Netflix is a big mistake, especially with mostly reality shows. Also, 3 of those hosts being very open about wanting diversity doesn't exactly spell 'this will 100% be clean' with their shows!
And also, that comment about now wanting to move more to the Left? They literally just okayed sequels to a movie from last year that had a gay couple in it! What does THAT mean to them?! (and honestly, the funniest part was when they said they weren't affected by GAF. Does anyone really believe that for a minute?)
-Maria
Also, is anyone besides me getting tired of all these destination movies? Yeah, it's nice to see other countries, but come on, how many have we had this year alone? That Passport to Love lineup wasn't even that great! -Maria
ReplyDeleteMaria, That's interesting that you mentioned the destination movies. You may have already seen it, but Hallmark also just announced 3 new ones for September that will premiere on Hallmark+.
DeleteThere's a promo for the movies on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QM5NqBy2tLQ
Also, the new Hallmark+ movie series, “The Groomsmen,” is a destination movie, too.
Yup, I saw the trailer. -Maria
DeleteI'm all in on GAF now and for the foreseeable future. I'm loving Christmas in July. I'm not interested in a new service for those particular reality shows from hallmark+. 40 movies is like 25 too many.
ReplyDeleteSabrina
Sabrina, I prefer around 20-25 new movies, too, and I'm also most excited about what Great American Family is offering this year. I'm sure Hallmark will pull me in here and there, especially if there is a new DaySpring movie, but mostly, I, too, will be watching GAF.
DeleteToday just proved how good it is to just have 20 or 22 new Christmas movies a year on 1 network.
ReplyDeleteIf we were to choose between 40 new movies on 2 networks with most set to be really bad, or just 20 or 22 movies made with love instead of just filling a ridiculous quota, I reckon most of us would choose just 20 or 22.
GAF, please never get too big for yourself that you become like this!! -Maria
I am wondering and I could be overthinking too is it possible either When Calls The Heart or The Way Home could end up on Hallmark+. Both bring in big ratings for them so if one of them is moved and only available on Hallmark+ they would think that they would get more subscribers to Hallmark+. Even though many of the fans are upset over Hallmark+. I am going out on a limb and say would they move Three Wise Men and a Boy to there too? This is going to be interesting to watch how this plays out.
ReplyDeleteIs Hallmark+ replacing HMN or will it be a separate app?
ReplyDeleteHallmark Movies Now will simply be renamed Hallmark+ beginning in the Fall. They are rebranding the streamer with a new name.
DeleteSome of the articles written about this make it sound new, but it's basically just a name change for their streaming service with new programming content.
Not liking the reality tv aspect. Or the Hallmark Plus. I haven't been watching Hallmark, so I guess I am will just wait for.individual movies I watch later.
ReplyDeleteMisty
Misty, Same for me. Reality isn't typically my thing, but I will be curious to see the new Christmas movies that end up on Hallmark+ this year.
DeleteGreat to hear from you! :)
Blessings, Net
They're maybe in a cleft stick - I think they don't want to reduce the number of Christmas movies as it would seem like a climbdown but I would like to see them at least cut back by one a week on the main channel - there are jsut far too many now. - Florence
ReplyDeleteFlorence, I agree! They do seem stuck at that number of movies. They can't really do more - or the viewers would be terribly overwhelmed and they can't do less or it would look like they are not doing well... financially and ratings and such.
DeleteIt is, indeed, a lot of movies, especially for those of us who also watch other network movie premieres throughout the Christmas season.
I just finished watching all the 2023 Christmas movies two days ago. I don't mind the large number of movies because I like to spread them out and watch them throughout most of the year. It helps me feel like Christmas never ends. It would be waaaaay too much if I had to watch them all by Christmas day.
DeleteJim I totally agree with you! I am just about done with 2023 Christmas movies, I have a handful left that I am saving for when me and my husband can sit down and watch them uninterrupted. I enjoy the large amount because I too, do not watch them all by Christmas. I like to save half of them and spread them out for when I want a little Christmas cheer in my life Lol
DeleteAnd the reality shows I don’t mind because they are nowhere near what “reality tv” has become. It’s not like The Bachelor on ABC or something like that. Many are commenting it’s reality tv but that’s such a broad genre of television. Some reality tv is just downright trashy and rated R, showing nude people, drugs, alcohol etc. The details of these new shows don’t seem to be that way. I wouldn’t even classify them as reality tv. For example, I am thinking they will be more like that show with Chip and Joanna for the renovation show. And I’m all for trying something new and seeing if I like it. I love my Hallmark channels but I also love cooking and renovation shows so I may like some of these. Especially the hometown hero’s one.
~Paula
I think 40 movies is way too much! It's really over kill! I haven't watched all of the Christmas movies on Hallmark in several years!
ReplyDeleteI am very concerned about this change in streaming. I have HMN and really enjoy it. I have already seen the price will increase. I'm also afraid of the content that will be on the Hallmark+. Like Maria said, the names for show hosts tells us a a lot!
Will the Miracles of Christmas movies on Hallmark Mystery be like Murder She Baked:A Plum Pudding Mystery?
ReplyDeleteChris, I'm not sure, yet. I'm hoping we will still see some of the dramatic-type stories we were used to seeing in previous years on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries for their Miracles of Christmas!
DeleteRaise your hand if you 100% saw this coming (like me):
ReplyDeletehttps://people.com/comic-con-2024-jonathan-bennett-says-the-groomsmen-trilogy-will-feature-gay-wedding-exclusive-8684179
-Maria