The Hallmark Channel is making some shifts in its plans involving unscripted shows, according to a new statement.
Throughout 2025, Hallmark launched an expanded array of reality television shows. Both Jonathan Bennett’s “Finding Mr. Christmas” and Lacey Chabert’s “Celebrations” were renewed after successful initial seasons. In addition, several other fan favorite entertainers were tapped to lead new shows.
Hallmark referred to the collection of new and returning shows as “Reality TV with Heart.“ Both the network and Hallmark+, the organization’s streaming platform, had offerings available to viewers.
Benjamin Ayres, Ashley Williams, Tamera Mowry-Housley, Wes Brown, and Luke Macfarlane were among the fan favorite entertainers who headlined shows that debuted in late 2024 and throughout 2025.
Now, however, Hallmark is changing course.
Hallmark Is Pulling Back on Reality TV Shows
According to Realscreen on February 2, Hallmark is cutting back on its unscripted offerings. In a statement to the outlet, Hallmark Media asserted, “Our unscripted content remains a valuable tool to provide our viewers with real life stories that capture the Hallmark purpose, lifestyle and fandom.”
“We are constantly examining our content and refining to meet the needs and desires of our audience,” the Hallmark statement continued.
As a result, the network added, “We are transitioning our work in the unscripted area to include a limited number of specials and limited series at impactful times throughout the year, versus a full concurrent slate.”
The statement did not reference any specific Hallmark reality shows or personalities who may be affected by the shift in unscripted programming. But responsibilities are shifting for David Stefanou, who had been the head of unscripted television for the network.
A spokesperson for Hallmark Media told EntertainmentNow, “David’s head of unscripted role has been eliminated and he will continue to support Hallmark Media during the transition of the strategy shift.”
Fans of the Network Seem Generally Happy About the Changes Ahead
In July 2025, Stefanou addressed the expansion of unscripted programming with Variety. He explained, “We’re in the business of joy and heart. Our shows make people feel good. They offer possibility, transformation, and happiness, and that’s something people could use a little more and why they come to Hallmark.”
In November 2023, Hallmark announced it had added Stefanou to their team to lead their expansion of unscripted offerings. In the years before joining Hallmark, Stefanou worked in production on reality television series such as “Tori & Dean: Inn Love,” “Hustle & Soul,” “Love After Lockup,” and “Bad Girls Club.”
The statement Hallmark provided to Realscreen did not specify what Stefanou’s new role with the network would entail.
Hallmark fans shared their reactions to the news in the Hallmark Movies subreddit.
“I enjoyed the reality shows so this makes me sad,” one Reddit user admitted.
“Reality programming and Hallmark do NOT go hand in hand,” countered a pleased Reddit user.
“Yay! Thank God,” cheered another Hallmark fan.
Several commenters noted that they enjoyed Hallmark’s “Baked with Love” series. A holiday edition hosted by Mowry-Housley aired in late 2025.
An additional Reddit user commented, “Does it mean more movies? Then I approve.”
“Oh yay. I never once watched their reality programming. I was dismayed when they started delving more into the genre so I’m very glad to see them turning away from it before Hallmark falls into the reality trap like so many other channels before it,” read someone else’s comment.
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Hallmark Shifts Its Programming Strategy, Sparking Buzz Among Fans