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==Programming== {{main|List of programs broadcast by Hallmark Channel}} Hallmark Channel's programming consists of original dramas and [[television film|made-for-TV movies]], and syndicated reruns of [[sitcom]]s. It also airs the ''[[Hallmark Hall of Fame]]'' anthology series.<ref name="dl"/> Despite largely being an apolitical brand, Hallmark Channel has garnered a following among politically conservative viewers in suburban and rural areas who, according to [[Manhattan Institute for Policy Research]]'s [[Steven Malanga]] in a ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' op-ed, feel the network and its original programming feed their desire to "express traditional family values and also to steer away from political themes and stories that denigrate religion."<ref>{{cite web |last=Malanga |first=Steven |date=January 9, 2018 |title=Hallmark channels' competitive advantage? Red state appeal |url=https://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-malanga-hallmark-success-20180109-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210062110/http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-malanga-hallmark-success-20180109-story.html |archive-date=February 10, 2018 |access-date=February 9, 2018 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hill |first=Samantha Rose |date=December 22, 2017 |title=Why the Hallmark Channel Is Completely Dominating in 2017 |work=Thrillist |url=https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/hallmark-channel-movies-success-2017 |url-status=dead |access-date=February 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210003137/https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/hallmark-channel-movies-success-2017 |archive-date=February 10, 2018}}</ref> ===Original movies=== {{main|List of Hallmark Channel Original Movies}} The network's made-for-TV movies are characterized as family-friendly and inspirational, ranging from holiday-themed films to [[western (genre)|western]]s. In the early stages of the channel's development, Hallmark Channel had a steady one-movie-a-month, or 12-a-year, production schedule with the films mainly being produced by [[RHI Entertainment]]. However, in 2008, Crown Media had ramped up its production schedule to approximately 30 movies a year and opened up two other production companies, though RHI still produces some movies for Hallmark Channel.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hallmarkchannelpress.com/publish/pr/home/corporate/press_releases_1/press_release_0712075.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080427230257/http://www.hallmarkchannelpress.com/publish/pr/home/corporate/press_releases_1/press_release_0712075.html|title=Hallmark Channel Press Release: 7/12/2007|archive-date=April 27, 2008|access-date=November 10, 2020}}</ref> The network premiered 35 original movies during the period from 2009 to 2010,<ref>{{cite web|work=Futon Critic|title=Hallmark Channel Increases Programming to 35 Original Movies for '09-'10 Upfront Season|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?date=03/24/09&id=20090324hallmark03}}</ref> with production ramping up further in the years that followed.<ref name=":0" /> Hallmark original movies were budgeted at $2.2 million in 2007. Hallmark does not pay the full cost of films, thus they are often deficit-financed by their producers.<ref name=mcn/> Many of Hallmark Channel's productions are produced in Canada, using local talent and filming locations (including a preference towards location shoots instead of [[sound stage]]s) to reduce production costs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Wong |first=Tony |date=April 4, 2018 |title=Canada is where Hallmark goes for wholesome |newspaper=Toronto Star |url=https://www.therecord.com/whatson-story/8373286-canada-is-where-hallmark-goes-for-wholesome/ |access-date=March 11, 2019 |via=The Record}}</ref> A number of actors and actresses have become known for frequent appearances in Hallmark Channel movies.<ref name=":4">{{cite news |last1=Shields |first1=Mike |date=October 28, 2017 |title=The Hallmark Channel is defying every trend in media by owning Christmas |language=en |work=Business Insider |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/hallmark-channel-christmas-movies-with-lacy-chabert-candace-cameron-bure-2017-10 |url-status=live |access-date=January 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120235915/http://www.businessinsider.com/hallmark-channel-christmas-movies-with-lacy-chabert-candace-cameron-bure-2017-10 |archive-date=January 20, 2018}}</ref> ''[[The New Yorker]]'' felt that the often-formulaic structure of Hallmark's films contributed to their popularity, describing them as usually featuring "independent women with interesting jobs", "appealing romantic prospects", and often being set in towns where residents "care for one another, run viable small businesses, and compete in [[gingerbread]] bake-offs—America as we might wish it were, and as some believe it once was."<ref name=":0" /> ====Series==== * ''[[Hallmark Hall of Fame]]'': Originally only an encore or library home for the ''[[Hallmark Hall of Fame]]'' anthology film series, the series moved its original showings to the channel in 2014.<ref name=mch/> * ''Mystery Movie'' (also ''Hallmark Channel Mystery Wheel''):<ref name="adage">{{cite news|title=Another Cable Network Turns to Crime|url=http://adage.com/article/media/hallmark-movie-channel-renamed-hallmark-movies-mysteries/292123/|access-date=January 19, 2018|work=Ad Age|language=en|archive-date=January 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119235224/http://adage.com/article/media/hallmark-movie-channel-renamed-hallmark-movies-mysteries/292123/|url-status=live}}</ref> The channel began a Sunday night mystery movie [[wheel series]] called ''Mystery Movie'' in 2004.<ref name="vy0">{{cite news|last1=Dempsey|first1=John|title=Hallmark wheels into 'Mystery Movie' mode|url=https://variety.com/2004/tv/news/hallmark-wheels-into-mystery-movie-mode-1117898056/|access-date=January 19, 2018|work=Variety|date=January 9, 2004|archive-date=January 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119175513/https://variety.com/2004/tv/news/hallmark-wheels-into-mystery-movie-mode-1117898056/|url-status=live}}</ref> This wheel series consisted of four individual movie series of four films that would also be later shown on Hallmark Movie Channel.<ref name="vy0"/> Two of the film series were ''[[Mystery Woman]]'' and ''[[Jane Doe (film series)|Jane Doe]]''. A successor series, ''Original Mystery Wheel'', was established in 2015 on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries channel.<ref name="adage"/> * ''Walden Family Theater'' (2013) On March 15, 2013, the channel started its family friendly Friday night movie series, ''Walden Family Theater'' in partnership with [[Walden Media]], Arc Entertainment, [[Procter & Gamble]] and [[Walmart]]. P&G and Walmart were sponsoring partners with Walmart selling the movies DVD in store the Tuesday after airing, while Arc and Walden were producing partners. The first movie was the world premiere of ''[[Return to Nim's Island]]'', one of six new films produced for the series. ''[[Space Warriors (2013 film)|Space Warriors]]'' was shown later in the premier season, with additional films drawn from Hallmark's library of films.<ref name=thr1/> The series' second season was launched on September 6, 2013, with the premiere of the film, ''Dear Dumb Diary'' based upon the Scholastic book, with the Civil Rights era drama ''The Watsons Go to Birmingham'' premiering next.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Kennedy|first1=John W.|title=As Walden Family Theater launches its new fall season on Hallmark with "Dear Dumb Diary", the brothers behind the brand preview what's ahead|url=http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/faithmediaandculture/2013/09/as-walden-family-theater-launches-fall-its-new-fall-season-on-hallmark-with-dear-dumb-diary-the-brothers-behind-the-brand-preview-whats-ahead.html|website=Faith, Media & Culture|publisher=Beliefnet|access-date=January 12, 2018|date=September 5, 2013|archive-date=January 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112160148/http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/faithmediaandculture/2013/09/as-walden-family-theater-launches-fall-its-new-fall-season-on-hallmark-with-dear-dumb-diary-the-brothers-behind-the-brand-preview-whats-ahead.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ===Seasonal programming=== Hallmark Channel is known for scheduling themed programming around major [[holiday]]s such as [[Christmas]], [[Mother's Day]], and [[Valentine's Day]]—including new original movies relevant to said holiday, in addition to the prime wedding season in the month of [[June]]. With the introduction of its "Countdown to Christmas" branding in 2009, the channel gradually expanded the number of seasonal programming events it holds. By 2016, the network had divided its schedule into themed "seasons" year-round, with original programming aligned with these themes. Crown Media's then-CEO [[William J. Abbott|Bill Abbott]] explained that this strategy allowed the network to be positioned as "a year-round destination for celebrations", which need not depend on a single series or franchise to bolster its viewership. This programming strategy also creates synergies with [[Hallmark Cards]].<ref name="thr0">{{cite news |last1=Stanhope |first1=Kate |date=August 8, 2016 |title=Hallmark Channel at 15: 8 Milestone Moments |language=en |work=The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/hallmark-channel-at-15-8-916505/item/2009-national-tree-hallmark-8-916512 |url-status=live |access-date=January 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112100931/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/hallmark-channel-at-15-8-916505/item/2009-national-tree-hallmark-8-916512 |archive-date=January 12, 2018}}</ref><ref name="mdn"/><ref name="e!o">{{cite news |last1=Bricker |first1=Tierney |date=October 28, 2017 |title=How The Hallmark Channel Came to Own Christmas Programming |work=E! Online |url=http://www.eonline.com/news/888935/we-own-christmas-how-the-hallmark-channel-found-massive-success-with-the-holiday-spirit |url-status=live |access-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120124352/http://www.eonline.com/news/888935/we-own-christmas-how-the-hallmark-channel-found-massive-success-with-the-holiday-spirit |archive-date=January 20, 2018}}</ref> * "New Year New Movies!" is broadcast in January; it features movies with a [[winter]] theme, but not necessarily tied to the [[Christmas and holiday season]] (as with Countdown to Christmas).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-12-23 |title=Hallmark Channel's 'New Year, New Movies' Lineup is Here and It Looks So Amazing |url=https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/a34961905/hallmark-new-year-new-movies-2021-lineup-premiere-info/ |access-date=2023-03-15 |website=Country Living |language=en-us}}</ref> The event was previously known as "Winterfest" from 2016 to 2020.<ref name="bww"/> * "Loveuary", formerly "Countdown To [[Valentine's Day]]" (2015–2019) and "Love Ever After" (2020–2021), is broadcast in February. In 2015, the event was 15 days long with four original movie premieres.<ref name="aa0"/> * "Spring into Love",<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sen |first=Sushmita |title=Hallmark April 2022 releases: All about the list of movies scheduled for the month |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/pop-culture/hallmark-april-2022-releases-all-list-movies-scheduled-month |access-date=2022-03-19 |website=www.sportskeeda.com |date=March 17, 2022 |language=en-us}}</ref> formerly "Spring Fling" and "Spring Fever", is broadcast in March and April.<ref name="sl">{{cite news|last1=Yarborough|first1=Kaitlyn|title=Everything You Need to Know About Hallmark Channel in 2018|url=https://www.southernliving.com/culture/hallmark-channel-movies-shows-2018#summer-hallmark-channel-movies-shows-2018|access-date=February 21, 2018|work=Southern Living|publisher=Time, Inc.|language=en|archive-date=February 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206190303/https://www.southernliving.com/culture/hallmark-channel-movies-shows-2018#summer-hallmark-channel-movies-shows-2018|url-status=live}}</ref> * "Countdown to Summer" was a one time event with 5 movies in May 2020. * "Summer Nights" (2016–present) is broadcast June through August. In 2017, Summer Nights movies were only shown in August. In 2018 and 2019, Summer Nights movies were shown in July and August. In 2020, there were only three Summer Nights movies in August to go along with the five Countdown to Summer movies in May. In 2021, Summer Nights movies were split up into 2 parts, with the first part being all in June, then taking over a month break, with the second part starting the last week of July, going through all of August, and ending the first week of September. * "June Weddings"<ref name="sl"/> (2017–2019) was broadcast in June. It was on hiatus on Hallmark Channel starting in 2020, and made its return in 2023.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.etonline.com/hallmark-sets-june-weddings-lacey-chabert-and-aurora-teagarden-films-for-june-see-schedule |title=Hallmark Sets 'June Weddings,' Lacey Chabert and 'Aurora Teagarden' Films for June |date=April 28, 2023 |work=Entertainment Tonight |first=Philiana |last=Ng |access-date=June 14, 2023 }}</ref> * "Fall Harvest" (2015–present) airs during September and most of October, primarily airing [[autumn]]-themed movies (sometimes relating to [[Halloween]]).<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mattern|first1=Jessica Leigh|title=Hallmark's Newest Fall Movie Looks Incredible—And It Premieres Tonight|url=https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/news/a45056/hallmark-fall-harvest-lineup/|access-date=February 20, 2018|work=Country Living|date=September 29, 2017|archive-date=February 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221101539/https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/news/a45056/hallmark-fall-harvest-lineup/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="mdn"/> In 2016 and 2019, Fall Harvest movies only aired in October. * "Five Nights Stuffed Full of Original Holiday Movies" (2015–present), which airs near [[Thanksgiving (United States)|Thanksgiving]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gables|first1=Rick & Christian|title=This Thanksgiving, Hallmark Channel's Five Night Thanksgiving Movie Event is Back!|url=http://www.tvweeklynow.com/news-blogs/news-blogs-RicksPicks/this-thanksgiving-hallmark-channels-five-night-thanksgiving-movie-event-is-back.htm|access-date=February 21, 2018|work=TV Weekly Now|publisher=NTVB Media|date=November 23, 2016|archive-date=February 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221100600/http://www.tvweeklynow.com/news-blogs/news-blogs-RicksPicks/this-thanksgiving-hallmark-channels-five-night-thanksgiving-movie-event-is-back.htm|url-status=usurped}}</ref> ====Countdown to Christmas==== From the last weekend in October until [[New Year's Day|January 1]], Hallmark Channel runs an event known as the ''Countdown to Christmas'', where the network's schedule is devoted to a mix of holiday movies, specials and holiday-themed original programming.<ref name="e!o"/> The block is branded as ''Countdown to New Years'' from December 26 until January 1 and culminates with the channel's broadcast of the [[Tournament of Roses Parade]]. Actresses frequently featured in the channel's Christmas films have been promoted as the "Queens of Christmas", including [[Rachel Boston]], [[Candace Cameron Bure]], [[Lacey Chabert]],<ref>{{cite news |last1=Turnquist |first1=Kristi |date=October 20, 2017 |title=Here are all 22 Hallmark Channel 2017 'Countdown to Christmas' programs |work=The Oregonian |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/tv/2017/10/hallmark_channel_begins_2017_c.html |url-status=live |access-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120124708/http://www.oregonlive.com/tv/2017/10/hallmark_channel_begins_2017_c.html |archive-date=January 20, 2018}}</ref> [[Erin Krakow]], [[Kellie Martin]], [[Danica McKellar]], [[Autumn Reeser]] and [[Alicia Witt]].<ref name=":4" /> Hallmark's "Christmas TV ratings system" has designations like "F for Family" and "J for Joy".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lowry |first1=Brian |date=November 26, 2012 |title=Networks XL Xmas season |language=en |work=Chicago Tribune |publisher=Tribune Publishing |agency=Variety |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2012/11/26/networks-xl-xmas-season/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125074630/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-11-26/news/chi-tms-variety-xmas-season_1_christmas-episodes-christmas-tv-wonderful-life-and-miracle |archive-date=January 25, 2018}}</ref> The event was introduced in 2009, featuring four original movie premieres.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="bc0" /> Countdown to Christmas has featured cross-promotion of Hallmark Cards, including having featured the characters of [[Hoops & Yoyo]] in promotions, and airing ''[[Jingle All the Way (2011 film)|Jingle All the Way]]''—a half-hour animated Christmas special featuring the character of Jingle the Husky Pup—in 2011, which marked the first Hallmark Channel original production to be a collaboration with a Hallmark Cards property.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Turnquist |first1=Kristi |date=November 23, 2011 |title='Jingle All the Way' Hallmark special comes from Portland's Bent Image Lab |work=The Oregonian |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/movies/2011/11/jingle_all_the_way_hallmark_sp.html |url-status=live |access-date=January 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124195606/http://www.oregonlive.com/movies/2011/11/jingle_all_the_way_hallmark_sp.html |archive-date=January 24, 2018}}</ref><ref name=":3" /> By 2013, the event featured 12 new movies.<ref name="e!o" /> Since 2012, the network has held a [[Christmas in July]] event with airings of past Hallmark Channel Christmas movies, which is used to promote Hallmark Cards' collectibles for the upcoming season. In 2013, the event included holiday tips from the cast of ''Home & Family''. In 2014, the event added a theatrical movie premiere.<ref name="azc">{{cite news |last1=Bauder |first1=David |date=July 2, 2014 |title=Christmas in July: Hallmark channel will run holiday programming |language=en |work=azcentral |agency=AP |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/money/business/2014/07/02/christmas-in-july-hallmark-channel-will-run-holiday-programming/12111279/ |access-date=January 20, 2018}}</ref> By 2015, the event included one new original movie.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Eng|first1=Dinah|title=Meet the Woman Behind Hallmark's Christmas Movie Juggernaut|url=http://fortune.com/2015/11/27/woman-hallmark-holiday-movies/|access-date=January 20, 2018|work=Fortune|date=November 27, 2015|language=en|archive-date=January 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104101517/http://fortune.com/2015/11/27/woman-hallmark-holiday-movies/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2014, Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Cards collaborated for the first time on a movie, ''[[Northpole (film)|Northpole]]'', which was shown during Countdown to Christmas.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Block|first1=Alex Ben|title=Hallmark Upfront: 15 Original Movies, New Series and the Return of the Kitten Bowl|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hallmark-upfront-15-original-movies-688427|access-date=January 30, 2018|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=March 13, 2014|language=en|archive-date=January 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131140823/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hallmark-upfront-15-original-movies-688427|url-status=live}}</ref> The 2014 movie ''Christmas Under Wraps'', starring Candace Cameron Bure, became the highest-rated premiere in Hallmark Channel history, with 5.8 million viewers;<ref>{{cite web |date=December 2, 2014 |title='Christmas Under Wraps' Ratings Break Hallmark Channel Records |url=https://deadline.com/2014/12/christmas-under-wraps-ratings-hallmark-record-1201306476/ |access-date=December 3, 2017 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |publisher=[[Penske Business Media]]}}</ref> the success prompted Hallmark Channel to further increase its production of original movies.<ref name=":0" /> During the 2017 holiday season, Hallmark Channel premiered 33 original Christmas holiday films, up from a total of 28 holiday movies in 2016. As of 2017, Hallmark had a total of 136 Christmas holiday-themed movies in their original library of films.<ref>{{cite news |last=Jurgensen |first=John |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-the-hallmark-channel-conjures-up-christmas-1510158248 |title=How the Hallmark Channel Became a Christmas-Movie Machine |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |date=November 8, 2017 |access-date=November 10, 2017 |archive-date=November 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110023654/https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-the-hallmark-channel-conjures-up-christmas-1510158248 |url-status=live }}</ref> That year, it introduced the ''Christmas in Evergreen'' franchise, which was based on a Hallmark greeting card line.<ref name=":0" /> For 2018, a [[satellite radio]] companion to the event was carried on [[Sirius XM]]—"Hallmark Channel Radio"—which carried [[Christmas music]] hosted by Hallmark Channel talent (such as [[Holly Robinson Peete]] and Lacey Chabert), and behind-the-scenes features relating to Countdown to Christmas programming.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.multichannel.com/news/hallmark-channel-to-celebrate-holidays-with-branded-siriusxm-channel |title=Hallmark Channel to Celebrate Holidays with Branded SiriusXM Channel |work=Multichannel |date=October 23, 2018 |first=R. Thomas |last=Umstead |access-date=November 14, 2018 |archive-date=November 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115153519/https://www.multichannel.com/news/hallmark-channel-to-celebrate-holidays-with-branded-siriusxm-channel |url-status=live }}</ref> In honor of the franchise's 10th anniversary, Countdown to Christmas movies aired on Friday nights throughout 2019,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ew.com/tv/2019/02/08/hallmark-christmas-movies-2019/|title=Hallmark orders first three Christmas movies of 2019|website=EW.com|language=en|access-date=2019-03-06|archive-date=February 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212234619/https://ew.com/tv/2019/02/08/hallmark-christmas-movies-2019/|url-status=live}}</ref> and a "Hallmark Channel Christmas Con" was held in [[Edison, New Jersey|Edison]], [[New Jersey]] in November 2019, featuring appearances by Hallmark Channel talent.''<ref>{{cite news |last1=Russell |first1=Suzanne |last2=Makin |first2=Cheryl |date=November 9, 2019 |title=Hallmark Christmas Con: Holiday comes early to Central Jersey with inaugural event |language=en |work=Bridgewater Courier News |url=https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/local/2019/11/09/hallmark-christmas-con-holiday-comes-early-nj-inaugural-event/2535758001/ |access-date=January 27, 2020}}</ref>'' ===Animal special franchise=== With the success of the Dog Hero Awards, the channel started a franchise out of the show with additional shows that counterprogram major sporting events. Beyond the Dog Hero Awards and the Kitten Bowl, the channel has the Paw-Star Game (counterprogramming the [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|MLB All-Star Game]]) and the Summer Kitten Games (which had its first edition counterprogram the [[2016 Summer Olympics]] in [[Rio de Janeiro]]).<ref>{{cite news|last1=Abramovitch|first1=Seth|title=Hallmark Channel Has Gone to the (Hero) Dogs|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/hallmark-channel-has-gone-hero-833327/|access-date=February 7, 2022|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=October 26, 2015|archive-date=January 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112214629/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hallmark-channel-has-gone-hero-833327|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 2, 2014, the Hallmark Channel partnered with New York's [[North Shore Animal League]] and Last Hope Animal Rescue to debut the ''Kitten Bowl'' during [[Super Bowl XLVIII]]. The event – hosted by [[Beth Stern]] and announcers [[John Sterling (sportscaster)|John Sterling]] and [[Mary Carillo]] – is designed as [[Super Bowl counterprogramming|counterprogramming]] to the [[Super Bowl]] and airs during the game's halftime show, and is similar to another animal-themed event that debuted nine years earlier on [[Animal Planet]], the [[Puppy Bowl]]. ''Kitten Bowl II'' returned on February 1, 2015, and was watched by 1.3 million viewers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-25-sunday-cable-originals-2-1-2015.html|title=SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 25 Sunday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 2.1.2015|website=[[Showbuzzdaily.com]]|access-date=February 4, 2015|archive-date=February 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203203857/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-25-sunday-cable-originals-2-1-2015.html}}</ref> A new Kitten Bowl has aired every year since,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/kitten-bowl-2019-time-tv-channel-how-to-watch-stream/xtpvf51d4rsp1cy7b4kadkxp2|title=Kitten Bowl 2019: Time, TV channel, how to live stream cats not caring about sports|last=Bernstein|first=Dan|work=[[Sporting News]]|date=February 3, 2019|access-date=February 14, 2019|archive-date=February 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215050849/http://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/kitten-bowl-2019-time-tv-channel-how-to-watch-stream/xtpvf51d4rsp1cy7b4kadkxp2|url-status=live}}</ref> running repeatedly on Super Bowl Sunday in a three-hour program that includes "playoff games".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2819103-kitten-bowl-2019-recap-mvp-highlights-and-twitter-reaction |title=SKitten Bowl 2020 date, time, TV channel & how to live stream athletic football cats |last=Chiari |first=Mike |date=February 3, 2019 |website=Bleacher Report |access-date=January 31, 2020 |archive-date=January 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131202337/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2819103-kitten-bowl-2019-recap-mvp-highlights-and-twitter-reaction |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nfl/news/kitten-bowl-2020-date-time-tv-channel-live-stream/1thf5r5slbz7x128kvhpyx0thd |title=Kitten Bowl 2019: Recap, MVP, Highlights and Twitter Reaction |last=Heck |first=Jordan |date=January 31, 2020 |website=Sporting News |access-date=January 31, 2020 |archive-date=January 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131202336/https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nfl/news/kitten-bowl-2020-date-time-tv-channel-live-stream/1thf5r5slbz7x128kvhpyx0thd |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2019, the first edition of the ''Cat Bowl'' was shown during that year’s Super Bowl.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://people.com/pets/kitten-bowl-2019-time-date-hallmark-channel/|title=Kitten Bowl Is Coming! Get an Exclusive Look at One of the Big Games' More 'Relaxed' Cat Stars|last=Bender|first=Kelli|work=[[People (magazine)|People]]|date=January 29, 2019|access-date=February 14, 2019|archive-date=February 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215050514/https://people.com/pets/kitten-bowl-2019-time-date-hallmark-channel/|url-status=live}}</ref> The eighth and last edition of the Kitten Bowl aired in 2021 as Hallmark canceled it the next year.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Schwartz |first1=Ryan |title=Kitten Bowl Cancelled at Hallmark, Eyes New Home at GAC Family |url=https://tvline.com/2022/02/07/kitten-bowl-cancelled-hallmark-channel-not-airing-super-bowl-sunday-2022/ |website=TVLine |access-date=February 7, 2022 |date=February 7, 2022}}</ref> === Content standards === The Hallmark Channel has been criticized for editing its programming to remove what its [[Standards and Practices]] department considers offensive words. After the word "God" was muted in April 2014 from the film ''[[It Could Happen to You (1994 film)|It Could Happen to You]]'', in what is described as an attempt "to avoid taking His name in vain", the practice backfired when viewers interpreted the muting as evidence of hatred for God.<ref>{{cite web |website=Inquisitr |url=https://www.inquisitr.com/1215439/the-hallmark-channel-offends-audience-members-but-not-for-the-reason-you-think/ |title=The Hallmark Channel Offends Audience Members ... But Not For The Reason You Think |date=April 17, 2014 |access-date=February 21, 2018 |first=Sorcha |last=Szczerbiak |archive-date=February 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221222427/https://www.inquisitr.com/1215439/the-hallmark-channel-offends-audience-members-but-not-for-the-reason-you-think/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/04/the-hallmark-channel-offended-its-christian-viewership-by-refusing-to-take-the-lords-name-in-vain/360803/ |magazine=The Atlantic |date=April 17, 2014 |access-date=February 21, 2018 |first=Abby |last=Ohlheiser |title=The Hallmark Channel Offended Christian Viewers by Not Taking the Lord's Name in Vain |archive-date=February 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221222434/https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/04/the-hallmark-channel-offended-its-christian-viewership-by-refusing-to-take-the-lords-name-in-vain/360803/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Blogger Donna Cavanagh criticized the channel's content policies in July 2011, describing them as "censorship at its worst", with removal of profanities or epithets such as "ass" and "hooker". In response to Cavanagh's inquiry, a representative of the network wrote:<ref name=theSOP>{{cite news |last=Cavanagh |first=Donna |date=July 10, 2011 |url=http://thesop.org/story/20110710/bleepin-censorship-on-the-bleepin-hallmark-channel.html |title=Bleepin' Censorship on the Bleepin' Hallmark Channel |newspaper=The Student Operated Press |access-date=February 21, 2018 |archive-date=February 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221162123/http://thesop.org/story/20110710/bleepin-censorship-on-the-bleepin-hallmark-channel.html |url-status=live }}</ref> {{blockquote|Crown Media Networks is committed to family friendly programming. Our Standards & Practices ("S&P" — the things that are or are not acceptable for a particular network) are very conservative. There are words and phrases commonly used on other cable channels and broadcast networks that Hallmark Channel's S&P guidelines deem unacceptable.}} Cavanagh accused the network of hypocrisy in deeming such material as being objectionable according to the network's standards, while continuing to acquire off-network sitcoms such as ''[[Frasier]]'' and ''[[The Golden Girls]]'', which often feature sexual content including references to promiscuity.<ref name=theSOP /> Others have recommended the channel's late night programming, while noting that the word removal from these programs "puts a mild damper on the fun."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://splitsider.com/2017/08/a-recommendation-the-hallmark-channels-late-night-lineup/ |website=SplitSider |title=A Recommendation: The Hallmark Channel's Late Night Lineup |date=August 21, 2017 |access-date=February 21, 2018 |first=John |last=Hugar |archive-date=January 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117184938/http://splitsider.com/2017/08/a-recommendation-the-hallmark-channels-late-night-lineup/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
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