Hallmark Press Release:
CROWN MEDIA BUILDS HALLMARK DRAMA’S ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING SLATE WITH TWO NEW MARQUEE PRODUCTIONS
Sequel to Original Movie “JL Family Ranch” and Latest Installment in “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” Franchise to Premiere on the Network in 2020
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – July 26, 2019 – Hallmark Drama, Crown Media Family Networks’ third linear network, will debut two new, original movies in 2020 as part of its strategy of adding original content to the schedule. Slated to debut in 2020, the sequel to the original movie “JL Family Ranch” and the latest installment of fan-favorite movie franchise “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” will mark the latest offerings of Hallmark Drama’s growing slate of proprietary original content and serve as the first original movie premieres developed for the burgeoning network. The announcement was made today as part of Crown Media Family Networks’ bi-annual Television Critics Summer Press Tour.
Starring Jon Voight, Teri Polo, James Caan, Bo Derek, Dylan Walsh, Trevor Donovan Judson Mills, Abby Brammell, and Skyler Shaye the story of “JL Family Ranch,” follows the trials and tribulations of a veteran rancher and former sheriff as he fights the federal bureaucracy to keep his family ranch when a grudge-seeking enemy attempts to throw land ownership into question with false documents.
From acclaimed executive producer Martha Williamson, “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” has been one of Hallmark Movies & Mysteries’ most beloved franchises. The comedic drama follows the lives of postal workers – known as the POstables – who transform themselves into an untraditional team of detectives to track down intended recipients of undeliverable mail. Their missions take them out of the office into an unpredictable world where redirected letters and packages can save lives, solve crimes, reunite old loves and change futures by arriving late but somehow on time. Having first premiered on the network in 2014, the franchise stars Eric Mabius, Kristin Booth, Crystal Lowe, and Geoff Gustafson, who are all reprising their roles.
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. Featuring an unduplicated lineup from its sister networks, Hallmark Drama 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.
-- HALLMARK DRAMA --
Hallmark Press Release:
CROWN MEDIA FAMILY NETWORKS ANNOUNCES HALLMARK PUBLISHING TO RELEASE ITS FIRST MYSTERY NOVEL
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – July 26, 2019 – Crown Media Family Networks, one of America’s leading media content companies, announces its books division, Hallmark Publishing, will release its first-ever mystery book, Out of the Picture: A Shepherd Sisters Mystery by author Tracy Gardner. The book is scheduled to be released on Tuesday, September 3, in eBook, paperback, and audiobook. The announcement was made today as part of Crown Media Family Networks’ bi-annual Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour.
“We are thrilled to break into the popular mystery genre with Out of the Picture, said Stacey Donovan, head of Hallmark Publishing. “It’s an intriguing mystery with a strong sense of family and community, and a sweet romance subplot that will undoubtedly appeal to fans of Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Channel,” Donovan concluded.
Hallmark Publishing, which began as an eBook publisher and now offers books in paperback and audiobooks, is giving readers more ways to enjoy the kinds of uplifting, family friendly stories that people enjoy on Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, Hallmark Drama and Hallmark Movies Now.
Out of the Picture: A Shepherd Sisters Mystery is written by Tracy Gardner; this is her first cozy mystery novel. It can be found on Hallmark, Amazon, Walmart, Barnes and Noble and everywhere else books are sold, starting September 3rd.
ABOUT HALLMARK PUBLISHING
Launched in 2017, Crown Media Family Networks’ publishing division, Hallmark Publishing, recreates the rich storytelling from Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries’ beloved movies as eBooks and paperbacks. From sparkling romances to intriguing mysteries, Hallmark Publishing offers a whole new way for viewers to engage with Crown Media’s stories and characters. In addition, some Hallmark Publishing novels will be adapted into new, original movies. Hallmark Publishing’s books can be found on Amazon, iTunes, Rakuten Kobo, and at Barnes & Noble retail and online stores.
-- HALLMARK PUBLISHING --
Hallmark Press Release:
HALLMARK MOVIES & MYSTERIES ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENT ON ALL-NEW MYSTERY ‘MYSTERIES OF MARTHA’S VINEYARD’ STARRING JESSE METCALFE
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – July 26, 2018 – Hallmark Movies & Mysteries is in development on an all new mystery “Mysteries of Martha’s Vineyard,” based on the books of the same name, with Jesse Metcalfe (“Chesapeake Shores”) set to star. The announcement was made today as part of Crown Media Family Networks’ bi-annual Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour.
“We couldn’t be happier to continue working with star Jesse Metcalfe, who has been a part of the Hallmark family for years,” said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming & Network Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks.
The all-new movie is expected to premiere in 2020 on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.
-- HALLMARK MOVIES & MYSTERIES --
Hallmark Press Release:
‘THE ROYAL MYSTERIES’(WT) A BRAND-NEW MYSTERY SET FOR DEVELOPMENT AT HALLMARK MOVIES & MYSTERIES STARRING ERIN KRAKOW
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – July 26, 2019 – Hallmark Movies & Mysteries is in development on T R M(wt), an all-new mystery starring Erin Krakow (“When Calls the Heart”) The announcement was made today as part of Crown Media Family Networks’ bi-annual Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour.
“Erin Krakow is beloved by our viewers for her portrayal of Elizabeth Thornton on When Calls the Heart’ and we couldn’t be more thrilled to bring her talents to Hallmark Movies & Mysteries,” said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming Network Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks.
The original story sets thrilling mysteries against the backdrop of a Royal family. As an employee of the Oldavian Embassy, Tanya (Krakow) finds herself caught up in a web of intrigue, deceit and murder. She joins forces with James, the Prince of Oldavia, and together they set out to uncover the truth behind the mysterious death of the prominent Oldavian Ambassador. The all-new movie is expected to premiere in 2020 on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.
-- HALLMARK MOVIES & MYSTERIES --
Hallmark Press Release:
HALLMARK MOVIES & MYSTERIES HAS ALL-NEW SIGNATURE MYSTERY PREMIERES THROUGH OCTOBER
New Mystery “Matchmaker Mysteries” Premieres September 29th
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – July 26, 2019 – Hallmark Movies & Mysteries announces it will launch all new signature mysteries through October. Returning favorites include “Aurora Teagarden Mysteries,” “Chronicle Mysteries,” “Darrow & Darrow,” “Mystery 101,” “Ruby Herring Mysteries,” “Crossword Mysteries” and the premiere of the highly anticipated “Matchmaker Mysteries.” The announcement was made today as part of Crown Media Family Networks’ biannual Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour.
In “Matchmaker Mysteries” Danica McKellar (“The Wonder Years”) stars as Angie Dove, host of a popular Philadelphia-based reality show dedicated to helping single people find their soulmates. Soon after one of her couples gets engaged on TV, the bride-to-be is murdered. The eligible bachelor Angie proclaimed as her perfect match is arrested as the prime suspect. Wanting to clear her client’s name, Angie uses all her matchmaking skills to evaluate the character and integrity of the suspects and cleverly gets them to reveal the truth about themselves. Not shy, she’ll sweet-talk her way into a crime scene, face-off with a bouncer at a hot nightclub or even endure a dental exam to interrogate a key witness. Victor Webster (“Younger,” “Continuum”) plays Kyle Cooper, a by-the-book detective who isn’t thrilled that Angie is launching her own investigation. Much to his chagrin, he can’t help but admit when she’s unearthed valuable information that helps move the case forward. Veteran actor Bruce Boxleitner (“Supergirl,” “NCIS”) rounds out the cast as Angie’s dad, Nick Colomba, a retired detective who is always on hand to give his daughter advice and support – both in life and in her amateur investigation.
NEW SIGNATURE MYSTERY FRANCHISE PREMIERES ON HALLMARK MOVIES & MYSTERIES INCLUDE:
“Aurora Teagarden Mysteries”
Starring: Candace Cameron Bure, Niall Matter and Marilu Henner
Sunday, August 4, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Sunday, August 11, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Sunday, August 18, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
“Chronicle Mysteries”
Starring: Alison Sweeney and Benjamin Ayers
Sunday, August 25, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
“Darrow & Darrow”
Starring: Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Tom Cavanagh and Wendie Malick
Sunday, September 1, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
“Mystery 101”
Starring: Jill Wagner, Kristoffer Polaha and Robin Thomas
Sunday, September 8, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Sunday, September 15, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
“Ruby Herring Mysteries”
Starring: Taylor Cole, Stephen Huszar and John Wesley Shipp
Sunday, September 22, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
“Matchmaker Mysteries”
Starring: Danica McKellar, Victor Webster, Bruce Boxleitner and from Executive Producer Patti Stanger
Sunday, September 29, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
“Crossword Mysteries”
Starring: Lacey Chabert, Brennan Elliott, John Kapelos and Barbara Niven
Sunday, October 6, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Sunday, October 13, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Sunday, October 20, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
-- HALLMARK MOVIES & MYSTERIES --
Hallmark Press Release:
AMATEUR BAKERS TEAM UP WITH BELOVED HALLMARK TALENT IN ‘CHRISTMAS COOKIE COUNTDOWN’ (wt) FEATURING THE CAST OF ‘WHEN CALLS THE HEART’
Five-Part Weekly Series, Premieres on Hallmark Drama This Holiday Season
BEVERLY HILLS, CA, July 26, 2019 – America’s most talented home bakers have a special opportunity to put their skills to the test alongside talent from one of cable’s highest-rated shows in “Christmas Cookie Countdown” (wt) featuring the Cast of “When Calls the Heart,” a new series hosted by Jack Wagner (Bill Avery from “When Calls the Heart”) debuting on Hallmark Drama this holiday season. In addition to Wagner, “When Calls the Heart” stars Erin Krakow, Pascale Hutton, Kavan Smith, Chris McNally, Paul Greene and Andrea Brooks are confirmed to participate. The announcement was made today as part of Crown Media Family Networks’ biannual Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour.
Premiering this holiday season, the five-part series kicks off with six teams of two consisting of one home baker and a different star from Hallmark Channel’s hit primetime series, “When Calls the Heart.” In each episode, a panel of two professional bakers will judge as the contestants go spatula-to-spatula in a variety of Christmas cookie and holiday dessert competitions. One team will be eliminated each week and, in the end, only one pair of cookie connoisseurs will prevail, winning the $25,000 grand prize.
“This show is a different kind of seasonal programming for us and when we first announced it at our Upfront event in March, we were still developing the concept,” said Crown Media Executive Vice President, Programming & Network Publicity, Michelle Vicary. “Since that time, we have created an incredibly fun and engaging format that is designed to become a new Hallmark holiday tradition for our audience, while also inspiring baking-inclined viewers to create cookie masterpieces of their own.” “Christmas Cookie Countdown” (wt) featuring the Cast of “When Calls the Heart” marks the first-ever original content developed for Hallmark Drama since the network launched in 2017.
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. Featuring an unduplicated lineup from its sister networks, Hallmark Drama 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.
-- HALLMARK DRAMA --
Hallmark Press Release:
IT’S A MERRIER AND MORE MUSICAL HOLIDAY SEASON WHEN ARTISTS SHOW OFF THEIR VOCAL TALENTS DURING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF HALLMARK CHANNEL’S ‘COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS’ AND HALLMARK MOVIES & MYSTERIES’ ‘MIRACLES OF CHRISTMAS’
Kristin Chenoweth, Amy Grant, Drew Seeley, Chaley Rose & Rome Flynn Lend Their Voices to Original Movie Premieres
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – July 26, 2019 – Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without songs of the season. This holiday, viewers will get a special musical treat with original movie premieres during Hallmark Channel’s 10th anniversary of “Countdown to Christmas” and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries’ “Miracles of Christmas” programming events when artists including Tony® and Emmy® Award winner Kristin Chenoweth ( You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, “Pushing Daisies”), Grammy Award winner Amy Grant, television and Broadway star Drew Seeley ( Jersey Boys , “One Tree Hill”), actress and singer Chaley Rose (“Nashville”) and actor and singer Rome Flynn (“How to Get Away with Murder”) lend their vocal talents to original songs featured in the networks’ romantic and heartwarming yuletide tales. The songs from treasured music icons Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton are also a marquee part of the networks’ Christmas celebration in “Christmas at Graceland 2” (wt) and “Christmas at Dollywood,” providing a very merry soundtrack. The announcement was made today as part of Crown Media Family Networks’ bi-annual Television Critics Summer Press Tour.
“The right Christmas music is key to setting the mood for the holiday season so we couldn’t be more thrilled to feature original songs in our movie premieres this year,” said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming & Network Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks. “We’re fortunate to have so many new songs performed by such talented stars, so turn up the volume because this holiday season will be triumphant and bright on Hallmark.”
In “A Christmas Love Song,” Chenoweth stars as a youth choir director who needs to write a big song for the Christmas Eve show but becomes distracted from that endeavor when Danny (Kevin Quinn, “Bunk’d”), a boy with a golden voice joins her choir, much to the surprise of his widowed father played by Scott Wolf (“The Night Shift,” “Party of Five”). Little does she know a life-changing, emotional surprise is in store for her moments before the show as she gets ready to take the stage and sing “When Angels Land” with Danny.
Drew Seeley harkens back to his pop background in “Write Before Christmas,” in which he portrays Jax, a once-hot pop star who’s stepped away from the spotlight in recent years. When he receives an unexpected Christmas card from Jessica (Torrey DeVitto, “Chicago Med,” “One Tree Hill”) explaining how his music got her through a difficult period in her life, he becomes inspired once again and sets out to write a new Christmas song. Jax reconnects with his former band members to mend fences and reunite just in time for a pop-up Christmas Eve performance.
In “A Christmas Duet,” Chaley Rose and Rome Flynn star as Averie and Jesse, a former singing duo famous for their song “Wouldn’t Be Christmas.” Five years earlier they went their separate ways both romantically and professionally but chance brings them together when he makes a stop while touring at the inn she now runs. As she preps to host the town’s Yuletide Festival and he gets further waylaid by inclement weather, it’s undeniable that sparks begin to rekindle and just maybe the magic of Christmas will bring them back together both on stage and as a couple.
Beloved by millions for her Christmas music, Amy Grant and her timeless voice will be featured front and center in her first movie for Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, the heartfelt “When I Think of Christmas.”
-- CROWN MEDIA FAMILY NETWORKS --
Hallmark Press Release:
THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF HALLMARK CHANNEL’S ‘COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS’ AND HALLMARK MOVIES & MYSTERIES’ ‘MIRACLES OF CHRISTMAS’ WILL BE THE BEST CHRISTMAS EVER
Original Movie Premieres Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday Night
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – July 26, 2019 – This holiday, original movie premieres will be on Thursday and Friday on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries’ “Miracles of Christmas” and Saturday and Sunday during Hallmark Channel’s 10th anniversary of “Countdown to Christmas.” Across the networks there will be 40 original movie premieres. On Hallmark Channel, Tony® and Emmy® Award winner Kristin Chenoweth ( You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, “Pushing Daisies”) and Scott Wolf (“Party of Five”) star in the Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation of “A Christmas Love Story”; Lacey Chabert (Mean Girls) and Sam Page (“The Bold Type”) find romance in the City of Lights in “Christmas in Rome”; while Candace Cameron Bure (“Fuller House”) and Tim Rozon (“Schitt’s Creek”) find themselves in “Christmas Town.” On Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, Nikki Deloach (“Awkward”) and Michael Rady (“Timeless”) team up again for “Two Turtle Doves”; Marc Blucas (“The Fix”), Melissa Claire Egan (“The Young and the Restless”) and Patti Murin ( Frozen , “Chicago Med”) star in “Holiday for Heroes”; and Grammy Award winner Amy Grant stars in the all-new movie, “When I Think of Christmas.” The announcement was made today as part of Crown Media Family Networks’ bi-annual Television Critics Summer Press Tour.
“Each year our holiday movie slates get bigger, the movies get better, and the ratings grow stronger and I have no doubt that this will prove to be the most successful season yet,” said Michelle Vicary, EVP, Programming & Network Publicity. “We are so fortunate to work with such incredible talent – from the actors, to the writers, to the director and producers – who bring our signature holiday movies to life and have been instrumental in establishing Crown Media as the leader in compelling, top-quality holiday entertainment.”
Below is all the current news from the home of the best Christmas Ever, Crown Media Family Networks!
THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF HALLMARK CHANNEL’S ‘COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS’
Hallmark Hall of Fame “A Christmas Love Story” Stars: Tony® and Emmy® Award winner Kristin Chenoweth ( You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, “Pushing Daisies”) and Scott Wolf (“Party of Five”)
Christmas in Rome Stars: Lacey Chabert ( Mean Girls ) and Sam Page (“The Bold Type”)
Christmas at Dollywood Stars: Danica McKellar (“The Wonder Years”)
Christmas Town Stars: Candace Cameron Bure (“Fuller House”), Tim Rozon (“Schitt’s Creek”) and Beth Broderick (“Sharp Objects”)
Write Before Christmas Stars: Torrey DeVitto (“Chicago Med”), Chad Michael Murray (“Riverdale”), Grant Show (“Dynasty”), Lolita Davidovich (“How to Get Away with Murder”) and Drew Seeley (“Glory Daze”)
A Christmas Duet Stars: Chaley Rose (“Nashville”) and Rome Flynn (“How to Get Away with Murder”)
Christmas Wishes & Mistletoe Kisses Stars: Jill Wagner (“Teen Wolf”), Matthew Davis (“Legacies”) and Donna Mills (“Knots Landing”)
Christmas Camp Stars: Lily Anne Harrison (“Two Guys One Truck”) and Bobby Campo (“Scream: The TV Series”)
A Merry Christmas Match Stars: Ashley Newbrough (“Privileged”), Kyle Dean Massey (“Nashville”)
Nostalgic Christmas Stars: Brooke D’Orsay (“Royal Pains”) and Trevor Donovan (“Sun Records”)
Sense, Sensibility & Snowmen Stars: Erin Krakow (“Army Wives”), Luke Macfarlane (“Killjoys”) and Kimberley Sustad (“Unspeakable”)
A Christmas Scavenger Hunt Stars: Kevin McGarry (“Heartland”) and Kim Shaw (“Saving Hope”)
The Christmas Club Stars: Cameron Mathison (“All My Children”) and Elizabeth Mitchell (“Lost”)
Merry & Bright Stars: Jodie Sweetin (“Fuller House”), Andrew Walker (“Against the Wall”) and Sharon Lawrence (“Shameless”)
Check Inn to Christmas Stars: Rachel Boston (“Witches of East End”) and Wes Brown (“Deception”)
Double Holiday Stars: Kristoffer Polaha (“Condor”) and Carly Pope (“Arrow”)
Picture a Perfect Christmas Stars: Merritt Patterson (“The Royals”) and Jon Cor (“Shadowhunters”)
The Mistletoe Secret Stars: Kellie Pickler (“Christmas at Graceland”), Tyler Hynes (“UnReal”) and Patrick Duffy (“Dallas”)
A Gift to Cherish Stars: Ali Liebert (“Ten Days in the Valley”) and Peter Porte (“Baby Daddy”)
Christmas at Graceland: Home for the Holidays Stars: Adrian Grenier (“Entourage”) and Kaitlin Doubleday (“Nashville”)
Holiday Date Stars: Brittany Bristow (“Rising Suns”) and Matt Cohen (“General Hospital”)
When Calls the Heart Christmas (2019) Stars: Erin Krakow (“Army Wives”), Pascale Hutton (“Royal Pains”), Jack Wagner (“Melrose Place”), Kavan Smith (“Stargate: Atlantis”), Kevin McGarry (“Heartland”), Paul Greene (“Bitten”), Chris McNally (“Altered Carbon”), Martin Cummins (“Riverdale”) and Andrea Brooks (“Supergirl”)
HALLMARK MOVIES & MYSTERIES’ ‘MIRACLES OF CHRISTMAS’
When I Think of Christmas from Grammy Award winning Executive Producer Amy Grant
Time for Me to Come Home for Christmas 2 (wt) from Executive Producer Blake Shelton
A Godwink Christmas 2 (wt) from Executive Producers Kathie Lee Gifford, SQuire Rushnell and Louise DuArt
Christmas in Montana Stars: Kellie Martin (“The Guest Book”) and Colin Ferguson (“You’re the Worst”)
Second Hand Santa Stars: Alicia Witt (“The Exorcist”)
Holiday for Heroes Stars: Marc Blucas (“The Fix”), Melissa Claire Egan (“The Young and the Restless”) and Patti Murin (Frozen, “Chicago Med”
)
The Christmas Bride Stars: Rachael Leigh Cook ( She’s All That )
-- CROWN MEDIA FAMILY NETWORKS --
