TCA NEWS: Hallmark Increases Production on Original Specials!

Hallmark Press Release:

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – July 26, 2018 – Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries will increase production on original specials in the coming months that will give viewers a glimpse at new, original movie premieres, celebrate seasons and further the company’s commitment to raising awareness for pet rescue and the benefits of having pets in our lives. The announcement was made today as part of Crown Media Family Networks’ bi- annual Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour.

“We’re pleased to offer our viewers a variety of seasonal and pet-themed specials that complement our original movies and primetime series for a riveting viewing experience,” said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming and Network Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks. “From animal advocacy to celebrating the seasons and life’s treasured moments, these original specials are sure to resonate with viewers.”

The robust slate of original specials includes previews for seasonal franchises, hosted by fan-favorite talent, giving the audience an exclusive sneak-peek at upcoming original movie premieres for programming events such as Fall Harvest, Countdown to Christmas and more. As the holiday season is in full swing, viewers will be treated to two all-new, one-hour specials to help make their homes merry and bright: “Christmas in America,” from Executive Producer Candace Cameron Bure, which highlights some of the funny, outlandish and heartwarming Christmas traditions around the country and “Amy Grant’s Tennessee Christmas” (wt), an inspiring look at Christmas in her home state featuring musical performances and personal, holiday memories.

Additionally, Hallmark Channel affirms its commitment to highlighting the joys of pet rescue and celebrating the triumphs of our four-legged friends with the “American Humane Hero Dog Awards,” “Kitten Bowl VI,” “2019 American Rescue Dog Show” which expands to a two-night event, and the first-ever “Cat Bowl,” a one-hour special featuring adult cats from past “Kitten Bowls” as they come together for an all-star game.

On Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, host Lori Loughlin will give sleuthers a preview of the second annual Garage Sale Mysteries month in August and audiences are sure to get into the holiday spirit early with the Miracles of Christmas preview. Guaranteed to warm everyone’s home – if only virtually – are the annual Yule Logs featuring Happy the Dog, Happy the Cat and their furry friends being offered once again on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Below is a list of upcoming original specials planned for both networks:

Programming Event Previews – Hallmark Channel

2018 Fall Harvest Preview Special, hosted by Lacey Chabert and Brennan Elliott (September 16) 2018
Hallmark Channel Holiday Preview Special (October 21)
2019 Winterfest Preview Special (December 29)
Countdown to Valentine’s Preview Special (January 26, 2019)


Programming Event Previews – Hallmark Movies & Mysteries

Garage Sale Mysteries Preview Special, hosted by Lori Loughlin (July 29)
Miracles of Christmas Preview Special (October 14)
Pet Initiative Specials – Hallmark Channel
American Humane Hero Dog Awards (October 24) Cat Bowl I (February 2, 2019)
Kitten Bowl VI (February 2, 2019)
2019 American Rescue Dog Show (February 17 – 18)
Holiday Specials – Hallmark Channel
Christmas in America (TBD)
Amy Grant’s Tennessee Christmas (wt) (TBD)
Holiday Specials – Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
Thanksgiving Yule Log (November 21 – 22) Christmas Yule Log (December 24 – 25)

-Crown Media Family Networks-

It's “A Happy Yule Log” this Thanksgiving on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries!

Hallmark Press Release:

Hallmark Movies & Mysteries proudly presents
its annual “A Happy Yule Log,”
starring Happy the Dog and Happy the Cat,
which burns brightly all Thanksgiving Day
Wednesday, November 22th at 5pm E/PT, 4C

Happy the Dog and Happy the Cat - image via Hallmark Crown Media

“A Happy Yule Log” features 24 hours of merry and bright holiday music to set the tone for a perfect holiday. Happy the Cat and Happy the Dog, Hallmark’s own rescued and adopted pets, will adorably stretch out and cozy up by the fire while you listen to your favorite holiday tunes, wrap presents, and cook a sumptuous holiday feast.

The 2017 “A Happy Yule Log” will also feature surprise visits from the dog and cat’s furry friends – like Pip Squeak, an abandoned piglet -- who want to come in from the cold and warm themselves by the fire. Holidays remind Happy the Dog and Happy the Cat that they didn’t always have a home, warm fire, or food to eat. These animals were once homeless: until someone rescued and adopted them, and brought them to a safe place. The holidays are about reaching out, spreading generosity, hope, cheer, a hot meal, and help to those who need it most.

From everyone at Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, Happy the Cat and Happy the Dog, we are grateful to you! Happy Thanksgiving!

press release via: Pam Slay, Senior Vice President, Network Program Publicity & Social Content

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Announcement: Hallmark's Most Wonderful Movies of Christmas!

Coming this Year
to Hallmark Movies & Mysteries -
7 All New Original Christmas Movies!

On Hallmark's Home & Family, the host announced Three of the Seven New Christmas Movies coming this Christmas Season to Hallmark Movies & Mysteries...


*I'll be Home for Christmas - (previously titled: 'Pair of Jacks') starring James Brolin and Mena Suvari

Storyline via Hallmark: ”Jackie Foster (Suvari), a dynamic Assistant District Attorney and single mom, is looking forward to wrapping up her latest case and spending Christmas with Gracie (Eisenberg), her adorable and precocious, eight-year old daughter. But when Jackie’s estranged dad, Jack (Brolin), a gruff retired police officer, unexpectedly shows up at her door, they will be forced to confront old wounds. Tensions rise when Jack brings Nose, a mischievous former police dog, into Jackie’s orderly home. Though Jack had planned on quickly passing through, Gracie convinces him to stay until Christmas. Despite the baggage he brings, Jack and Jackie begin to work through their issues and she finds the possibility of an unlikely romance with a detective friend of Jack’s. As they experience the magic of Christmas together, they attempt to let go of their past and celebrate this loving holiday the way Jackie always dreamed.”


*Finding Father Christmas - starring Erin Krakow and Niall Matter, movie poster is shown

Storyline via Hallmark: “Christmas for Miranda is a painful reminder of the family she never had. Her mother died when she was young, never revealing the identity of her father. But, three days before Christmas, she unexpectedly receives a clue as to the whereabouts that takes her to a beautiful New England town where she meets Ian, a young man who helps with her search. As the clues lead to her father’s identity and Miranda discovers the possibility of love in Ian, and she learns that her father lived in the small town and now she knows his family (her brother and her biological father’s wife). She faces a terrible decision… Should she share the truth and risk losing the family she has just found, or leave and keep the secret forever? This Christmas promises to be life-changing for Miranda with a new chance at life and love.”


*Operation Christmas - starring Tricia Helfer, Marc Blucas, Lisa Durupt, movie poster is shown

Storyline via Hallmark: “As her new romance blossoms, a single mother is dismayed when her boyfriend, a military sergeant, is deployed right before Christmas. Determined to not let it ruin the holidays for her and her children they decide to give back to the struggling military families on his base and, as their efforts go viral, they are rewarded in ways they never imagined.”


*Preview Christmas Commercial is shown of Hallmark Movies & Mysteries most treasured movies, and clips of the new ones, too!


*The Happy Yule Log will return on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!


*An on-the-set video is shown of actress Erin Krakow, who is currently working on 'When Calls The Heart' Season 4. She was excited to share news with everyone of her new Christmas movie coming to HMM, 'Finding Father Christmas'.


So, that's the preview given today of Hallmark Movies & Mysteries - Most Wonderful Movies of Christmas! I'll keep trying to piece together all the Christmas Movies coming this Holiday Season!!! Stay tuned!!!