TORONTO – Corus Entertainment’s W Network has inked an exclusive multi-year, multi-platform channel partnership with Crown Media Family Network’s Hallmark Channel that will bring the American family-friendly entertainment brand and content to Canada for the first time.
Beginning November 1st, 2018, W Network will offer up Hallmark Channel’s original movies, which will air in conjunction with seasonal programming franchises and branded weekend movie blocks, starting with its ‘Countdown to Christmas’, a collection of new holiday-themed titles that will make their Canadian debuts in conjunction with the U.S. world premieres.
“This partnership marks another milestone for W Network’s elite schedule, bringing Canadians even more premium content from a global leader in original programming,” said Corus’ SVP of specialty Daniel Eves, in the news release. “This marriage of brands boldly boosts our position as a leading specialty network and we’re proud to be the first to bring the Hallmark Channel to Canada.”
Following the holidays, W Network will present five other Hallmark Channel-branded seasonal programming stunts including: ‘Countdown to Valentine’s Day’, ‘Spring Fever’, ‘June Weddings’, ‘Summer Nights’, ‘Fall Harvest’, and ‘Winterfest’. The partnership also grants W Network exclusive Canadian licensing rights to all movies and scripted series produced by Crown for Hallmark and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.
“The strong ratings our content has delivered on other platforms, along with the constant drumbeat of requests for Hallmark Channel in Canada, creates a great opportunity to significantly expand the network’s reach beyond the United States,” added Crown Media Family Networks’ president and CEO, Bill Abbott. “With the imminent kick-off of our wildly popular ‘Countdown to Christmas’ event, this is a particularly exciting time to partner with Corus and introduce Canadians to our unique brand of family programming. We look forward to entertaining W Network’s audience throughout the season and beyond.”
All Hallmark titles will premiere first on W Network before being made available on W On Demand
