'All My Children' Alum Cameron Mathison Named New 'Home & Family' Co-Host

All My Children star Cameron Mathison is joining Debbie Matenopoulos as the new co-host for Hallmark Channel's Home & Family.

Home & Family, currently in its sixth season, is a three-time Daytime Emmy-nominated lifestyle series with new, original episodes Monday through Friday (10 a.m. ET/PT) on Hallmark Channel. Home & Family returns for a seventh season this September with all-new DIY events celebrating Fall Harvest and Hallmark's most wonderful time of the year, Countdown to Christmas.

"Cameron Mathison, always a fan-favorite in Hallmark Original movies, brings his enthusiasm, zest and spirit to the liveliest how-to show in all of Daytime television," said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming and Network Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks. "TV viewers have come to know Cameron on All My Children and as a correspondent on Entertainment Tonight, and we cannot wait to welcome him to our Home & Family family when season seven begins."

Mathison is a Daytime Emmy-nominated actor for his portrayal of Ryan Lavery in All My Children and has previously served as correspondent for Entertainment Tonight, Good Morning America and Extra, and co-hosted the 35th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.

Mathison has appeared on screen in both film and television and is no stranger to Crown Media Family Networks. He has starred in multiple Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries originals, including, A Summer to Remember, At Home in Mitford, The Christmas Ornament and the Murder, She Baked franchise.

'Countdown to Christmas' and 'Most Wonderful Movies of Christmas' 2017 Movies Announced

Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries will light up audiences' homes with a record number of 33 new, original holiday world premiere movies in 2017. Hallmark Channel's annual, top-rated holiday event "Countdown to Christmas" and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries' beloved "The Most Wonderful Movies of Christmas" will gift viewers with more Christmas content than any other network. Along with 33 new, original movies across the two networks, holiday specials will also be part of the programing extravaganza including the "National Christmas Tree Lighting," "Holiday Homecoming with Jewel" and "A Very Happy Yule Log" featuring Happy the Cat and Dog. The annual round-the-clock holiday programming tradition begins Friday, October 27, 2017 and continues throughout the season until Monday, January 1, 2018. The announcement was made today as part of Crown Media Family Networks' bi-annual TV Critics Association Press Tour.

"Each year, more and more viewers tune in to Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries to get into the spirit with exceptional, original holiday programming," said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming and Network Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks. "We are thrilled to continue this tradition in 2017 with more new, holiday movies than ever before, brought to life by a lineup of top-notch talent that includes fan favorites like Candace Cameron Bure, Lacey Chabert, Danica McKellar and Alison Sweeney."

Hallmark Drama Channel Launching October 1

Crown Media Family Networks, home of Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries and cable's leading provider of family entertainment, announced today the introduction of a third linear cable offering, Hallmark Drama, which will launch October 1. The announcement was made today as part of Crown Media Family Networks' bi-annual TV Critics Association Press Tour as the company continues to register revenue and ratings growth across both its existing networks.

Featuring a wholly distinct lineup from Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, Hallmark Drama's programming will evoke the rich legacy and spirit of Hallmark Hall of Fame, the most award-winning and longest-running primetime series in the history of television. In addition to spotlighting movies and series from Crown Media's vast library of original dramatic content, plans are underway for new, original programming to be produced exclusively for the network.

'The Wedding March 2' Premieres Tonight, Stars Jack Wagner & Josie Bissett

Josie Bissett, Jack Wagner Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media
United States LLC/Photographer: David Dolsen

The Wedding March 2, a sequel reuniting Jack Wagner (ex-Frisco, General Hospital; ex-Nick, The Bold and the Beautiful; et al.) and Josie Bissett (ex-Jane, Melrose Place) in a fresh tale of unexpected romance, premieres Saturday, June 17 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Hallmark Channel.

In the follow-up to last year's The Wedding March, Mick Turner (Wagner) and Olivia Parsons (Bissett) were college sweethearts until he left the relationship to go on tour with his band. Now, years later, Mick needs a silent partner to help him revive his failing Willow Lake Inn and, unbeknownst to him, Olivia is moving to New England for that purpose. But when Mick learns that Olivia is coming, he misinterprets her intentions. He thinks she wants to rekindle their romance, and she’s planning on not-so-silently revamping his simple Inn into a premiere wedding resort. Will a bridezilla and her reluctant beau, who book the Willow Lake Inn for their perfect wedding, drive Mick and Olivia apart or finally bring them to the altar?

Watch a sneak peek below.

'When Calls the Heart' Renewed for Fifth Season on Hallmark Channel

Hallmark Channel has ordered a fifth season of the network's original, primetime drama series "When Calls the Heart," it was announced today by Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming and Network Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks. Having just concluded its fourth season, "When Calls the Heart" has thrived on a highly competitive Sunday night, with the sweeping, frontier drama series enjoying double digit gains in HHs and key demos, year over year.*

"Viewers have fallen in love with 'When Calls the Heart' and have embraced the themes of faith, family and community," began Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming and Network Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks. "The talented writing staff and our amazing cast have created our best season yet and the record ratings reflect this. We're thrilled to be able to bring our viewers more drama, romance and adventure next year as we continue the saga of Hope Valley."

The series boasts a passionate fan base known as the #Hearties, who have become a social media phenomenon, making "When Calls the Heart" one of the network's most social series. The #Hearties' activity on social media has reached record levels, causing the show to trend consecutively during every new episode since season four premiered on Sunday, February 19. To date, "When Calls the Heart" has seen a 15% growth in social media impressions secured over season three.

Based on the book of the same name by Janette Oke, the series stars Erin Krakow ("Army Wives"), Lori Loughlin ("Fuller House," "90210"), Daniel Lissing ("The Last Resort"), Jack Wagner ("The Bold and the Beautiful"), Pascale Hutton ("Sanctuary") and Kavan Smith ("Supernatural").

Hallmark Channel 'Winterfest" Programming Includes New Movies Starring Julie Berman, Luke Macfarlane, Jessy Schram, Merritt Patterson

Hallmark Channel invites viewers to continue the celebration and cozy up at home with its seasonal programming event "Winterfest." The holiday cheer doesn't have to end once the season concludes, as the network will premiere three new original movies for viewers to fall in love with by the fireplace. Julie Berman (formerly Lulu Spencer on General Hospital), Andrew Walker, Merritt Patterson, Jessy Schram and Luke Macfarlane are just some of the stars set to warm up the cold, January nights and help you kick-off the New Year to a bright, fresh start!

Hallmark Channel will also engage viewers on social and digital platforms to celebrate Winterfest. The network will solicit viewers to "Show Us Your Snow" where fans can upload photos of their winter festivities on their social media platforms and engage with Winterfest enthusiasts. Users are encouraged to use the hashtag #ShowUsYourSnow and tag @HallmarkChannel to help create a social wall that features fans enjoying the snowfall this winter - whether it's skiing, vacationing, building snowmen or sharing majestic landscapes the beauty of Winter has to offer. Additionally, the network will also host on HallmarkChannel.com "Season Your Selfie," where viewers can select filters to add the merriment of the winter season to their personal photos. Lastly, Hallmark Channel will also offer its Winterfest Sweepstakes, featuring a grand prize pack including a home entertainment center, sofa and more to help our viewers stay cozy and warm at home while enjoying Hallmark Channel! The sweepstakes will run from January 1, 2017 - January 27, 2017.

More details on the new movies can be found below.

LOVE ON ICE - Saturday, January, 7, 9 p.m. ET/PT

Stars: Julie Berman (Chicago Med), Andrew Walker (A Dream of Christmas), Gail O'Grady (NYPD Blue)

'Looks Like Christmas' Premieres December 4 on Hallmark Channel, Stars Anne Heche

Photo: Dylan Neal, Anne Heche Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown
Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ryan Plummer

Anne Heche, who won a Daytime Emmy Award for her portrayal of twins Vicky and Marley on NBC soap opera Another World in 1991, leads the cast of Looks Like Christmas, a Hallmark Channel Original Movie premiering Sunday, December 4 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

In the holiday film, Carol (Heche) is an over-involved mother, but nothing compares to the holiday season when Carol goes over the top spearheading her kid's school’s Christmas Spectacular each year. She has earned the nickname Christmas Carol among the parents and faculty. All that changes the day Terry (Dylan Neal) moves to town with his teenage daughter. Also single, Terry is also very fond of the holiday himself—having volunteered to mount the Christmas play each year at his daughter's former school. Carol tries to politely tell the single dad his help won’t be necessary but he has no intention of stepping aside.

The tug-of-war turns into something of a rumble, and it becomes clear neither of these parents are willing to work together. With the competition clearly drawn in the sand, the dueling parents set out to outdo one another in creating the most memorable Christmas spectacular ever. The pressure is on to make this the best Christmas ever as it’s anybody’s guess if “Christmas Carol” will live up to her moniker or if newly titled “Terry Christmas” will become the new holiday hero. Carol and Terry will ultimately learn the error of their ways and put aside their differences and learn they have a lot more in common as an unexpected romance begins to bloom.

Watch a sneak peek below.

"Countdown to Christmas" 2016 Schedule Revealed by Hallmark Channel

Photo: Dylan Neal, Anne Heche Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown
Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ryan Plummer

Hallmark Channel has announced its full line-up of original premieres during "Countdown to Christmas" for the 2016 holiday season. Check out the movies coming soon in the list below.

'A WISH FOR CHRISTMAS' - Saturday, October 29 (8 p.m. ET/PT)

Stars: Lacey Chabert ("Party of Five," Mean Girls), Paul Greene ("A Christmas Detour")

Sara Shaw (Chabert) is the type of woman who prefers to sit on the sidelines at work, but when her big idea for a Christmas initiative is stolen, she makes a wish to Santa that she'll finally have the courage to stand up for herself. When Santa grants her wish and she gets a chance to make prove herself to her boss (Greene) but Santa's wish only gives her 48 hours. As the clock ticks down, Sara will discover how to channel the Christmas magic and speak her mind all on her own.

'THE MISTLETOE PROMISE' - Sunday, November 6 (8 p.m. ET/PT)

Stars: Jaime King ("Hart of Dixie," Pearl Harbor), Luke Macfarlane ("The Night Shift," "Brothers and Sisters")

WATCH: Alison Sweeney Visits Home & Family and Shares Blueberry & Banana Ice Cream Recipe

Alison Sweeny on Home & Family.
Copyright 2016 Crown Media Family Networks/Photographer: Jeremy Lee

Longtime Days of our Lives star Alison Sweeney (Sami Brady) appeared Tuesday on Hallmark Channel's Home & Family. Sweeney can be seen in The Irresistible Blueberry Farm on Sunday, and shared "Alison’s Healthy Blueberry Ice Cream" recipe (see below) during the program.

Alison’s Healthy Blueberry Ice Cream

Ingredients
2 frozen bananas, chopped. (Make sure to chop them before freezing, freeze for at least 2 hours)
1 cup of frozen blueberries
2 vanilla beans, split lengthwise (Be sure to scrape down the sides of the blender to make sure all the ingredients fully blend in for ultimate creaminess)

Directions
Combine in a powerful blender or food processor.

Watch a clip from Sweeney's visit to Home & Family below, and find out more information about her upcoming primetime appearances.

'Days of our Lives' Alum Trevor Donovan Visits 'Home & Family'

Photo Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media Family
Networks/Photographer: Jeremy Lee

Former Days of our Lives and 90210 actor Trevor Donovan appeared on Hallmark Channel's Home & Family on Friday.

One of the stars of the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries film JL Family Ranch, Donovan teams up with Matt Rogers outside at the grill. The two are showing off a good old fashioned dish with a twist: steak and potato skewers. An important fact is to soak the skewers in water for up to 30 minutes to avoid them catching on fire. When cutting up the ingredients, the steak and potatoes should be the same size.

Watch their segment below.

Debbie Matenopoulos Named New Co-Host of 'Home & Family'

Cristina Ferrare, longtime co-host of Hallmark Channel's Daytime Emmy(R)-nominated daily series "Home & Family," will depart the network's popular original lifestyle program, it was announced today by Hallmark Channel. The network also announced that current "Home & Family" member Debbie Matenopoulos will immediately join Emmy(R) Award-winning journalist and series co-host Mark Steines as the series' new co-host.

"Cristina Ferrare has been instrumental in making 'Home & Family' one of daytime's most popular lifestyle series," said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming & Publicity, Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.

"Cristina's natural flair and expertise, along with her warmth and grace, set a standard for all of us at 'Home & Family,' and we are forever indebted to her.

"It is a great pleasure to promote 'Home & Family' regular contributor Debbie Matenopoulos to become Mark's co-host. Debbie has quickly become an audience favorite among our family of multi-talented lifestyle experts and we look forward to Debbie's continued unique and exciting contributions going forward."

Jack Wagner and Josie Bissett Star in Hallmark Movie 'The Wedding March' on June 25

Josie Bissett, Jack Wagner

Melrose Place alums Jack Wagner and Josie Bissett star in The Wedding March, premiering Saturday, June 25 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Hallmark Channel.

Olivia Parsons (Josie Bissett, The Secret Life of the American Teenager) is a fortysomething home stager and single mom to her 20-year old daughter, Grace. Though she favors work over romance, Olivia plans to marry Josh Johnson, a prominent - and career-obsessed - New York realtor. At Grace's suggestion, Olivia agrees to have her wedding at a picturesque New England inn. When Olivia arrives at the inn, she's shocked to find it is owned and operated by her college sweetheart, former pop star Mick Turner (Jack Wagner, When Calls the Heart, The Bold and The Beautiful, General Hospital).

Having separated on bad terms over two decades ago, Olivia's chance reunion with Mick becomes even more awkward when her wedding band cancels and Mick's college-bound daughter, Julie, arranges for him to perform in their place. As the wedding day approaches, Olivia and Mick initially lock horns but soon, feelings for each other begin to resurface. Meanwhile, Josh learns that Mick is considering selling the inn and jumps at the chance to become his realtor, focusing on breaking into the New England real estate market instead of his upcoming marriage. When Grace and Julie notice sparks reigniting between their respective mom and dad, they subtly - and not so subtly - encourage the former couple to reunite. Though Olivia and Josh make a perfect team as business partners, Olivia starts to question whether they're romantically compatible - and wonders if romance might be more important to her than she originally thought. When Mick makes his true feelings known at the rehearsal dinner, Olivia must decide if she's going to walk down the aisle as planned, or give her first love a second chance.

Bissett has played Jane Andrews on Melrose Place and Kathleen Bowman on The Secret Life of the American Teenager. Wagner's soap roles include Dr. Peter Burns in Melrose, Frisco Jones on General Hospital and Nick Marone on The Bold and the Beautiful.

'General Hospital' Alum Vanessa Marcil Stars in Hallmark Movie 'The Convenient Groom' on June 18

Vanessa Marcil

Emmy winning General Hospital alum Vanessa Marcil stars in The Convenient Groom, premiering Saturday, June 18 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Hallmark Channel.

In the charming New England town of Nantucket, Dr. Kate Lawrence, a celebrity relationship expert, shoots another dating advice video for her popular blog. Later, at a farmers market, Kate shops with her fiancé, Bryan, a handsome and perfectly polished businessman. There, Kate runs into Lucas Wright, a carpenter specializing in handcrafted furniture, who has had a crush on her since their high school days. Hoping to land a book deal, and urged by her aggressive show-business agent, Kate plans to publicly announce her engagement - and film the subsequent wedding arrangements for her blog - as a way to build her fanbase.

At an upscale event, as Kate prepares to share the news, Bryan shocks her by breaking up with her and calling off the wedding. Wanting to save her from humiliation and protect her public image, Lucas steps in and pretends to be Kate's fiancé. With her career at risk, Kate reluctantly moves forward with her agent's plan to let the public continue believing that Lucas - whom she considers just a friend - is her soon-to-be husband. As a film crew shoots Kate and Lucas' wedding preparations, the counterfeit couple starts to develop real feelings for each other. When Lucas declares his affections, Kate panics and - fearing a relationship would end in heartbreak - pushes him away.

As her career soars, Kate feels guilty about betraying her fans and decides to confess that Lucas is not her fiancé. But before Kate can apologize, Bryan's new girlfriend posts a viral video, exposing Kate as a liar and her engagement to Lucas as a fraud. With her career and life now in shambles, the young relationship expert learns an unexpected lesson about love, and sets out to revive the romance she let slip away.

Marcil has played Brenda Barrett on General Hospital off and on since 1992.  She last appeared in 2013.

'General Hospital' Alum Jack Wagner Visits 'Home & Family' To Talk 'When Calls the Heart' (Video)

Photo Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media Family Networks/Photographer:
Jeremy Lee

Jack Wagner visited Hallmark Channel's Home & Family on Friday and talked about this season of When Calls the Heart. He discussed whether his character, Bill Avery, will develop a possible courtship with a new character, Dottie. He also opened up about the beautiful setting of “Hope Valley” and described how authentic the buildings are. The audience was filled with show fans who call themselves the “Hearties,” and a few even got the chance to ask him questions.

Check out Wagner on Home & Family below.

'When Calls the Heart' Season 3 Sneak Peek: Troubled Hearts

Lori Loughlin, Erin Krakow - Photo Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media
United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

Sunday night is now a new destination for original series on Hallmark Channel, beginning with the season three premiere of When Calls the Heart on Sunday, February 21 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, followed by the return of Good Witch for a second season on Sunday, April 17 and the much anticipated series premiere of Chesapeake Shores in July 2016.

On When Calls the Heart’s season three debut, “Troubled Hearts,” Jack (Daniel Lissing) and Elizabeth (Erin Krakow) struggle to find time alone together even as both of them plot to make a more permanent home in Hope Valley. Meanwhile, Abigail (Lori Loughlin) is upset when Gowen (Martin Cummins) schemes to sell his share of her café to an even more demanding business partner before she receives some unexpected kindness from an old friend. And as Elizabeth excitedly surprises Jack with a row house of her very own she vows to fix it up without his help. Meanwhile, Cody (Carter Ryan Evancic) isn’t taking school seriously when he blows off an assignment and Elizabeth worries Abigail is being over-protective of him, causing some tension between them. Then, as the death of one of Hope Valley’s own becomes personal for Bill Avery (Jack Wagner), Frank (Mark Humphrey) nervously feels his past closing in when Jesse (Aren Buchholz) demands the pastor reunite with a dangerous gang of outlaws who threaten all of Hope Valley. Sensing Frank is in trouble, and realizing she cares about him more than ever before, Abigail confronts the pastor, only to discover an alarming revelation about the man she thought she knew.

Watch a sneak peek below.

'General Hospital' Actor Ryan Paevey Stars in Hallmark Channel Movie 'Unleashing Mr. Darcy' on January 23

Cindy Busby, Ryan Paevey. Photo Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media
United States, LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

General Hospital actor Ryan Paevey stars in the Hallmark Channel Original Movie Unleashing Mr. Darcy on Saturday, January 23 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Cindy Busby and Frances Fisher (ex-Deborah Saxon, The Edge of Night) also star.

In this modern day spin on "Pride & Prejudice," Elizabeth Scott (Busby) is fishing for direction in her life and gets the opportunity to professionally show her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in a fancy New York dog show. Dog show judge Donovan Darcy (Paevey) comes across as aristocratic and rude and a chain of misunderstandings unfold during the competition, complicating their mutual attraction. In true Jane Austen fashion, Elizabeth and Donovan begin to see the error of their ways and it turns out Mr. Darcy is far more kind and interesting than Elizabeth ever imagined.

Paevey plays Nathan West on ABC's long-running soap opera General Hospital.

'Days of our Lives' Alums Alison Sweeney and Farah Fath Reunite Tonight in 'Murder, She Baked: A Plum Pudding Mystery'

Alison Sweeney, Cameron Mathison and Farah Fath.

The latest Murder, She Baked movie premieres tonight premieres tonight at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. Daytime alums Alison Sweeney (Days of our Lives), Cameron Mathison (All My Children) and Barbara Niven (One Life to Live) star in the film series.

Based on the Joanne Fluke book series, the adventures of Hannah Swenson (Sweeney) continue in this holiday edition featuring the baker-turned-sleuth making plum pudding and trying to solve the murder of a man in his office. It turns out the list of suspects who would have wanted to see the guy dead is a long one, from a bitter ex-wife to exasperated investors. But Hannah and her love interest and detective Mike (Mathison) are on the case, not to mention ready for a little Christmastime romance.

Joining the cast for "Murder, She Baked: A Plum Pudding Mystery" is former Days of our Lives and One Life to Live star Farah Fath, who plays Courtney Miller.

Watch a preview of the film below:

Jon Lindstrom Talks 'True Detective' on 'Home & Family' (Video)

Jon Lindstrom, Cristina Ferrare and Mark Steines.  Photo Credit: Copyright
2015 Crown Media Family Networks/Photographer: Jeremy Lee

Jon Lindstrom was a guest on the Monday, July 13 episode of Hallmark Channel's Home & Family.

Lindstrom has starred in a number of soap operas over the years including General Hospital, As the World Turns, Port Charles, Santa Barbara and Rituals. He is currently playing Jacob McCandless on the second season of HBO's True Detective, with a cast headed by Colin Farrell and Vince Vaughn.

"Vince is great, Vince is an amazing guy. He's known for doing very broad studio comedies. I'm known for doing soaps," Lindstrom said, when asked about his co-star. "He's best known for the kind of funny guy, but he's an actor, and he's a very deep and talented one."

Watch hosts Cristina Ferrare and Mark Steines interview Lindstrom in the clip below:

Deidre Hall, Camren Bicondova Among Celebrities Participating in Hallmark Channel's 'Paw Star Game'

Camren Bicondova - Photo Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media
United States, LLC/Photographer: Michael Simon

Don't miss the kittens of summer as they claw their way to home base in the first-ever Paw Star Game, airing Sunday, July 12 at 5 p.m. ET/PT on Hallmark Channel.

Hosted by Beth Stern, TV personality and national spokesperson for North Shore Animal League America, Paw Star Game brings a star-studded lineup that includes legendary New York Yankees radio voice John Sterling and award-winning reporter and sports analyst Mary Carillo as the official play-by-play announcers.

Paw Star Game is presented in association with North Shore Animal League America and Last Hope Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation. As the kittens take the field to swat balls and catch line drives, they will be cheered on by celebrities including Ed Asner, Maria Menounos, Mario Lopez, Al Roker, Heather McDonald, Tricia Helfer, Deidre Hall (Days of our Lives), Dawn Olivieri and Camren Bicondova (Gotham).

'The Young and the Restless' Star Tracey Bregman Visits 'Home & Family' (Video)

Mark Steines, Tracey Bregman and Cristina Ferrare.

Emmy-winning The Young and the Restless actress Tracey Bregman was a guest Wednesday on Hallmark Channel's Home and Family. She talked about how her Y&R character, Lauren Fenmore Baldwin, used to be "mean girl" with Traci (Beth Maitland, her close friend offset), how Lauren's baby story with Sheila (Kimberlin Brown) influenced her real life, and Michael's (Christian LeBlanc) prostate cancer storyline.

Watch hosts Mark Steines and Cristina Ferrare interview Bregman below: