"Hope Valley: 1874" Renewed for Season 2

Wonderful news, Hope Valley: 1874 fans! Season 2 news has officially been announced! And I have to say... I’ve been absolutely loving this delightful season. The stories, the heart, the frontier spirit... it’s been such a joy to watch!

I’m already looking forward to seeing what’s ahead for season 2 on Hallmark+!

See the full scoop in Hallmark's press release below...

Hallmark's Runaway Hit Series "Hope Valley: 1874" Renewed for Season 2

SPURRED BY RECORD VIEWERSHIP,

HALLMARK’S RUNAWAY HIT SERIES

HOPE VALLEY: 1874

RENEWED FOR SEASON 2

Starring Bethany Joy Lenz, Benjamin Ayres, Jill Hennessy, Roan Curtis and Lachlan Quarmby, Series is Set to Return in 2027 Exclusively on Hallmark+

BURBANK, CA – May 6, 2026 – Hallmark announced today that new fan favorite Hope Valley: 1874, the prequel series to the hugely popular When Calls the Heart, has been renewed. Exclusively for Hallmark+, the eight-episode series will return for season two in 2027.

Hope Valley: 1874’s debut was the most successful launch of a series on Hallmark+-to-date. Viewers turned out in unprecedented numbers, leading the series to exceed expectations each week and establish itself as a bona fide hit.

The season one finale premieres Thursday, May 7, while all episodes are currently available to stream on Hallmark+.

Hope Valley: 1874 stars Bethany Joy Lenz (A Biltmore Christmas), Benjamin Ayres (The Santa Class), Jill Hennessy (City on a Hill), Roan Curtis (Firefly Lane) and Lachlan Quarmby (Providence Falls). Also featured are Jedidiah Goodacre (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), Mila Morgan (The Holiday Sitter), Brad Abramenko (The Flash) and Chelsea Hobbs (Deck the Halls on Cherry Lane).

“Hope Valley: 1874’s dream cast led by Bethany Joy Lenz, Benjamin Ayres and Jill Hennessy, has brought to life the rich characters and beautiful story crafted by showrunner Alfonso Moreno,” began Michelle Vicary, Head of Programming, Hallmark Media. “Our fans and press alike have enthusiastically embraced the series, making it especially rewarding to continue telling this story.”

ABOUT HOPE VALLEY: 1874

The series explores the earliest days of the frontier settlement that later became Hope Valley, chronicling the courage, resilience and relationships that laid the foundation for the close-knit town viewers have come to love. Lenz portrays Rebecca Clarke, a recent widow who travels with her 11-year-old daughter Sarah (Morgan) to the Western Canadian frontier to escape a threat back home and make a fresh start following her husband’s death. When she discovers the boarding house she purchased sight unseen needed extensive renovations, Rebecca faced a tougher road ahead than she had imagined. Thanks to the fledgling community that embraces them – including local rancher and confirmed bachelor Tom Moore (Ayres), with whom she becomes close, and Hattie Quinn (Hennessy), a widow herself who runs the trading post with the help of her daughter Olivia (Curtis) – Rebecca and Sarah become an intrinsic part of the settlement and they begin to find their way. Helping keep the peace between the ranchers and gold prospectors who are at odds with each other is Constable Alexander Vaughn (Quarmby), who becomes smitten with Olivia, much to the dismay of local blacksmith Clayton Cooley (Goodacre), who has long harbored feelings for her. As the season comes to a close a sudden turn of events leaves their futures uncertain.

Hope Valley: 1874 is from All Canadian Entertainment production company. Executive producers of the series include Brad Krevoy, Brian Bird, Michael Landon Jr., Amy Hartwick, Olivia Krevoy, Vicki Sotheran, Greg Malcolm, Alfonso Moreno and Susie Belzberg. Mike Rohl and Elizabeth Stewart are co-executive producers, and Jennifer Siddle and Melody Fox serve as consulting producers. Based on the novel When Calls the Heart by Janette Oke.

# # #

Benjamin Ayres, Jill Hennessy, and Bethany Joy Lenz announce the exciting news...

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hallmark+ (@hallmarkplus)

See streaming options for "Hope Valley: 1874" through Amazon or Hallmark+.

Blessings to you all,

Net

"Hope Valley: 1874"
*Click Here for Streaming Details*

🎸🎄"A Grand Ole Opry Christmas" - Hallmark Channel’s New *Countdown to Christmas* Movie is in Perfect Harmony with Nikki DeLoach, Kristoffer Polaha & Country Singer, Brad Paisley

Hallmark heads to the Grand Ole Opry for a Magical, Musical Christmas Story this holiday season!

The Hallmark Channel is bringing nostalgia, time-travel, and country music to *Countdown to Christmas* this year with "A Grand Ole Opry Christmas," a brand-new Christmas movie starring Nikki DeLoach and Kristoffer Polaha!

The story follows Gentry Woods (played by Nikki DeLoach), the daughter of late country music legend Jett Woods. Once an aspiring songwriter herself, Gentry walked away from the music world after her father’s tragic car accident thirty years ago. But when the Grand Ole Opry invites her to honor her father at its centennial Christmas celebration, an unexpected twist of Christmas magic transports her back to 1995.

In the past, she crosses paths with her best friend Mac (played by Kristoffer Polaha), a country music talent manager who is also swept back in time. Together, they face old wounds, rediscover lost dreams, and uncover long-buried truths about Gentry’s father, finding healing and hope in the process.

Adding even more star power, country superstar Brad Paisley is writing and performing original songs for the film, including the theme for this year’s *Countdown to Christmas*.

Hallmark’s Chief Brand Officer Darren Abbott calls the project a perfect pairing of heartfelt storytelling with the Opry’s 100th anniversary, and filming will take place in real Opry locations to give the movie an authentic Nashville feel.

With this amazing cast and storyline, "A Grand Ole Opry Christmas" promises to strike all the right chords this Christmas!



Check out the official press release from Hallmark Media below...

FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, 

HALLMARK AND THE 

GRAND OLE OPRY 

SHARE THE HOLIDAY STAGE 

IN CELEBRATION OF 

THE OPRY'S CENTENNIAL YEAR

CHRISTMAS AND COUNTRY 

COMBINE TO MAKE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC 

WHEN NIKKI DELOACH 

AND KRISTOFFER POLAHA 

STAR IN 

"A GRAND OLE OPRY CHRISTMAS" 

DEBUTING THIS YEAR 

DURING HALLMARK CHANNEL'S 

16TH ANNUAL COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS PROGRAMMING EVENT

GRAMMY(R) AWARD-WINNING 

COUNTRY SUPERSTAR 

AND OPRY MEMBER BRAD PAISLEY 

TO WRITE AND PERFORM 

ORIGINAL MUSIC FOR THE MOVIE

Paisley will Also Write and Record the Anthem for Hallmark Channel's 2025 Holiday Campaign

Grand Ole Opry Superstar Members Set to Appear

Production Begins Later This Month at Iconic Locations Including the Grand Ole Opry House

Exclusive Collection of Hallmark and Opry Co-Branded Products to Celebrate the Brand Partnership Available This Holiday Season

STUDIO CITY, CA and NASHVILLE, TN - August 11, 2025 - Hallmark Channel, the perennial, undisputed #1 destination for holiday movie viewing and the Grand Ole Opry, the show that made country music famous, are setting the stage for a magical trip across time with A Grand Ole Opry Christmas, a new, original movie starring Nikki DeLoach (Curious Caterer Mysteries, Our Holiday Story) and Kristoffer Polaha (A Biltmore Christmas, The Christmas Quest), premiering this year during Hallmark Channel's 16th annual Countdown to Christmas programming event. Production begins later this month at iconic locations including the Grand Ole Opry House. The movie will feature familiar faces from the Opry's star-studded cast, with artists to be announced at a later date.

The network also announced that GRAMMY(R) Award-winning country music superstar and Opry member Brad Paisley will write original music for A Grand Ole Opry Christmas and will also perform. Additionally, Paisley will write and record the official anthem for the network's 2025 Countdown to Christmas on-air campaign.

"As the Grand Ole Opry celebrates its 100th birthday this year, this is the perfect time for us to partner with this beloved, iconic American institution and create Christmas magic together," remarked Darren Abbott, Chief Brand Officer, Hallmark. "Nikki and Kris are fan favorites and we know they will beautifully bring to life this emotional and heartfelt story that is sure to become an instant classic."

"Our goal in this milestone year is to put the Opry, its artists and the rich songwriting traditions that have made country music a global sensation in front of more people than ever before," said Colin Reed, Executive Chairman of Ryman Hospitality Properties, the Opry's parent company. "Our partnership with Hallmark brings these elements to life this holiday season through a creative and uplifting take on a uniquely Nashville story."

"Having the incredibly talented Brad Paisley write and perform original music for the movie is what Christmas dreams are made of," Abbott continued. "And we're equally excited to have him write and record an original song that will be the soundtrack of our on-air campaign throughout the season."

"The Hallmark Channel to me is a major part of finding the joy and the spirit of the holidays," said Paisley. "We turn it on and leave it on in our house like Christmas tree lights or decorations, it's a major part of the atmosphere for us. I loved the challenge of creating that same magic with this music by letting it take you to the same place that these movies and this world Hallmark has built. Can't wait for you to hear what all we've done. Also, knowing the Opry is the setting for one of these movies is very inspiring."

Hallmark is launching an exclusive collection of Hallmark and Opry co-branded products including greeting cards, apparel, accessories, jewelry and gifts - the perfect way for fans to celebrate Christmas in country style. The collection will be available to shop later this year at Hallmark.com, Shop.Opry.com, The Opry Shops and at the Hallmark Christmas Experience in Kansas City.

ABOUT A GRAND OLE OPRY CHRISTMAS

Gentry Woods (DeLoach), daughter of late country music icon Jett Woods - half of the famed duo Winter and Woods - abandoned her dream of a songwriting career and distanced herself from her father's legacy following his tragic car accident 30 years prior. When the Grand Ole Opry invites her to represent Jett at their centennial celebration at Christmas, she's hesitant to return to the place steeped in bittersweet memories. Encouraged by her good friends, Gentry visits the Opry and, while seated in one of the vaunted venue's oak church pews, is suddenly transported to 1995. Gentry's lifelong friend Mac (Polaha) a country music talent manager, finds himself in 1995 as well. Thanks to some Christmas magic, Gentry gets precious time with her father, creative inspiration to finish the song she began decades earlier as a teen and learns surprising answers to questions about her father that have followed her for the last three decades.

ABOUT OPRY 100

The Opry 100 celebration pays tribute to the artists, fans and songs that have cemented the Opry as the cultural heart and home of country music since its debut on WSM radio in 1925. For more information, please visit Opry.com.

# # #

ABOUT HALLMARK MEDIA

Owned and operated by Hallmark Cards, Inc., Hallmark Media is entertainment's leading destination for feel-good content. Hallmark Channel features an ambitious slate of new, original movies, scripted series, and the popular annual holiday franchise, Countdown to Christmas. Hallmark Mystery features a unique mix of movies and acquired series focused on the lighter side of the suspense and mystery genres, as well as its own seasonal programming event, Miracles of Christmas. Hallmark Family showcases timeless storytelling for the whole family centered around faith, love, and community. The company's subscription streaming service and membership program, Hallmark+ offers a distinctive blend of all new, exclusive original series and movies, next-day access to Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Mystery premieres, plus monthly discounts and rewards for shopping at Hallmark Gold Crown retail stores. For more information, please visit www.corporate.hallmarkmedia.com.

ABOUT THE GRAND OLE OPRY

The Grand Ole Opry is the home of country music where artists and fans gather, in person and virtually, to celebrate and be part of country's past, present and future. Founded in Nashville in 1925 and today the longest-running live broadcast show in the world, the Opry strengthens its roots by constantly evolving. The Opry's members are country's most emblematic artists, and the show regularly showcases country music's top new talent. The Opry welcomes legions of fans to visit the Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee - Music City, USA - to experience one of the 3-7 live shows it hosts per week; take a backstage tour; listen to live broadcasts on opry.com and wsmonline.com, SiriusXM Willie's Roadhouse, or its flagship home WSM Radio; and watch Opry Live on Saturday nights and Opry content all week long on Circle Country. The Grand Ole Opry is part of Opry Entertainment Group, a subsidiary of Ryman Hospitality Properties (NYSE: RHP).


**********************


My Quick Take:

I'm absolutely thrilled that the Hallmark Channel is paying tribute to the Grand Ole Opry in its 100th anniversary year! As a longtime fan of country music’s rich roots, I’m eagerly looking forward to hearing about all of the talented singers featured, along with Brad Paisley, in this exciting movie project.

And I’m especially excited to see Kristoffer Polaha time-travel once again since he truly stole our hearts with his role in "A Biltmore Christmas"!

Hallmark has also celebrated country music through these notable holiday movies: "A Nashville Christmas Carol," "It's Christmas, Eve," "Christmas at Graceland," "Wedding at Graceland," "Christmas at Graceland: Home for the Holidays," "A Homecoming for the Holidays," all of the "Time to Come Home for Christmas" films, and more! I can’t wait to add this new film to the list!

Stay "tuned," everyone,

for more

festive movie news!

Net🎄

Hallmark Announces Unscripted Original Series in Development, Christmas, and More

Hallmark released this press release yesterday which highlights a few details of their 16th year of Countdown to Christmas, new reality programming, and more. In case you missed it, here are the details...

Press Release via Hallmark Media:

HALLMARK TO RELEASE A ROBUST SLATE OF ORIGINAL MOVIES AND SERIES, INTRODUCING NEW GENRES, EXPANSIVE HOLIDAY CONTENT, AND RETURNING FAN EXPERIENCES FOR 2025-2026 UPFRONTS

April 3, 2025, NEW YORK – This Upfront season, Hallmark presents an exceptional array of advertising and brand partnership opportunities that fuse the magic of its signature storytelling, with the power of its iconic brand, and unmatched fandom. A rich slate of programming will be offered, including new, original movies and new seasons of fanfavorite original series like, When Calls the Heart, The Way Home, and The Chicken Sisters. Additionally, it will unveil an exciting slate of unscripted series under the banner, “Reality TV with Heart,” bringing unscripted programming back to primetime on Hallmark’s linear flagship network. The 16th installment of Countdown to Christmas on Hallmark Channel – the #1-rated holiday network – will feature a robust roster of new holiday movies, including the second year partnership with the NFL and Skydance Sports for Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story, as well as two original scripted series – the world premiere of limited series, The Twelve Dates of Christmas (working title), and the premiere of Season 1 and 2 of Mistletoe Murders. Viewers will have access to over 4,000 hours of holiday content this season. All premieres will be available to stream the next day on streaming service and membership program, Hallmark+. What’s more, the media company’s keen approach to align with parent company Hallmark opens the door for Upfront marketers to explore on-air and digital sponsorships, exposure at hit fan experiences, licensing opportunities, and more.

“As the leading entertainment network, Hallmark offers multiple platforms and activation opportunities that enable brand partners to leverage our esteemed brand, signature storytelling and powerful fandom, to foster significant and impactful connections,” said Ed Georger, EVP of Ad Sales for Hallmark Media. “With sold-out consumer experiences and innovative activations, we provide advertisers with extraordinary opportunities to meaningfully connect with consumers and viewers. Our recent partnerships with world-class properties, including the NFL and Skydance Sports, further amplify our reach and influence, ensuring brands can thrive in a secure and expansive environment.”

Countdown to Christmas
Though often imitated by others, Hallmark’s unique approach to storytelling - blending hope, joy, and love - remains its secret, winning formula synonymous with the iconic brand. Following the success of Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story, which won the title of #1 most-watched cable movie of 2024, Hallmark, NFL, and Skydance Sports are teaming up again this Christmas for Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story, premiering during Hallmark Channel's 16th annual Countdown to Christmas. The partnership will include fan activities, co-branded merchandise, and widespread promotions across various platforms, with more details coming later this year. Also included in this year’s lineup of original holiday programming, is a six-episode scripted limited series, The Twelve Dates of Christmas (working title), based on the novel of the same name by Jenni Bayliss and starring Mae Whitman, Mary McDonnell, and Jane Seymour. Another highlight is Mistletoe Murders, starring and executive produced by Sarah Drew, who plays Emily Lane, a Christmas shop owner who solves local murders.

Reality TV with Heart
Hallmark is reigniting primetime with its new slate of unscripted series, branded as “Reality TV with Heart”. This original programming brings together friendly competition series, community building, home and lifestyle enhancement shows, aligning with the company’s brand principles of joy, hope, warmth, connection, family and most definitely...love. The lineup will feature new seasons and network premieres of Celebrations with Lacey Chabert and Finding Mr. Christmas, which launched in Q4-2024 and garnered wide pop culture attention, bolstered by leading performances in front of and behind the camera from longtime Hallmark stars Jonathan Bennett and Lacey Chabert, respectively. Hallmark’s newest unscripted series, The Motherhood, created and hosted by Connie Britton, premieres on Hallmark Channel May 5th.

New unscripted original series in development include:

• Baked with Love: Holiday: A family recipe bake-off where talented home bakers showcase their signature family holiday bakes and the heartfelt stories behind them.

• Armed to Build: Beloved Hallmark star Nikki DeLoach helps a community honor, celebrate, and give back to their first responders and veterans by delivering distinct life transformations, enabling them to continue their heroic work.

• Daughter of the Bride: Showcases genuine and heartfelt stories of adult daughters helping their mothers as they prepare for a new beginning in love.

• Murder Mystery House: Co-created by Hallmark star Jonathan Bennett, this reality show invites Hallmark Mystery fans to join in on the investigation – inviting them to a gorgeous mansion where there’s been a “murder”. These real-life sleuths must narrow down the suspects, made up of favorite Hallmark actors, and figure out who the culprit is for a cash prize.

Hallmark Activations & Experiences

Hallmark is offering brand partners the opportunity to directly engage with its superfans via its second installment of immersive experiences on land and at sea. This year’s sold-out Christmas cruise will set sail from Miami to Cozumel, Mexico from November 6-10th and will provide even more enhanced engagement opportunities. The Hallmark Christmas Experience will return to the festive Crown Center in the heart of Kansas City, where its corporate headquarters are located. The event, which promises to help guests be merry, make memories, and find magic, takes place over four consecutive weekends, November 28th to December 21st, presenting brands with an array of consumer engagement opportunities in a festive family-friendly environment.

Leveraging Hallmark’s Super Fandom

Despite changes in consumer behavior across industries, Hallmark’s fandom and demand for its signature brand of content and consumer experiences remain strong. Hallmark consistently ranks as the leading destination for holiday programming, driven by an extensive library of original Christmas movies and thousands of hours of original feel-good content. The inaugural Christmas Cruise in 2024 sold-out within hours, leading to a second sold-out sailing, while the Hallmark Christmas Experience attracted more than 100,000 superfans from all 50 states and over 20 countries across the four weekends.

*Hallmark Channel was the #1 most-watched entertainment cable network of 2024 among key demographics. Driven by pop culture sensation Countdown to Christmas, Hallmark Channel became #1 in Q4 among Women 18+ for the 11th year in a row and delivered the Top 3 most-watched cable movies of the year: Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story at #1, Three Wiser Men and a Boy at #2, and Santa Tell Me at #3. The Way Home Season Three was #1 most-watched original program overall, repeats included, with Women 25-54; #3 with Households; Women 18+ and 18-49. [Source: Nielsen Big Panel + Big Data, L+SD. 1/1/24-12/29/24. M-Su & Sa-Su 6a-6a & 8p-11p. Nielsen L+3 Program based data, Nielsen Panel + Big Data; 3/17/25-3/23/25; All competitive ranks exclude News/Sports; YTD Program ranks from 12/30/24-3/23/25, includes programs that aired 2+ Telecasts; Networks that share feeds are weight averaged to daypart based on duration. L+3 Unduplicated P2+ audience, 6 min qualifier, Panel only. All ranks exclude news and sports networks and programming.]

ABOUT HALLMARK MEDIA
Owned and operated by Hallmark Cards, Inc., Hallmark Media is entertainment’s leading destination for feel-good content. Hallmark Channel features an ambitious slate of new, original movies, scripted series, and the popular annual holiday franchise, Countdown to Christmas. Hallmark Mystery features a unique mix of movies and acquired series focused on the lighter side of the suspense and mystery genres, as well as its own seasonal programming event, Miracles of Christmas. Hallmark Family showcases timeless storytelling for the whole family centered around faith, love, and community. The company’s subscription streaming service and membership program, Hallmark+ offers a distinctive blend of all new, exclusive original series and movies, next-day access to Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Mystery premieres, plus monthly discounts and rewards for shopping at Hallmark Gold Crown retail stores. For more information, please visit www.corporate.hallmarkmedia.com

🔎 Attention All Sleuthers - Something Sweet is Baking Up on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries! 🔎

Alison Sweeney on the set of a new Hannah Swensen mystery
- image via Instagram

A few weeks ago, I mentioned to you all that a new Hannah Swensen movie was coming. Finally, it's official! Alison Sweeney, Cameron Mathison, Barbara Niven, and Gabriel Hogan will return for this all-new mystery movie that will premiere on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. See all the details in Hallmark's press release below...

Hallmark Media Press Release:

ALISON SWEENEY BAKES UP

A NEW MYSTERY DELIGHT IN

'CARROT CAKE:
A HANNAH SWENSEN MYSTERY'(wt)

WITH FAN FAVORITES

CAMERON MATHISON

AND BARBARA NIVEN

Latest Installment in Highly Popular Franchise Currently in Production and Set to Premiere Later this Year

STUDIO CITY, CA -- February 28, 2023 - Alison Sweeney ("Days of Our Lives"), Cameron Mathison ("General Hospital"), and Barbara Niven ("Chesapeake Shores") reprise their roles in "Carrot Cake: A Hannah Swensen Mystery"(wt), currently in production for premiering later this year on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, it was announced today. Gabriel Hogan ("Heartland") from the original cast also returns in this latest installment. Sweeney serves as executive producer.

"The adventures of Hannah Swensen have long been a favorite among our viewers, and we're thrilled to bring them a new mystery they can try to solve at home along with Hannah," said Elizabeth Yost, Senior Vice President, Development, Hallmark Media. "Being able to reunite Alison Sweeney, Cameron Mathison, and Barbara Niven for this latest installment makes it even sweeter."

"The fans of Hannah Swensen are incredible, and we are so excited to make more mysteries to share with them. Plus, working together again with Cam and Barbara is so much fun!," Sweeney enthused.

Sweeney returns as Hannah Swensen, everyone's favorite crime-solving baker. The discovery of a skeleton amid the rubble of a building undergoing renovation reveals that one of Lake Eden's beloved citizens is not who he claimed to be. Much to the dismay of her fiancé, Detective Mike Kingston (Mathison), Hannah begins to investigate the case on her own. As she tries to piece together the events that led to the murder and tries to learn the victim's true identity, Hannah even calls on her mother, Delores (Niven), as she works to bring the killer to justice and uncover the truth.

"Carrot Cake: A Hannah Swensen Mystery"(wt) is from Lighthouse Productions, Inc. and Looking Glass Productions, LLC. Alison Sweeney, Craig Baumgarten Jamie Goehring, Shawn Williamson, and Joanne Fluke are executive producers. Pat Williams directs from a script by Melissa Salmons, based on Fluke's novel Carrot Cake Murder.

# # #

- HALLMARK MOVIES & MYSTERIES -

My Quick Take:

It's nice to see not only a new mystery but a familiar one at that, which first began on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries as Murder, She Baked: A Chocolate Chip Cookie Mystery in 2015! This series got a new start and a new title in 2021 with Hannah Swensen Mysteries, but you'll still see most of the same beloved characters from the original series. Speaking of that, I haven't heard whether or not either sister will be in this movie. I was hoping since fans missed Andrea (portrayed by Lisa Durupt) in the previous movie, they might bring her back for this one. However, since there isn't any word there, I'm thinking that isn't a good sign. Have any of you heard or seen anything regarding this? I sure would love to see Hannah and Andrea crime-solving together again!

Please share your take in comments below.

Happy sleuthing, 

Net  🔎

Crown Media Changes Name + Casting News for Hallmark Series...

Deadline revealed this latest news: "The company, formerly known as Crown Media Family Networks, now has a new name: Hallmark Media."

Although, the word crown will not be used, it appears they will still be using the crown image, which is also well known with their iconic brand of Hallmark cards.

Under the umbrella of Hallmark Media, are three channels: the Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and Hallmark Drama. Also included, is the streaming service: Hallmark Movies Now.


*********************

Hallmark announced another cast addition to "The Way Home." Chyler Leigh, who you may recall from Hallmark Channel's "Window Wonderland" will join this new series.

Press release from Hallmark Media:

CHYLER LEIGH JOINS THE CAST 

OF "THE WAY HOME," 

A NEW, ORIGINAL PRIMETEIME SERIES 

SET TO BOW ON THE NETWORK IN 2023

STUDIO CITY, CA - August 9, 2022 - Chyler Leigh ("Supergirl," "Grey's Anatomy") has been cast in "The Way Home," the network's new, original primetime series slated to begin production later this month for a 2023 premiere on Hallmark Channel.

Leigh plays Kat Landry, who moved away from her small, Canadian farm town of Port Haven many years ago following a family tragedy, and remains estranged from her mother Del (Andie MacDowell) to this day. With her marriage coming to an end and having just been laid off from her job, Kat decides to return home after receiving an unexpected letter from Del urging her to come back. Although her 15-year-old daughter Alice is none-too-thrilled, Kat and her daughter arrive at her family's farm, though the reunion isn't what Kat had envisioned. As the three generations of women slowly work on finding their footing as a family, they embark on an enlightening - and surprising - journey none of them could have imagined.

"Chyler Leigh and Andie MacDowell are the perfect mother-daughter pairing for our new series, 'The Way Home,'" said Lisa Hamilton Daly, Executive Vice President, Programming, Crown Media Family Networks. "We at Hallmark Channel cannot wait for her to grace our screens as a member of this cast."

"The Way Home" is executive produced by Marly Reed and Arnie Zipursky for Neshama Entertainment; Larry Grimaldi, Hannah Pillemer and Fernando Szew for MarVista Entertainment; and Heather Conkie, Alexandra Clarke, Andie MacDowell and Chyler Leigh.

Leigh is represented by The Burstein Company, UTA and attorney Mitch Smelkinson.

# # #

-- HALLMARK CHANNEL --

Hallmark is bringing DaySpring and Crayola to Life on Screen! 🌠 SEE HERE:

In a recent press release on April 19th, Hallmark revealed they will be working with two popular brands: Crayola, which is iconic, of course, for their colorful array of crayons and DaySpring, which is well-known for their faith inspired greeting cards and gifts.

According to their press release (see below), both brands will be working with Hallmark to bring their own unique content to the small screen.

This is not the first time, however, DaySpring has worked with Hallmark. The company has sponsored special presentation's of many of Hallmark's uplifting films in the past, such as: Just The Way You Are, The Color of Rain, Journey Back to Christmas, Christmas Town, A Godwink Christmas, Once Upon a Christmas Miracle, A Godwink Christmas: Meant for Love, and more!

I am very much looking forward to seeing the uplifting films DaySpring will bring to the Hallmark network in the future! 

--------------------------------------

Hallmark Press Release:

CROWN MEDIA 

DEVELOPING NEW CONTENT FRANCHISES

ROOTED IN CLASSIC HALLMARK BRANDS

Programming Initiatives to Bring DaySpring
and Crayola to Life on Screen

New York, April 19, 2022 – As Crown Media gears up to debut the inaugural movies in its new Mahogany programming initiative, based on the Hallmark Card line of the same name, the company announces today the development of two new content franchises built around beloved Hallmark brands, Crayola and Dayspring. Crayola’s purpose is helping raise creatively-alive kids and Dayspring’s purpose is helping people know and share Faith in true and inspiring ways. The announcement comes as Crown Media continues to leverage the breadth and depth of Hallmark Inc. Intellectual Property (IP).

“Hallmark’s wide-ranging IP consists of some of the most iconic and beloved brands of all time offering a wealth of storytelling opportunities,” remarked Crown Media’s EVP, Programming, Lisa Hamilton Daly. “We are exploring content projects from movies and series, to short-form entertainment and podcasts.”

News and developments related to DaySpring and Crayola projects to come.

ABOUT CROWN MEDIA FAMILY NETWORKS

Owned and operated by Hallmark Cards, Inc., Crown Media Family Networks is home to Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and Hallmark Drama. Hallmark Channel features an ambitious slate of new, original content, including movies, scripted series, and annual specials. Hallmark Channel is also home to the popular annual holiday franchise Countdown to Christmas featuring a 24/7 lineup of holiday programming. Hallmark Movies & Mysteries is a 24-hour cable network featuring a unique mix of new, original movies and acquired series focused on the lighter side of the suspense and mystery genres. The network also features its own annual holiday programming franchise, Miracles of Christmas. Hallmark Drama showcases the rich legacy of the Hallmark Hall of Fame library and spotlights movies and series from Crown Media’s collection of original dramatic content. Crown Media Family Networks is also home to Hallmark Movies Now, the company’s subscription streaming service, which offers commercial-free, feel-good movies and series from Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and more, including exclusive content you can’t find anywhere else. Crown Media Family Networks’ publishing extension, Hallmark Publishing, offers original novels, as well as books adapted from Hallmark original movies.

###

(--- End of Press Release ---)

As many of you know, I haven't been keen on some of the movies coming from the Hallmark network these days, but I am encouraged by this news, and I would love to know your opinion on this, as well. I feel, if they can create faith-inspired films that may witness to even one person, then it's worth it. Please share your thoughts in comments below.

In honor of this Hallmark collaboration with DaySpring, I've included some of my favorite DaySpring inspirational gifts and cards below...

Blessings on your day! Net

click arrows below to view more items...

🌹Click here to shop Mother's Day Cards and Gifts at DaySpring

🌹Click here to shop Graduation Cards and Gifts at DaySpring

🌹Click here to shop - Up to 40% Off DaySpring Spiritual Resources
(Sale Ends April 25th at 11:59PM - no code needed)

Hallmark Steps Back to the 1950’s this Christmas with “A Holiday Spectacular!”

Hallmark Channel Press Release:

HALLMARK CHANNEL ANNOUNCES 

ALL-NEW MOVIE 

"A HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR" 

FEATURING THE RADIO CITY ROCKETTES 

SET TO PREMIERE DURING 

2022 COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS

Broadway Leads Ginna Claire Mason, Tony Award Nominee Derek Klena, Academy Award Nominee Ann-Margret And Eve Plumb To Star

FILMED ON LOCATION IN UPSTATE NEW YORK AND AT RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL

STUDIO CITY, CA - March 1, 2022 - Hallmark Channel has announced a new Christmas movie, "A Holiday Spectacular" featuring the Radio City Rockettes, as part of the 2022 Countdown to Christmas programming. The movie stars Ginna Claire Mason (Wicked) who played Glinda in Broadway's award-winning Wicked; Tony Award-nominated Derek Klena (Jagged Little Pill); Academy Award-nominated entertainer Ann-Margret (Carnal Knowledge); and Eve Plumb ("The Brady Bunch"). The film was shot on location both in upstate New York and at Radio City Music Hall. The Rockettes were choreographed by their director and choreographer Julie Branam (Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes) and will be featured throughout the film in various performance numbers and speaking roles.

"The Radio City Rockettes embody Christmas in New York City and we are thrilled to bring together two quintessential holiday brands - Hallmark Channel and the Radio City Rockettes - for a one-of-a-kind holiday movie," said Lisa Hamilton Daly, EVP Programming, Hallmark Channel. "'A Holiday Spectacular' will be a beautiful reminder of the joy of the season and is sure to become a family tradition, much like attending a performance of the Rockettes' annual Christmas Spectacular."

"We are thrilled to partner with Hallmark Channel to bring together our two iconic holiday brands, which both create holiday magic for millions of people every year," said Jessica Tuttle, Senior Vice President, Productions, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp., the parent company of the Radio City Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall. "This heartwarming storyline gives audiences a peek into the passion and dedication that the Rockettes have for this beloved dance company and the incredible sisterhood that is at the core of this legendary line."

The story is set in 1958 when a Philadelphia heiress named Maggie (Mason) puts her high-society wedding plans, to a man she doesn't love, on hold in order to sneak up to New York City and make her secret dream come true: dancing live on stage in the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. While her family thinks she's staying in New York City with an "approved" friend from boarding school, Maggie is living a completely different life than she's ever known. She falls in love with New York and dancing with the Rockettes. Maggie soon feels caught between two worlds, made even more complicated by her chance encounter with young U.S. Navy photographer John (Klena). Will Maggie find the courage to tell her family what she wants for her future instead of accepting the future that was decided for her?

"A Holiday Spectacular" is a Choice Films Production. Dustin Rikert is Executive Producer. Tony Glazer and Summer Crockett Moore are Producers. John Putch is directing a script by Julie Sherman Wolfe. The all-new original movie will premiere during Hallmark Channel's annual Countdown to Christmas programming event.

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 most classic comedies and series, including The Golden Girls, Frasier, and Reba. To visit the network website, please visit www.hallmarkchannel.com Hallmark Channel on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok

When Calls the Heart Season 9 Premiere Date + My Take!

See premiere news direct from Hallmark's press release on When Calls the Heart season 9, plus my take on the new season below...


Hallmark Channel press release:

HALLMARK CHANNEL ANNOUNCES

THE SEASON NINE PREMIERE DATE

OF THE NETWORK'S HIGHLY RATED

AND LONGEST-RUNNING ORIGINAL SERIES

"WHEN CALLS THE HEART"

STUDIO CITY, CA - January 5, 2022 - Season nine of Hallmark Channel's beloved primetime drama series, "When Calls the Heart," will make its compelling return with more romance and drama in store for the residents of Hope Valley, premiering on Sunday, March 6, 2022 at 9pm/8c with 12 all-new episodes!

Hope Valley is in a state of growth, with the foundry's progress and the evolution of key relationships. The Mayoral race has the town buzzing with a few members of the town running against one another. Elizabeth and Lucas focus on their relationship beyond courtship, and as she gets to know Lucas better, she learns about his past which gives Elizabeth pause about their future.

"'When Calls the Heart' is a cherished series that continues to grow in the ratings annually. It continues to gain fans and is a tent pole of our network's storytelling, said Lisa Hamilton Daly, Executive Vice President, Programming, Crown Media Family Networks. "We are thrilled to showcase a new season from the talented writers and amazing cast. Continuing with original stories of romance, drama and friendship, we are thrilled for viewers to tune in to the new season."

The hit drama "When Calls the Heart" ended its eighth season on a high, with this season's final episode (8012) ranking as the most-watched episode of the series in Households (2.9 million) and among Total Viewers (3.6 million) on a Live+3 basis. In fact, season 8 became the most watched of the series in Households, and among Total Viewers and Women 18+, with the program delivering 2.7 million Households, 3.3 million Total Viewers, and 2.4 million Women 18+. The program also ranked as the #1 original scripted series on ad-supported cable in 2021-to-date among Households and Women 18+. However, among Women 18+, the program was also this year's #1 original series (including reality) on ad-supported cable in 2021-to-date.

With its 12 episodes, the season reached 9.5 million unduplicated Total Viewers.

Source: Nielsen, Season 8 (2/21-5/9/21), Live+3 Days. Original scripted series ranker excludes news, sports & repeats, and they reflect rank standings at time of air, thru 5/9/21 only.

--------------------------- End of Press Release ---------------------------

My Take:

I know there are differing views on When Calls the Heart. Some are pleased with the way Season 8 ended and some are not happy at all with Elizabeth's (Erin Krakow) choice, while others, I'm sure, don't care at all, either way. I'm somewhere between the latter two. While I love the heartwarming stories in WCTH, season 8 did leave me feeling indifferent toward the beloved characters I once loved and first became acquainted with through Janette Oke's books.

I do plan to watch the new season, but seeing these new promos and previews makes the characters seem, somehow, even more unfamiliar to me. Clara (Eva Bourne), Jesse (Aren Buchholz), and Dr. Carson Shepherd (Paul Greene) are all gone now from Hope Valley, there's a new little boy playing young Jack (Hyland Goodrich), and there's even a new woman in town (Mei Sou) who seems to quickly catch Mountie Nathan Grant's (Kevin McGarry) attention. While I want Nathan to find his own true love, I hope they don't rush this storyline in order to try and appease fans who were disappointed with season 8's ending. There's certain to be a lot of drama, either way, on and off (social media) the screen.

However, instead of all of the drama, I personally hope there are more inspiring moments of faith with the new Pastor, Joseph Canfield (Viv Leacock) and touching scenes that pull the community together, as they did in the earlier seasons. That is my hope for When Calls the Heart season 9.

Please share your thoughts in comments below. Do you plan to watch?

Blessings! Net

Hallmark Fall Harvest 2021 Movie Announced - "Roadhouse Romance"

Lauren Alaina and Tyler Hynes in Roadhouse Romance
image: Hallmark Crown Media

According to Hallmark's Press Release: "Hallmark will launch its 2021 Fall Harvest programming event with Roadhouse Romance, a new romantic comedy starring Lauren Alaina (Road Less Traveled) and Tyler Hynes (It Was Always You)."

"Roadhouse Romance" Storyline: "Lieutenant Callie Jackson (Lauren Alaina) returns home after a military tour, expecting everything to pick up right where she left it. To her dismay, her late Grandfather’s BBQ is struggling, and her high school sweetheart has moved on. She has a run-in with Luke (Tyler Hynes), a TV director passing through town, who teachers her that sometimes it’s best to look forward instead of looking back."

"Roadhouse Romance" will premiere
Saturday, September 11 at 9 pm. ET/PT
on the Hallmark Channel

I think this story sounds interesting. Lauren Alaina is a singer and actress; she first became well known as a contestant on American Idol. She typically has a spunky personality that I think will contrast well with Tyler Hynes usual dry humor.

UPDATE: I was initially surprised this movie is premiering on the 20th year anniversary of September 11, 2001; however, as mentioned above, there is a military theme in the story, so perhaps this will be a nice patriotic tribute on September 11th, after all. I hope we all pause on that day to reflect and remember.

Please share your thoughts in comments.

Blessings, Net

HALLMARK CHANNEL ANNOUNCES “WHEN CALLS THE HEART” WILL RETURN FOR SEASON 8!

Hallmark Press Release:

HALLMARK CHANNEL ANNOUNCES

A SEASON EIGHT RENEWAL

OF THE NETWORK’S HIGHLY RATED

AND LONGEST- RUNNING
ORIGINAL SERIES

“WHEN CALLS THE HEART”

STUDIO CITY, CA –April 26, 2020 – Hallmark Channel has ordered an eighth season of the network’s original, primetime drama series “When Calls the Heart.” It was announced today by series star Erin Krakow during the season seven finale of the hit show.

(See the Video below!)

Currently ending its seventh season, the hit drama “When Calls the Heart’s” ratings momentum continues, with this season’s previous episode 7009 ranking as the highest-rated episode in the series’ history. The program ranked as the #1 original scripted series of the week and marks the #2 original scripted series on ad-supported cable in 2020-to-date among Households, Total Viewers and Women 18+. On a Live +3 basis, the program delivered a 3.3 Household rating, 3.1 million Total Viewers, and 477,000 Women 25-54. The episode reached over 3.7 million unduplicated total viewers.

Source: Nielsen, December 30, 2019 – April 19, 2020

# # #

-- HALLMARK CHANNEL --

VIDEO - Erin Krakow Announces Season 8:

My Take:

I'm ecstatic! We ALL needed some good news these days with everything going on, and this Season 8 renewal of "When Calls the Heart" is absolutely FANTASTIC, WONDERFUL NEWS for all of us Hearties and faithful Hallmark viewers, who have simply fallen in the love with this incredible series and all of the delightful Hope Valley characters over the years.

Whether you love the children, Rosemary and Lee, Dr. Carson and Nurse Faith, Clara and Jesse, Bill, Henry, Fiona, Flo, Molly, Elizabeth's love triangle with Lucas and Nathan, etc... there is truly something special for everyone to love in this wholesome family friendly show.

It's nice to know there are plans in the works to make Season 8's filming a possibility. There are a lot of cast and crew members involved with making "When Calls the Heart," so I'll be curious to see how they will end up doing it. Most of all, I know we all want everyone to be safe and well; therefore, I'm certain Hallmark will keep everyone's health as top priority. They always have everyone's best interest at heart!

With great hope and anticipation, I know we will all look forward to hearing any news we possibly can on "When Calls the Heart" Season 8!

Blessings on your day! Net

Picture a Perfect Christmas Movie Marathon and More Great Offers from Hallmark! SEE HERE:

Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Allister Foster

CROWN MEDIA FAMILY NETWORKS
ANNOUNCES NEW PLANS
TO COMFORT AND ENTERTAIN VIEWERS

Company Offers Free 30-Day Trial to SVOD Service, Hallmark Movies Now;
Free eBook from Hallmark Publishing

“We Need a Little Christmas” Movie Marathon Returns on Hallmark Channel;

Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Starts Its Own Weekend Marathon,
“Miracles of Christmas Movie Marathon” –
Friday, March 27 – Sunday, March 29

 

New York, NY, March 26, 2020 – As more and more Americans stay home, Crown Media Family Networks announced today new efforts to provide feel-good entertainment and forge a sense of community and connectedness.

The company is offering new users a free 30-Day free trial to the company’s SVOD platform, Hallmark Movies Now. The service, which is now doubling up on its popular Christmas movie offerings, features hundreds of hours of feel-good Hallmark series and movies. Those interested in signing up for the offer may visit https://www.hmnow.com/sign-up.

The company’s publishing division, Hallmark Publishing, which produces eBooks, audiobooks, and paperbacks, is also getting in on the action, offering a free eBook version of A Country Wedding on HallmarkPublishing.com, in addition to hosting a virtual book club about the novel on Facebook. Moreover, the company will offer a $0.99 eBooksale for seven popular titles at all eBook retailers. Titles include, Love by Chance, Country Hearts, The Story of Us, A Simple Wedding, Love at the Shore, Beach Wedding Weekend, and Love on Location. More about Hallmark Publishing’s robust catalog of paperback, eBook, and audiobook offerings can be found here.

Finally, following an overwhelmingly positive response to Hallmark Channel’s “We Need a Little Christmas” holiday movie marathon over the weekend, the network is reprising the stunt with another holiday movie event. The marathon kicks off Friday, March 27, and goes through Sunday, March 29.

The network’s premiere of “Just My Type,” on Saturday, March 28, as well as new episodes of “When Calls the Heart” and “When Hope Calls” on Sunday, March 29, will air at their originally scheduled times.

Hallmark Movies & Mysteries is also kicking off a weekend holiday event, “Miracles of Christmas Movie Marathon,” beginning Friday, March 27, through Sunday, March 29.

The network’s premiere of “Mystery 101: An Education in Murder,” on Sunday, March 29, will air at the originally scheduled time.

 

ABOUT CROWN MEDIA FAMILY NETWORKS

Crown Media Family Networks is the umbrella unit subsidiary of Hallmark Cards, Inc., housing cable’s leading family friendly networks, Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and Hallmark Drama. Hallmark Channel features an ambitious slate of new, original content, including movies, scripted series, annual specials, and a daily, two-hour lifestyle show. Hallmark Channel is also home to the popular annual holiday franchise “Countdown to Christmas,” featuring a lineup of 24/7 holiday programming. Hallmark Movies & Mysteries is a 24-hour cable network featuring a unique mix of new, original movies and acquired series focused on the lighter side of the suspense and mystery genres. The network also features its own annual holiday programming franchise, “Miracles of Christmas”. Hallmark Drama showcases the rich legacy of the Hallmark Hall of Fame library and with zero duplication, spotlights movies and series from Crown Media’s collection of original dramatic content. Crown Media Family Networks is also home to Hallmark Movies Now, the company’s subscription streaming service, which offers wholly distinct content from the company’s linear channels. Crown Media Family Networks’ publishing extension, Hallmark Publishing, creates novelizations of previously aired original movie favorites. It also accepts author submissions for original, on-brand manuscripts that can be greenlit as a new movie or series for one of the company’s three linear networks.

Hallmark Channel on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest
Hallmark Movies & Mysteries on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter
Hallmark Drama on Twitter
Hallmark Publishing on Twitter

-- CROWN MEDIA FAMILY NETWORKS --

Hope you enjoyed this Hallmark Press Release.

See the full Christmas Schedule - HERE!

Joyous Blessings, Net

‘PROJECT CHRISTMAS JOY’ PREMIERING ON HALLMARK DRAMA!

image: Hallmark Crown Media

Hallmark Press Release:

Rashad Jennings, former NFL star, New York Times best-selling author and founder of the Rashad Jennings Foundation will host “Project Christmas Joy”. The special program will air on Hallmark Drama December 10th at 9 pm. “Seeing the joy that was brought to the town of Beauregard, Alabama through some simple holiday magic was incredibly inspiring. I feel so grateful to be a small part of this effort.”

image: Hallmark Crown Media

image: Hallmark Crown Media

In March 2019, two E4 tornadoes ravaged the towns of Beauregard and Smith’s Station, Alabama. Twenty-three lives were lost in the tornadoes’ wake. In an effort to bring some Christmas joy to those who have gone through so much, Hallmark Drama will be decorating Providence Baptist Church (known as the “Heart of the Community”) and creating a night of holiday fellowship for the community. In addition, Crown Media Family Networks will be sponsoring homes to be built for townspeople that lost everything during the storms. Ultimately, our Christmas wish is to bring some hope, and joy, to this special community for the holidays.

image: Hallmark Crown Media

image: Hallmark Crown Media

“This show aligns perfectly with Hallmark Drama’s exclusive offering of original content,” said Bill Abbott, President & CEO, Crown Media Family Networks. “We look forward to bringing Hallmark holiday joy to a special town in Alabama for the 2019 Christmas season.”

image: Hallmark Crown Media

ABOUT HALLMARK DRAMA

Launched in October 2017, Hallmark Drama joined Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries as Crown Media Family Networks’ third linear cable television network. Distributed in nearly 20 million homes, the network features an unduplicated lineup from its sister networks, and evokes the legacy and spirit of the iconic, award-winning Hallmark Hall of Fame franchise with engaging, dramatic storytelling. In addition to fan-favorite Hallmark Hall of Fame titles, the network showcases an array of movies and series from Crown Media’s vast library of original dramatic content.

--- End of Press Release ---

WHEN TO WATCH ‘PROJECT CHRISTMAS JOY’

on HALLMARK DRAMA:

Tuesday December 10 - 9:00 PM/8c.

Friday December 13 - 6:00 PM/5c.

Sunday December 15 - 9:00 AM/8c.

Wednesday December 25 - 8:00 PM/7c.

I absolutely love that Hallmark is giving back to this community - who is very much in need. The true spirit of Christmas is giving, and I know those who gave to help the people in Alabama will be blessed.

I hope you join me in looking forward to seeing this special when it premieres on Hallmark Drama.

Joyous Christmas Blessings to You All! Net