In a notable shift, Hallmark has made a U-turn on its initial plans for the highly anticipated third season of The Way Home. This time travel-centric family drama concluded its second season in a gripping manner that clearly set up the potential for further storylines. However, an announcement regarding its release primarily on streaming platforms sparked significant backlash among loyal viewers.
According to Variety, Hallmark has revised its earlier decision. The third season will now premiere on the Hallmark Channel on January 3 at 9 PM ET, before becoming available for streaming on Hallmark+ the following day. This change comes as a response to viewer dissatisfaction, particularly expressed within various Facebook groups, where many fans voiced frustration over the idea of needing yet another subscription for access.
Implications of Hallmark’s Decision for The Way Home Season 3
Aligning with Industry Standards
Fans can expect intriguing developments in the upcoming episodes, including the introduction of fresh faces. Actors Julia Tomasone, Jordan Doww, and Devin Cecchetto will appear as younger iterations of key characters Del, Colton, and Evelyn, respectively. Viewers are particularly invested due to the suspenseful conclusion of season two, which saw the return of Jacob (played by Spencer Macpherson) as an adult, ready to reunite with his mother, Del (portrayed by Andie MacDowell), with the help of Kat (Chyler Leigh).
|
Actor |
Character in The Way Home |
|---|---|
|
Chyler Leigh |
Katherine “Kat”Landry Dhawan |
|
Sadie Laflamme-Snow |
Alice Dhawan |
|
Andie MacDowell |
Del Landry |
|
Evan Williams |
Elliot Augustine |
|
Jefferson Brown |
Colton Landry |
|
Spencer Macpherson |
Jacob Landry |
|
Kris Holden-Ried |
Thomas Coyle |
Hallmark’s initial strategy appeared to capitalize on the show’s existing fanbase by pushing viewers toward its new streaming service, Hallmark+, which was launched earlier this year. However, this approach was considered unconventional compared to standard practices in the industry. For instance, networks like NBC and ABC typically allow shows to air on linear television first before releasing episodes for streaming the next day. In stark contrast, Hallmark intended for The Way Home Season 3 to remain streaming-exclusive until late 2025. Undoubtedly, this lengthy exclusivity caused frustration among fans, making the reversal a welcome decision that aligns with familiar broadcasting practices.
Our Perspective on Hallmark’s Decision
Capitalizing on a Beloved Series
The Way Home enjoys a strong following and remains one of Hallmark’s most popular scripted series, thanks to the captivating storytelling by creators Heather Conkie, Alexandra Clarke, and Marly Reed. Naturally, network executives are eager to harness this success. However, it’s clear that a sudden shift in the streaming model was likely to elicit a backlash, given viewers’ expectations. The decision to revert reflects a keen awareness of the channel’s audience and indicates Hallmark’s intent to prioritize viewer satisfaction moving forward.
Source: Variety
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