Hallmark Channel has leaned into unscripted content over the past couple years, but now the network will be focusing more on scripted shows moving forward.
With the launch of streaming service Hallmark+ in late 2024, the network had some of its biggest stars lead unscripted shows that brought Hallmark magic to the lives of everyday people.
Among the shows were Celebrations with Lacey Chabert, Finding Mr. Christmas hosted by Jonathan Bennett, Small Town Setup with Ashley Williams, Home Is Where the Heart Is starring Luke Macfarlane, The Motherhood with Connie Britton, Baked with Love: Holiday hosted by Tamera Mowry-Housley, and Second Chance Love hosted by real-life couple Matthew Lawrence and Chilli.
In an interview to promote Hallmark Channel’s 25th birthday, Hallmark Media president Darren Abbott praised the network for innovating with its content in recent years. At the same time, he noted that there’s going to be less focus on these unscripted shows in the future.
“I’m a big believer in iteration and innovation … and part of innovating successfully is being able to learn from what you’re doing, really zeroing in on the insights, and also acknowledging when things resonate and when they may not,” Darren told TheWrap.
He added, “Relative to other parts of the service and other genres, you’ll probably see us lean more into scripted series, movies, exclusive content and probably less focus on unscripted moving forward.”
Darren acknowledged that some shows are “beloved by segments of our audience,” so hopefully we’ll see more in the future. We definitely need a third season of Finding Mr. Christmas!!!
This summer, Hallmark+ debuted its first-ever scripted limited series: Paris Is Always a Good Idea led by Lacey Chabert. The streamer is also home to When Calls the Heart spinoff series Hope Valley: 1874, which is renewed for a second season.
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