Candace Cameron Bure will star in a new mystery series. The actress, who starred in the Aurora Teagarden Mysteries series for Hallmark, will take the lead role in a cozy mystery series for Great American Family.
“There’s nothing more exciting for me than being back in the cozy mystery genre,” Bure said in a statement. “Mysteries are so fun to watch and to try to solve. I hope our faithful fans and audiences fall in love with the townspeople of Sweet River, Texas, and Ainsley McGregor’s keen eye for solving mysteries. In this next-level mystery series, the family dynamics and developing relationships alone should keep you coming back for more!”
New mystery series
Bure will star as Ainsley McGregor in The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker. The movie, which is based on the cozy mystery novel by Candace Havens, will also star Aaron Ashmore.
The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker is the first mystery movie for Great American Family, which was launched by former Hallmark CEO Bill Abbott in 2021. The company, which runs two cable networks, has produced a slew of romantic comedies and holiday movies and recently launched an original TV drama series, County Rescue.
In The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker, Bure stars as Ainsley McGregor (Cameron Bure), a former Chicago criminologist who returns to her Texas hometown in order to open a market for artisans titled Bless Your Arts. According to a synopsis from the network, “Ainsley, however, cannot deny her first love is crime solving and accepts a position teaching a criminology class at the local community college. Her skills quickly become a major asset to the small town when a murder occurs at a winery owned by her friend, who now stands accused of the crime.”
Aurora Teagarden
Some fans are still reeling from Bure’s 2022 announcement that she was leaving Hallmark Media to take a job producing and starring in movies and shows for Great American Family.
The actress had recently finished making the 18th movie in the popular Aurora Teagarden Mysteries, a series of films based on novels by Charlaine Harris. Many fans assumed the films would be finished without the star.
But in 2023, Hallmark announced it was releasing a prequel to the series, Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Something New, starring Hallmark has started making a series of prequel films with actress Skyler Samuels in the title role.
“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.”
Producer Mike Barbuto recently announced that two more movies are in the works.
“…I can tell you that the next two are going to be even better than the first one,” Barbuto said on the Hallmark Mysteries and More podcast.
Great American Family
Great American Family is expected to announce more original movie mysteries in the next few weeks, according to Deadline. CEO Bill Abbott said the movies will fit right in with the rest of the network’s programming.
“Our cozy mysteries are crafted in the heritage of the classic storytelling that has evolved since Agatha Christie coined the term in the 1930s and set the stage for one of the most popular genres of entertainment,” he said.
Luke Macfarlane had nothing but nice things to say about this former co-star
Don’t expect Luke Macfarlane to trash his colleagues anytime soon. In a recent interview with comedian Daniel Tosh, the actor had only nice things to say about former co-star Candace Cameron Bure.
Macfarlane played opposite Candace Cameron Bure in the 2018 Countdown to Christmas movie A Shoe Addict’s Christmas.
“I will admit that I was nervous to work with her, but she could not have been more lovely,” he said during an appearance on the Tosh Show.
When Tosh asked if the two discussed Macfarlane’s sexual orientation — the actor is gay — he said they had not, adding, “She has a lot of gay friends.”
Luke Macfarlane
Macfarlane rose to fame playing Scotty Wandell on the ABC series Brothers & Sisters. He said when Hallmark first approached him to do a movie, he asked his agent if it would hurt his career.
“They’re like, ‘They’re not on people’s radars,’” he said. “And I’m like, ‘They kind of are.’”
Over the years, Macfarlane has starred in a long list of Hallmark movies:
Christmas Land (2015),
The Mistletoe Promise (2016)
A Birthday Wish (2017),
Karen Kingsbury’s Maggie’s Christmas Miracle (2017)
A Shoe Addict’s Christmas (2018)
Just Add Romance (2019)
Sense, Sensibility and Snowmen (2019)
A Valentine’s Match (2020)
Chateau Christmas (2020)
Taking a Shot at Love (2021)
Christmas in My Heart (2021)
Moriah’s Lighthouse (2022)
A Magical Christmas Village (2022)
Notes of Autumn (2023)
Catch Me If You Claus (2023)
Candace Cameron Bure
Candace Cameron Bure made headlines in April 2022 when she announced she was leaving Hallmark to work at Great American Family, a new network started by former Hallmark CEO Bill Abbott.
“My heart wants to tell stories that have more meaning and purpose and depth behind them,” she said.
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Bure was asked if any of her films would include same-sex romances. The actress said her films would focus on “traditional marriage.”
Some fans were supportive of her comments but others were furious. Actor Neal Bledsoe, who co-starred with Danica McKellar in the Great American Family romcom The Winter Palace, publicly condemned Bure’s comments and said he would not work with the network again.
Bill Abbott, who was part of the Wall Street Journal interview, clarified that the network could eventually include same-sex romance but that in its initial stages, it would focus on movies with messages of faith.
“Spiritual or faith-based content is grossly underserved,” he said.
Leaving Hallmark
In September of 2022, the actor told the LA Times that he wouldn’t be working with Hallmark anymore.
“They’ve been very good to me, but I think I’ve told my story for now with those folks,” he said. “I mean, how many firefighters can I play?”
Macfarlane made it clear there were no hard feelings behind the decision, even saying that Hallmark had taught him some important skills.
“One thing that I really enjoyed about making Hallmark movies is it’s really fun to flirt,” he said. “It’s fun to play that energy on camera, where relationships are at their best in those early times. I guess Hallmark has given me a lot of flirting lessons.”
Macfarlane delighted fans when he announced in the summer of 2023 that — surprise — he was working with Hallmark again. The actor starred in Notes of Autumn, in which he played a gay man who finds romance when he swaps apartments with his friend, played by Ashley Williams.
Same-sex story lines could eventually be part of Great American Media’s lineup. But for now, the focus is on faith.
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, the head of Great American Media says the network has no specific plan to exclude same-sex story lines from the movies it produces.
“It’s certainly the year 2022, so we’re aware of the trends,” said Bill Abbott. “There’s no whiteboard that says, ‘Yes, this’ or ‘No, we’ll never go here.’”
For now, Great American Family movies feature heterosexual romantic story lines, often with romance coming in a distant second to spiritual and personal growth.
In her new movie for Great American Family, Candace Cameron Bure says she is trying to get away from some of the tropes that have come to define Christmas rom-coms.
“My own kids have said, ‘Mom, are you leaving the big city and going to the farm, meeting the love of your life?’” Bure said. “Those are all fun things that we love, but we see over and over and over.
Great American Media
In recent years, Hallmark has made a push to include same-sex couples in some of its movies and television shows. Both The Christmas House and The Christmas House 2: Deck Those Halls featured a same sex couple played by Jonathan Bennett and Brad Harder. In the series finale of the popular show Good Witch, one of the show’s main characters shared a same-sex kiss with a new love interest.
Hallmark executives have said they want all audiences to feel represented in their programming.
While some fans have welcomed the changes, others have accused the company of going “woke for profit.”
Change of focus
The focus of the story in Bure’s new film for the network, A Christmas…Present, is the main character’s spiritual reawakening. Bure plays Maggie, a married mother of two who goes to visit her recently widowed brother, Paul. Though she is expecting to find Paul grief-stricken and depressed, she finds he has coped well with the loss because of his Christian faith. Maggie comes away from the experience with a renewed love of God and an appreciation for her many blessings.
While not all of the movies will have such a religious focus, many will include messages of faith, hope, and family.
“Spiritual or faith-based content is grossly underserved,” Abbott said in an interview, a sentiment echoed by Bure.
“My heart wants to tell stories that have more meaning and purpose and depth behind them,” Bure said.
Bure’s first film for Great American Family, A Christmas…Present, will premiere on Sunday, November 27 at 8/7c.
John Stamos and Danica McKellar weigh in on new Candace Cameron Bure podcast
John Stamos and Danica McKellar have weighed in on the new Cameron Candace Bure podcast. The podcast, which premieres November 1, will feature Bure and guests talking about everything from faith to fashion.
“The Candace Cameron Bure Podcast launching November 1st,” Bure wrote in a recent Instagram post. “Click the link in my bio for more details and SUBSCRIBE NOW! #ccbpodcast.”
Her Full House and Fuller House co-star John Stamos replied with, “I’d watch that! I’d listen to that! And I hope I’m on it someday! Can’t wait….”
Danica McKellar responded with, “Yay!!! ❤️”
Cameron Candace Bure podcast
In a statement to Variety, Bure explained why she decided to do a podcast.
“I’ve been interviewed a whole lot in my 40 plus years on television,” she said. “I thought it was time to have in-depth conversations about things I really care about — and have lots of fun at the same time!”
The podcast is being launched by her production company, Candy Rock Enterprises, which is also creating content for Great American Media. Her first Christmas movie for the new network, Candace Cameron Bure Presents: A Christmas…Present, will premiere on November 27. The second, Christmas on Candy Cane Lane, will premiere on December 3.
Podcast preview
Bure posted a preview of the podcast on her Instagram page.
“No matter who you are, life can be a roller coaster,” she said. “But in the beauty and the chaos life is full of love, joy, and kindness. This podcast isn’t about me, it’s about you. I’m here to introduce you to some of my friends
and to have open conversations about life’s challenges, celebrations, and everything in between.”
Bure also has a clothing line with QVC, a partnership with Lancer Cosmetics, and she works with Christian gifts company DaySpring.
“I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, even as a teenager,” she said in a recent interview. “I knew that I loved the entertainment industry and I did love acting, but I always felt like I wanted more,“I didn’t just want to be an actor, which is a great thing. I wanted more, so I was always positioning myself and trying to learn, as a young adult, what else I could do — the other aspects of the industry like producing or directing. I’ve loved watching people grow. I love seeing other entrepreneurs pursue their dreams.”
Candy Rock Enterprises will launch “The Candace Cameron Bure Podcast” on Nov. 1. Season 1 will be released on video via the AccessMore podcast network and on YouTube. It will also be available on multiple audio podcast channels and at candace.com.
Candace Cameron Bure to star in, produce new Christmas movie for Great American Family
Candace Cameron Bure announced that her first project for Great American Family, a network started by former Hallmark CEO Bill Abbott, is a Christmas movie that will be released in November.
“SO HAPPY to announce that Candy Rock Entertainment is underway with their first Christmas movie of the season starring…me,” she wrote in an Instagram post promoting the movie.
The film is titled “A Christmas…Present.” According to a synopsis from the network, Bure plays real estate agent Maggie Larson, “an overly scheduled real estate agent and Type-A mom who takes her family to spend Christmas with her widowed brother and his daughter.”
Though Maggie and her brother have different expectations for the holiday, Maggie learns to slow down and appreciate Christmas.
“A Christmas … Present is about slowing down enough to recognize what’s right in front of our eyes,” Bure said in a statement to People. “The hustle and bustle of the Christmas season will arrive before we know it but it’s through the quiet moments that we hear God speak to us, directing our path to what’s most important.”
Candace Cameron Bure production company
The movie is the first to be produced by Bure’s Candy Rock Entertainment. In April, the actress announced a partnership between Candy Rock and Great American Media to create content for its two networks, Great American Family and Great American Living.
“I am thrilled to be kicking off our partnership with a must-see film like A Christmas…Present, which will delight our fans this holiday season and is indicative of the memorable movies and family-friendly entertainment that Great American Media is looking forward to creating with Candace and the Candy Rock team,” said Bill Abbott, president and CEO of Great American Media.
New partnership
Bure shocked fans when she announced she would be leaving Hallmark Media to work with Great American Family.
“I’m very excited to develop heartwarming family and faith-filled programming and make the kind of stories my family and I love to watch,” Bure said in a statement through the network.
The actress starred in more than 40 movies for Hallmark, including the Aurora Teagarden Mysteries.
Fans have mixed reactions to news that Candace Cameron Bure leaving Hallmark Channel
Fans have mixed reactions to news that Candace Cameron Bure leaving Hallmark Channel
By now, most fans have heard about Candace Cameron Bure leaving Hallmark Channel to work with GAC Family. The Full House actress made the announcement on Instagram last week.
“Excited to join the @gactv and @gacliving family!” she wrote in the caption.
The actress, who has starred in more than two dozen movies for Crown Media Family Networks, received support from other actors who have signed deals with GAC Family.
“Yayayay!!!! Welcome to the family, my friend!!” Danica McKellar wrote in the comments.
But among fans, the reactions were mixed.
Some fans thrilled that Candace Cameron Bure now working for GAC Family
“I’m so excited for you and for GAC family,” one wrote on Bure’s Facebook page. “Can’t wait to see what you and Mr. Abbot will create together. Crossing my fingers in hopes of seeing some mysteries on this channel too. Oh! And bring back the home and family show. God Bless and enjoy this new adventure.”
“This is such great news!” wrote another. “I was hoping we would see you there especially when they picked up Full House & Fuller House. May God continue to richly bless you in all that you do!”
Some fans upset that Candace Cameron Bure leaving Hallmark Channel
Most fans who have objected to Bure’s departure say the issue is straightforward: they don’t have access to GAC Family.
Though the new network is included in some basic cable packages — you can check yours here — in others, it can cost extra. It’s also available on several streaming platforms, but some fans they can’t afford to pay.
“I’m on disability and a fixed income and can’t afford to have a bunch of extra channels,” one wrote on social media. “I hate that so many have abandoned ship at Hallmark. Will miss seeing them.”
Fans in Canada say they can’t even get GAC Family.
“This makes me a little sad because GAC Media isn’t currently available in Canada!” one wrote. “Neither is Hallmark but I could at least watch your movies on WNetwork through StackTV.”
What is GAC Family?
GAC Family is one of two networks launched by former Crown Media CEO Bill Abbott. Abbott left Crown Media — which produces content for Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies and Mysteries, and Hallmark Drama — in early 2020.
In June of 2021, he announced that his new company, GAC Media, had purchased two cable networks. Programming on GAC Family and GAC Living began in September. In addition to old episodes of family-friendly shows such as Bewitched, I Dream of Jeannie, and Father Knows Best, GAC Family released 12 original movies for the holiday season in 2022.
Other Hallmark stars such as Jen Lilley, Jessica Lowndes, and Danica McKellar have also signed contracts to work with GAC Media. Holly Robinson Peete, Brennan Elliott, and Lacey Chabert have signed contracts to continue to work for Crown Media.
Candace Cameron Bure is moving to GAC Family
Candace Cameron Bure is moving to GAC Family
Candace Cameron Bure is moving to GAC Family. The Hallmark veteran will produce and star in content for the new network, which was started by former Crown Media CEO Bill Abbott in 2021.
“I’m very excited to develop heartwarming family and faith-filled programming and make the kind of stories my family and I love to watch,” Bure said in a statement through the network.
Bure joins other Hallmark favorites Danica McKellar and Jen Lilley, who have signed exclusive contracts to produce and star in content for the network, which began programing in September.
“Candace is adored by generations of fans as one of family entertainment’s most cherished and relatable stars,” said Abbott, president & CEO of GAC Media. “She has helped build this genre into the mainstream success it is today, and I look forward to working together at GAC Media as we further establish our brands as leaders in quality family programming. I am truly honored that she has chosen to be a part of and help curate her special brand of family entertainment here at Great American Channels.”
Abbott made headlines in June 2021 when he announced he had partnered with Dallas-based Hicks Equity Partners to purchase two networks in a deal Bloomberg estimated at $90 million.
Hallmark vs. GAC
Hallmark has been signing deals left and right with its actors. Lacey Chabert, Brennan Elliott, and Holly Robinson Peete are among the stars who have agreed to work exclusively with Crown Media in the coming years.
But many of its actors have already started working with GAC Family. Trevor Donovan, Brendan Fehr, Jennie Garth, Maggie Lawson, Sarah Lind, Daniel Lissing, M Chad Michael Murray, Sam Page, Merritt Patterson, Becca Tobin, Jill Wagner, and Dewshane Williams have appeared in movies with the new network.
Aurora Teagarden
The former star of Full House has appeared in more than two dozen movies for Hallmark. Her latest, Aurora Teagarden: Haunted By Murder, premiered on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries in February.
In addition to starring new content for GAC Family, Bure’s Candy Rock Entertainment production company will oversee and curate programming from GAC and create year-round seasonal celebration content.
“I am constantly looking for ways that I can inspire people to live life with purpose,” Bure said. “GAC fits my brand perfectly; we share a vision of creating compelling wholesome content for an audience who wants to watch programming for and with the whole family. Great, quality entertainment with a positive message is what my partnership with GAC is all about!”