On Saturday (July 20), Hallmark Channel's first original scripted series premiered, bringing author Debbie Macomber's books to life. "Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove" stars Andie MacDowell and highlights the slower and simpler side of television. But did it live up to its source material?
MacDowell stars as Olivia Lockhart, the municipal judge in the titular town, a coastal community in Washington State that's so idyllic it almost harkens back to a different era of television. In the two-hour pilot, Olivia is offered the change to take the federal bench -- a job that would take her out of Cedar Cove. You can probably guess how that resolves itself.
"Cedar Cove" looks to be a leisurely alternative bit of programming for those viewers who are turned off by today's fast-paced TV dramas. But is it satisfying to fans of Macomber's books? If you watched the premiere, let us know what you...
MacDowell stars as Olivia Lockhart, the municipal judge in the titular town, a coastal community in Washington State that's so idyllic it almost harkens back to a different era of television. In the two-hour pilot, Olivia is offered the change to take the federal bench -- a job that would take her out of Cedar Cove. You can probably guess how that resolves itself.
"Cedar Cove" looks to be a leisurely alternative bit of programming for those viewers who are turned off by today's fast-paced TV dramas. But is it satisfying to fans of Macomber's books? If you watched the premiere, let us know what you...
- 7/21/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
TV can be painfully derivative, and when a show comes along that is not easily categorized, other than light drama, it's risky.
When that show is Hallmark Channel's first scripted series, it's even more of a chance. But "Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove," debuting with a two-hour pilot Saturday, July 20, looks to be as sure of a deal as anything could be.
Starring Andie MacDowell, the series fills a gap. It's a quiet drama, without dismemberments, supernatural forces or fantastic premises. For those who have had enough boorish behavior, this is a welcome respite.
"I like to think about it as a little bit of a modern version of Andy Griffith, and I'm Andy," MacDowell tells Zap2it. "I don't want to be agitated so much on television. I don't need to watch any more agitation."
There's a peaceful quality to the show. That quietude comes from MacDowell's character, Olivia Lockhart,...
When that show is Hallmark Channel's first scripted series, it's even more of a chance. But "Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove," debuting with a two-hour pilot Saturday, July 20, looks to be as sure of a deal as anything could be.
Starring Andie MacDowell, the series fills a gap. It's a quiet drama, without dismemberments, supernatural forces or fantastic premises. For those who have had enough boorish behavior, this is a welcome respite.
"I like to think about it as a little bit of a modern version of Andy Griffith, and I'm Andy," MacDowell tells Zap2it. "I don't want to be agitated so much on television. I don't need to watch any more agitation."
There's a peaceful quality to the show. That quietude comes from MacDowell's character, Olivia Lockhart,...
- 7/20/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
“New York Times” Best-Selling Author Debbie Macomber Cedar Cove TV series comes to Hallmark Channel July 20 What a burst of sunshine. New York Times best-selling author Debbie Macomber is one of those people who always see the glass as half full, finding happiness in the simplest of things. “I’m a generally happy person,” she admits. “When [Wayne and I] were first married, he would wake up and he would say, ‘Do you have to shine so bright in the morning?’” The author of over 100 novels continues to shine, and even brighter, this month as Hallmark Channel rolls out [...]
The post Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove TV series comes to Hallmark appeared first on Channel Guide Magazine.
The post Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove TV series comes to Hallmark appeared first on Channel Guide Magazine.
- 7/2/2013
- by Barb Oates
- ChannelGuideMag
Updated: Erin Krakow (Castle, Army Wives) and Daniel Lissing (Last Resort, Crownies) have joined the cast of When Calls The Heart. The one-hour original scripted series set to premiere in January 2014 on the Hallmark Channel stars Jean Smart and Lori Loughlin who will reprise their roles from the two-hour original movie that debuted October 5 on Hallmark. Based on Janette Oke’s bestselling Canadian West book series, When Calls The Heart chronicles the story of Elizabeth Thatcher (Krakow), a young teacher accustomed to high society life, who receives her first classroom post in a small coal-mining town in the Western frontier lead by two strong coal-miner widows, Abigail Stanton (Loughlin) and Frances Tunnecliffe (Smart). When Calls The Heart is a Brad Krevoy Television and Believe Pictures production. Brad Krevoy, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., Roman Viaris, Francisco Gonzalez, and Jimmy Townsend serve as executive producers, with Bird and Landon Jr. serving as showrunners.
- 6/12/2013
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
The summer season of originals is officially upon us! Here’s the rollout plan for scripted and reality shows on cable and broadcast:
June 1
Season Premiere: The Pioneer Woman (Food Network)
Season Premiere: My Cat From Hell (Animal Planet)
June 2
Season Premiere: The Killing (AMC)
Season Premiere: Keeping Up With The Kardashians (E!)
Series Premiere: Princesses: Long Island (Bravo)
Series Premiere: The Wanted Life (E!)
Season Premiere: The Real Housewives of New Jersey (Bravo)
Series Premiere: Top Hooker (Animal Planet)
Season Premiere: Call of the Wildman (Animal Planet)
Season Premiere: The Venture Bros. (Adult Swim)
June 3
Season Premiere: Kitchen Crashers...
June 1
Season Premiere: The Pioneer Woman (Food Network)
Season Premiere: My Cat From Hell (Animal Planet)
June 2
Season Premiere: The Killing (AMC)
Season Premiere: Keeping Up With The Kardashians (E!)
Series Premiere: Princesses: Long Island (Bravo)
Series Premiere: The Wanted Life (E!)
Season Premiere: The Real Housewives of New Jersey (Bravo)
Series Premiere: Top Hooker (Animal Planet)
Season Premiere: Call of the Wildman (Animal Planet)
Season Premiere: The Venture Bros. (Adult Swim)
June 3
Season Premiere: Kitchen Crashers...
- 6/1/2013
- by Lynette Rice
- EW - Inside TV
Hallmark has a hot new series coming this summer. .Debbie Macomber.s Cedar Cove,. Hallmark Channel.s first regularly scheduled scripted series will star Andie MacDowell and it will air Saturday July 20 at 8 Pm Et. It was announced by the network that Teryl Rothery was cast along with Ms. MacDowell and Dylan Neal in the upcoming .Cedar Cove." Debuting with a two-hour installment on Saturday, July 20 at 8 p.m. Et, the series is based on the New York Times bestseller, .Debbie Macomber.s Cedar Cove. sees MacDowell as a small-town family court judge named Olivia Lockhart. Teryl Rothery was cast as her best friend Grace and Dylan Neal the new editor of the local newspaper and her...
- 4/22/2013
- by April Neale
- Monsters and Critics
Hallmark Channel said today it is boosting its original programming efforts, adding another scripted series to its schedule and two pilots to its development slate. The network unveiled during parent Crown Media’s upfront presentation in NY that it has greenlighted 10 episodes of When Calls The Heart, based on the book series by Janette Oke. The movie pilot is set to premiere October 5 and the series will debut in January 2014. It joins Hallmark’s first original scripted series, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove, the Andie MacDowell-starrer that premieres July 20 as a two-hour movie, followed by new one-hour episodes on Saturdays beginning July 27. Set in the Western frontier, Heart centers on young teacher Elizabeth Thatcher (Poppy Drayton) who trades high society life for a classroom post in the prairie, determined to prove she is brave enough to live on her own. She learns through her aunt’s secret diary that...
- 3/21/2013
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Hallmark Channel is launching a new family TV-movie series. In partnership with Walmart, Proctor & Gamble, Walden Media and Arc Entertainment, the cable network will unveil Walden Family Theater as a destination for family-friendly films, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. There will be six new films airing on Fridays throughout the year, in addition to a slew of favorites from Hallmark Channel's library. Walmart will sell DVDs of the new movies the Tuesday after they air. Story: Hallmark Gives First Scripted Series Order to Andie MacDowell's 'Cedar Cove' Walden Family Theater will debut March 15 with the world premiere
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- 2/25/2013
- by Philiana Ng
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tired of yellow tape, chalk outlines, and witness lineups? There could be a new outlet for actors trying to escape the glut of roles available on increasingly horrific crime procedurals: the Hallmark Channel. The channel, which bills itself as the "nation’s leading destination for quality family programming," announced that it will make its first foray into original scripted series with “Cedar Cove,” starring Andie MacDowell and now heading into production in Vancouver. Casting directors who have worked with Hallmark in the past on its TV movies say they've yet to be contacted about casting the series, which also stars veteran TV actor Dylan Neal. But Cathy Reinking, a casting director with an extensive TV résumé, said the series could be a breath of fresh air for actors looking for guest or co-starring roles. "With Hallmark, you get a nice, wholesome family drama," she told Backstage. "It's a good thing.
- 10/19/2012
- backstage.com
L.A. Noir
TNT has picked up Frank Darabont's untitled period drama formerly known as "L.A. Noir". Six episodes of the 40's and 50's period cop drama have been ordered by the network. The story revolves around the battle between former Los Angeles Police Chief William Parker and mobster/former boxer Mickey Cohen.
Darabont wrote and directed the pilot which stars Jon Bernthal, Neal McDonough, Jeffrey DeMunn and Milo Ventimiglia. Thomas Jane and Simon Pegg guest star in the pilot. [Source: The Live Feed]
American Horror Story
FX's "American Horror Story" returned to 3.85 million viewers for its second season premiere, that's 22% up on the 3.18 million who tuned into the series premiere last year.
'Asylum' also pulled 2.78 million in the coveted adults 18-49 demographic. DVR and time-shifted stats are eagerly awaited as the first season was last year's most time-shifted program according to Nielsen. [Source: The Live Feed]
Animal Practice
After four episodes, NBC has cancelled its...
TNT has picked up Frank Darabont's untitled period drama formerly known as "L.A. Noir". Six episodes of the 40's and 50's period cop drama have been ordered by the network. The story revolves around the battle between former Los Angeles Police Chief William Parker and mobster/former boxer Mickey Cohen.
Darabont wrote and directed the pilot which stars Jon Bernthal, Neal McDonough, Jeffrey DeMunn and Milo Ventimiglia. Thomas Jane and Simon Pegg guest star in the pilot. [Source: The Live Feed]
American Horror Story
FX's "American Horror Story" returned to 3.85 million viewers for its second season premiere, that's 22% up on the 3.18 million who tuned into the series premiere last year.
'Asylum' also pulled 2.78 million in the coveted adults 18-49 demographic. DVR and time-shifted stats are eagerly awaited as the first season was last year's most time-shifted program according to Nielsen. [Source: The Live Feed]
Animal Practice
After four episodes, NBC has cancelled its...
- 10/19/2012
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Hallmark Channel today announced that it has given green light to its first primetime series Cedar Cove starring Andie MacDowell. Stargate veteran Carl Binder will serve as showrunner on the series, which will film in Vancouver. Cedar Cove is based on Debbie Macomber’s novels and stars MacDowell as Judge Olivia Lockhart whose Cedar Cove Municipal Court is the professional milieu and social microcosm of issues the judge will face in her own day-to-day life with family and friends. Dylan Neal plays Jack Griffith, the new editor of the Cedar Cove Chronicle, and budding love interest for Judge Lockhart. Hallmark made two-hour pilot orders to Cedar Cover and When Calls the Heart in March. Then in May, when it tapped MacDowell for Cedar Cove, it announced that the project has been given a series order for a debut in early 2013. At the time, MacDowell was tied to ABC Family’s Jane By Design,...
- 10/17/2012
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Hallmark Channel is officially getting into the scripted series business. The network has ordered Andie MacDowell starrer Cedar Cove -- its first scripted entry -- to series. The project, which The Hollywood Reporter exclusively reported the network would air as a two-hour TV movie that doubled as a backdoor pilot, has bypassed that stage and will instead premiere Jan. 19, with subsequent episodes joining the schedule in the spring. Story: Hallmark Channel Launching First Scripted Series Based on the book by Debbie Macomber. Carl Binder (Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman) will serve as showrunner. MacDowell stars as small-town family court judge Olivia Lockhart whose
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- 10/17/2012
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In ABC Family’s renewal announcement today, there was one bubble series conspicuously missing — Jane By Design. The cable network will not order more episodes of the comedic drama, which is being cancelled after one season. Jane By Design had an Ok initial 10-episode run in the winter, which yielded an eight-episode back order in February. But the series could not keep up with its Pretty Little Liars lead-in this summer. Related:ABC Family Renews ‘Baby Daddy’, ‘Melissa & Joey’ & ‘Switched At Birth’, Gives Back Order To ‘Bunheads’ Jane by Design stars Andie MacDowell and Erica Dasher and is about high-schooler Jane (Dasher) who finds herself, through a case of mistaken identity, working in the world of high fashion. The series’ future has been in doubt since MacDowell in May signed on as the lead of another series, Hallmark Channel’s Cedar Cove. April Blair created Jane By Design and executive...
- 8/17/2012
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Amy Aquino (The Finder) has landed a major recurring role on the season three of Syfy’s Being Human. She plays Donna — a vibrant, strong woman who runs the local soup kitchen and is sought out to help find Sally who became lost in the season 2 finale. Aquino, repped by TalentWorks and James/Levy Management, booked the NBC pilot The Frontier this past season. Billy Brown (Dexter) has been cast in the major recurring role on another cable drama, FX’s Sons Of Anarchy. He will play August Marks, the right-hand man to Damon Pope (Harold Perrineau). Brown is with TalentWorks and Bender/Spink. Dylan Neal (Bones) has been cast as a lead opposite Andie MacDowell in the Hallmark Channel’s first scripted series Cedar Cove. Based on the book series by Debbie Macomber, Cedar Cove revolves around the residents of the small town of Cedar Cove and centers on Judge Olivia Lockhart (MacDowell). Neal,...
- 6/8/2012
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
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