What you need to know about Hallmark+ before you subscribe
By Sabrina Reed
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 integrate much of Paramount's stable of shows and be known for being more than CBS' streaming arm.
Hallmark Movies Now, in its current iteration, is a bit of a misnomer since Hallmark Channel boasts more than films. When Calls the Heart has been a staple of the network for 11 seasons and counting. The Way Home makes gains in popularity with each season it premieres. The brand is interested and invested in expanding their television offerings. That's why the revamp is necessary. They're more than a movie network at this point.
But it should be noted that though Hallmark+ is taking over for Hallmark Movies Now that doesn't mean the latter's subscribers can expect to pay the same price.
How much does Hallmark+ cost?
Variety reports that the service will debut with plans that start at $7.99/month, that's an increase of two dollars for Hallmark Movies Now subscribers who've been paying $5.99/month. The annual subscription will start at $79.99/year.
What's interesting about this streamer is that the subscription cost isn't just an entry fee consumers have to pay to access the platform's content library. There are also rewards that subscribers can earn as they watch the movies and shows available on Hallmark+. The points earned through viewing the streamer's content have real world value. They can be used in Hallmark stores, meaning there's a consumer benefit to signing up for the service outside of watching quality programming.
It's being referred to as a membership benefits program that comes in addition to the exclusive content available on the streamer and includes "monthly $5 Hallmark Gold Crown Store coupons, free unlimited eCards, rewards for shopping, and surprise gifts."
When speaking to the press about Hallmark+, per Deadline, Chief Brand Officer Darren Abbott said the following about the rebrand: "It’s symbiotic between streaming and our retail and digital footprint. We give content to inspire their lives and their rewards to help them live it."
President and CEO Mike Perry followed his statement with "Shoppers are viewers, viewers are shoppers," which is apt and it looks like Hallmark plans to lean into that reality.
Is Hallmark ending their partnership with Peacock?
With an announcement like this it's understandable that there'd be some concern for Hallmark viewers who tune into the network's programming outside of Hallmark Movies Now. But there's no need to worry. The content that airs on Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Family, and Hallmark Mystery will still be available to stream on Peacock. The 24/7 live channels, the ability to watch new movies on-demand for 30 days, and the most recent seasons of the network's shows aren't going anywhere. As for whether Hallmark+ originals will have a second streaming window on Peacock or air on the linear channels, that's unknown.
Countdown to Christmas won't be on Hallmark+
If you were hoping to watch Hallmark Channel's beloved Countdown to Christmas slate on the streamer, unfortunately, that won't be possible. As Hidden Remote previously reported, the platform will have its own holiday programming, some of which is previewed below, but the company has made the decision to keep Countdown to Christmas exclusive to cable. Lisa Hamilton Daly, EVP of programming at Hallmark Media, had the following to say on the matter:
"‘Countdown to Christmas’ remains a linear experience. The content on the app is going to be ‘Holidazed,’ ‘Mistletoe Murders,’ our unscripted shows and a couple of movie trilogies coming up that we haven’t announced yet. There’s going to be a bunch of holiday content, but it’s going to be separate and different from what’s on linear."
The content will still be family friendly but more diverse and complex
If you're worried that Hallmark+'s content won't be suitable for living room watching, don't be. Hallmark prides itself on offering movies and series that the family can watch together. As such the streamer's roster will retain the G to PG rating typical to the company's productions. However, you can expect for its content to be more diverse and complex in nature.
This means there will be conflicts that need to be resolved and not all of the programming will be as light as Hallmark Channel viewers are used to though if you're a fan of The Way Home you should be fine. Speaking to Variety, Hamilton Daly explained:
"We think about our audiences and what they want and like from us, as to where it goes first. We’re thinking about diversity, the audience being younger and building it around. Our linear audience is who’s left watching linear, which tends to be older. We consider them our core viewers so we think about what makes them happy. It’s about thinking about the audience first in each place.
We’re also willing to have a little bit more conflict in our stories. In order to develop plots, you have to have some conflict — especially in our series, people fight with each other, but we know there’s the promise that they do really love each other, and they’ll come together at the end. You have to hold that out because it’s very important to our viewers to have that be the resolution. But in order to make a series work, you have to have a little bit more complex storylines."
What's on Hallmark+?
In terms of original content, the streamer's fall 2024 offerings include three series, a competition show, two unscripted programs, two movie trilogies, and a new Jane Mysteries film. 2025 will see the debut of two more unscripted series. Let's delve into each title!
The Chicken Sisters
Premiere date: Sept. 10
Episodes: 8
Cast: Schuyler Fisk, Genevieve Angelson, Lea Thompson, Wendie Malick, Margo Martindale (narrator), James Kot, Rukiya Bernard, Ektor Rivera, and Jake Foy
Based on the book of the same name by K.J. Dell’Antonia, The Chicken Sisters follows feuding chicken restaurants who are pitted against each other when Kitchen Clash, a popular cooking competition comes to Merinac. The hope is that the competition can settle the dispute once and for all so the founding families of Mimi's and Frannie's--along with the rest of the town--won't have to continue to be caught in the generations-old dust up. Viewers can anticipate romance being a part of the show as well and for secrets to come to light, bringing both spark and drama to this already heated match up.
Celebrations with Lacey Chabert
Premiere date: Sept. 10
Episodes: 10
Celebrations with Lacey Chabert is a show about blessing people who give back to their communities. In recognition and honor of all that they do, Chabert is getting together with party planners, the honoree's family members, and volunteers to throw bashes to celebrate the person, or people, each episode is spotlighting. These events are created in just three days and the honorees range from kids to families and adults.
The Jane Mysteries: A Deadly Prescription
Premiere date: Sept. 10
Cast: Jodi Sweetin, Stephen Huszar, Beth Hornby, Colin McLeod, and Paris Jefferson
Jane Da Silva is hot on the case of a murdered pharmacist. A teenage boy by the name of Ryan has been accused of the crime but his mother Sandra Shea knows he's innocent. It'll be up to Jane and Det. John Cameron--with some guidance from Jane's aunt Sadie--to get to the bottom of what really happened. There's something about this case that Jane has a personal connection to but she'll need to keep her wits about her. The stakes are on the rise and this is an investigation that deals with missing witnesses, buried secrets, and false confessions. There's so much going on in this movie that she's in for a race against time to unearth the truth.
Love on the Danube movie collection
Cast: Sarah Power, Brendan Penny, Dan Jeannotte Jessica Sipos, Nanzeen Contractor, and Wes Brown
Love on the Danube: Love Song premieres Sept. 10. The movie, starring Nazeen Contractor and Wes Brown, follows Sarah and Jack, two would-be matchmakers who are trying to put their widowed parents together. What better place than a cruise ship to fall in love? Especially when you're attempting to match your loved ones together and you wind up finding romance yourself.
The plots for the remaining two movies are still under wraps, but we do know the films are set in Europe. They're being billed as romcoms so we can expect humor with our hefty plate of romance. The cruise ship seems to be the connecting thread for the Love on the Danube collection and we'll get to see some of the cast dancing in castles, enjoying carriage rides, and taking in a wine cellar.
Holidazed
Cast: Dennis Haysbert, Erin Cahill, Holland Roden, Ian Harding, John C. McGinley, Lindy Booth Loretta Devine, Lucille Soong, Nazeen Contractor, Noemi Gonzalez, Osric Chau, Rachelle Lefevre, Ser’Darius Blain, and Virginia Madsen
Holidazed is Hallmark's first holiday TV series and it's centered on six families who all live in the same cul-de-sac. They each celebrate the season in different ways, paying homage to their cultures, backgrounds, and the traditions their families have passed down from generation to generation. But even as they embrace one another and welcome in the good tidings of the most wonderful time of the year, we can still expect the chaos that comes with the holidays. Be prepared for humor and heartwarming moments.
Mistletoe Murders
Based on the Audible podcast of the same name, Mistletoe Murders centers on Emily Lane (Sarah Drew), the owner of the Christmas themed store, "Under the Mistletoe," who investigates murders in the small town of Fletcher's Grove with the local police detective and his teen daughter in her spare time. Emily has a wonderful life, but she's hiding a secret past that could upend it if it were to get out.
Finding Mr. Christmas
Hallmark is trying their hand at a reality competition series and, of course, their first foray into the genre is a Christmas themed show. In Finding Mr. Christmas, 10 aspiring actors will be vying for the title of Mr. Christmas and a lead role in a Hallmark Christmas movie set to debut during the main channel's Countdown to Christmas slate this year. The competition is hosted by Hallmark staple Jonathan Bennett. Melissa Peterman (Happy's Place) is the main judge and there will be guest judges who make appearances.
Finding Mr. Christmas focuses on the acting skills of the contestants but they'll also be put through their paces in challenges including a chaotic Christmas tree run, a talent show, and more!
Ready, Set, Glow!
Episodes: 3
Fans of ABC's The Great Christmas Light Fight are sure to enjoy Ready, Set, Glow! though this isn't a competition series. Wes Brown hosts this show that focuses on beautiful, festive light displays that have become community staples and the people who bring joy to those around them with their creativity. Brown will travel the country to bring attention to these communities whose holiday celebrations are a sight to behold.
Groomsmen movie trilogy
Cast: B.J. Britt, Jonathan Bennett, and Tyler Hynes
Ever wanted the male perspective of "the Big day"? Well, the Groomsmen films are set to give it to you! The trilogy of movies follows three best friends who find love in gorgeous locales like Bulgaria, Greece, and Italy. Per Variety, Pete (Britt) is a pediatrician with a kind heart who loves to plan everything, Danny (Bennett) is a baseball coach and has a heart of gold, and Jackson (Hynes), is a social media agent who is both charming and stylish.
The subtitles for Groomsmen give us a peek at what to expect from the love stories set to unfold in the trilogy. "First Look" gives the impression that it'll have a love at first sight angle, "Second Chances" could be about two people reuniting and giving a romance another try, and "Last Dance" implies someone is finally going to be settling down.
Small Town Setup
Release window: 2025
Hallmark is getting into the reality dating game with Small Town Setup though they're referring to it as a docu-style dating series. Hosted by Ashley Williams, the show will feature parents looking to set their adult children up in the hopes that they'll move back back home to their small town. The whole community gets involved in selecting the three best candidates to swoop these city singles off their feet.
I have to say this is the one Hallmark+ program that I'm unsure about. While it might not be messy, the crux of the show rests on getting people together so that one of them can be closer to home which on paper seems like a recipe for disaster. But I haven't seen the material, it could have the same Hallmark magic we know and love.
Home is Where the Heart is
Release window: 2025
My fellow HGTV fans are going to love this one! Hosted by Luke Macfarlane, this home renovation program will see the Hallmark star helping families with well-loved properties that they've inherited, or hold a special place in their hearts, make overdue updates and changes to transform their houses into beautiful homes.
As you can see, Hallmark+ has a lot to offer prospective subscribers, so if you're interested, be on the lookout for the streamer in September. Stay tuned to Hidden Remote for more news and coverage!
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