Hallmark Channel is the quintessential 24-hour television destination for family-friendly programming and a leader in the production of original movies.  The network launched in 2001 and brings to audiences a brand with a 50-plus year legacy that resonates with consumers.  Hallmark Channel is one of the fastest-growing major ad-supported cable networks since its launch, and its strong ratings consistently rank the channel in the top 10 in Prime Time.  Hallmark Channel is seen in 86 million homes across the U.S. and has developed a stellar reputation for keeping viewers engaged and entertained.

A staple to the network, Hallmark Channel’s original movies are characterized by strong storytelling through compelling themes and vibrant characters.  The network will produce more than 30 original movies scheduled to air in 2009 – its largest-ever slate.  Rounding out its schedule, Hallmark also airs a mix of popular television series, including “7th Heaven,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “M*A*S*H,” “Walker, Texas Ranger” and “Little House on the Prairie.”

Hallmark Channel continues to expand its offerings to viewers through its companion network, Hallmark Movie Channel, available in both standard definition (SD) and in high definition (HD).  Crown Media Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRWN) owns and operates the networks.

Hallmark Channel, along with its sibling network Hallmark Movie Channel, serves as the exclusive cable home to the prestigious Hallmark Hall of Fame library, the longest-running and most-awarded movie series in television’s history.

Launched on April 2, 2008, Hallmark Movie Channel HD is simulcast alongside Hallmark Movie Channel SD, and offers audiences an unparalleled viewing experience.  Hallmark Movie Channel, the second linear channel from Crown Media, is a 24-hour digital cable network dedicated to bringing viewers the very best family movies of all time with a mix of classic theatrical films, presentations from the acclaimed Hallmark Hall of Fame library, original Hallmark Channel movies and special events.

Hallmark Movie Channel HD exists at a time of high demand from distribution partners hungry for family-friendly content amidst the threat of government regulation, and utilizes the latest technology available to programmers and audiences. 

PROGRAMMING

Series

I LOVE LUCY
Desi Arnaz stars as Cuban bandleader Ricky Ricardo who does what he can to keep up with the zany schemes of his highly imaginative wife, Lucy, played by legendary comedienne, Lucille Ball. The recurring storylines relate Lucy’s continual efforts to become an entertainer, despite Ricky’s endless attempts to discourage her, and their comically frantic life in the apartment building they share with landlords Fred (William Frawley) and Ethel Mertz (Vivian Vance).  This iconic sitcom set the standard for all that followed.  “I Love Lucy” debuts on Hallmark Channel Friday, January 2 with an all-day marathon (8 a.m. – 9 p.m.) and will air regularly Saturdays beginning January 3 (6 – 9 a.m.); Sundays beginning January 4 (1 – 3 a.m. & 8:30 – 10 a.m.); Mondays beginning January 5 (1 – 3 a.m.); and, Monday through Friday beginning January 5 (8 – 9 a.m. & 4 – 5- p.m.).

Hallmark Channel Original Movies

OUR FIRST CHRISTMAS
Recently-married couple Cindy (Julie Warner, “Tommy Boy”) and Tom (Steven Eckholdt, “Secret Santa”) are a perfect match, but when they try to unite their families from previous marriages their children aren’t interested in getting to know their new siblings.  Cindy’s husband has passed away, as has Tom’s wife, leaving each of them with two children to raise.  With Christmas right around the corner, the kids are looking forward to taking part in their usual family traditions, but there’s no way the family can keep both. All Cindy and Tom want is for their family to stay together, but with nobody willing to give an inch, it starts to look like their first Christmas may be ruined.  Dixie Carter (“Family Law”) and John Ratzenberger (“Cheers”) also star in “Our First Christmas,” premiering Saturday, December 20 (9 – 11 p.m.).

A KISS AT MIDNIGHT
Faith Ford (“Murphy Brown”) stars as Amy Flowers, an expert matchmaker who has sent countless happy couples to the altar.  After spending yet another New Year’s toasting her matches, she sets a goal for herself to find the man of her dreams by the following New Year’s Eve.  Amy soon meets widower Josh Sherman (Cameron Daddo, “Drifter”), and the two seem to be a perfect pair.  Only later does the pair realize how they came to meet, what each does for a living and are convinced they are each out to destroy their respective businesses.  Dyan Cannon (“Kangaroo Jack”) and Hal Linden (“Barney Miller”) also star in “A Kiss at Midnight,” premiering Saturday, December 27 (9 – 11 p.m.).

NANNY EXPRESS
Ever since their mother’s death three years ago, Ben (Uriah Shelton, “Ghost Whisperer”) and Emily (Natalie Dreyfuss, “National Treasure:  Book of Secrets”) have driven their father (Brennan Elliott, “The 4400”) crazy, going through one nanny after another.  No one will take the job until Kate Hewitt (Vanessa Marcil, “Las Vegas”) comes along.  When not only her brother but also her father starts to like Kate too much, Emily pulls out all the stops to drive her away.  It’s only after she succeeds that Emily realizes how much Kate means to all of them and moves heaven and earth to bring them all back together as one happy family.  “Nanny Express” premieres Saturday, January 3 (9 – 11 p.m.).


EXPECTING A MIRACLE
Jason Priestly (“Beverly Hills, 90210”) and Teri Polo (“Meet the Parents”) star as young professionals, Pete and Donna, who are longing to start a family.  But one disappointment after another is beginning to affect their marriage.  Feeling the need for a getaway, they head to Mexico for a short vacation, but a minor car accident strands them in a small, rustic town.  While awaiting delivery of parts to repair their car, Donna and Pete become involved in preparations for the village’s annual fiesta marking The Miracle of Dommatina.  Quickly, they recognize this special town is changing both of their lives and attitudes.  Is it possible Dommatina will work its own miracle on Pete and Donna?  Cheech Marin (“Judging Amy”) also stars in “Expecting a Miracle,” premiering Saturday, January 10 (9 – 11 p.m.).


TAKING A CHANCE ON LOVE
In this sequel to Hallmark Channel’s 2007 original movie, “The Note,” everything is going Peyton MacGruder’s (Genie Francis, “General Hospital”) way:  she has reunited with Christine (Katie Boland, “The Zack Files”), the daughter she gave up for adoption, she is in love with her boyfriend King (Ted McGinley, “Hope & Faith”) and she has a successful newspaper column.  But when a devoted reader, Eve Miller, tells Peyton that her cautious views on love are completely wrong, the two women meet and bond over stories of mutual loss.  “Taking a Chance on Love” premieres Saturday, January 31 (9 – 11 p.m.).


Specials

HALLMARK HEROES WITH REGIS PHILBIN
In this second edition, Regis Philbin and Hallmark Channel honor four deserving individuals in an inspiring and heart warming one-hour special.  The hour will include interviews with each of our hnorees as well as stories highlighting the amazing contributions they have made.  Coupled with these everyday heroes, Regis will also welcome and honor a special celebrity hero:  actress, author, designer and Emmy and Golden Globe winner Jane Seymour, who will be recognized for her extensive work on behalf of the American Red Cross and their Measles Initiative. With emotions running high, Regis will surprise each individual with a prize that will allow and enhance the work they do for others.  The original special premieres on Christmas day, Thursday, December 25 (8 – 9 p.m.).


Hallmark Channel Feature Film Premieres

THE ROOKIE
Jim Morris (Dennis Quaid, “American Dreamz”) strikes an intriguing bargain with the Texas high school baseball team he coaches:  If they make the playoffs, he'll try out for a pitcher position with a Big League team.  Going from worst to first, the team makes it to state and Jim is forced to live up to his end of the deal.  “The Rookie” makes its Hallmark Channel debut Thursday, November 27 (7– 9 p.m.).

A COOL, DRY PLACE
Russell (Vince Vaughn, “Four Christmases”), a struggling Chicago lawyer, has been raising his 5-year-old son on his own since his wife, Kate (Monica Potter, “Boston Legal”), left him unexpectedly.  Moving to Kansas, Russell falls in love with a pretty veterinarian assistant named Beth (Joey Lauren Adams, “Big Daddy”).  Just as he and Beth start dating, Russell’s ex-wife suddenly appears, looking to re-establish her relationship with Russell and their young son.  “A Cool, Dry Place” makes its Hallmark Channel debut Saturday, January 17 (9 – 11 p.m.).

UNFORGIVEN
Academy-Award® winners Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman play retired, down-on-their-luck outlaws who pick up their guns one last time to collect a bounty offered in the remote Wyoming town of Big Whiskey.  Gene Hackman stars as the sly and brutal local sheriff whose brand of law enforcement ranges from unconventional to ruthless.  Winner of four Academy Awards®, including Best Director (Clint Eastwood), Best Supporting Actor (Gene Hackman) and Best Picture, “Unforgiven” makes its Hallmark Channel debut Saturday, January 24 (8 – 11 p.m.).

RIO BRAVO
Legendary actor John Wayne is the sheriff of a small Texas town who must keep custody of a murderer whose brother, a powerful rancher, is trying to help him escape.  The trio he enlists to help -- a disgraced drunk, a cantankerous old man and a young gunfighter -- must find a way to hold out against the rancher's hired guns until the marshal arrives.  Dean Martin, Walter Brennan, Ricky Nelson and Angie Dickinson also star in “Rio Bravo,” making its Hallmark Channel debut Sunday, January 25 (8 – 11 p.m.).

SPLASH
As a young boy, Allen Bauer (Tom Hanks, “Charlie Wilson’s War”) is rescued from drowning off Cape Cod by a young mermaid (Daryl Hannah, “Kill Bill”).  Years later he returns to the same location and again manages to fall into the sea, and is rescued once more by the mermaid. The mermaid decides to search for Allen in New York, sprouting legs when her tail dries.  Upon finding Allen, they fall in love, but she has a hard time keeping her secret, which threatens the future of their relationship.  “Splash” makes its Hallmark Channel debut Thursday, February 5 (9 – 11 p.m.).

HOCUS POCUS
In 17th century Salem, Mass., the townsfolk go into a dither upon learning that the Sanderson sisters (Bette Midler, “The Women”; Kathy Najimy, “Privileged”; and, Sarah Jessica Parker, “Sex & the City”) are witches.  Fearing their paganism, Salem hangs the trio, who vow to return to get revenge. Fast-forward 300 years.  Ignoring local taboos to impress a classmate, teenage Max (Omri Katz, “Freaks and Geeks”) lights a candle and manifests the witches, unleashing the havoc that's been brewing since 1693.  “Hocus Pocus” makes its Hallmark Channel debut Monday, February 16 (9 – 11 p.m.).

Hallmark Movie Channel Premieres

HOMEWARD BOUND II:  LOST IN SAN FRANCISCO
Accidentally separated from their vacationing owners, pets Chance, Shadow and Sassy navigate the mean streets of San Francisco, trying to find their home across the Golden Gate Bridge, but the road is blocked by a series of hazards, both man and beast.  Starring the voices of Michael J. Fox (“Spin City”) and Sally Field (“Brothers & Sisters”), “Homeward Bound II:  Lost in San Francisco” makes its Hallmark Movie Channel debut Sunday, December 21 (6 – 8 p.m.)  

HONEY, I SHRUNK THE KIDS
Scatterbrained inventor Wayne Szalinski (Rick Moranis, “Ghost Busters”) inadvertently shrinks his own children and the neighbor’s kids and throws them out with the trash.  Together, the crumb-sized crew must journey across the vast backyard and, with luck, back to full height.  Sprinklers, bugs, dogs and human feet torment the adventurers as Wayne plots a rescue of his own. “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” makes its Hallmark Movie Channel debut Thursday, December 25 (4 – 6 p.m.).

MIGHTY JOE YOUNG
The legendary Joe, a playful, smart 15-foot-tall gorilla, and his lifelong best friend, Jill Young (Charlize Theron, “Hancock “), have grown up together in the remote mountains of Central Africa.  When Joe's peaceful existence is shattered by poachers, Jill and zoologist Gregg O'Hara (Bill Paxton, “Twister”) rescue their innocent friend and move him to the safety of an animal conservancy in California.  But Joe's safety is short-lived.  No longer a myth, his notoriety makes him a target for an enemy from his past -- a ruthless hunter who will do anything to capture the Mighty Joe.  “Mighty Joe Young” makes its Hallmark Movie Channel debut Thursday, December 25 (6 – 8 p.m.).

THE CHALLENGE
Twin sisters, separated when their parents divorced, develop very different personalities.  Unknown to one another, both have applied to take part in a popular television reality series hoping to win the grand prize – a college scholarship.  Sensing a possible ratings boost when the sisters clash, the show’s producers choose both siblings to appear on the show.  Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (“New York Minute”) star in “The Challenge” which makes its Hallmark Movie Channel debut Friday, December 26 (2 – 4 p.m.).

PATTON (1970)
Gen. George S. Patton earned the nicknamed "Blood and Guts" for his determination on the battlefield. This epic-scale production follows the commander, played by George C. Scott, as he guides his troops across Africa and Europe, illuminating a man whose life was defined by war.  Winner of seven Academy® Awards and co-starring Karl Malden (“On the Waterfront”), “Patton” makes its Hallmark Movie Channel debut Wednesday, December 31 (4 – 8 p.m.).

THE BANGER SISTERS (2002)
When fifty-something Suzette (Goldie Hawn, “The First Wives Club”) loses her job as a bartender she decides to take a road trip to visit her old friend Vinnie (Susan Sarandon, “Enchanted”) who she hasn't seen since their days as groupies long ago.  On the way, she meets Harry (Geoffrey Rush, “Elizabeth: The Golden Age”), a nervous writer who says he is going home to confront his father, then shows her his gun.  Once they reach their destination, Suzette finds that Vinnie is now Lavinia, a conservative housewife who is reluctant to experience the flower power of her youth, and Harry finds confrontation with himself rather than with his father.  “The Banger Sisters” makes its Hallmark Movie Channel debut Friday, January 23 (6 – 8 p.m.).