Hallmark Channel News: Execs Talk New Network Name, GAC Rival, And When Calls The Heart!

Hallmark channel news and updates reveal that the network has changed its name. And it looks as if execs have become worried about their new rival, the Great American Family (GAC). As a result of former Hallmark stars moving to GAC, several of the network’s management shared their views. 

And in the process, the execs offered some surprises. For instance, they offered an update on When Calls The Heart season 10. Plus they hinted at futures for two other popular shows. Learn everything they said below! 

Hallmark Channel – Execs Talk New Name And GAC Rivalry

Can a name change stop former Hallmark stars from heading to the network’s rival GAC? Hallmark execs considered that question during the Television Critics Association press conference, reported Variety. And management sought to dismiss any hints of concern.

For instance, Hallmark Media president and CEO Wonya Lucas and EVP of programming Lisa Hamilton Daly insisted that they feel solid on their talent pool. “We’ve kept a lot of our talent under options, save for Christmas movies,” explained Daly. And she also hinted on future hiring. “We’re looking for new talent all the time.”

But the Hallmark Media president also admitted that GAC presents a challenge. “I think there’s a lot of talent out there that we’ve worked with in the past that GAC is now working with,” she noted. “But I think that we also are constantly trying to evolve the talent pool that we’re working with.” And Lucas added that she feels Hallmark “retained almost everybody that we’re really excited to have. So that’s where we are.”

"I think we retained almost everybody that we’re really excited to have," says Lisa Hamilton Daly, EVP of Programming of @hallmarkchannel https://t.co/jqeEmHFhPx

— TV Insider (@TVInsider) August 10, 2022

And the two execs also shared news about a network name change. Previously, the network was called Crown Media Family Networks. However, now they have changed the name to Hallmark Media. And the managers shared that the goal is to parallel the Hallmark Cards brand. 

Hallmark Channel – Updates When Calls The Heart And The Good Witch!

The Hallmark execs also discussed current and future shows. For instance, Chesapeake Shores has begun airing its last season. But When Calls the Heart has started filming. And the execs also shared that new episodes of season 10 will start in 2023. In addition, they discussed popular shows including Good Witch and Signed, Sealed, And Delivered.

For instance, Lucas revealed that Hallmark has begun thinking about the potential for more Good Witch. But she added, “I can’t announce anything specific about that.” However, Lucas also noted she applies the same philosophy to Signed, Sealed and Delivered. “Don’t think we’re finished with that,” she added.

And Daly shared that Signed, Sealed and Delivered fans constantly send letters to the network. She promised that they read them all. And she added, “The fandom and the passion for that franchise is unusual. And so we listen. We hear. I’d say, Stand by!”

Daly also shared her pride in feeling like a family at Hallmark. And she noted that at first, she “didn’t quite get that.” But now she understands. “Our talent, they know each other. They have a great relationship and that’s the secret sauce we have as Hallmark,” she summed up. “We have existing talent that’s been with us a long time, and we have a new talent that we’re bringing in as well. And they all feel part of this Hallmark Channel love and so that that will be consistent; that is consistent in the past; that’s consistent today.”

Tell us what you think. Do you look forward to season 10 of When Calls The Heart? And after you share your views, check back on our site for more Hallmark channel news!

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