Actress Chyler Leigh, who stars with Andie MacDowell in the new Hallmark series The Way Home, recently gave an interview in which she talked about taking risks and pushing boundaries.
The Grey’s Anatomy star, who plays Kat Landry in the multi-generational drama, said the show is exciting because it takes a different approach to storytelling. She called the show an amazing opportunity to “push it and shake it up so we can show people that have been tuning in for so long what we’re capable of.”
It’s an approach that has paid off, she says.
“…What we’ve been finding is the response from all the different age demographics has just been wild because we’re bringing in a younger audience and also an unexpected audience,” she told TV Line.
New Hallmark series
The Way Home premiered on Hallmark Channel on Sunday, January 15. The series follows single mother Kat Landry, who returns to her small hometown with her teenage daughter Alice (played by newcomer Sadie Laflamme-Snow) following a divorce. Alice becomes intrigued by the tense relationship between her mother and grandmother and begins investigating the 20-year-old disappearance of her uncle. Things take an unexpected turn when she finds out she can time-travel by jumping into a pond on her grandmother’s farm.
Fans have called the concept intriguing, and a complete departure for Hallmark.
“I can’t believe this is a Hallmark show,” wrote one viewer on Facebook.
Pushing boundaries
In her interview, Leigh said it was exciting to be a part of something so different for the network.
“If you talk to any of us, that was definitely such a big part of what we were most excited about was the opportunity we have to really take risks,” she said. “…Typically, the Hallmark audience knows “what to expect when they’re watching [their] shows or they’re watching the movies or whatnot, and what Hallmark is known, classically, for is for people to feel kind of safer and people to know the environment that they’re walking into.”.
Um, that kiss, though
Leigh also talked about the scorching kiss Kat shared with her childhood friend Elliot (played by Evan Williams) in the season finale.
“That was such a magical time because we literally had a 10-minute window to do that whole thing, to stage it, to prep it, because we were losing light,” she said. “With that beautiful sunset in the background, it was like, ‘This is the most epic. You can’t write this material to be able to work with, so we’re going to take advantage of it.’ So the whole thing, we did in like three takes. We went for it.”
Hallmark has renewed The Way Home for a second season, which will air next year.
Four new Hallmark movies coming to TV in May
Four new Hallmark movies will premiere in May, including a new Hannah Swensen mystery and a Broadway-themed movie featuring original music performed by Tamera Mowry-Housley.
The fun starts Mother’s Day weekend with Dream Moms, a movie starring Tamera Mowry-Housley, Chelsea Hobbs, Roger Cross, and Andrew J. Hampton.
“On Mother’s Day weekend, we are excited to bring our viewers a movie celebrating moms and the overwhelmingly important role they play in their family’s lives,” said Elizabeth Yost, senior vice president of development for Hallmark Media. “We hope people will be inspired by seeing the magic that can happen when you have the courage and support to follow your dreams.”
New Hallmark movies
In Dream Moms, Tamera Mowry-Housley plays Danielle, a one-time off-Broadway performer and former backup singer who retired from her career in order to raise her daughter. At her brother’s urging, she meets Claire (played by Chelsea Hobbs), a once-aspiring professional dancer who is working as a bookkeeper while she raises her two sons. Danielle’s brother (played by Andrew J. Frampton) wants the two to compete in a nationally televised competition.
As the women rehearse together, they regain their sense of self and passion they once had as performers. According to a synopsis from Hallmark, “When competing priorities arise with their families and cause them to reconsider, the pair ultimately realize they need to show up for themselves and set an example to never give up your dreams. They compete in the talent contest and with the support of their families, Danielle and Claire learn it’s never too late to become what or who you want to be.”
The movie features three original songs, and was the first movie in Hallmark’s Make Her Mark Women’s Directing Program, in which an aspiring filmmaker follows an established director through the process of directing a movie. For this film, Signed, Sealed, Delivered star Crystal Lowe shadowed director Jessica Harmon.
Jane Da Silva mystery
Next up is A Jane Da Silvery Mystery: Case of the Broken Song. The movie stars Jodie Sweetin as Jane Da Silva, a singer who inherits her family’s non-profit detective agency.
Also starring in the movie is Chesapeake Shores star Stephen Huszar, who plays Detective John Cameron. With Cameron’s mentorship, Da Silva investigates the untimely death of her mother.
A National Park Romance
Cindy Busby will star in Love in Zion National Park: A National Park Romance. The series showcases the beauty of America’s parks. In the movie, Busby plays Lauren, an assistant curator trying to prove that a set of ancient vases belongs with the Pueblo Nation.
On a trip to Zion National Park, she meets a park ranger (played by David Gridley) who helps her on her mission.
New Hannah Swensen
Finally, the latest movie in the Hannah Swensen Mysteries series will premiere. Alison Sweeney returns as baker-turned-sleuth Hannah Swensen in Carrot Cake Murder: A Hannah Swensen Mystery.
In the movie, a skeleton is discovered in the rubble of a demolished building and Swensen becomes determined to figure out how it ended up there. She is joined by Detective Mike Kingston (played by Cameron Mathison) and her mother (played by Barbara Niven).
Movie schedule:
Dream Moms will premiere on Hallmark Channel on Saturday, May 13 at 8/7c.
A Jane Da Silvery Mystery: Case of the Broken Song will premiere on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries on Sunday, May 14 at 7/6c.
Love in Zion National Park: A National Park Romance will premiere on Hallmark Channel on Saturday, May 20 at 8/7c.
Carrot Cake Murder: A Hannah Swensen Mystery will premiere on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries on Sunday, May 21 at 7/6c.
Husband-and-wife team headline new Hallmark movie set in the Maldives
Real-life couple Jocelyn Hudon and Jake Manley will star in a new Hallmark movie set in the Maldives. In Love in the Maldives, Hudon plays a travel writer who falls for her guide (played by Manley) when he helps her visit an underwater shipwreck.
Both Hudon and Manley posted photos from the set to Instagram. In one pic, Hudon is surrounded by sharks.
In the comments section, a fan responded with, “1) I love shark week & watch every year 2) I know you’re very unlikely to get attacked 3) I’d still be unable to do this despite how cool it is.”
New Hallmark movie
Love in the Maldives is part of Hallmark’s Spring Into Love lineup. In the movie, Hudon plays Rae, an adventurous travel writer with thousands of fans. When her editor wants to send her to the Maldives — which is considered one of the most romantic destinations in the world — Rae is surprised. Romance doesn’t usually factor into the columns she writes. But she takes the assignment and flies halfway around the world to write the story.
When she finds out about a legendary shipwreck, she becomes determined to see it. The only problem is she is terrified of the open ocean. With the help of a resort guide, she learns to overcome her fear of the water and finds something she never expected: love.
Husband-and-wife team
Jocelyn Hudon and Jake Manley were married in a Las Vegas ceremony on October 31, 2021. They met while they were filming the TV series The Order.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Hudon said the wedding was on her favorite holiday.
“I was in the middle of filming three movies back to back and we realized that Halloween — my favorite day ever — was on a Sunday, so I could fit it in my filming schedule…and then it snowballed from there,” she said.
Hallmark stars
Hudon starred as Grace Bennett on When Hope Calls, a spinoff of Hallmark’s popular series When Call the Heart. She has also appeared in the movies Eat, Drink And Be Married (2019), One of a Kind Love (2021), and Baby, It’s Cold Inside (2021).
Jake Manley got his start on the television series Beauty and the Beast. He has starred in The Order, The Consultant, Project Blue Book, and American Gothic.
Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives — also known as Maldives Islands — is an independent nation comprised of 1,200 small islands.
Love in the Maldives will premiere on Hallmark Channel on Saturday, April 1 at 8/7c.
Fans have mixed reaction to new Hallmark show
The new Hallmark show Ride premiered on Sunday evening to mixed reactions from viewers. Some fans loved the show and its inclusion of a gay character in the main cast. Others said that having a gay character in the show was a mistake. Still others said they found the premise of the show uninspired.
“Hard to follow and just like all the other ranch shows,” wrote one viewer on Facebook. “Always a lot of problems and they’re going to lose the ranch.”
New Hallmark show
The series stars Nancy Travis as Isabel McMurray, the matriarch of a rodeo dynasty family trying to hold onto its Colorado ranch. In the first episode, her oldest son, Austin (played by Marcus Rosner), is killed in a bull-riding accident.
The show then jumps forward a year. Austin’s family, including his beautiful widow, Missy (Tierra Skovbye), are still mourning his loss. Isabel is receiving foreclosure notices on the ranch and trying to figure out whether it’s even worth keeping the land after everything the family has been through.
Middle son Cash (Beau Mirchoff) decides to take his chances as a bull rider to make enough money for the family to keep the ranch. Youngest son Tuff (Jake Foy) is busy acting as ranch foreman and singing in honky-tonks in the evenings.
Tuff the Cowboy
It soon becomes clear that Tuff is not only gay, but he is “out.” In an exchange with the town’s resident Mean Girl (every small town has one, right?) he claps back when she tries to make fun of him for being gay.
In response to her remark that he is too busy chasing cowboys, Tuff responds, “Oh, they chase me, darlin.’”
Some viewers loved the exchange and the storyline.
“I LOVE it!” wrote one fan on Facebook. “It’s real and very romantic. I look forward to seeing ALL of the relationships develop. The cowboys chase me 😂 Love that!”
Others disliked the storyline and made their feelings known on social media.
“Hey hallmark of course you have to screw up things and make one of the three brothers gay. Kind of sick of you,” wrote another viewer on Hallmark Channel’s Facebook page.
“Too many men with beards”
Some fans just found the show dull and hard to follow.
“I’ll give it another couple of weeks but tonight it felt a little ‘meh,’” wrote one viewer.
“Too many characters. Too many men with beards. I didn’t know who was who,” wrote another.
Other viewers were thrilled to have a rodeo-themed show on their favorite network.
“The actors in ‘Ride’ are what first made me want to watch tonight’s episode. Now I’m hooked and I can’t wait for next week!” wrote a fan on Hallmark Channel’s Facebook page.
Hallmark announced in June that it was developing a rodeo-themed series.
“‘Ride’ is a multigenerational family ensemble following the lives of the McMurrays, part of a rodeo dynasty going back a generation, as they struggle to keep their beloved ranch afloat,” read a description released by Hallmark. “After a tragic loss, each character embarks on an empowering journey of transformation and self-discovery while also uncovering a twisted web of secrets, threatening to tear the family and their small Colorado town apart at the seams. Emotions run high and clashes are common in the complicated McMurray clan, but they are a tight-knit group who don’t give up easily.”
Give the dog a show! Tyler Hynes and his dog have fans cracking up during Facebook Live event to promote new Hallmark movie
Tyler Hynes recently went on Facebook Live to answer questions about A Picture of Her, his new romantic comedy for Hallmark. But it soon became clear that the audience only had eyes for his dog.
Loyal bro Rusty James was hanging out on a dresser just behind Hynes, and his reactions to his dad’s comments had viewers in stitches.
“Sorry Tyler, Rusty James definitely stole the show,” wrote one fan in the comments section. “And he made sure you were aware of it. Tap…tapping on your shoulder. Both you guys nailed FB Live!”
“I love to hear you talk to him,” another wrote. “RJ all day every day!”
Tyler Hynes
Hynes was on Facebook to promote A Picture of Her, his new Spring Into Love rom-com. Co-star Rhiannon Fish was unable to make the appearance, so Hynes called in Rusty James to hang out with him.
While Hynes sang the praises of his co-star, calling Rhiannon Fish a “truly exceptional human being” and a “truly talented artist,” Rusty James lolled about in the background.
At one point, he tapped Hynes on the shoulder.
“You good, pal?” Hynes asked.
The dog, the myth, the legend: Rusty James
Rusty James, who appears to be a black Pomeranian, eventually indicated he wanted to get off the dresser. Once Hynes put him on the ground and made sure he had his dental stick (proving there is nothing more swoon-worthy than a dog dad), Rusty James continued to make his presence known.
Hynes indicated that the dog was staring at him, asking to be let outside.
New Hallmark movie
In between exchanges with Rusty James, Hynes spoke about his new movie, which will premiere as part of Hallmark Channel’s Spring Into Love lineup.
In A Picture of Her, Hynes plays a photographer named Jake who snaps a picture of Rhiannon Fish’s character Beth. Unaware that she has had her picture taken, Beth is shocked when her image graces the cover of an award-winning magazine. She becomes determined to track down the man who took the picture.
“One of the things I loved about this story is…this idea that in our modern age, people might not have the time nor the impetus to care about the simpler, finer things in our world,” Hynes said.
What it’s like to date Tyler Hynes
In addition to sharing his insights on the movie, Hynes answered some questions about what he considers the perfect date.
“I think I like when things go the way they’re supposed to and if you don’t quite know how that evening is going to go down, then it’s all the more fun,” he said.
He then added, “A motorcycle ride through the hills is never a bad idea.”
A Picture of Her will premiere on Hallmark Channel on Saturday, March 25 at 8/7c.
Jodie Sweetin’s new Hallmark movie is a mystery
Full House star Jodie Sweetin has a new Hallmark movie in the works. The actress took to social media to share that she recently filmed a movie for Hallmark Media.
“I was very quiet in February,” she said in a video shared on Instagram. “I was in Toronto working, I was doing a new Hallmark movie which is gonna come out this spring. It’s a mystery movie, so something a little bit different. There is no Christmas in this one. It’s a Hallmark mystery movie. The Jane De Silva mystery is going to be coming this spring. So I’ll keep you guys all posted on that.”
New Hallmark movie
Jane Da Silva is the star of a series of novels by author K.K. Beck. A highbrow widow, Da Silva returns from living in Europe when her wealthy uncle dies. She discovers that to qualify for her inheritance, she must help a secret society her uncle helped found that is dedicated to aiding and abetting lost causes.
The first book in the series, A Hopeless Case, was published in 1992. Three other books soon followed: Amateur Night (1993), Electric City (1994), and Cold Smoked (1995).
“There’s no Christmas in this one”
Sweetin has starred in several romantic comedies for Hallmark, including Finding Santa (2017), Entertaining Christmas (2018), Love Under the Rainbow (2019), Merry & Bright (2019), and a Cozy Christmas Inn.
This is her first mystery for the network.
From Full House to Hallmark
Sweetin played Stephanie Tanner on the hit series Full House from 1987 to 1995. She had guest roles on the TV shows Party of Five, Brotherly Love, and Yes, Dear. In 2016 she joined her former Full House cast mates for the reboot Fuller House. She also appeared on Season 22 of Dancing With the Stars.
In July 2022, Sweetin married Mescal Wasilewski in a small wedding at a home in Malibu. Her former Full House co-stars Candace Cameron Bure, John Stamos, and Andrea Barber attended.
Sweetin, who has two daughters from previous relationships, told People magazine that marrying her partner was more important than having the perfect wedding.
“If everything falls apart and we walk away from this and we’re married, that’s really all I care about. So it’s kind of nice to be in that place where I’m like, ‘If this doesn’t happen, if that doesn’t happen…,’” she said. “I have no doubts that it will all come together beautifully, but whatever. [If] something goes wrong, as long as I can walk away and we’re still married and that’s all that matters, then I’m good.”
Hallmark star is cooking up something sweet in new mystery
Hallmark star Ali Sweeney is working on a new mystery movie for the Hannah Swensen series.
“In case you haven’t heard …. We’re back!!!” she wrote in an Instagram post. “@cameronmathison & I are working on a new #HannahSwensen mystery with @barbaraniven & @hoganfilm ! and we can’t wait to enjoy another delicious whodunnit with you all. We’re so grateful to @hallmarkmovie & Joanne Fluke for these fun adventures!!”
New mystery
Hallmark has made six movies in the Hannah Swensen series, which is also known as “Murder, She Baked.”
The titles include:
Murder, She Baked: A Chocolate Chip Cookie Mystery (2015)
Murder, She Baked: A Plum Pudding Mystery (2015)
Murder, She Baked: A Peach Cobbler Mystery (2016)
Murder, She Baked: A Deadly Recipe (2017)
Murder, She Baked: Just Desserts (2016)
Sweet Revenge: A Hannah Swensen Mystery (2021)
The new Hannah Swensen movie is titled Carrot Cake: A Hannah Swensen Mystery. It will star Ali Sweeney as small-town-baker-turned-sleuth Hannah Swensen, Cameron Mathison as her fiancé, Detective Mike Kingston, and Chesapeake Shores star Barbara Niven as her mother, Delores.
Fan favorite
A Hallmark executive said the network was excited to make another movie for the series.
“The adventures of Hannah Swensen have long been a favorite among our viewers and we’re thrilled to bring them a new mystery they can try to solve at home along with Hannah,” said Elizabeth Yost, senior vice president of development at Hallmark Media. “Being able to reunite Alison Sweeney, Cameron Mathison, and Barbara Niven for this latest installment makes it even sweeter.”
“The fans of Hannah Swensen are incredible and we are so excited to make more mysteries to share with them. Plus, working together again with Cam and Barbara is so much fun!” she said.
Carrot Cake: A Hannah Swensen Mystery
According to a synopsis from Hallmark, in Carrot Cake: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, a body is discovered in the rubble of a building undergoing renovation.
“Much to the dismay of her fiancé, Detective Mike Kingston (Mathison), Hannah begins to investigate the case on her own. As she tries to piece together the events that led to the murder and tries to learn the victim’s true identity, Hannah even calls on her mother Delores (Niven) as she works to bring the killer to justice and uncover the truth.”
The Hannah Swensen movies are based on a series of cozy mysteries by author Joanne Fluke.
Hallmark has not yet given a release date for Carrot Cake: A Hannah Swensen Mystery.
Fans get a sneak peek at Season 10 of popular Hallmark series
Hearties got a sneak peek at Season 10 of When Calls the Heart in a new trailer released by Hallmark Channel. In the 1-minute clip, Hearties see Elizabeth Thornton (Erin Krakow) writing in her diary. As she writes, she also narrates.
“Over the past few months, one thing has become clear to me,” she says. “No matter the challenge, the people of Hope Valley know how to come together.”
Elizabeth talks about how the whole town has fallen on hard times, but how everyone has come together to help each other.
“First, the coal mine was destroyed,” she says. “Then the oil wells dried up. And then we lost the foundry, and with it, the promise of new jobs. But in true Hope Valley fashion, Florence, Molly, and Minnie started a swap meet so that nothing would go to waste.”
Popular Hallmark series
The clip also gives fans a glimpse at Rosemary (Pascale Hutton) and her baby bump. In the scene, she picks up a teddy bear on a table at the swap meet and shows it to Lee (Kavan Smith).
“Rosemary insisted that Lee hire everyone he could from the oil company and wouldn’t let anything stop her from lending a hand, even though she’s just a few weeks from giving birth,” Elizabeth says. “We’ve all rolled up our sleeves, relying on generosity and kindness and neighbors helping neighbors. Everyone has dedicated themselves to doing their part and having fun while they do it.”
When Calls the Heart Season 10 delay
Fans were disappointed when they found out that Season 10 of Hallmark’s longest-running original series wouldn’t premiere until July. In past years, the show has debuted new seasons of When Calls the Heart in February or March.
But the network is busy promoting two new series, The Way Home, which stars Andie MacDowell, and Ride, which stars Nancy Travis.
By the time Season 10 of When Calls the Heart premieres, fans will have waited more than a year to catch up with the residents of Hope Valley.
“It’s too long between seasons,” one fan wrote on Facebook. “I can’t even remember what was happening.”
Good news, bad news
Hearties were happy to hear that Hallmark had given a green light to another season of the show. Season 11 of When Calls the Heart will feature 12 episodes and premiere in July 2024.
Erin Krakow released a statement through the network saying how excited she is for fans to see the new episodes.
“This season is full of beautiful moments and exciting twists and turns. I can’t wait for the Hearties to see what we’ve created for them!” she said. “And I’m so thrilled, proud, and grateful to Hallmark that the show has been renewed for season 11. We have so many more stories to tell. With our amazing cast, crew, and brilliant writers, there will be no shortage of romance and new adventures for the residents of Hope Valley! Having the Hearties continue this journey with us has meant the world and we are thrilled to share what’s in store these next two seasons!”
Season 10 of When Calls the Heart will premiere on July 30 on Hallmark Channel.
Bull riders, mountains, and a man named Tuff: Everything you need to know about Hallmark’s new show
Hallmark’s new show Ride will premiere at the end of March. Set on a ranch in the Rockies, the series stars Nancy Travis as the matriarch of a multigenerational rodeo dynasty.
The show is the second new series Hallmark has introduced this year. The Way Home premiered on January 15.
Hallmark’s new show
In a trailer released by the network, Nancy Travis’s character, Isabel McMurray, narrates several shots of the family’s ranch and rodeo.
“This ranch, this family — I’ve learned you can’t take anything for granted,” she says.
The series follows Isabel and her three sons — Austin, Cash, and Tuff (no, seriously, that’s his name) — as they attempt to keep the ranch they own from being bought out by greedy developers. The family is joined in their struggle by former rodeo queen Missy (played by Tiera Skovbye) and ranch-hand-turned-family-member Valeria Galindo (played by Sara Garcia).
In the trailer, it becomes clear that Cash (played by Beau Mirchoff) wants to compete as a bull rider to raise money. But Isabel knows how dangerous this is and doesn’t want him to risk his life.
Where was the show filmed?
The series was shot on location in Calgary, Alberta. (Coincidentally, the CBC series Heartland — a show Ride has been compared to — is also filmed on a ranch in Alberta.)
In a video promoting the show, cast member Jake Foy talked about the authenticity of the series.
“Part of the magic of the show is that we shoot everything practically,” said Foy, who plays Tuff McMurray. “We’re really on a ranch in the Rockies. We’re really in the ring with bulls and bull fighters.”
About the cast
Nancy Travis starred in the movies Three Men and a Baby and its sequel, Three Men and a Little Lady. She appeared in The Vanishing with Kiefer Sutherland, Internal Affairs with Andy Garcia, and Greedy with Michael J. Fox. From 2007 to 2009 she starred on The Bill Engvall Show. She has also appeared on Grey’s Anatomy and How I Met Your Mother.
Beau Mirchoff, who plays Cash on the show, appeared on the CBC series Heartland, as well as MTV’s show Awkward. He starred in the movies See You in Valhalla, Flatliners, and All Summers End.
Tiera Skovbye, who plays former rodeo queen Missy on the show, has appeared in the TV shows Once Upon a Time, Nurses, and Riverdale.
Ride will premiere on Hallmark Channel on Sunday, March 26 at 8/7c.
Hallmark star drops an exciting hint about Mystery 101 series
In a recent interview, Hallmark star Kristoffer Polaha talked about making another movie in the Mystery 101 series. The actor, who co-stars with Jill Wagner in the films, said he would love to keep working on the series.
“We love telling those stories and whatever the network decides…it’s inconclusive,” said Polaha in an interview with the website Just Jared.
Mystery 101
The series premiered in 2019 on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries with the movie Mystery 101. Jill Wagner starred as Amy Winslow, a professor of literature who specializes in crime fiction. When one of her star pupils disappears, Winslow begins investigating much to the annoyance of Detective Travis Burke (Polaha) a new transfer to the local department.
But when Winslow proves herself as an investigator, the two pair up to solve crime in the small town of Garrison, Washington.
Hallmark made seven films in the series and left fans with a cliffhanger at the end of the last movie. In Mystery 101: Deadly History, Amy and Travis finally admit they are in love with each other. The movie then cuts to a scene several months later, showing Amy engaged to someone else.
“The last 30 seconds of number seven where you’re like, what?” Polaha said in his interview.
Another movie
Fans have been clamoring for another movie. Polaha said he hopes there will be more in the series.
“…there’s always been conversation about number eight, [but] there’s no like official word,” he said. “I know that some of those shows were officially canceled, but there’s been no official word on Mystery 101.”
Polaha said he loves the storylines and the audience.
“I do know that the mystery audience is a really awesome one and I want to continue telling stories for that audience in one way or another. I’m excited to see what the future brings,” he said.
New mystery series
Hallmark has introduced several new mystery series in recent years. Nikki DeLoach and Andrew Walker have made two films in the Curious Caterer series, based on the book series by Diane Mott Davidson.
The network also announced it would be making a prequel to the Aurora Teagarden series. Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Something New, will star Skyler Samuels in the title role. Samuels will take over from Candace Cameron Bure, who recently left Hallmark to work with the new network Great American Family.
A wedding, a baby, and a new romance are all in store on Season 10 of When Calls the Heart
A writer for the hit Hallmark show When Calls the Heart dropped some exciting hints about upcoming developments in Season 10. These included mentions of Elizabeth’s upcoming wedding to Lucas, the birth of Lee and Rosemary Coulter’s baby, and a possible romance for Nathan.
“I hope the Hearties are feeling as excited as we are to dive into these long-anticipated events,” said Elizabeth Stewart, a writer and executive producer for the series in an interview with Entertainment Tonight.
Stewart said she appreciated fans’ patience in bringing these stories to the screen.
“…it was important to let Elizabeth take her time with Lucas and for Rosemary and Lee to become contented with their lives together before the baby surprise,” she said.
When Calls the Heart
Fans were unpleasantly surprised when Hallmark announced that Season 10 of the hit series When Calls the Heart would not premiere until July 2023. Past seasons had their premiere in February or March. But Hallmark has reserved the time previously used for When Calls the Heart to debut two new series, The Way Home and Ride.
As a consolation, Hallmark announced the series had been renewed for an eleventh season.
The Wedding
One of the most anticipated moments of the upcoming season is Elizbaeth’s wedding to Lucas. Though not all fans were pleased when Elizabeth (Erin Krakow) chose Lucas (Chris McNally) over Nathan (Kevin McGarry) in the Season 8 finale, many had resigned themselves to the romance. The storyline got a boost when Lucas proposed to Elizabeth with help from her son, Jack.
But if Hearties are expecting to see a repeat of Elizabeth’s wedding to Jack (Daniel Lissing), they are in for a surprise.
“Elizabeth is in a different place than she was with Jack,” said Stewart. “The experiences of widowhood and motherhood have deepened her. I don’t think she needs or even desires to be swept off her feet in quite that once-in-a-lifetime way she was with Jack. Including Little Jack in the proposal is a signal that her top priority now is as a mother.”
Baby Coulter
Hearties are also looking forward to the birth of Lee and Rosemary Coulter’s baby. The couple (played by Kavan Smith and Pascale Hutton) have faced disappointment in past seasons trying to start a family. But fans were thrilled when Rosemary told Lee she was pregnant at the end of Season 10.
Hutton set off speculation that her character may be pregnant with twins after sharing a video of Rosemary’s baby bump.
“Judging by the size of that bump, they are definitely have twins,” one fan wrote on Facebook.
“They’re having twins: a boy and a girl,” wrote another Heartie. “That way Hope Valley gets a mini Lee and a mini Rosemary.”
Stewart weighed in, saying watching Rosemary and Lee become parents will be fun.
“I expect that Rosemary will approach giving birth with the same take-charge attitude with which she approaches everything else — which of course means she’s in for some shock and surprises,” she said.
A romance
And finally, there’s Nathan. During Season 10 he had a flirtation with newcomer Mei Suo (played by Amanda Wong). He also had some serious conversations with Dr. Faith Carter (played by Andrea Brooks.) Both have prompted speculation among fans that Nathan will find true love soon.
Hearties, what are your thoughts? Should Nathan end up with Mei Suo or Dr. Faith? Let us know in the comments:
No Candace? No problem. Hallmark revives Aurora Teagarden Mysteries without its star
Hallmark has a new Aurora Teagarden Mysteries movie in the works. Filming will begin soon on Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Something New, a prequel to the popular mystery series that starred Candace Cameron Bure in the title role.
Skyler Samuels will take on the role of Aurora “Ro” Teagarden, a crime-obsessed librarian who lives in the small town of Lawrenceton, Washington. Hallmark favorite Evan Roderick will play Arthur Smith, while Marilu Henner will reprise her role as Aida, Ro’s formidable mother.
Aurora Teagarden Mysteries
Fans were worried they wouldn’t see a new movie in the franchise after Candace Cameron Bure left Hallmark Media to work with Great American Family, a new network started by Hallmark’s former CEO Bill Abbott.
Bure played the role from in 18 films for Hallmark Media from 2015 to 2022. In the last one, Haunted By Murder, she was joined by her daughter, Natasha Bure, who played a younger version of Aurora in a series of flashbacks.
Candace vs Aurora
In a statement to ET Online, a Hallmark spokeswoman said the company was excited to revive the series.
“Our viewers have been waiting for more adventures with Aurora and her friends — what better way to do that than to take them back to when the young, amateur sleuth was just coming into her own?” said Emily Merlin, development manager of programming at Hallmark Media. “The Aurora Teagarden franchise is a fan favorite and we’re excited to share this new chapter with viewers.”
Something New
In Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Something New, Skyler Samuels will portray a young Ro Teagarden who returns to her hometown following college graduation. She supports herself by working as a teacher’s assistant in a crime fiction class and waitressing at the local diner at night, where she shares her love of researching true crime with her friend, Sally, and police officer, Arthur (Roderick).
When Sally’s fiancé doesn’t show up at their wedding rehearsal, maid of honor Aurora gets Arthur to help her search for him. When they discover a body, everyone assumes it is Sally’s tardy groom, but when it turns out to be someone else, Sally’s fiancé becomes the main suspect.
Skyler Samuels
Skyler Samuels got her start on TV working for the Disney Channel. She had roles on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, That’s So Raven, and The Wizards of Waverly Place.
She has also appeared on the TV shows American Horror Story: Freak Show, The Rookie, and Scream Queens.
Samuels recently starred in and executive produced the television movie The Gabby Petito Story. She also starred in Lifetime’s Switched Before Birth.
Hallmark has not yet given a release date for Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Something New. The movies are based on a series of books by author Charlaine Harris.
Fans thrilled that Hallmark series renewed for second season
Fans of the hit Hallmark series The Way Home were thrilled to find out the show has been renewed for a second season.
“The press and our audience have enthusiastically embraced The Way Home from the first episode making the decision to renew the series an easy one,” said Lisa Hamilton Daly, executive vice president of programming at Hallmark Media. “We’re thrilled to be able to continue the journey of the Landry family and can’t wait for fans to see what’s next.”
“This is awesome news!” wrote one fan on Hallmark Channel’s Facebook page. “Love this show!”
The series, which premiered in January, quickly amassed a following of dedicated fans — we’ve dubbed them “Homies” — who have become intrigued by the mystery and drama in the show.
Hit Hallmark series
Hallmark announced on social media that it would bring the show back for a second season.
“How about a message from the future? #TheWayHome will return for Season 2 on @hallmarkchannel!” read the post.
Andie MacDowell, who stars as Del Landry in the series, commented on the post.
“Extremely grateful,” she wrote. “So proud of the show. Love being a part of Hallmark #teamwork #Gratitude #celebrate.”
“Yay!!! I’m so happy!” wrote a fan. “I was starting to feel kind of sad that we only had 4 more episodes of this amazing show. Amazing news!”
The Way Home
The Way Home premiered on Hallmark Channel on January 15.
The show stars Andie MacDowell in her first Hallmark role since headlining the network’s show Cedar Cove. MacDowell plays Del Landry, the matriarch of a family that has been broken since the disappearance of her son in 1999.
Grey’s Anatomy alum Chyler Leigh plays Kat Landry, Del’s daughter, who has been estranged from her mother for 20 years. When Kat loses her job and splits from her husband, she receives a letter from her mother asking her to return home. Kat leaves Minneapolis with her teenage daughter, Alice (played by Sadie Laflamme-Snow), and moves back to the small town of Port Haven, New Brunswick.
When she arrives home, she finds out that her mother never sent a letter. Alice becomes intrigued by the cold relationship between her mother and grandmother and begins looking into the disappearance of her uncle.
Heartland connection
Heather Conkie and Alexandra Clarke, a mother-daughter team who have worked on the CBC series Heartland, are executive producers on the show. They created the series with Marly Reed.
“Heather Conkie, Alexandra Clarke and Marly Reed have created a rich, textured story filled with heart and mixed with intrigue that’s proven to be a winning combination,” said Laurie Ferneau, Senior Vice President, Development, Hallmark Media. “Season two is sure to bring more drama and mystery as the Landry family’s history is revealed.”
“I love this show,” wrote one fan on Facebook. “The acting is so good. It makes me cry every week but I still love it.”
“Great news!” wrote another. “Love this series!”
Two Hallmark favorites will reunite in new movie
Hallmark stars Lacey Chabert and Will Kemp will reunite in a new movie for Hallmark Movies and Mysteries. The actors, who starred together in the 2019 movie Love, Romance & Chocolate and the 2020 movie Christmas Waltz, will put their dancing skills to use in The Dancing Detective: A Deadly Tango. The mystery is currently in production in Malta.
“I’m thrilled to be working with my good friend @iamwillkemp again on a new movie for @hallmarkmovie,” Chabert wrote in an Instagram post. “We are currently filming in Malta and having such a great time bringing this mystery to life!”
Kemp also posted on Instagram.
“The game is afoot! Thrilled that we have this amazing opportunity to bring The Dancing Detective to life with The Dancing Detective: A Deadly Tango. Filming is underway in Malta with a release date later this year.”
New movie
In The Dancing Detective: A Deadly Tango, Chabert plays Constance Bailey, a no-nonsense detective who prefers to work alone. When a high-profile CEO is murdered on the eve of his company’s corporate event in Malta – a ballroom dance competition between senior executives – Bailey is sent undercover as one of the contestants.
The only problem is she can’t dance. She reluctantly teams up with charismatic and free-spirited performer Sebastian Moore (Kemp). But with a killer on the loose and a growing list of suspects, it’s going to take more than a little fancy footwork to solve this case.
Charismatic duo
Chabert and Kemp have proven to be a winning team for Hallmark. An exec said that fans have been asking for more movies featuring the two stars.
“After the success of Christmas Waltz, viewers have been clamoring for another movie with this charismatic duo,” said Elizabeth Yost, senior vice president of programming and development at Hallmark Media. “When Will came to us with this fun spin on a whodunnit, we knew that it was the perfect opportunity to reunite him with Lacey.”
Both Kemp and Chabert will serve as executive producers on the movie. The script was written by Aubrey Day based on a story and characters created and developed by Aubrey Day and Will Kemp.
The dancers
Though Chabert grew up on stage — she played the young Cosette in the Broadway production of Les Miserables — her experience with ballroom dancing was limited before she was paired up with Kemp in Christmas Waltz.
To prepare for the movie, she trained for three weeks at home before undergoing nine days of intensive training.
Kemp attended the prestigious Royal Ballet School in England before joining
Matthew Bourne’s dance company Adventures in Motion Pictures. During an appearance in Swan Lake, Kemp was spotted by the head of Paramount Studios. He appeared in a commercial for Gap and then snagged a role in the 2004 movie Van Helsing.
Erin Krakow and Brendan Penny lead Hallmark’s April movie lineup
Seven new movies are coming to Hallmark in April, including a romantic comedy starring Erin Krakow and Brendan Penny. The stars recently posted photos from the set of The Wedding Cottage, which will premiere on April 15.
“3 weeks of laughing till I cry with this one,” wrote Krakow in an Instagram post.
Married couple Jocelyn Hudon and Jake Manley will also headline one of April’s rom-coms. The co-stars of The Order, who were married on Halloween in 2021, will play opposite each other in Hallmark’s Love in the Maldives. (Hallmark viewers may remember Hudon as Grace Bennett from the When Calls the Heart spinoff series When Hope Calls.)
April movie lineup
In Love in the Maldives, Hudon plays Rae Parker, a writer with a fabulous, single life who attracts thousands of readers to her monthly travel column, “Reservation for One.” When her editor sends her to a luxury resort in the Maldives, Rae struggles to find experiences to write about that she thinks her readers will enjoy. She ends up seeking out the help of handsome Guest Experience Expert Jared (played by Jake Manley). With Jared’s help, Rae is able to break out of her comfort zone and find true love.
The Professional Bridesmaid
Next up is The Professional Bridesmaid, starring Hunter King and Chandler Massey. King plays Maggie, who works as a pro bridesmaid, helping brides navigate some of the trickier parts of planning a wedding. When she is hired by the mayor of Columbus — who is up for re-election, no less — to help his daughter, the pressure is on. Not only must she help the bride (played by Francesca Bianchi) pull off the perfect wedding, she can’t let anyone know that she is a professional. The bride introduces Maggie to other members of the wedding party as her old friend Maisie. The deception seems to be working until a local reporter (played by Chandler Massey) starts digging around.
The Blessing Bracelet
Chesapeake Shores star Carlo Marks will co-star with Hallmark movie veteran Amanda Schull in The Blessing Bracelet. Schull plays Dawn, a single mother struggling with debt who finds an old bracelet she made that wa sa reminder to celebrate the blessings in her life.
According to a synopsis from Hallmark, “As Dawn begins to focus on the good, her faith is renewed, and her life takes a positive turn. Thanks to the support of Dawn’s church community and the encouragement by Ben (Marks), who recently came into her life, the blessing bracelets help take her down a path she never could have imagined.”
The Wedding Cottage
Brendan Penny and Erin Krakow will star in The Wedding Cottage. Krakow stars as wedding guide creator who must convince the owner of an old run-down cottage to fix it up so it can be the prize venue in a contest she is promoting.
A Pinch of Portugal
Also airing in April is A Pinch of Portugal, starring Heather Hemmens and Luke Mitchell. In the film, Hemmens plays a timid prep cook who must take over a cooking show when the celebrity chef who usually hosts it storms off the set. She gets help from the show’s handsome cameraman (played by Mitchell).
The Spin Cycle
Erin Cahill and Marco Grazzini will star in The Spin Cycle, a romantic comedy about a New York City publicist (Cahill) who is trying to build her business. She must convince a pro baseball player (Grazzini) to let her manage him. The task is particularly difficult because he shattered her heart when they dated in high school. On a return to their Ohio hometown, they are confronted by memories and discover they could have a future together.
Spring Breakthrough
In Spring Breakthrough, Keesha Sharp stars as Monica, a single mother who is looking forward to her daughter’s return home for spring break. But Monica is dealt two blows when she is fired from her job, and finds out her daughter isn’t returning home because she is engaged.
Monica sets off on a trip to meet her future son-in-law, and meets a handsome stranger along the way.
Love in the Maldives will premiere on Hallmark Channel on Saturday, April 1 at 8/7c.
The Professional Bridesmaid will premiere on Hallmark Channel on Saturday, April 8 at 8/7c.
The Blessing Bracelet will premiere on Sunday, April 9 on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries at 7/6c.
The Wedding Cottage will premiere on Hallmark Channel on Saturday, April 15 at 8/7c.
A Princh of Portugal will premiere on Hallmark Channel on Saturday, April 22 at 8/7c.
The Spin Cycle will premiere on Hallmark Channel on Saturday, April 29 at 8/7c.
Spring Breakthrough will premiere on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries on April 30 at 7/6c.
Hallmark star reveals the magic behind-the-scenes of new series
The star of Hallmark’s new series The Way Home talked about the show’s appeal and revealed some of the magic that goes on behind the scenes. In an exclusive interview with TV Cheddar, newcomer Sadie Laflamme-Snow shared how exciting it has been to be a part of the first new series Hallmark Media has debuted since 2016.
“What I’ve noticed is that there’s an interest coming from so many different generations of people,” Laflamme-Snow said. “…There’s something in this story for you. There’s something really fleshed out and complicated and something you can sink your teeth into no matter what generation you’re from and I think that’s really exciting for people.”
New series
Hallmark’s new series The Way Home premiered on January 15. More than 2.4 million viewers tuned in for the pilot episode of the series, which was written by mother-daughter team Heather Conkie and Alexandra Clarke. (The pair also collaborated on the CBC series Heartland.)
Starring Andie MacDowell, Chyler Leigh, and Laflamme-Snow, the show follows three generations of women in one family who struggle to come to terms with painful events from their past.
Laflamme-Snow said she was thrilled — and a little intimidated — when she found out she would be working with MacDowell and Leigh on the series. She said the actresses did their best to put her at ease and make her feel comfortable.
“They have remained so warm and generous to someone who’s just getting started,” she said. “… I think one of the biggest takeaways for me is just that like you can be very, very accomplished and celebrated…and you can still give so much and be so generous.”
Time travel
In the show, Laflamme-Snow plays Alice, the youngest of the three Landry women. After her parents split up, Alice ends up moving with her mother, Kat (Chyler Leigh), from Minneapolis to the small town of Port Haven, New Brunswick to live with Alice’s grandmother, Del (Andie MacDowell). The relationship between Kat and Del is tense. Alice knows that her mother’s brother disappeared when he was a child and that her mother and grandmother haven’t spoken in years.
While exploring the farm one day, Alice falls into a pond. When she comes to the surface, she finds out she has traveled through time to 1999, the year her uncle disappeared. She meets a teenage version of her mother (played by Alex Hook) and is introduced to her grandmother and her uncle.
Once she realizes she can return to the present by going back into the pond, Alice regularly travels back to 1999 and tries to figure out the mystery behind her uncle’s disappearance.
Behind the scenes
The series was shot on location in Ontario. The time-traveling scenes involved a lot of jumping into a pond during the late summer and early fall months for Laflamme-Snow. In her interview with TV Cheddar, she revealed the tricks the film crew used to keep her warm.
Sometimes she wore a wetsuit under her clothes. Other times she had to wrap herself in a foil blanket as soon as she climbed out of the water to help her warm up. And sometimes, her stunt doubles (she has more than one) would jump into the pond for her, though this was only when there wasn’t enough time for Laflamme-Snow to get dried off in between takes. The underwater sequences were filmed in a heated pool.
A graduate of the National Theatre School of Canada’s acting program, Laflamme-Snow has appeared in the TV series Game On and the movies Love Triangle Nightmare and Sinister Switch.
To watch the full interview, click here.
The Way Home airs on Hallmark Channel on Sunday evenings. Check local listings for the exact time.