There has been a little bit of rivalry over the past few months as GAC Family, a new network, has hired some Hallmark top-tier talent, including Danica McKellar and Candace Cameron Bure. Now, the network is even hopping into the Christmas in July game with its first-ever programming block — and the network is bringing in another former Hallmark name to host it.
Jen Lilley was among the many names that defected from the cabler’s popular cable channel in recent months. She now hosts the major programming block on the new network. Over the weekend, the programming block ran in full swing and was similar to what Hallmark offers in July. It featured a variety of Christmas favorites for viewers. It’s worth noting that GAC Family’s “Great American Christmas in July”Block is more “encore presentations”a selection of its productions, and not new movies.
One of Lilley’s first GAC Family movies, Royally wrapped for ChristmasThe July Christmas programming block also includes a segment on, Although it’s not on the same scale as Hallmark, it is an indication that the network has its sights set on the same game.
Hallmark however, will be presenting three brand-new Christmas movies in its July lineup. These are the new movies that will be added to the calendar this month. My Christmas List for Grown Ups, Christmas CampfireAnd Christmas in Toyland. These will air on Saturdays throughout each month. My Grown-Up ChristmasList kicking things off July 9.
Some Hallmark stars produce movies on both GAC Family or Hallmark. Others prefer one network to the other. For example, Lacey Chabert has signed an overall agreement to Hallmark. While it was thought Candace Cameron Bure might be able to keep her beloved Aurora Teagarden character at Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, it now seems she will be sticking with GAC Family, with her first project coming later this year.
Jen Lilley was criticized for her decision to leave Hallmark and begin a tenure with the new network. In January this year, She supported the moveShe said that the network was a good idea. “loving” “diverse”One of her followers called it the network after she “hate-filled” “bigoted.”This Christmas gig is a brand new one. Lilley will be hosting this summer but she also told The Must-Watch Show:
Candace is the Queen Of Christmas, I’ll be honest. That’s literally some title that she’s been given. So, I’ll be the princess. Or the court jester. That’s what I’ll be.
The block is yet to prove itself competitive with Hallmark. This network has received a lot of attention for its attempts to be more progressive and incorporate more storylines into its headlines. “inclusive”Ryan Paevey, lead, put it this way recently. GAC Family, however, has been increasing its traditional programming.
Next, the actual holiday programming blocks will be featured. GAC Family already confirmed that Christmas will be officially launched on Friday, October 28th.