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Hallmark Media has elevated John Matts to president, in a leadership change at the company that operates Hallmark Channel. Matts was most recently COO of Hallmark Media after joining as CFO in 2022.

In his new role Matts will oversee advertising sales, culture, distribution, finance, research, and strategic insights, and will report to Hallmark Cards CEO Mike Perry. Darren Abbott, Hallmark’s chief brand officer and the top creative executive at the company, will continue in his role, reporting to Perry.

“John’s proven leadership, strategic insights, and deep understanding of our brand, business, and the industry make him ideally suited to drive the evolving Hallmark Media business into the future,” said Perry in a statement.

In addition, Hallmark Media named Jessica Tasler Noble chief culture officer, moving over from Hallmark Product & Retail, and succeeding Sabrina Wiewel, who will now serve as executive VP of Crayola Studios.

Hallmark Media on Monday elevated John Matts to president and named sixteen-year company veteran Jessica Tasler Noble chief culture officer, moves disclosed in a company memo and press release issued before the market opened. The reshuffle also transfers outgoing Cco Sabrina Wiewel to executive vice-president of Crayola Studios, the children’s content arm Hallmark acquired in 2022.

Matts joined Hallmark in October 2022 as chief financial officer and was promoted to chief operating officer last January, taking charge of ad sales, distribution and the Hallmark Movies Now streaming service. As president he inherits those businesses plus finance, research and strategic insights, reporting directly to Hallmark Cards chief executive Mike Perry, who praised his “strategic insights and deep understanding of our brand.”

Tasler Noble, previously senior vice-president of employee experience, has steered internal communications and retention strategy since 2019; she will now report to Matts and “shape a culture that keeps creativity at the center,...

Hallmark Channel spoilers and updates reveal Mystery 101 alumni wonder if the series could be revived under the new network regime. Read on to see the insights from some of the series alumni and writers.

John Christian Plummer’s Been Making The Circuits

With John Christian Plummer, the writer of Mystery 101, actively promoting his latest film, Mystery Island: Winner Takes All, excitement is building around the beloved series that concluded with a shocking cliffhanger.

Following Hallmark Media’s notable leadership changes, including Mike Perry stepping in as CEO and Darren Abbott taking on the role of Chief Brand Officer, there is a fresh wave of speculation about the potential revival of the series.

Here’s what various individuals connected to Mystery 101 are saying about the potential return of the series. And if there may be the chance to finally address the frustrating cliffhanger that has left fans in suspense for years.

The Hallmark+ series The Chicken Sisters ended in October. The series which is based on the Kj Dell’Antonia book of the same name starred Lea Thompson, Wendie Malick, Genevieve Angelson, Rukiya Bernard, and Schuyler Fisk was the first series aired on the rebranded streamer.

Fans of the series have been waiting for news. Thanks to an industry publication, it looks like we know if there could be a Season 2.

The Chicken Sisters 101, Day 6 of 15, May 13, 2024, Langley, BC, Canada Photo Credit: Bettina Strauss Did Hallmark+ Renew The Chicken Sisters For Season 2?

Fans have been wondering about the future of The Chicken Sisters. On Thursday, Production Weekly listed The Chicken Sisters Season 2. However, despite this series renewal information in this prestigious industry publication, Hallmark has not made any sort of announcement about the future of this series. Moreover, Lisa Hamilton Daly, the EVP of Programming at the network is no longer...

Wcth Season 12, Episode 3 is called “All That Glitters.” In this episode, there are many secrets that the residents of Hope Valley hope to uncover. Some residents may hope to keep them secret for a while longer. What happens in this upcoming episode of the hit Hallmark series?

Photo: Chris McNally Credit: ©2024 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Jeff Weddell What Is Wcth Season 12, Episode 3 ‘All That Glitters’ About?’

The latest episode of Wcth Season 12, Episode 3 is called “All That Glitters.” What should Hearties expect? According to TV Everyday, “Secrets are at the center of the action. Elizabeth and Nathan work together to uncover a hidden truth about Oliver, leading them to some unexpected discoveries. As they dig deeper, they begin to question what has been kept from them. Meanwhile, Rosemary finds herself growing increasingly worried about Lee. She suspects he may be keeping a secret of his own, creating tension between the couple.

On Monday, Hallmark Media made a dramatic change by eliminating Lisa Hamilton Daly’s position at the network. The Executive Vice President of Programming position was eliminated, and the powerful executive is no longer at the network after making strides with the network.

Here are the latest details.

(L-r) Mike Perry, President and CEO, Hallmark, Lisa Hamilton Daly, Executive Vice President, Programming, Hallmark Media, Darren Abbott, Chief Brand Officer, Hallmark and Emily Powers, Executive Vice President, Streaming and Digital Platforms Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for Hallmark Media Lisa Hamilton Daly Out As EVP Of Programming At Hallmark Media

On Monday, there were some uncharacteristic bad feelings at Hallmark HQ. According to Deadline, the usually feel-good network has eliminated the EVP of Programming position, meaning Lisa Hamilton Daly is no longer with Hallmark Media.

The highly experienced Daly joined the network late in 2021, having worked for Netflix and Lifetime.

Hallmark+ is live!

The brand new streaming service officially premieres this week, featuring lots of new TV shows and movies.

“Hallmark+ marks a seminal moment for Hallmark,” says Mike Perry, president and CEO of Hallmark, in a statement.

“By intertwining new, rich content experiences with tangible rewards and premium Hallmark gifts, we are delivering a unique, new program that reflects our commitment to spreading joy through our deeply beloved brand touchpoints.”

Hallmark+ plans start at $7.99 per month or $79.99 per year, including benefits and rewards, as well as monthly $5 Hallmark Gold Crown Store coupons, free unlimited eCards, rewards for shopping and surprise gifts.

Click through to see which TV shows and movies you can watch right now…...

Updated: Sept. 9, 2024 - There's a new streaming service debuting this fall...or should we refer to it as a revamped one? The platform is called Hallmark+ and it's bound to be a source of joy for fans of the card company's wholesome and heartwarming content. I know I'm excited for the streamer and it may be right up your alley, too, but it does mean there are changes coming down the pipe, so tuck in. I'm going to explain what Hallmark+ is, how it's different from the other streamers, what you can expect from the service and, of course, it's price point.

Hallmark+ is a rebranded version of Hallmark Movies Now coming on Sept. 10

On Tuesday, Sept. 10, Hallmark Movies Now will transform into Hallmark+. Some of us have been through a change like this before. Remember CBS All Access, well that's what Paramount+ was called before it was revamped to...

Hallmark+ will jump into the streaming battles Sept. 10 by launching the original series The Chicken Sisters and the new unscripted series Celebrations with Lacey Chabert.

Additional premieres will drop through the month, with three new installments of The Jane Mysteries starring Jodie Sweetin (Fuller House) and Stephen Huszar (Navigating Christmas), and a Love on the Danube movie trilogy featuring Nazneen Contractor (Charmed), Wes Brown (Haul Out the Holly: Lit Up), Jessica Sipos (Betty’s Bad Luck in Love), Dan Jeannotte (Sense and Sensibility), Sarah Power (Good Witch), Brendan Penny (Chesapeake Shores) and Catherine Disher (Good Witch).

Hallmark Media announced the launch of the service in July. The new platform will cost $80 a year and offer the “very best of Hallmark with new exclusive content and membership benefits program,” said President and CEO Mike Perry at the time. That price includes e-cards and “surprising gifts.”

Created for television and executive produced by Annie Mebane, The Chicken Sisters is an eight-episode family drama starring Schuyler Fisk (Sam & Kate), Genevieve Angelson (The Handmaid’s Tale), Lea Thompson (Back to the Future) and Wendie Malick (Just Shoot Me!) as the women at the heart of the restaurant rivalry. James Kot (Virgin River), Margo Martindale (Justified) narrates. It’s based on the NY Times Bestseller and Reese’s Book Club selection The Chicken Sisters.

Following the first episode, new episodes premiere every Thursday starting on September 12.

As previously reported, Celebrations with Lacey Chabert is a new aspirational series executive produced and hosted by Chabert. Known for her multitude of starring roles in Hallmark movies over the years, Chabert will bring her passion for celebrating everyday heroes to this 10-episode series. The show follows Chabert as she surprises deserving individuals who are making a positive impact in their communities with the celebration of a lifetime. Following the first episode, new episodes premiere every Thursday.

Other series planned for the service include holiday limited series Holidazed and Mistletoe Murders; the reality competition series Finding Mr. Christmas; a docu-style dating series hosted by Ashley Williams; a home renovation show hosted by Luke Macfarlane; and new movie trilogy called Groomsmen that’s inspired by the success of The Wedding Veil.

Hallmark Media has made several big announcements in July. This includes hiring Wondwossen “Wondu” Dikran” the Senior Vice President of the newly created production division called Hallmark Studios.

Here is more information on this new division, as well as a little background on the new Hallmark Studios SVP, Wondu Dikran.

Mike Perry, President and CEO, Hallmark, Lisa Hamilton Daly, Executive Vice President, Programming, Hallmark Media, Darren Abbott, Chief Brand Officer, Hallmark and Emily Powers, Executive Vice President, Streaming and Digital Platforms, Hallmark Media participate in Hallmark Media’s Executive Session panel during the Summer 2024 Television Critics Association Press Tour at The Langham Huntington in Pasadena, CA on July 11, 2024. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for Hallmark Media) Hallmark Studios Names Wondu Dikran As SVP

On Tuesday, The Wrap reported that Hallmark Media officially named Wondwossen “Wondu” Dikran the Senior Vice President of Hallmark Studios. With this announcement is the the...

Hallmark Channel spoilers and updates reveal some behind-the-scenes drama has unfolded, as a Hallmark boss confronted Great American Family channel for poaching Hallmark actors! Fans will have noticed that several former Hallmark Movies stars have started making Great American Family channel movies, including Cameron Mathison.

Hallmark Channel Spoilers – The Question Isn’t Being Ignored

Hallmark actors potentially joining the Great American Family network has been a hot topic of discussion.

At the 2024 Television Critic Association Summer Press Tour, Hallmark CEO Mike Perry and Lisa Hamilton Daly, Executive VP of Programming for Hallmark Media, shared their thoughts on the matter. Perry emphasized, “We focus on our viewers and their preferences, rather than fixating on the competition.

He further explained that when selecting talent, they prioritize individuals who connect with their audience, stating, “It’s all about our viewers. It’s all about our brand image.”

Hamilton Daly also mentioned having an...

When Hallmark executives spoke at the recent TCA Summer 2024, they focused on the newly branded streaming service Hallmark+. They also discussed the reality shows “with heart.” However, what has not received much coverage is Hallmark’s answer to whether they will bring back the Hall Of Fame Movies.

What did these executives have to say about that?

(L-r) Mike Perry, President and CEO, Hallmark, Lisa Hamilton Daly, Executive Vice President, Programming, Hallmark Media, Darren Abbott, Chief Brand Officer, Hallmark and Emily Powers, Executive Vice President, Streaming and Digital Platforms Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for Hallmark Media Will Hallmark Hall Of Fame Movies Return?

At the TCA Summer 2024, Hallmark executives shared big news about the rebranding of the network’s streaming platform. Those executives include President and CEO, Mike Perry, EVP of Programming, Lisa Hamilton Daly, Chief Brand Officer Darren Abott, and EVP Streaming and Digital Platforms Emily Powers.

Captain Phillips, now on Netflix, is based on the true 2009 hijacking of the Maersk Alabama by Somali pirates. Tom Hanks stars as Captain Richard Phillips and Barkhad Abdi plays the pirate leader Muse, with both receiving critical acclaim. Most of the cast's supporting actors were new to the industry, with exception to a few character actors like Chris Mulkey and Catherine Keener

The Captain Phillips cast features one Hollywood veteran and several new faces. Now streaming on Netflix, Captain Phillips is based on the true story of the 2009 hijacking of the Maersk Alabama by Somali pirates. Tom Hanks leads the cast as the titular Captain Richard Phillips, the ship's commanding officer who is taken hostage by the pirates, led by their ruthless leader Muse, played by a new actor in a breakout role. The film focuses on the intense standoff between the crew and the pirates, highlighting Phillips' harrowing ordeal...

If you follow the news, you’d think that AI is going to take over every activity we formerly thought of as “human,” perhaps by the time you finish reading this sentence.

One of the great pleasures of reviewing documentaries, though, is that every few months a new film will pull back the curtain on the latest advancement in artificial intelligence or consciousness-infused robotics. Fairly consistently, the answer is: “Nah. People are safe. For now.”

For now.

The latest documentary to enter this fray is Peter Sillen’s Love Machina, a jumbled and easily distracted meditation on artificial intelligence, robotics, love, immortality, transformation and a form of spirituality that combines all of those things.

This is a subgenre in which any filmmaker will have to confront a series of what look like binaries, but increasingly aren’t: Visionary or crackpot? Science or science fiction? Utopian vision of the future or...

Hallmark Media CEO Wonya Lucas will step down from the role at the end of 2023. The executive helped pioneer a more inclusive programming lineup for the cable network during her three-year tenure. She will continue to serve on the Hallmark Media board of directors.

Lucas joined Hallmark in 2020, replacing Bill Abbott as president and CEO after controversy surrounding his handling of airing an ad featuring a same-sex couple kissing. Increasing the Hallmark Channel’s diverse programming was a priority for Lucas along with diversifying the content that was offered, inking partnerships with Peacock, YouTube and ad-supported platforms.

“I am honored to have led this company and am tremendously proud of the progress we’ve made by creating an evolved entertainment experience that inspires meaningful, emotionally connected moments for our audiences,” Lucas said in a statement. “My passion for the Hallmark brand has grown in deeply rewarding ways and will remain...

After three years at the helm, Hallmark Media President & CEO Wonya Lucas will exit her current role at the end of year, the company announced Tuesday. Lucas will continue to serve on the Hallmark Media Board of Directors.

Lucas, who was named to the post in July 2020, succeeded previous CEO Bill Abbott, who stepped down in January of that year following Hallmark Channel’s controversial handling of an ad featuring a same-sex couple kissing. It capped longtime criticism over Hallmark movies’ lack of diversity.

Increasing representation was one of Lucas’ priorities during her tenure, and she is credited with building a more solid foundation for the business through broadened storytelling with more diverse and inclusive storylines and characters.

Meanwhile, Abbott went on to launch a rival network in Gac Family, now Great American Family, owned by Great American Media, poaching some of Hallmark’s biggest stars to compete for female audiences and ad dollars.

Hallmark Media president and CEO Wonya Lucas will depart the company at the end of the year. Upon her departure, Lucas will continue to serve on the Hallmark Media board of directors.

“I am honored to have led this company and am tremendously proud of the progress we’ve made by creating an evolved entertainment experience that inspires meaningful, emotionally connected moments for our audiences,” said Lucas. “My passion for the Hallmark brand has grown in deeply rewarding ways and will remain paramount as I continue to help guide Hallmark Media’s future in a more strategically focused capacity.”

Lucas became president and CEO of Hallmark Media in 2020 when the media group was still known as Crown Media Family Networks. In her time with the company, she worked to make Hallmark programming more diverse and inclusive while also building partnerships with platforms like Peacock, YouTube, and Hulu as well as free ad-supported platforms.

Wonya Lucas, the executive who helped usher in a more diverse Hallmark Channel as CEO, will step down from her post at year’s end.

Hallmark, in announcing the move Tuesday, said Hallmark Companies CEO Mike Perry will work with Lucas and the Hallmark Media team to guide the platform through her transition.

“I am honored to have led this company and am tremendously proud of the progress we’ve made by creating an evolved entertainment experience that inspires meaningful, emotionally connected moments for our audiences,” Lucas said. “My passion for the Hallmark brand has grown in deeply rewarding ways and will remain paramount as I continue to help guide Hallmark Media’s future in a more strategically focused capacity.”

Lucas will continue to serve on the Hallmark Media board of directors.

Lucas joined Hallmark from TV One in 2020, replacing Bill Abbott as the president and CEO of Crown Media Family Networks,...

[[tmz:video id="0_oagobk10"]] Here's a painful lesson on why you should Never get in a street fight -- courtesy of Ufc star "Platinum" Mike Perry. We asked Platinum -- who fights this weekend at Ufc on Fox 26 -- to give us the lowdown on if he's ever had to throw down outside the Octagon ... and the story he hit us with was Oscar-worthy. It all went down on a New Year's Eve in Dt Orlando ... when Mike and his Gf,...

[[tmz:video id="0_ez96dzsn"]] If Conor McGregor ever wants to get off his yacht and fight a real 170-pounder -- Ufc rising star 'Platinum' Mike Perry says he's All About that action. In fact ... when we asked Platinum about his dream fight, the knockout artist unleashed one of the most epic Conor call-outs ever.  "I'll fight McGregor in Ireland, wassup?! In Dublin, wassup?! Quote me on that," Perry told TMZ Sports. "You'll do f**kin' nothin' you f**kin' prick!