Hallmark is entering the abundant world of streaming, launching its own streaming service and a membership program with original premieres scheduled for the near future. According to the Hallmark official press release, Hallmark+ will launch on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.
Hallmark+ promises new original releases, the first including The Chicken Sisters. The upcoming The Chicken Sisters series is based on a Reese Witherspoon’s (Legally Blonde, Wild) Book Club selection and the New York Times bestseller of the same name, written by author K.J. Dell’Antonia (Playing the Witch Card, In Her Boots) via the official press release.
The official logline describes the following: “The setting is the fictional town of Merinac, where a generations-old rift between dueling fried chicken restaurants – Mimi’s and Frannie’s – has left the founders’ families fractured and the locals taking sides. When the popular cooking competition show Ultimate Kitchen Clash comes to town, it could be the recipe for ending this feud once and for all. But things are fixing to heat up both inside and outside of the kitchen as the reality show spotlight causes sparks to fly as secrets are spilled and feathers get ruffled.” The cast will include talents from Genevieve Angelson (The Handmaid’s Tale, New Amsterdam), Lea Thompson (Back to the Future, Switched at Birth), Schuyler Fisk (Orange County, The Best of Me), Wendie Malick (Young Sheldon, The Owl House) and many others. Executive producer Annie Mebane (The Goldbergs, Atypical) has adapted the story to series for a total of eight episodes for the first season.
Also releasing is the unscripted series Celebrations with Lacey Chabert, hosted and executive produced by Hallmark familiar Lacey Chabert (Mean Girls, Not Another Teen Movie). According to the official press release, the 10-episode series will “follow Chabert as she surprises deserving individuals who are making a positive impact in their communities with the celebration of a lifetime. With the help of professional party planners, celebrity friends and a team of volunteers, Chabert will have just three days to create an unforgettable event, blending heartwarming stories with dazzling celebrations.”
Hallmark+ subscribers will also have access to movies like Love on the Danube and three new installments of The Jane Mysteries, as per the press release. Along with access to movie and series originals, members will receive shopping rewards and discounts at Hallmark Gold Crown Stores. Annual rates to become a member of Hallmark+ are $79.99 or $7.99 monthly.