Crown Media Family Networks announced the following at last week's Television Critics Association summer press tour event:
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.
"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" and "Countdown to Christmas." 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 "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, 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 (Sept. 16)
- "2018 Hallmark Channel Holiday Preview Special" (Oct. 21)
- "2019 Winterfest Preview Special" (Dec. 29)
- "Countdown to Valentine's Preview Special" (Jan. 26, 2019)
Programming Event Previews - Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
- "Miracles of Christmas Preview Special" (Oct. 14)
Pet Initiative Specials - Hallmark Channel
- "American Humane Hero Dog Awards" (Oct. 24)
- "Cat Bowl I" (Feb. 2, 2019)
- "Kitten Bowl VI" (Feb. 2, 2019)
- "2019 American Rescue Dog Show" (Feb. 17-18, 2019)
Holiday Specials - Hallmark Channel
- "Christmas in America" (TBD)
- "Amy Grant's Tennessee Christmas" (wt) (TBD)
Holiday Specials - Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
- "Thanksgiving Yule Log" (Nov. 21-22)
- "Christmas Yule Log" (Dec. 24-25)
Hallmark Channel Announces All-New Programming Every Weekend of 2018
Network announces return of popular franchises "Fall Harvest" & award-winning "Countdown to Christmas"
Hallmark Channel, the country's leading provider of family-friendly entertainment, stakes its claim as the weekend destination for all-new, original programming every Saturday and Sunday for the remainder of 2018. The new offering features six autumnal-themed premieres as part of the network's highly rated "Fall Harvest" event, as well as 22 new, original holiday movies premiering during the No. 1 "Countdown to Christmas" slate.
"Fall Harvest" kicks off Saturday, Sept. 22, and features celebrated favorites including the third installment of the "All of My Heart" movie series starring Lacey Chabert ("Mean Girls," "Party of Five") and Brennan Elliott ("Unreal"). The season culminates with the network's longest-running movie franchise "Good Witch Halloween" starring Catherine Bell ("Army Wives," "JAG"), Bailee Madison ("The Fosters") and James Denton ("Devious Maids," "Desperate Housewives").
The network's highly rated "Countdown to Christmas" franchise features 22 movies, including network debuts by world-renowned country artists LeAnn Rimes and Kellie Pickler. As cable's No. 1 holiday destination, Hallmark Channel will continue to bring holiday cheer and the spirit of the season to families across the nation.
"While competitors try to enter the holiday landscape, we continue to dominate and own Christmas programming," Vicary said. "We will continue on our promise to deliver the high-quality, seasonal content that is at the heart of our brand."
Last year, the six 2017 "Fall Harvest" movie premieres combined to reach more than 11.7 million unduplicated total viewers and delivered the No. 1 movie of the week for five consecutive weeks. In 2017, Q4 was Hallmark Channel's highest rated and most watched quarter ever in network history in total day and prime time among households, W18-49, W25-54, A18-49, A25-54 and total viewers. Overall, "Countdown to Christmas" reached an impressive 72 million viewers.
Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Announces All-New Programming for Holiday 2018
Network announces "Miracles of Christmas" holiday programming event
Hallmark Movies & Mysteries unveiled plans for holiday 2018 with the highly anticipated "Miracles of Christmas" holiday programming event, featuring a slate of 12 all-new holiday movies airing every weekend in November and December.
In November and December, the network will gift viewers with its holiday programming event "Miracles of Christmas," featuring 12 compelling new dramas that will inspire the true meaning and miracles of Christmas.
"As Hallmark Movies & Mysteries continues to gain popularity, we are expanding our programming as a response to the high demand for the content the network provides," Vicary said. "We are delighted to increase our offerings with more holiday movies that will inspire viewers."
Last year, 4Q17 was Hallmark Movies & Mysteries' highest rated and most watched ever in network history in total day and primetime among households, W18-49, W25-54, A18-49, A25-54 and total viewers. For the entire holiday campaign, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries reached 43 million viewers.
Hallmark Channel Partners with Candace Cameron Bure to Celebrate 'Christmas in America' during 'Countdown to Christmas'
Hallmark Channel is in development on an all-new, one-hour special "Christmas in America" from Executive Producer Candace Cameron Bure, which will premiere during "Countdown to Christmas" in 2018.
"We couldn't be happier to partner with our 'Queen of Christmas,' Candace Cameron Bure, as we shine a spotlight on the many ways Americans around the country celebrate the season," Vicary said. "We can't wait for viewers to join us on this fun and heartfelt journey as we take them from coast to coast during the merriest time of the year."
The special will feature footage of people from every corner of the country and all walks of life as they ring in the season and show their Christmas spirit. Outdoor festivities, Christmas lights festivals and support for charitable causes are just some of the holiday happenings highlighted in "Christmas in America."
Hallmark Channel Gets into Holiday Spirit with 'Amy Grant's Tennessee Christmas' (WT) during 'Countdown to Christmas'
Hallmark Channel is in development on the all-new, one-hour special "Amy Grant's Tennessee Christmas" (wt), which will premiere during "Countdown to Christmas."
"We're excited to partner with beloved country music star Amy Grant for this heartwarming special we know will resonate with our viewers, especially during Christmastime," Vicary said.
Punctuated by musical performances, the special will feature a personal touch as Grant shares favorite family holiday memories. Shining a light on the true spirit of Christmas, viewers will be treated to heartfelt stories of veterans as well as victims of the Tennessee wildfires that benefitted from the kindness and generosity of neighbors and strangers alike.
Hallmark Channel Names Rebecca Romijn Ambassador of Network's Corporate Pet Initiative 'Adoption Ever After'
Romijn will serve as spokesperson of "Adoption Ever After," a multi-faceted, cross-platform campaign aimed at raising the profile of shelter pets & mobilizing public to adopt
Hallmark Channel announced Rebecca Romijn will serve as the network's ambassador of "Adoption Ever After." The network's corporate pet initiative is committed to educating the public about the many rewards of pet adoption in hopes of inspiring viewers to open their homes and hearts to shelter pets.
Actress and model, Romijn has been tapped to serve as the initiative's spokesperson to enhance and increase awareness toward the cause. Hallmark Channel works in collaboration with the country's leading animal rescue and welfare organizations, activists, distribution and advertising partners and celebrity influencers in order to support the mission. Hallmark Channel's "Adoption Ever After" aims to dismantle common misconceptions about shelter animals, provide resources, inspire the public to adopt and, ultimately, put an end to this country's epidemic of pet homelessness.
"We are lucky to enhance our pet rescue efforts by partnering with Rebecca Romijn as our spokesperson to further increase awareness around 'Adoption Ever After,' " said Bill Abbott, president and CEO, Crown Media Family Networks. "Rebecca is a proud supporter of pet rescue and there is no better person suited to work with us in our mission to clear the shelters and find forever homes for homeless pets."
Programming elements are also part of the corporate initiative, including "Kitten Bowl," "American Humane Hero Dog Awards," "American Rescue Dog Show" and daily pet adoption segments on "Home & Family." "Adoption Ever After" is part of a 360-approach that also includes off-air elements, grassroots efforts, social media outreach and strategic corporate partnerships.
In addition, Hallmark Channel's two shelter pet mascots, Happy the Dog and Happy the Cat, continue to embody the beauty, intelligence and lovability of adopted pets on-air and through public appearances.