A franchise that has been on broadcast television for 60 years, presenting countless acclaimed productions, has lost its deal with CBS, leaving the most honored franchise in TV history without a home on a broadcast network.
The franchise is the "Hallmark Hall of Fame," known for its family-friendly programs.
CBS has ended its 16-year partnership with Hallmark, reports The New York Times ArtsBeat blog.
Hallmark Hall of Fame has been on network television since 1951, starting at NBC, where it remained for 30 years before airing on ABC and PBS, and then shifting to CBS,.
More than 240 films have aired under the Hallmark Hall of Fame umbrella. Over the years, "the series has earned 80 Emmys, nine Golden Globes, 11 Peabody Awards, 25 Christopher Awards, and four Humanitas Prizes," according to the Hallmark website.
CBS was having a harder time justifying pre-emptions for the movies given its strong Sunday night lineup, the piece adds.
Reruns of the Hall of Fame have aired on the Hallmark Movie Channel, available on cable and satelite.
My most vivid memory from HHoF was “The Littlest Angel” with Family Affair’s Johnny Whitaker and The Munster’s Fred Gwynne from 1969.
I hope HHoF finds another broadcast home.
Wouldn’t you think that there would be a place for this on the HALLMARK NETWORK?
Hallmark was holding on to the Network showings for the cash. They don’t make that kind of cash on their cable channel. It will be interesting to see if anyone else steps up.