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{{About|the American TV channel|the former channels outside of the U.S.|Hallmark Channel (international)}}
{{Redirect|Odyssey Network|the Canadian Greek-language network|Odyssey Television Network|other uses|Odyssey (disambiguation)}}
{{short description|American cable television network}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2018}}
{{Infobox television channel
| name = Hallmark Channel
| logo = Hallmark Channel logo.svg
| logo_size = 200px
| logo_caption =
| image =
| launch_date = August 5, 2001 (as Hallmark Channel)<br />September 1992 (as Faith and Values Channel)
| closed_date =
| picture_format = [[1080i]] [[HDTV]]<br />{{small|(downscaled to [[letterbox]]ed [[480i]] for the [[SDTV]] feed)}}
| owner = [[Crown Media Holdings]], Inc.<br>([[Hallmark Cards]], Inc.)
| slogan = ''The Heart of TV''
| country = United States
| language = English<br/>Spanish
| area = Nationwide
| headquarters = [[Studio City, California|Studio City]], [[California]]
| former_names = {{Plainlist|
* VISN/ACTS (1992–1993)
* Faith & Values Channel (1993–1996)
* Odyssey Network (1996–2001)
}}
| replaced = {{Plainlist|
* [[American Christian Television System]] (1984–1992)
* [[Vision Interfaith Satellite Network]] (1988–1992)
}}
| replaced_by =
| sister_channels = [[Hallmark Movies & Mysteries]]<br>[[Hallmark Drama]]
| web = {{URL|www.hallmarkchannel.com}}
| sat_serv_1 = [[Orby TV]]
| sat_chan_1 = Channel 121
| sat_serv_2 = [[Dish Network]]
| sat_chan_2 = Channel 185
| sat_serv_3 = [[DirecTV]]
| sat_chan_3 = Channel 312
}}
| cable_serv_1 = Available on most U.S. cable systems
| cable_chan_1 = Consult local cable provider or program listings source for channel availability
| iptv_serv_1 = [[Verizon FiOS]]
| iptv_chan_1 = Channel 240 (SD)<br />Channel 740 (HD)
| iptv_serv_2 = [[AT&T U-verse]]
| iptv_chan_2 = Channel 365 (SD)<br />Channel 1365 (HD)
| online_serv_1 = Frndly TV
| online_chan_1 = [[Internet Protocol television]]
| online_serv_2 = [[Philo (company)|Philo]]
| online_chan_2 = [[Internet Protocol television]]
| online_serv_3 = [[fuboTV]]
| online_chan_3 = [[Internet Protocol television]]
| online_serv_4 = [[Sling TV]]
| online_chan_4 = [[Internet Protocol television]]
| satradio_serv_1 = [[Sirius XM Satellite Radio|Sirius XM]]
| satradio_chan_1 = Channel 70 <br />(holiday & seasonal music; November–December, February, June)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://blog.siriusxm.com/celebrate-the-season-of-love-as-hallmark-channel-radio-returns-to-siriusxm/ |title=Celebrate the season of love as Hallmark Channel Radio returns to SiriusXM |website=SirusXM |date=January 29, 2020 |access-date=April 23, 2020 |archive-date=August 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801130022/https://blog.siriusxm.com/celebrate-the-season-of-love-as-hallmark-channel-radio-returns-to-siriusxm/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}
 
The '''Hallmark Channel''' is an [[United States|American]] [[pay television]] [[Television channel|cable channel]] owned by [[Crown Media Holdings]], Inc., which in turn is owned by [[Hallmark Cards]], Inc. The channel's programming is primarily targeted at families, and features a mix of [[television movies]] and [[miniseries]], original and acquired television series, and lifestyle programs.
 
As of February 2015, Hallmark Channel is available to approximately 85,439,000 pay television households (73.4% of households with television) in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/02/22/list-of-how-many-homes-each-cable-network-is-in-as-of-february-2015/366230/|title=List of how many homes each cable network is in as of February 2015|last=Seidman|first=Robert|work=TV by the Numbers|publisher=Zap2it|date=February 22, 2015|accessdate=March 14, 2015|archive-date=March 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321082727/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/02/22/list-of-how-many-homes-each-cable-network-is-in-as-of-february-2015/366230/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Despite largely being an apolitical brand, Hallmark Channel has garnered a following among politically conservative viewers in suburban and rural areas who, according to [[Manhattan Institute for Policy Research]]'s [[Steven Malanga]] in a [[Los Angeles Times]] op-ed, feel the network and its original programming feed their desire to "express traditional family values and also to steer away from political themes and stories that denigrate religion."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-malanga-hallmark-success-20180109-story.html|title=Hallmark channels' competitive advantage? Red state appeal|last=Malanga|first=Steven|website=latimes.com|access-date=February 9, 2018|archive-date=February 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210062110/http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-malanga-hallmark-success-20180109-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/hallmark-channel-movies-success-2017|title=Why the Hallmark Channel Is Completely Dominating in 2017|last=Hill|first=Samantha Rose|date=December 22, 2017|work=Thrillist|access-date=February 9, 2018|archive-date=February 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210003137/https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/hallmark-channel-movies-success-2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> Their biggest conservative-leaning competition in terms of entertainment programming is [[INSP (TV channel)|INSP]], with [[Fetv]] as a lesser competitor. Much of the filming for Hallmark Channel's most popular shows is done in Canada, with Canadian stars, scenery and talent.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.therecord.com/whatson-story/8373286-canada-is-where-hallmark-goes-for-wholesome/|title=Canada is where Hallmark goes for wholesome|last=Wong|first=Tony|newspaper=Toronto Star|date=April 4, 2018|access-date=March 11, 2019|via=The Record}}</ref>
 
==History==
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The Hallmark Channel traces its history to the launch of two separate religious cable channels, the [[American Christian Television System]] (ACTS) and the [[Vision Interfaith Satellite Network]] (VISN). The two networks began alternating time on a shared transponder slot on the Galaxy III satellite in 1992.<ref name="RBc24_9">{{cite journal |date=October 1992 |title=VISN, ACTS Sign Agreement To Share Single Cable Signal |journal=Religious Broadcasting |issn=0034-4079 |page=32 |publisher=[[National Religious Broadcasters]] |volume=24 |issue=9}}</ref> Under the original timeshare agreement, the network was branded as VISN/ACTS. Each network was provided time for its programming blocks, and would use their own logos.
 
VISN launched on July 1, 1988, and was founded by the National Interfaith Cable Coalition, in cooperation with several cable providers.<ref name="CYTY_32_12">{{cite journal |last=Bcozkiewicz |first=Robert E. |title=New TV Network May Crowd the Market |journal=[[Christianity Today]] |date=August 2, 1988 |volume=32 |issue=12 |pages=55–56 |issn=0009-5753}}</ref> The coalition's membership consisted of 65 different religious groups.<ref name=vty/> It aired for about 16 hours a day and ran religious programs from [[mainline Protestant]] denominations such as the [[United Methodist Church]], the [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America]] and the [[United Church of Christ]]. In addition, [[Roman Catholic]], [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]], [[Jewish]], and [[Islam]]ic faiths also provided some programming.<ref name="CYTY_39_11">{{cite journal |last=Calian |first=Carnegie Samuel |title=Redeeming the wasteland? Christian TV increasingly uses entertainment to spread its message. |journal=[[Christianity Today]] |date=October 2, 1995 |volume=39 |issue=11 |pages=92–103 |issn=0009-5753}}</ref> VISN aired during the morning and evening hours. ACTS commenced operations in 1984, and was owned by the [[Southern Baptist Convention]]. It aired programming from [[Evangelicalism|evangelical]] and [[fundamentalist]] non-[[charismatic]] Christian groups such as the SBC, the [[Christian Reformed Church in North America|Christian Reformed Church]], and the [[Association of Regular Baptist Churches]], as well as well-known evangelists such as [[Jerry Falwell]], [[Charles Stanley]] and [[D. James Kennedy]]. Both channels aired several hours a week of religious children's programs, some of which overlapped, including ''Sunshine Factory'', ''Joy Junction'', ''[[Davey and Goliath]]'', and ''[[JOT (TV series)|Jot]]''.
 
In 1993, the network was renamed as the Faith and Values Channel. It began adding a few [[secular]] programs during this time, such as exercise shows, health and [[cooking show]]s, and family-oriented drama series and movies.
 
===Odyssey Network===
In 1995, cable conglomerate [[Tele-Communications Inc.]]'s [[Liberty Media]] acquired a 49% ownership stake in the Faith and Values Channel, and took over operational control of the network. It added more secular programming to the network and reduced religious programming to about 10 hours a day. In 1996, the network was rebranded as the Odyssey Network (although on-air [[promo (media)|promotions]] often referred to the network simply as "Odyssey"), and launched a website, Odysseyfamily.com, which was used to provide program listings for the network.
[[Image:Odyssey Network.svg|thumb|150px|left|Logo as Odyssey Network from 1996 to 2001]]
 
In 1997, channel CEO Gary Hill died. ''The Teaching of Christ'', ''The Daily Mass'' and ''A Biblical Portrait of Marriage'' were regular religious programs on the channel. Wholesome off-network series on the channel were ''[[Brooklyn Bridge (TV series)|Brooklyn Bridge]]'' and ''[[Trapper John, M.D.]]'', as well as the ''[[Davey and Goliath]]'' claymation kids' show. The channel produced shows under the Odyssey Productions name. The channel had a variety show hosted by gospel singer [[CeCe Winans]] called ''CeCe's Place'' and launched ''Landmarks of Faith'' on July 1, 1998.<ref name=vty/>
 
[[Crown Media Holdings|Hallmark Entertainment]] and [[The Jim Henson Company]] bought significant stakes, paid partly through programming commitments, in Odyssey in late 1998. Liberty had convinced Hallmark not to launch its own domestic channel, given difficulty getting carriage. National Interfaith Cable Coalition and Hallmark-Henson would have equal shares while Liberty would increase its stake, while the three groups would share control of the board. Hallmark and Henson would have say over chief executive selection. While adding Henson's and Hallmark's libraries, the channel could not make major programming format changes, so cable systems could not drop them.<ref name=vty>{{cite news|last1=Katz|first1=Richard|title=Hallmark into Odyssey|url=https://variety.com/1998/tv/news/hallmark-into-odyssey-1117478004/|accessdate=January 9, 2018|work=Variety|date=June 29, 1998|archive-date=January 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110174422/http://variety.com/1998/tv/news/hallmark-into-odyssey-1117478004/|url-status=live}}</ref> Hallmark hired former [[Fox Kids|Fox Kids Network]] worldwide vice-chairman [[Margaret Loesch]] that year to overhaul Odyssey into a family channel.<ref name=idch>{{cite book|title=International Directory of Company Histories. Volume 45.|date=2002|publisher=St. James Press|via=FundingUniverse|url=http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/crown-media-holdings-inc-history/|accessdate=December 27, 2017|language=en|chapter=History of Crown Media Holdings, Inc.|archive-date=December 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228171531/http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/crown-media-holdings-inc-history/|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
Under the new ownership structure, Odyssey underwent a major programming revamp on April 4, 1999 using the tagline "a Hallmark and Henson Network". The revamp decreased the amount of religious programs on the network down to an average four hours a day, although more hours were religious on the weekend. The channel began to focus more on family-targeted entertainment programming including some classic [[Situation comedy|sitcoms]], children's programs and additional family-oriented movies. The premiere show under the new schedule was ''[[Gulliver's Travels (miniseries)|Gulliver's Travels]]'' miniseries, in its cable premiere, was produced by Hallmark and Henson. Henson programming on the channel included ''[[The Muppet Show]]'' and ''[[Fraggle Rock]]''. This revamp had other children's programming like the syndicated ''[[Zoobilee Zoo]]'' and ''[[The Archie Show]]''. The new programming even tapped Hallmark Entertainment's [[Hal Roach Studios]] library for ''Leonard Maltin Presents''.<ref name=dn>{{cite news|last1=Pierce|first1=Scott D.|title=Hallmark, Henson take on Odyssey Cable channel is being relaunched one more time|url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/689430/Hallmark-Henson-take-on-Odyssey.html|accessdate=January 10, 2018|work=DeseretNews.com|date=April 4, 1999|language=en|archive-date=January 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110174605/https://www.deseretnews.com/article/689430/Hallmark-Henson-take-on-Odyssey.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2000, the channel aired its first original holiday movie.<ref name="e!o">{{cite news|last1=Bricker|first1=Tierney|title=How The Hallmark Channel Came to Own Christmas Programming|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/888935/we-own-christmas-how-the-hallmark-channel-found-massive-success-with-the-holiday-spirit|accessdate=January 19, 2018|work=E! Online|date=October 28, 2017|archive-date=January 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120124352/http://www.eonline.com/news/888935/we-own-christmas-how-the-hallmark-channel-found-massive-success-with-the-holiday-spirit|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
[[Crown Media Holdings]], Inc. in 2000 was formed with Hallmark Entertainment, Chase Equity Associates, Liberty Media, and the National Interfaith Cable Coalition transferred their 77.5 percent total interest in the Odyssey Network into Crown Media Holdings. Henson Company, now owned by EM.TV & Merchandising, traded in March 2001 Crown Media the remaining ownership in the Odyssey Network for 8% in Crown stock.<ref name=idch/>
 
===Hallmark Channel===
On August 5, 2001, the channel underwent yet another rebranding, relaunching as the Hallmark Channel. After agreeing to distribute a religious digital cable network among other items to lift restrictions on the Odyssey channel to effect the rebranding with plans to quickly add original programming.<ref name=idch/><ref>{{cite news|title=Hallmark Channel Hits The Streets|url=http://adage.com/article/news/hallmark-channel-hits-streets/30109/|accessdate=January 9, 2018|work=Ad Age|date=July 30, 2001|language=en|archive-date=January 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110174455/http://adage.com/article/news/hallmark-channel-hits-streets/30109/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''The Infinite Worlds of H.G. Wells'' mini-series was the first programming under the rebranding.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Johnson|first1=Allan|title=All's 'Wells' at Hallmark's new digs|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2001-08-04/news/0108040156_1_hallmark-channel-hallmark-entertainment-travel-channel|accessdate=January 23, 2018|work=Chicago Tribune|date=August 4, 2001|language=en|archive-date=January 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125015208/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2001-08-04/news/0108040156_1_hallmark-channel-hallmark-entertainment-travel-channel|url-status=live}}</ref> New original programming for the year included the third installment of its Sherlock Holmes film series and five other films, two mini-series and three scripted series, one coming from [[The Jim Henson Company]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Larson|first1=Megan|title=Odyssey Network Becomes Hallmark Channel|url=http://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/odyssey-network-becomes-hallmark-channel-47861/|accessdate=January 9, 2018|work=AD Week|date=March 28, 2001|archive-date=January 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110114805/http://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/odyssey-network-becomes-hallmark-channel-47861/|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2001, Crown Media purchased 700 titles from the film library Hallmark Entertainment Distribution, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hallmark Entertainment, for its cable channels and Crown Interactive.<ref name=idch/> The channel began a Sunday night mystery movie [[wheel series]] called ''Mystery Movie'' in 2005.<ref name="adage"/>
 
[[File:Hallmark Channel Headquarters.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Hallmark Channel's headquarters in [[Studio City, California]]]]
In 2002, the Hallmark Channel premiered a weekday morning talk show, ''New Morning''.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Waldron|first1=Clarence|title=Timberly Whitfield: Host of Daily Show "new Morning' on Hallmark Channel|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-DoDAAAAMBAJ&q=%22New+Morning%22+TV+show+Hallmark&pg=PA40|accessdate=January 8, 2018|work=Jet|issue=25|publisher=Johnson Publishing Company|date=June 25, 2007|volume=111|language=en|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803005314/https://books.google.com/books?id=-DoDAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA40&ots=ac9l5oQofu&dq=%22New%20Morning%22%20TV%20show%20Hallmark&pg=PA40#v=onepage&q=%22New%20Morning%22%20TV%20show%20Hallmark&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref> A Sunday morning version, hosted by [[Naomi Judd]], titled ''Naomi's New Morning'', debuted in 2005<ref>{{cite news|title=Interview With Naomi Judd|url=http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0701/08/lkl.01.html|accessdate=January 8, 2018|work=CNN.com|date=January 8, 2007|language=en|archive-date=October 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006231052/http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0701/08/lkl.01.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and lasted two years before being pulled from the schedule in early 2007.
 
[[Hallmark Channel (international)|Hallmark Channels in international markets]] were sold for about $242 million in 2005 to Sparrowhawk Media, a private equity group backed by [[Providence Equity Partners]] and [[3i]].<ref name=rtr>{{cite news |first=Gavin |last=Haycock |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSL2834678120070828 |title=NBC Universal agrees to buy Sparrowhawk Media |work=Reuters |accessdate=September 26, 2008 |date=August 28, 2007 |archive-date=January 23, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100123150938/http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSL2834678120070828 |url-status=live }}</ref> The channel in 2005 had its highest-rated year with 34% increase in viewers and ranked seventh in growth. 2005's highest-rated ad-supported basic cable movie with a 3.6 household rating was "Meet the Santas" on Hallmark.<ref name=thr>{{cite news |last1=Sims |first1=James |title=Milestone: Hallmark Channel at 5 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/milestone-hallmark-channel-at-5-138399 |accessdate=December 27, 2017 |periodical=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |publisher=[[Nielsen Holdings|The Nielsen Company]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=July 14, 2006 |language=en |archive-date=December 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228112317/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/milestone-hallmark-channel-at-5-138399 |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
In 2006, the channel acquired a license for 35 Warner Bros. features including "Troy" (2007) and "March of the Penguins" (2005), costing in the multimillion-dollar range.<ref name=thr/> The channel set a new high rating (4.2 household) for an original movie, ''The Christmas Card'', in 2006.<ref name=thr0>{{cite news|last1=Stanhope|first1=Kate|title=Hallmark Channel at 15: 8 Milestone Moments|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/hallmark-channel-at-15-8-916505/item/2009-national-tree-hallmark-8-916512|accessdate=January 12, 2018|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=August 8, 2016|language=en|archive-date=January 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112100931/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/hallmark-channel-at-15-8-916505/item/2009-national-tree-hallmark-8-916512|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
With the expiration of RHI Entertainment's exclusive contract with Hallmark Channel, [[Larry Levinson Productions]] became the channel's sole producer. In 2007, additional producers were added as suppliers as the channel increased the number of original films by 50% from 20 in 2007 to 30 in 2008.<ref name=mcn>{{cite news|last1=Haugsted|first1=Linda|title=Hallmark Slates More Movies|url=http://www.multichannel.com/news/content/hallmark-slates-more-movies/366709|accessdate=January 29, 2018|work=Multichannel|date=July 13, 2007|language=en|archive-date=January 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130094319/http://www.multichannel.com/news/content/hallmark-slates-more-movies/366709|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 
In January 2008, the [[Hillary Clinton]] presidential campaign purchased an hour of Hallmark Channel's primetime slots under a [[informercial|paid programming]] arrangement to run a town hall special promoting Clinton's campaign for [[President of the United States]] on February 4, the day before the multi-state "[[Super Tuesday (2008)|Super Tuesday]]" primaries.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Crupi|first1=Anthony|title=Clinton Buys Block on Hallmark|url=http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/news/cabletv/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003705031|accessdate=January 11, 2018|work=Media Week|date=January 31, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080205162345/http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/news/cabletv/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003705031|archivedate=February 5, 2008}}</ref> The wheel series "Mystery Movie" was discontinued in 2008 as the channel was doing better with lighter romances.<ref name="adage"/>
 
With a change in company president in May 2009, the new president planned to move the channel away from dependence on the Western to more light hearted fare to de-age their viewers without alienating their current viewers and match the Hallmark brand more. In mid-June 2009, the network announced it would sell individual ad breaks featuring a single advertiser. The so-called "Fast Breaks" are prefaced with short bumpers announcing that the program streaming will return after a 30-second break. The cost of such standalone spots is about double that of a regular 30-second commercial on the channel. Hallmark Channel signed insurance company [[Mutual of Omaha]] as the first buyer.<ref name=bc>{{cite news|last1=Atkinson|first1=Claire|title=Hallmark: Change Is in the Cards|url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/295389-Hallmark_Change_Is_in_the_Cards.php|accessdate=January 11, 2018|work=Broadcasting & Cable|date=June 20, 2009|archive-date=October 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002054256/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/295389-Hallmark_Change_Is_in_the_Cards.php|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
In late 2009, ''The National Tree'' film kicked off its first annual "Countdown to Christmas" seasonal programming.<ref name="thr0" /> Hallmark characters, [[hoops&Yoyo|Hoops & Yoyo]], hosted Friday "Movie Night" during the Countdown.<ref name="bc0">{{cite news|last1=Eggerton|first1=John|title=Hallmark Channel, Greeting Cards Get Together on Screen|url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/programming/hallmark-channel-greeting-cards-get-together-screen/35625|accessdate=January 23, 2018|work=Broadcasting & Cable|publisher=NewBay Media, LLC|date=October 19, 2009|archive-date=January 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125015154/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/programming/hallmark-channel-greeting-cards-get-together-screen/35625|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
2010 saw the channel make a push into lifestyle programming. A January 2010 multi-year deal with [[Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia]] (MSLO) brought ''[[The Martha Stewart Show]]'' from syndication to Hallmark in September.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Atkinson|first1=Claire|title=Hallmark, Martha Stewart Exploring New Lifestyle Cable Channel|url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/programming/hallmark-martha-stewart-exploring-new-lifestyle-cable-channel/36255|accessdate=January 8, 2018|work=Broadcasting & Cable|date=March 29, 2010|archive-date=January 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109181016/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/programming/hallmark-martha-stewart-exploring-new-lifestyle-cable-channel/36255|url-status=live}}</ref> Steward would also produce four prime-time one hour specials for the channel. Hallmark was looking to be a holiday programming destination.<ref>{{cite news|title=Martha Stewart Moves to Hallmark Channel|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/martha-stewart-moves-to-hallmark-channel/|accessdate=January 8, 2018|work=CBS News|agency=AP|date=January 26, 2010|language=en|archive-date=January 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109075229/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/martha-stewart-moves-to-hallmark-channel/|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 26, 2010, a new home and lifestyle block during weekday daytime of Martha Stewart shows started airing on the channel for seven hours. A shorter Stewart block would also air on the weekends.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Liggayu|first1=Leneli|title=Hallmark Channel Acquires Rights to Content from MSLO Library|url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/programming/hallmark-channel-acquires-rights-content-mslo-library/36221|accessdate=January 8, 2018|work=Broadcasting & Cable|date=March 16, 2010|archive-date=January 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109063937/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/programming/hallmark-channel-acquires-rights-content-mslo-library/36221|url-status=live}}</ref> After one month on air with lackluster ratings, the block was reduced to five hours. In January 2012, the channel canceled ''The Martha Stewart Show'' given the show's cost effective with the end of the season in May with reruns through the summer months, but intend to retain a couple of MSLO shows.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Guthrie|first1=Marisa|title=Hallmark Cancels 'The Martha Stewart Show'|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/martha-stewart-show-cancelled-hallmark-278074|accessdate=January 8, 2018|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=January 4, 2012|language=en|archive-date=January 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109121842/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/martha-stewart-show-cancelled-hallmark-278074|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
Hallmark Channel and co-owned film service [[Hallmark Movies & Mysteries|Hallmark Movie Channel]] were dropped by [[AT&T U-verse]] on September 1, 2010, due to a [[carriage dispute]] resulting from a proposed increase in [[retransmission consent]] payments that U-verse considered to be disproportionate with the lower audience viewership for the channels at the time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.multichannel.com/article/456590-Hallmark_Channels_Go_Dark_On_AT_T_U_verse.php|title=Hallmark Channels Go Dark On AT&T U-verse|last=Eggerton|first=John|work=Multichannel News|date=September 1, 2010|accessdate=February 9, 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100905061523/http://www.multichannel.com/article/456590-Hallmark_Channels_Go_Dark_On_AT_T_U_verse.php|archivedate=September 5, 2010}}</ref> As of July 23, 2015, both channels returned to U-verse.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/hallmark-channel-att-uverse-1201545854/|title=Hallmark Channel Returns to U-verse After Nearly Five Years|last=Steinberg|first=Brian|work=Variety|date=July 22, 2015|accessdate=July 25, 2015|archive-date=July 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725014313/http://variety.com/2015/tv/news/hallmark-channel-att-uverse-1201545854/|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
In 2011, Hallmark started its animal-featuring shows with Hero Dog Awards. Its 2014 Kitten Bowl, up against the Super Bowl, got 1 million viewers.<ref name="thr0" /> Jingle, the husky pup (a Hallmark merchandising character), was featured in an animated Christmas special, ''[[Jingle All the Way (2011 film)|Jingle All the Way]]'', on November 25, 2011.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Turnquist|first1=Kristi|title='Jingle All the Way' Hallmark special comes from Portland's Bent Image Lab|url=http://www.oregonlive.com/movies/2011/11/jingle_all_the_way_hallmark_sp.html|accessdate=January 24, 2018|work=The Oregonian|date=November 23, 2011|archive-date=January 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124195606/http://www.oregonlive.com/movies/2011/11/jingle_all_the_way_hallmark_sp.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2012, "Christmas in July" programming was launched over a weekend to promote Hallmark Cards' new holiday ornaments debut and became an annual event.<ref name="azc">{{cite news|last1=Bauder|first1=David|title=Christmas in July: Hallmark channel will run holiday programming|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/money/business/2014/07/02/christmas-in-july-hallmark-channel-will-run-holiday-programming/12111279/|accessdate=January 20, 2018|work=azcentral|agency=AP|date=July 2, 2014|language=en}}</ref>
 
In the fourth quarter of 2012, Hallmark Channel did a makeover of its daytime schedule. The channel launched a ''Marie!'' talk show starring [[Marie Osmond]], and ''[[Home & Family]]'', while running repeats of three MSLO programs. Two TV pilot movies, ''[[Cedar Cove (TV series)|Cedar Cove]]'' and ''[[When Calls the Heart]]'', both book adaptations, were also shown.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Guthrie|first1=Marisa|title=Upfronts 2012: Hallmark Channel Overhauls Daytime With Marie Osmond Talk Show|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/marie-osmond-talk-show-hallmark-channel-300181|accessdate=January 11, 2018|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=March 14, 2012|language=en|archive-date=January 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112100929/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/marie-osmond-talk-show-hallmark-channel-300181|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Home & Family'' was previously on [[The Family Channel (American TV network, founded 1990)|The Family Channel]].<ref name="thr0" /> ''Cedar Cove'' was ordered to a series, the channel's first prime time original series, in October 2012 even before its January 2013 movie premiere.<ref>{{cite web|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|title=Hallmark Channel Reaffirms Series Order To 'Cedar Cove' Starring Andie MacDowell|url=https://www.deadline.com/2012/10/hallmark-reaffirms-series-order-to-cedar-cove-starring-andie-macdowell/|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=October 17, 2012|access-date=January 11, 2018|archive-date=March 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313035316/http://www.deadline.com/2012/10/hallmark-reaffirms-series-order-to-cedar-cove-starring-andie-macdowell/|url-status=live}}</ref> and ''When Calls'' was also picked up as a series.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Team|first1=The Deadline|title=Hallmark Channel's 'When Calls The Heart' Adds Cast; 'Cedar Cove' July Premiere Set|url=https://deadline.com/2013/06/cedar-cove-andie-macdowell-debbie-macomber-hallmark-channel-519565/|accessdate=January 12, 2018|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=June 12, 2013|archive-date=August 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811222428/http://deadline.com/2013/06/cedar-cove-andie-macdowell-debbie-macomber-hallmark-channel-519565/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, Marie! was canceled after its first season.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Marechal|first1=AJ|title=Hallmark Channel Cancels Marie Osmond's Talkshow|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-07-02/entertainment/sns-201307021914reedbusivarietyn1200504287-20130702_1_marie-osmond-lifestyle-yakker|accessdate=January 23, 2018|work=Chicago Tribune|agency=Variety|date=July 2, 2013|language=en|archive-date=January 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124135724/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-07-02/entertainment/sns-201307021914reedbusivarietyn1200504287-20130702_1_marie-osmond-lifestyle-yakker|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
With the 2011–2012 season, ABC picked up ''[[Hallmark Hall of Fame]]'' with the Hallmark Channel showing each episode a week later.<ref name="dl">{{cite news|title=Hallmark Hall Of Fame Finds Home At ABC|url=https://deadline.com/2011/07/hallmark-hall-of-fame-finds-home-at-abc-145597/|accessdate=January 12, 2018|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=July 7, 2011|archive-date=January 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112100927/http://deadline.com/2011/07/hallmark-hall-of-fame-finds-home-at-abc-145597/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Hall of Fame series was moved from ABC to Hallmark with the 2014–2015 season and would air as many as four times a year.<ref name=mch>{{cite news|last1=Umstead|first1=R. Thomas|title=Hallmark Hall Of Fame Films To Move To Hallmark Channel|url=http://www.multichannel.com/news/content/halmmark-hall-fame-films-move-hallmark-channel/383801|accessdate=January 3, 2018|periodical=[[Multichannel News]]|publisher=[[NewBay Media]]|date=September 12, 2014|language=en|archive-date=April 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200401050307/http://www.multichannel.com/news/content/halmmark-hall-fame-films-move-hallmark-channel/383801|url-status=live}}</ref> The first episode to debut on Hallmark Channel was ''One Christmas Eve'', starring [[Anne Heche]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |url=https://deadline.com/2014/09/hallmark-hall-of-fame-moves-hallmark-channel-833722/ |title=Hallmark Hall Of Fame Moving To Cable, Will Air On Hallmark Channel |newspaper=Deadline Hollywood |publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation]] |date=September 12, 2014 |accessdate=September 19, 2015 |archive-date=September 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927183821/http://deadline.com/2014/09/hallmark-hall-of-fame-moves-hallmark-channel-833722/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On the cable channel, four original movies at most would air as a part of the Hall of Fame with multiple encores. The HHOF library would also be available.<ref name=mch/>
 
On March 15, 2013, the channel introduced a new family-oriented Friday night movie block, ''Walden Family Theater'', in partnership with [[Walden Media]] and others.<ref name=thr1>{{cite news|last1=Ng|first1=Philiana|title=Hallmark Channel Sets Family Movie Series|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/hallmark-channel-sets-family-movie-423549|accessdate=January 12, 2018|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=February 25, 2013|language=en|archive-date=January 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112100914/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/hallmark-channel-sets-family-movie-423549|url-status=live}}</ref> In an unusual deal in 2013, CBS syndicated ''[[The Good Wife]]'' to Hallmark, two streaming services and TV stations, who got the shows on weekends.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Anthony|first1=Crupi|title=Multiple Syndication Partners for CBS' The Good Wife|url=http://www.adweek.com/tv-video/multiple-syndication-partners-cbs-good-wife-147903/|accessdate=January 12, 2018|work=Ad Week|date=March 13, 2013|archive-date=January 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112101031/http://www.adweek.com/tv-video/multiple-syndication-partners-cbs-good-wife-147903/|url-status=live}}</ref> While the show met its good story-telling goal with the series showing four hours in prime time, the channel pulled the show after many months as it did not fit in other ways.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Stanhope|first1=Kate|title=Hallmark Channel at 15: Network Chiefs on Mariah Carey, Martha Stewart and Biggest Misconceptions|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hallmark-channel-at-15-network-chiefs-mariah-carey-martha-stewart-biggest-misconceptions-916340|accessdate=January 12, 2018|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=August 8, 2016|language=en|archive-date=January 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112100927/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hallmark-channel-at-15-network-chiefs-mariah-carey-martha-stewart-biggest-misconceptions-916340|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
Two new series, ''[[Good Witch (TV series)|The Good Witch]]'' and ''Sign, Sealed, Delivered'', were picked up for the 2014–2015 season. Sign comes from [[Martha Williamson]], while the Good Witch was transitioning from a [[The Good Witch|movie series]].<ref name="aa0">{{cite news|last1=Poggi|first1=Jeanine|title=Hallmark Channel Promises Two Weeks of Wall-to-Wall Valentine's Day|url=http://adage.com/article/special-report-tv-upfront/hallmark-upfront-kittens-valentine-s-event/292151/|accessdate=February 14, 2018|work=Ad Age|publisher=Crain Communications|date=March 13, 2014|language=en|archive-date=February 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215083826/http://adage.com/article/special-report-tv-upfront/hallmark-upfront-kittens-valentine-s-event/292151/|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2015, the channel aired its first "Countdown to Valentine's" programming event based on its success with "Countdown to Christmas" accounting for 30% of annual ad revenue.<ref name="aa0"/>
 
In April 2014, the channel launched a [[TV Everywhere]] [[video on-demand]] service, "Hallmark Channel Everywhere", which offers a streaming selection of Hallmark Channel films and series for subscribers on participating television providers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.multichannel.com/news/hallmark-channel-opens-tv-everywhere-service-374171|title=Hallmark Channel Opens TV Everywhere Service|work=Multichannel|access-date=November 15, 2018|language=en-us|archive-date=November 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115071238/https://www.multichannel.com/news/hallmark-channel-opens-tv-everywhere-service-374171|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
In 2015, [[Mariah Carey]] directed and starred in a Christmas movie for Hallmark. She also hosted ''Mariah Carey's Merriest Christmas'' which was the channel's most-viewed show. Thus in May 2016, Carey signed a three-telefilm deal for her to develop, executive-produce, direct, costar, and write an original song for three movies with one for "Countdown to Valentine's Day".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Robinson|first1=Will|title=Mariah Carey is making movies (and music) for the Hallmark Channel|url=https://ew.com/article/2016/05/23/mariah-carey-hallmark-channel-deal/|accessdate=February 15, 2018|work=Entertainment Weekly|date=May 23, 2016|language=en|archive-date=February 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215084243/http://ew.com/article/2016/05/23/mariah-carey-hallmark-channel-deal/|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
The channel's first "Winterfest" seasonal programming was in January 2016.<ref name="bww">{{cite press release |date=January 7, 2016 |title=Hallmark Channel's First-Ever Winterfest Programming Event is Ratings Hit |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/Hallmark-Channels-First-Ever-Winterfest-Programming-Event-is-Ratings-Hit-20160107 |url-status=live |type=Press release |language= |location= |publisher=Crown Media Family Networks |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220092342/https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/Hallmark-Channels-First-Ever-Winterfest-Programming-Event-is-Ratings-Hit-20160107 |archive-date=February 20, 2018 |access-date=February 19, 2018 |via=Broadway World }}</ref> At its March 2016 [[Upfront (advertising)|upfronts]], Hallmark Channel executives revealed that they planned to divide their programming into themed seasons year-round, to build upon the success of Countdown to Christmas and other franchises.<ref name="mdn">{{cite news|last1=Buckman|first1=Adam|title=Hallmark Upfront Emphasizes Family-Friendly Programming, Focus On Holidays|url=https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/272491/hallmark-upfront-emphasizes-family-friendly-progra.html|accessdate=February 20, 2018|work=Media Daily News|date=March 31, 2016|language=en|archive-date=February 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221095952/https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/272491/hallmark-upfront-emphasizes-family-friendly-progra.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 
On October 20, 2016, Hallmark Channel and the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries channel were added to the Sling TV service. On November 15, 2017, PlayStation Vue added Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and Hallmark Drama to its lineup.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.cordcuttersnews.com/playstation-vue-adds-hallmark-channel-hallmark-drama-hallmark-movies/|title=PlayStation Vue Adds The Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Drama, & Hallmark Movies|date=November 15, 2017|work=Cord Cutters News|access-date=December 15, 2017|first=Luke|last=Bouma|archive-date=December 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215111458/http://www.cordcuttersnews.com/playstation-vue-adds-hallmark-channel-hallmark-drama-hallmark-movies/|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
In October 2017, Hallmark Channel launched a new, [[over-the-top content|over-the-top]] subscription service known as [[Hallmark Movies Now]], which features new and existing original content from the network.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.multichannel.com/news/hallmark-drama-channel-launches-headwinds-linear-networks-415624 |title=Hallmark Drama Channel Launches Into Headwinds for Linear Networks |first=R. Thomas |last=Umstead |work=Multichannel |date=October 2, 2017 |access-date=November 15, 2018 |archive-date=November 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115113126/https://www.multichannel.com/news/hallmark-drama-channel-launches-headwinds-linear-networks-415624 |url-status=live }}</ref> In October 2018, the three Hallmark linear channels were added to streaming service [[Philo (company)|Philo]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thestreamable.com/news/philo-adds-3-hallmark-channels |title=Philo Adds Hallmark, Hallmark Drama, & Hallmark Movies & Mysteries |website=The Streamable |date=October 25, 2018 |access-date=January 24, 2020 |archive-date=August 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801111826/https://thestreamable.com/news/philo-adds-3-hallmark-channels |url-status=live }}</ref> With [[SiriusXM]], Crown Media launched the Hallmark Channel Radio channel on November 1, 2018 as 24/7 holiday music format as a part of the network's "Countdown to Christmas" campaign. Network talent would introduce the music and include behind the scenes segments from its holiday movies.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Umstead |first1=R. Thomas |title=Hallmark Channel to Celebrate Holidays with Branded SiriusXM Channel |url=https://www.multichannel.com/news/hallmark-channel-to-celebrate-holidays-with-branded-siriusxm-channel |accessdate=January 23, 2020 |work=Multichannel |date=October 23, 2018 |language=en-us |archive-date=October 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003235117/https://www.multichannel.com/news/hallmark-channel-to-celebrate-holidays-with-branded-siriusxm-channel |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
In November 2017, the channel beat all four major broadcast networks in the ratings one night with its ''[[Hallmark Hall of Fame]]'' movie, ''The Christmas Train''.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Holmes|first1=Linda|title=Made-For-TV Christmas Movies Are Big Business For The Hallmark Channel|url=https://www.npr.org/2017/12/17/571443655/made-for-tv-christmas-movies-are-big-business-for-the-hallmark-channel|accessdate=February 17, 2018|work=Weekend Edition Sunday|publisher=NPR.org|date=December 17, 2017|archive-date=February 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218090432/https://www.npr.org/2017/12/17/571443655/made-for-tv-christmas-movies-are-big-business-for-the-hallmark-channel|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2019, Hallmark announced it had dropped [[Lori Loughlin]] from future company projects due to her role in the [[2019 college admissions bribery scandal]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2019/03/14/lori-loughlin-dropped-hallmark-college-admissions-scandal/3166111002/ |title=Lori Loughlin fired by Hallmark after admissions scandal; Olivia Jade dropped by sponsors |newspaper=USA Today |date=March 14, 2019 |first=Leora |last=Arnowitz |access-date=March 15, 2019 }}</ref>
 
In December 2019, the channel stopped airing advertisements for the online wedding registry [[Zola (company)|Zola.com]] that included two brides kissing each other, because of complaints that it was [[lesbian]]s kissing and promoted [[same-sex marriage]]s. A main complainant was One Million Moms, a division of the socially conservative [[American Family Association]], which has been designated an [[List of anti-LGBTQ hate groups|anti-LGBTQ hate group]] by the [[Southern Poverty Law Center]]. Similar advertisements with heterosexual couples kissing were not pulled.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/13/style/hallmark-channel-ads.html|title=Hallmark Channel Pulls Zola Ads Featuring Brides Kissing|last=Murphy|first=Heather|date=2019-12-13|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-12-14|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=December 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214034439/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/13/style/hallmark-channel-ads.html|url-status=live}}</ref> As a result, social media users called for a boycott of the channel,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/hallmark-channel-lesbian-kiss-american-family-association_n_5df56b56e4b047e8889e3ea0|title=Hallmark Yanks Same-Sex Wedding Ads After Conservative Group Pushback|date=2019-12-14|work=Huffington Post|access-date=2019-12-14|first=Mary|last=Papenfuss|archive-date=December 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215090616/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/hallmark-channel-lesbian-kiss-american-family-association_n_5df56b56e4b047e8889e3ea0|url-status=live}}</ref> while competitors like [[Netflix]] and the [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]]-owned [[Freeform (TV channel)|Freeform]] cable channel responded by touting their [[LGBTQ]] inclusivity.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.advocate.com/television/2019/12/15/amid-hallmark-boycott-queer-inclusive-freeform-tells-zola-call-us|title=Amid Hallmark Boycott Queer-inclusive Freeform Tells Zola, 'Call Us'|date=2019-12-15|website=www.advocate.com|language=en|access-date=2019-12-15|archive-date=December 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215210037/https://www.advocate.com/television/2019/12/15/amid-hallmark-boycott-queer-inclusive-freeform-tells-zola-call-us|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 15, Hallmark reversed its decision and said it would reinstate the advertisements and work with [[GLAAD]], an LGBTQ media monitoring organization, to create more inclusive programming.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/97aa3098502ea48ef087f03ccdc29396|title=In reversal, Hallmark will reinstate same-sex marriage ads|date=2019-12-15|website=AP NEWS|access-date=2019-12-16|archive-date=December 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216063217/https://apnews.com/97aa3098502ea48ef087f03ccdc29396|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
==Programming==
{{main|List of programs broadcast by Hallmark Channel}}
Hallmark Channel's programming consists of classic and some recent/original television series, and original [[television film|made-for-TV movies]]. It also airs the ''[[Hallmark Hall of Fame]]'' anthology series.<ref name="dl"/>
 
Original programs broadcast on the network include the daytime talk show ''[[Home & Family]]'' (which originated on [[Freeform (TV channel)|Freeform]] when it was known as [[Television networks preceding ABC Family#The Family Channel|The Family Channel]], in April 1996) and ''[[When Calls the Heart]]'' (which is based on the novels by [[Janette Oke]]). The network's original programming initially consisted mainly of lifestyle programs and made-for-TV movies; Hallmark Channel debuted its first prime time original scripted series in July 2013, with the premiere of ''[[Cedar Cove (TV series)|Cedar Cove]]'' (which is based on the novels by [[Debbie Macomber]]).
 
===Original movies===
{{main|List of Hallmark Channel Original Movies}}
The network's made-for-TV movies are characterized as family-friendly and inspirational, ranging from holiday-themed films to [[western (genre)|western]]s. In the early stages of the channel's development, Hallmark Channel had a steady one-movie-a-month, or 12-a-year, production schedule with the films mainly being produced by [[RHI Entertainment]]. However, in 2008, Crown Media had ramped up its production schedule to approximately 30 movies a year and opened up to other production companies, though RHI still produces some movies for Hallmark Channel.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hallmarkchannelpress.com/publish/pr/home/corporate/press_releases_1/press_release_0712075.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080427230257/http://www.hallmarkchannelpress.com/publish/pr/home/corporate/press_releases_1/press_release_0712075.html|title=Hallmark Channel Press Release: 7/12/2007|archivedate=April 27, 2008|accessdate=November 10, 2020}}</ref> The network premiered 35 original movies during the period from 2009 to 2010.<ref>{{cite web|work=Futon Critic|title=Hallmark Channel Increases Programming to 35 Original Movies for '09-'10 Upfront Season|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?date=03/24/09&id=20090324hallmark03}}</ref>
 
Hallmark original movies were budgeted at $2.2 million in 2007. Hallmark does not pay the full cost of films, thus the production company deficit-financed them.<ref name=mcn/>
 
====Series====
*''[[Hallmark Hall of Fame]]'': Originally only an encore or library home for the ''[[Hallmark Hall of Fame]]'' anthology film series, the series moved its original showings to the channel in 2014.<ref name=mch/>
*''Mystery Movie'' (also ''Hallmark Channel Mystery Wheel''):<ref name="adage">{{cite news|title=Another Cable Network Turns to Crime|url=http://adage.com/article/media/hallmark-movie-channel-renamed-hallmark-movies-mysteries/292123/|accessdate=January 19, 2018|work=Ad Age|language=en|archive-date=January 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119235224/http://adage.com/article/media/hallmark-movie-channel-renamed-hallmark-movies-mysteries/292123/|url-status=live}}</ref> The channel began a Sunday night mystery movie [[wheel series]] called ''Mystery Movie'' in 2004.<ref name="vy0">{{cite news|last1=Dempsey|first1=John|title=Hallmark wheels into 'Mystery Movie' mode|url=https://variety.com/2004/tv/news/hallmark-wheels-into-mystery-movie-mode-1117898056/|accessdate=January 19, 2018|work=Variety|date=January 9, 2004|archive-date=January 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119175513/https://variety.com/2004/tv/news/hallmark-wheels-into-mystery-movie-mode-1117898056/|url-status=live}}</ref> This wheel series consisted of four individual movie series of four films that would also be later shown on Hallmark Movie Channel.<ref name="vy0"/> Two of the film series were ''[[Mystery Woman]]'' and ''[[Jane Doe (film series)|Jane Doe]]''. A successor series, ''Original Mystery Wheel'', was established in 2015 on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries channel.<ref name="adage"/>
*''Walden Family Theater'' (2013) On March 15, 2013, the channel started its family friendly Friday night movie series, ''Walden Family Theater'' in partnership with [[Walden Media]], Arc Entertainment, [[Procter & Gamble]] and [[Walmart]]. P&G and Walmart were sponsoring partners with Walmart selling the movies DVD in store the Tuesday after airing, while Arc and Walden were producing partners. The first movie was the world premiere of ''[[Return to Nim's Island]]'', one of six new films produced for the series. ''[[Space Warriors (2013 film)|Space Warriors]]'' was shown later in the premier season, with additional films drawn from Hallmark's library of films.<ref name=thr1/> The series' second season was launched on September 6, 2013 with the premiere of the film, ''Dear Dumb Diary'' based upon the Scholastic book, with the Civil Rights era drama ''The Watsons Go to Birmingham'' premiering next.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Kennedy|first1=John W.|title=As Walden Family Theater launches its new fall season on Hallmark with "Dear Dumb Diary", the brothers behind the brand preview what's ahead|url=http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/faithmediaandculture/2013/09/as-walden-family-theater-launches-fall-its-new-fall-season-on-hallmark-with-dear-dumb-diary-the-brothers-behind-the-brand-preview-whats-ahead.html|website=Faith, Media & Culture|publisher=Beliefnet|accessdate=January 12, 2018|date=September 5, 2013|archive-date=January 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112160148/http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/faithmediaandculture/2013/09/as-walden-family-theater-launches-fall-its-new-fall-season-on-hallmark-with-dear-dumb-diary-the-brothers-behind-the-brand-preview-whats-ahead.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
===Seasonal programming===
Hallmark Channel is known for scheduling themed programming around major [[holiday]]s such as [[Christmas]], [[Mother's Day]], and [[Valentine's Day]]—featuring new original movies relevant to said holiday. With the introduction of its ''Countdown to Christmas'' branding in 2009, the channel gradually expanded the number of seasonal programming events it holds. At its 2016 upfronts, the network stated that it had, alongside its holiday events, begun to divide its schedule into themed "seasons" throughout the entire year. Some of these events are associated with the network's different original series. Crown Media CEO [[William J. Abbott|Bill Abbott]] explained that this strategy allowed the network to be positioned as "a year-round destination for celebrations", which need not depend on a single series or franchise to bolster its viewership. This programming strategy also creates synergies with [[Hallmark Cards]].<ref name="thr0" /><ref name="mdn"/><ref name="e!o"/>
 
* "Winterfest" (2016–present) is broadcast in January; its first original film was ''Love In Paradise''.<ref name="bww"/>
* "Countdown to Valentine's" (2015–present) In 2015, the event was 15 days long with four original movie premieres.<ref name="aa0"/>
* "Spring Fever", formerly "Spring Fling", is in March and April.<ref name="sl">{{cite news|last1=Yarborough|first1=Kaitlyn|title=Everything You Need to Know About Hallmark Channel in 2018|url=https://www.southernliving.com/culture/hallmark-channel-movies-shows-2018#summer-hallmark-channel-movies-shows-2018|accessdate=February 21, 2018|work=Southern Living|publisher=Time, Inc.|language=en|archive-date=February 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206190303/https://www.southernliving.com/culture/hallmark-channel-movies-shows-2018#summer-hallmark-channel-movies-shows-2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Its two original series as of 2016 were ''[[When Calls the Heart]]'' and ''[[Good Witch (TV series)|Good Witch]]''<ref name="mdn"/>
* "Countdown to Summer" was launched in May 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/04/leah-renee-chris-mcnally-dan-jeannotte-nathan-parsons-among-cast-hallmark-channel-countdown-to-summer-movie-event-1202588907/|title=Leah Renee, Chris McNally, Dan Jeannotte, Nathan Parsons & More Cast In Hallmark Channel's 'Countdown To Summer' Movie Event|last=Petski|first=Denise|date=2019-04-08|website=Deadline|language=en|access-date=2019-04-29|archive-date=April 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430032318/https://deadline.com/2019/04/leah-renee-chris-mcnally-dan-jeannotte-nathan-parsons-among-cast-hallmark-channel-countdown-to-summer-movie-event-1202588907/|url-status=live}}</ref>
*"Summer Nights" has its franchise show in ''Chesapeake Shores'' as of 2016.<ref name="mdn"/>
*"June Wedding"<ref name="sl"/>
*"Fall Harvest" (2015–present) airs during September and most of October, primarily airing [[autumn]]-themed movies (sometimes relating to [[Halloween]]).<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mattern|first1=Jessica Leigh|title=Hallmark's Newest Fall Movie Looks Incredible—And It Premieres Tonight|url=https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/news/a45056/hallmark-fall-harvest-lineup/|accessdate=February 20, 2018|work=Country Living|date=September 29, 2017|archive-date=February 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221101539/https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/news/a45056/hallmark-fall-harvest-lineup/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="mdn"/>
*"Five Nights Stuffed Full of Original Holiday Movies" (2015–present), which airs near [[Thanksgiving (United States)|Thanksgiving]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gables|first1=Rick & Christian|title=This Thanksgiving, Hallmark Channel's Five Night Thanksgiving Movie Event is Back!|url=http://www.tvweeklynow.com/news-blogs/news-blogs-RicksPicks/this-thanksgiving-hallmark-channels-five-night-thanksgiving-movie-event-is-back.htm|accessdate=February 21, 2018|work=TV Weekly Now|publisher=NTVB Media|date=November 23, 2016|archive-date=February 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221100600/http://www.tvweeklynow.com/news-blogs/news-blogs-RicksPicks/this-thanksgiving-hallmark-channels-five-night-thanksgiving-movie-event-is-back.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
====Countdown to Christmas====
From the last weekend in October until [[New Year's Day|January 1]], Hallmark Channel runs a seasonal block called ''Countdown to Christmas'', featuring a mix of holiday movies, specials and holiday-themed original programming.<ref name="e!o"/> The block is branded as ''Countdown to New Years'' from December 26 until January 1 and culminates with the channel's broadcast of the [[Tournament of Roses Parade]].
 
Countdown to Christmas started in 2009,<ref name="thr0" /> while the channel's first holiday original movie was aired in 2000.<ref name="e!o"/> Hallmark characters, [[hoops&Yoyo|Hoops & Yoyo]], hosted Friday "Movie Night", starting in 2009 during the Countdown.<ref name="bc0"/> Countdown had 12 original movies in 2013 and 21 in 2016.<ref name="e!o"/> Actresses frequently featured in the channel's Christmas films (dubbed the "Queens of Christmas") include [[Rachel Boston]], [[Candace Cameron Bure]] (who does other work for Hallmark Channel, mainly as [[Aurora Teagarden]]), [[Lacey Chabert]],<ref>{{cite news|last1=Turnquist|first1=Kristi|title=Here are all 22 Hallmark Channel 2017 'Countdown to Christmas' programs|url=http://www.oregonlive.com/tv/2017/10/hallmark_channel_begins_2017_c.html|accessdate=January 19, 2018|work=The Oregonian|date=October 20, 2017|archive-date=January 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120124708/http://www.oregonlive.com/tv/2017/10/hallmark_channel_begins_2017_c.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Erin Krakow]], [[Kellie Martin]], [[Danica McKellar]]. [[Autumn Reeser]] and [[Alicia Witt]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Shields|first1=Mike|title=The Hallmark Channel is defying every trend in media by owning Christmas|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/hallmark-channel-christmas-movies-with-lacy-chabert-candace-cameron-bure-2017-10|accessdate=January 20, 2018|work=Business Insider|date=October 28, 2017|language=en|archive-date=January 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120235915/http://www.businessinsider.com/hallmark-channel-christmas-movies-with-lacy-chabert-candace-cameron-bure-2017-10|url-status=live}}</ref> Hallmark's "Christmas TV ratings system" has designations like "F for Family" and "J for Joy".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lowry|first1=Brian|title=Networks XL Xmas season|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-11-26/news/chi-tms-variety-xmas-season_1_christmas-episodes-christmas-tv-wonderful-life-and-miracle|accessdate=January 24, 2018|work=Chicago Tribune|agency=Variety|publisher=Tribune Publishing|date=November 26, 2012|language=en|archive-date=January 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125074630/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-11-26/news/chi-tms-variety-xmas-season_1_christmas-episodes-christmas-tv-wonderful-life-and-miracle|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
Since 2012, the network has also held a [[Christmas in July]] event with encore airings of previous movies: it is used as a platform to launch Hallmark Cards' upcoming holiday ornament lines. In 2013, the event was expanded with ''Home & Family'' giving holiday tips. In 2014, the channel added a theatrical movie premiere.<ref name="azc"/> By 2015, the event included one new movie.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Eng|first1=Dinah|title=Meet the Woman Behind Hallmark's Christmas Movie Juggernaut|url=http://fortune.com/2015/11/27/woman-hallmark-holiday-movies/|accessdate=January 20, 2018|work=Fortune|date=November 27, 2015|language=en|archive-date=January 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104101517/http://fortune.com/2015/11/27/woman-hallmark-holiday-movies/|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
In 2014, the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Cards collaborated for the first time on a movie, ''[[Northpole (film)|Northpole]]'', which was shown during Countdown to Christmas.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Block|first1=Alex Ben|title=Hallmark Upfront: 15 Original Movies, New Series and the Return of the Kitten Bowl|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hallmark-upfront-15-original-movies-688427|accessdate=January 30, 2018|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=March 13, 2014|language=en|archive-date=January 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131140823/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hallmark-upfront-15-original-movies-688427|url-status=live}}</ref>
During the 2017 holiday season, the Hallmark Channel premiered 33 original Christmas holiday films, up from a total of 28 holiday movies in 2016. Hallmark has a total of 136 Christmas holiday-themed movies in their original library of films.<ref>{{cite news |last=Jurgensen |first=John |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-the-hallmark-channel-conjures-up-christmas-1510158248 |title=How the Hallmark Channel Became a Christmas-Movie Machine |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |date=November 8, 2017 |accessdate=November 10, 2017 |archive-date=November 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110023654/https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-the-hallmark-channel-conjures-up-christmas-1510158248 |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
For 2018, Hallmark Channel partnered with [[Sirius XM]] to launch "Hallmark Channel Radio"—a [[Christmas music]] channel hosted by Hallmark Channel talent (such as [[Holly Robinson Peete]] and Lacey Chabert), and featuring behind-the-scenes features relating to Countdown to Christmas programming.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.multichannel.com/news/hallmark-channel-to-celebrate-holidays-with-branded-siriusxm-channel |title=Hallmark Channel to Celebrate Holidays with Branded SiriusXM Channel |work=Multichannel |date=October 23, 2018 |first=R. Thomas |last=Umstead |access-date=November 14, 2018 |archive-date=November 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115153519/https://www.multichannel.com/news/hallmark-channel-to-celebrate-holidays-with-branded-siriusxm-channel |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
In February 2019, it was announced that in honor of the upcoming 10th anniversary of the ''Countdown to Christmas'' event, the channel would air selections of movies from the franchise on Friday nights throughout the year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ew.com/tv/2019/02/08/hallmark-christmas-movies-2019/|title=Hallmark orders first three Christmas movies of 2019|website=EW.com|language=en|access-date=2019-03-06|archive-date=February 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212234619/https://ew.com/tv/2019/02/08/hallmark-christmas-movies-2019/|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
===Animal special franchise===
With the success of the Dog Hero Awards, the channel started a franchise out of the show with additional shows that counter programming major sporting events. Beyond the Dog Hero Awards and the Kitten Bowl, the channel has Paw-Star Game, on during MLB's All-Star Game, and Summer Kitten Games countering in its first showing the Rio Olympics.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Abramovitch|first1=Seth|title=Hallmark Channel Has Gone to the (Hero) Dogs|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hallmark-channel-has-gone-hero-833327|accessdate=January 12, 2018|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=October 26, 2015|language=en|archive-date=January 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112214629/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hallmark-channel-has-gone-hero-833327|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 2, 2014, the Hallmark Channel partnered with New York's [[North Shore Animal League]] and Last Hope Animal Rescue to debut the ''Kitten Bowl'' during [[Super Bowl XLVIII]]. The event&nbsp;– hosted by [[Beth Stern]] and announcers [[John Sterling (sportscaster)|John Sterling]] and [[Mary Carillo]]&nbsp;– is designed as [[Super Bowl counterprogramming|counterprogramming]] to the [[Super Bowl]] and airs during the game's halftime show, and is similar to another animal-themed event that debuted nine years earlier on [[Animal Planet]], the [[Puppy Bowl]]. ''Kitten Bowl II'' returned on February 1, 2015, and was watched by 1.3 million viewers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-25-sunday-cable-originals-2-1-2015.html|title=SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 25 Sunday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 2.1.2015|accessdate=February 4, 2015|archive-date=February 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203203857/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-25-sunday-cable-originals-2-1-2015.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A new Kitten Bowl has aired every year since,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/kitten-bowl-2019-time-tv-channel-how-to-watch-stream/xtpvf51d4rsp1cy7b4kadkxp2|title=Kitten Bowl 2019: Time, TV channel, how to live stream cats not caring about sports|last=Bernstein|first=Dan|work=[[Sporting News]]|date=February 3, 2019|accessdate=February 14, 2019|archive-date=February 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215050849/http://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/kitten-bowl-2019-time-tv-channel-how-to-watch-stream/xtpvf51d4rsp1cy7b4kadkxp2|url-status=live}}</ref> running repeatedly on Super Bowl Sunday in a three-hour program that includes "playoff games".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2819103-kitten-bowl-2019-recap-mvp-highlights-and-twitter-reaction |title=SKitten Bowl 2020 date, time, TV channel & how to live stream athletic football cats |last=Chiari |first=Mike |date=February 3, 2019 |website=Bleacher Report |accessdate=January 31, 2020 |archive-date=January 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131202337/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2819103-kitten-bowl-2019-recap-mvp-highlights-and-twitter-reaction |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nfl/news/kitten-bowl-2020-date-time-tv-channel-live-stream/1thf5r5slbz7x128kvhpyx0thd |title=Kitten Bowl 2019: Recap, MVP, Highlights and Twitter Reaction |last=Heck |first=Jordan |date=January 31, 2020 |website=Sporting News |accessdate=January 31, 2020 |archive-date=January 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131202336/https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nfl/news/kitten-bowl-2020-date-time-tv-channel-live-stream/1thf5r5slbz7x128kvhpyx0thd |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2019 Hallmark added ''Cat Bowl'', which premiered on Super Bowl weekend.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://people.com/pets/kitten-bowl-2019-time-date-hallmark-channel/|title=Kitten Bowl Is Coming! Get an Exclusive Look at One of the Big Games' More 'Relaxed' Cat Stars|last=Bender|first=Kelli|work=[[People (magazine)|People]]|date=January 29, 2019|accessdate=February 14, 2019|archive-date=February 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215050514/https://people.com/pets/kitten-bowl-2019-time-date-hallmark-channel/|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
=== Content standards ===
The Hallmark Channel has been criticized for editing its programming to remove what its [[Standards and Practices]] department considers offensive words. After the word "God" was muted in April 2014 from the film ''[[It Could Happen to You (1994 film)|It Could Happen to You]]'', in what is described as an attempt "to avoid taking His name in vain", the practice backfired when viewers interpreted the muting as evidence of hatred for the deity.<ref>{{cite web |website=Inquisitr |url=https://www.inquisitr.com/1215439/the-hallmark-channel-offends-audience-members-but-not-for-the-reason-you-think/ |title=The Hallmark Channel Offends Audience Members ... But Not For The Reason You Think |date=April 17, 2014 |access-date=February 21, 2018 |first=Sorcha |last=Szczerbiak |archive-date=February 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221222427/https://www.inquisitr.com/1215439/the-hallmark-channel-offends-audience-members-but-not-for-the-reason-you-think/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/04/the-hallmark-channel-offended-its-christian-viewership-by-refusing-to-take-the-lords-name-in-vain/360803/ |magazine=The Atlantic |date=April 17, 2014 |access-date=February 21, 2018 |first=Abby |last=Ohlheiser |title=The Hallmark Channel Offended Christian Viewers by Not Taking the Lord's Name in Vain |archive-date=February 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221222434/https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/04/the-hallmark-channel-offended-its-christian-viewership-by-refusing-to-take-the-lords-name-in-vain/360803/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Blogger Donna Cavanagh criticized the channel's content policies in July 2011, describing them as "censorship at its worst", with removal of profanities or epithets such as "ass" and "hooker". In response to Cavanagh's inquiry, a representative of the network wrote:<ref name=theSOP>{{cite news |last=Cavanagh |first=Donna |date=July 10, 2011 |url=http://thesop.org/story/20110710/bleepin-censorship-on-the-bleepin-hallmark-channel.html |title=Bleepin' Censorship on the Bleepin' Hallmark Channel |newspaper=The Student Operated Press |access-date=February 21, 2018 |archive-date=February 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221162123/http://thesop.org/story/20110710/bleepin-censorship-on-the-bleepin-hallmark-channel.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{quote|Crown Media Networks is committed to family friendly programming. Our Standards & Practices ("S&P"&nbsp;— the things that are or are not acceptable for a particular network) are very conservative. There are words and phrases commonly used on other cable channels and broadcast networks that Hallmark Channel's S&P guidelines deem unacceptable.}}
 
Cavanagh accused the network of hypocrisy in deeming such material as being objectionable according to the network's standards, while continuing to acquire off-network sitcoms such as ''[[Frasier]]'' and ''[[The Golden Girls]]'', which often feature sexual content including references to promiscuity.<ref name=theSOP /> Others have recommended the channel's late night programming, while noting that the word removal from these programs "puts a mild damper on the fun."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://splitsider.com/2017/08/a-recommendation-the-hallmark-channels-late-night-lineup/ |website=SplitSider |title=A Recommendation: The Hallmark Channel's Late Night Lineup |date=August 21, 2017 |access-date=February 21, 2018 |first=John |last=Hugar |archive-date=January 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117184938/http://splitsider.com/2017/08/a-recommendation-the-hallmark-channels-late-night-lineup/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
==International versions==
{{main|Hallmark Channel (International)}}
Hallmark Channel operated several cable channels in various international markets; they were sold in 2005 to Sparrowhawk Media, which was in turn acquired by [[Universal Networks International]] in 2007.<ref name=ith>{{cite news|last1=Pfanner|first1=Eric|title=NBC Universal buys 18 Hallmark channels outside the U.S.|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/08/28/business/nbc.php|accessdate=December 28, 2017|work=International Herald Tribune|date=August 31, 2007|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070831044727/http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/08/28/business/nbc.php|archive-date=August 31, 2007 }}</ref>
 
Universal's licensing agreement ended in July 2011; the networks were either shut down, or rebranded under another [[NBC Universal]]-owned brand (such as [[Diva Universal]], [[Studio Universal]], [[13th Street Universal]] or [[Universal Channel]]).<ref name=bbtn>{{cite news|last1=Briel|first1=Robert|title=NBCUni stops Dutch Hallmark Channel|url=https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2011/06/03/nbcuni-stops-dutch-hallmark-channel/|accessdate=December 28, 2017|work=Broadband TV News|date=June 3, 2011|archive-date=December 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228171910/https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2011/06/03/nbcuni-stops-dutch-hallmark-channel/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[United Kingdom]], the [[Hallmark Original Movie]]s originally shown on the channel are now shown on [[Movies 24]], a sister to the Hallmark Channel.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://theident.gallery/movies24-2010.php |title=Movies 24: 2006 Idents |access-date=July 4, 2020 |archive-date=July 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704032201/https://theident.gallery/movies24-2010.php |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
On October 25, 2018, [[Corus Entertainment]] announced that [[W Network]] would become the exclusive Canadian broadcaster of Hallmark Channel original series and films beginning November 1. The deal includes branded blocks and airings of the network's seasonal events; the programming deal officially launched with a Canadian version of the Countdown to Christmas event.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://worldscreen.com/tvcanada/hallmark-channel-to-make-canadian-debut-with-w-network/|title=Hallmark Channel to Make Canadian Debut with W Network|date=2018-10-26|work=TVCanada|publisher=Worldscreen|access-date=2018-11-14|language=en-US|archive-date=November 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114100525/http://worldscreen.com/tvcanada/hallmark-channel-to-make-canadian-debut-with-w-network/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.c21media.net/hallmark-channel-heads-to-canada/|title=Hallmark Channel heads to Canada|last=|first=|date=|website=C21 Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407105052/https://www.c21media.net/hallmark-channel-heads-to-canada/|archive-date=April 7, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=November 13, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/television/opinion/2018/04/04/the-hallmark-channel-gets-derided-for-its-family-friendly-fare-but-its-ratings-are-growing.html|title=The Hallmark Channel gets derided for its family-friendly fare, but its ratings are growing|work=Toronto Star|access-date=2018-11-14|language=en|archive-date=November 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105110744/https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/television/opinion/2018/04/04/the-hallmark-channel-gets-derided-for-its-family-friendly-fare-but-its-ratings-are-growing.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
==See also==
*[[List of Hallmark Hall of Fame episodes|List of ''Hallmark Hall of Fame'' episodes]]
 
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
 
==External links==
* {{Official website|www.hallmarkchannel.com}}
 
{{Template group
|title = Articles related to the Hallmark Channel
|list =
{{Hallmark Cards}}
{{Hallmark Channel}}
{{U.S. family-oriented television channels}}
}}
 
[[Category:Television networks in the United States]]
[[Category:Companies based in Los Angeles]]
[[Category:Conservative media in the United States]]
[[Category:English-language television stations in the United States]]
[[Category:Hallmark Cards]]
[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1984]]
[[Category:1984 establishments in the United States]]
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