Recently, Hallmark fans on Reddit have expressed their wish for the feel-good network to return to making the Hallmark Hall of Fame movies. One poster asked if “There has been any talk of bringing Hall Of Fame movies back.”
This is a great question. That is because these are the movies that essentially launched the Hallmark Channel.
Originally called the Hallmark Television Playhouse 75 years ago, the famed card company created spectacular movies that were compared to what was seen at the cinema. They adapted Shakespeare’s plays, and made biographical movies. Some of the early titles included Macbeth, Hamlet, and Alice In Wonderland.
These two-hour movies were more expensive than anything that was on television at that time. The company splashed out big bucks to create something special.
In addition, these movies took three to four weeks to make. This was not like the current cost effective two-week film schedule. The subjects were more serious. People died in these movies. They were not unlike Miracles Of Christmas movies, but more sumptuous and expensive.
Most of all, such actors as Laurence Olivier and Richard Burton starred in these movies. Back in those days, big-name actors were not making television series. This was something special for viewers.
However, the last Hall Of Fame movie was A Christmas Love Story starring Kristin Chenoweth and Scott Wolf, which was part of Countdown To Christmas 2019.
What has the network said about this beloved series of movies returning?
Will Hallmark Hall Of Fame Movies Return?
Just two years ago, at the TCA Summer 2024, Hallmark executives shared big news about the rebranding of the network’s streaming platform, Hallmark Plus. Those executives included then President and CEO, Mike Perry (who is the current CEO), former EVP of Programming, Lisa Hamilton Daly, former Chief Brand Officer, and current President, Darren Abbott, and former EVP Streaming and Digital Platforms Emily Powers.
The news of Hallmark+ created a flurry of questions, including whether the network would bring back its prestigious Hall Of Fame movies.
On Twitter, writer Matt Mitovich shared the reply. “We’re continually figuring out how to bring back Hallmark Hall of Fame.”
In addition, Meghan O’Keefe’s shared on Twitter, “When asked if Hallmark Hall of Fame will be on Hallmark+, Hamilton Daly says they are discussing bringing it back and what platform it will be best served on.”
At that time, it appeared that the network had conversations about this big piece of Hallmark’s history.
However, it appears that they remained only in the discussion stage. Since then, Hallmark+ has been through a metamorphoses. Furthermore, so has the network’s top executive team.
Hallmark Made Major Changes To Programming
Back when Hallmark’s then EVP of Programming, Lisa Hamilton Daly, said that they were discussing the details of bringing the Hallmark Hallmark of Fame movies, it was just two years ago.
However, those movies have not returned. That is not all. Hallmark Plus experienced a lot of changes.
The reimagined streaming channel started out as a third channel for the network, with original programming and movies. This is where The Chicken Sisters and Mistletoe Murders launched. The streaming channel aired old movies, but not new ones.
However, viewers were confused. Many purchased the app to watch Countdown To Christmas movies. While there were all the old movies, and new Cherry Lane movies, and the first holiday limited series, Holidazed, viewers wanted to see Countdown To Christmas movies.
Adding to that confusion, Finding Mr. Christmas was on Hallmark+, but the movie that the winner was starring in was on the Hallmark Channel.
Around the time of the premiere of Happy Howlidays, Hallmark changed their format and made all of the new Countdown To Christmas and Miracles of Christmas movies available to stream.
Since then, the network made the Hallmark Mystery Channel dormant, premiering mysteries on the OG channel. Also, it took another year before they started to re-relaunch Hallmark+ with new series like Hope Valley 1874, and Paris Is Always A Good Idea.
However, the network did not make a new Hall of Fame movie since that 2024 glimmer of hope.
Hallmark Has Changed Leadership Since Hall Of Fame Discussion
One of the reasons that the Hallmark Hall Of Fame movies may still be stalled is that there was a major executive shakeup at the network. Fifty percent of the team at the TCAs was gone, and the network has not said an anything about Hallmark Hall of Fame Movies.
Firstly, Emily Powers, Executive Vice President, Streaming and Digital Platforms has no longer worked for Hallmark since April 2025. She is now an independent consultant and used to be the head of BritBox North America for seven years before going to Hallmark.
As everyone knows, Lisa Hamilton Daly’s position as EVP of Programming was eliminated in January 2025.
That position not so surprisingly came back when Michelle Vicary returned in August 2025.
Vicary has brought back Lori Loughlin, and Jesse Metcalfe. However, there has not been anything mentioned about Hallmark Hall Of Fame returning.
Do you think it is time for Hallmark to bring back Hall of Fame? How would you like it to return? For Christmas? Four times a year?
Also, which non-Hallmark stars would you like to see in a Hall of Fame movie? Harrison Ford (let’s dream big!) Meryl Streep, maybe Billy Bob Thornton?
Share your wishes in the comments below. Hopefully, the network will consider bringing back Hallmark Hall of Fame movies.
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