Hallmark Channel cancelled its Wednesday upfront event in New York City due to the nor’easter snowstorm, but that didn’t stop the network from making several programming announcements, including the renewals of its scripted series When Calls the Heart and reality series Meet The Peetes.
Instead of a formal upfront event, the network made the announcements during a Facebook live event from New York's wintery Central Park featuring Hallmark Channel president and CEO Bill Abbott and Hallmark Channel executive vice president of ad sales Ed Georger, as well as actresses Candace Cameron Bure and Danica McKellar.
Hallmark ordered a sixth season of its scripted drama series When Calls the Heart, based on the book of the same name by Janette Oke and starring Erin Krakow, Lori Loughlin and Daniel Lissing.
“Most series experience a ratings decline with age, but When Calls the Heart is bucking that trend thanks to our devoted fans who elevate the show to new levels each year,” said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming and Network Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks in a statement. “The compelling storytelling combined with our captivating cast keeps our viewers engaged and enthusiastic about the saga of Hope Valley, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to continue the journey in season six.”
The network’s freshman reality series Meet The Peetes – which follows the family of former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete and actress Holly Robinson Peete – will return for a second season in 2019, said network officials.
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“We look forward to continue sharing the Peetes’ journey as they navigate through life united as a family,” Vicary said.
Hallmark also announced that next February it will add a new Super Bowl Sunday special, Cat Bowl, to complement its annual Kitten Bowl telecast. Cat Bowl, which will feature adult cats plating a feline Hall of Fame game, will debut Feb. 2, prior to the 6th annual Kitten Bowl telecast.
The network said it will also bring back it American Rescue Dog Show event with a second installment airing in February 2019.
On the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries front, the network will premiere three new original movies in 2018, including Crossword Mysteries, Picture Perfect and The Chronicle Mysteries.
