Looking to build on the ratings success of its holiday programming, Ion Television has added five new original telefilms for the 2012 season.
Premiering in November, the new roster include Christmas Twister, A Christmas Wedding, Anything But Christmas, Golden Christmas 3 and A Star for Christmas, will air alongside returning Ion favorites throughout the holiday season.
Last year, Ion rang up double-digit gains in households, total viewers and persons 18 to 49 with its holiday collection over its 2010 seasonal performance. Ion's Nielsen count was boosted by a network record 1.8 million watchers for the original movie, A Christmas Kiss.
"Ion is delighted to add this new collection of original movies to our holiday programming lineup," said Brandon Burgess, CEO, Ion Media Networks, in announcing the slate. "These movies reinforce our commitment to deliver original programming while providing a quality destination for viewers during the holiday season."
The following are descriptors of the quintet of telefilms ordered by Ion:
* Christmas Twister: When a massive, out-of-season storm system sneaks up on Texas at Christmas, weather scientist Ethan Walker (Caspar Van Dien) is hard-pressed to convince skeptics, including his meteorologist wife, Addison (Victoria Pratt), and her coworker, Logan (Richard Burgi), of the fast-approaching danger. Produced by Hybrid Entertainment.
*A Christmas Wedding: After being fired from her high-powered job, Rebecca (Marla Sokoloff) heads back home to see her mom, Shirley (Catherin Hicks), and attend her friends' small-town wedding on Christmas Eve. Initially convinced that the trip is a terrible mistake, especially her botched romantic conversation with former beau, Chad (Chris Carmack), Rebecca soon learns that, indeed, you can go home again, and, again -- until you get it right. Produced by Hybrid Entertainment.
*Anything But Christmas: John loves Grace and her 10-year-old son, Zachary. Although he wants to propose to her at Christmas, it's the one holiday John runs from. In this romantic comedy, chaos with exes, misunderstandings, parents and in-laws all imperil John and Grace's relationship. But can they get it sorted out in time for the holidays? Produced by CCI Entertainment; cast to be announced.
*Golden Christmas 3: Heather is a charming, free spirit and Bobby is a naval officer home from serving overseas. Thanks to three golden retrievers, Bobby's spirited 11-year-old niece, Myra, and a fun-filled theatre production of "A Christmas Carol," these two unlucky and unlikely people end up falling in love at Christmas. Presented by MarVista Entertainment. Cast: Shantel VanSanten, Rob Mayes, Orson Bean, Mark Famiglietti, Nikki DeLoach, Alex Peters, Maxim Knight, Peter Holden and Matt Corboy.
*A Star for Christmas: The only thing that is working in Cassie's world is her small town business. Her Christmas Cupcakery is a huge success, but her love life is a mess. Cassie's whole universe is turned upside down when she falls in love with a co-worker who is revealed to be the famous and notoriously troubled actor Alex Gray. There's no denying that Alex and Cassie are in love, but can their relationship survive the pressure of Hollywood and the holidays? Presented by MarVista Entertainment; cast to be announced.
