Hallmark Reverses Streaming Decision for The Way Home Season 3

Hallmark fans, rejoice! The beloved time travel series *The Way Home* has been saved from a streaming-only fate, thanks to the power of fan demand.

Hallmark’s recent decision to keep Season 3 on its parent network instead of shifting it exclusively to Hallmark+ has brought some relief. However, there are still changes on the horizon that have left fans feeling a bit uneasy.

The Power of Fan Demand

In a world where streaming services are becoming increasingly dominant, Hallmark has been making moves to bolster its own platform, Hallmark+.

The initial plan to shift *The Way Home* Season 3 exclusively to streaming met with significant backlash from fans. Many viewers, already paying for services like YouTube TV to access Hallmark content, were not thrilled at the prospect of subscribing to yet another service.

The fan outcry was loud and clear, prompting Hallmark to reconsider its strategy.

Hallmark’s Response to Fans

Over the weekend, Hallmark announced that due to overwhelming demand, *The Way Home* Season 3 would indeed air on the Hallmark Channel, starting Friday, January 3 at 9/8c.

This decision was met with widespread approval from fans who have been following the show since its inception. The series, starring Andi McDowell, Chyler Leigh, and Sadie Laflamme-Snow, has garnered a dedicated following, making it one of Hallmark’s standout original programs.

Concerns About the New Schedule

While the decision to keep *The Way Home* on the Hallmark Channel is a win for fans, there’s still a significant change that has raised some eyebrows.

Traditionally, Hallmark’s original TV programming, including *The Way Home* and *When Calls The Heart*, airs on Sunday nights—a time when most families are at home and able to watch together.

However, for Season 3, Hallmark has decided to air the show on Friday nights, a slot often considered less favorable for viewership.

The Friday Night Slot

The move to Friday nights has left some fans concerned that Hallmark might be trying to “burn off” the series rather than allowing it to shine in a prime-time slot.

Historically, Friday nights have been viewed as a “death slot” for TV shows, but there are exceptions, such as *Blue Bloods* and *Fire Country*, which have successfully attracted audiences on Fridays.

It’s possible that Hallmark is hoping the convenience of having the show available on Hallmark+ the next day will encourage more subscriptions. However, the decision remains a point of contention among the show’s loyal viewers.

The Strength of *The Way Home*

Despite the scheduling concerns, there’s no denying that *The Way Home* is one of Hallmark’s strongest original series.

The show’s script was initially crafted with a streaming TV budget in mind, which has contributed to its high-quality production values.

Hallmark’s SVP Lisa Hamilton Daly, who brought the show with her when she left Netflix, has played a crucial role in its success. The series has earned quick renewals, a testament to its popularity and quality.

Why *The Way Home* Stands Out

Several factors contribute to the show’s success:

• Compelling Storyline: The time travel element adds a unique twist to the narrative, keeping viewers engaged and coming back for more.
• Strong Cast: The performances by Andi McDowell, Chyler Leigh, and Sadie Laflamme-Snow have resonated with audiences, adding depth to the characters.
• High Production Values: The show’s streaming TV budget has allowed for impressive visuals and a polished final product.
• Dedicated Fanbase: The series has cultivated a loyal following, making it a staple in Hallmark’s lineup.

Given these strengths, it’s hard to imagine that Hallmark would want to diminish the show’s potential by relegating it to a less favorable time slot. However, the network’s history of long-running series suggests that they see long-term value in *The Way Home*.

Hallmark’s Streaming Strategy

The decision to keep *The Way Home* on the Hallmark Channel while also making it available on Hallmark+ the next day highlights the network’s evolving approach to streaming.

Hallmark is clearly trying to find a balance between traditional TV broadcasting and the growing demand for streaming content.

This dual approach allows them to cater to their existing audience while also attracting new subscribers to Hallmark+.

Future Implications

The outcome of this strategy could have significant implications for Hallmark’s future programming decisions.

If *The Way Home* performs well in its new Friday night slot and drives subscriptions to Hallmark+, it could pave the way for more shows to follow a similar model.

On the other hand, if the shift negatively impacts viewership, Hallmark may need to reconsider its approach.

Conclusion

The saga of *The Way Home* Season 3 is a testament to the power of fan demand and the complexities of modern TV programming.

While the decision to keep the show on the Hallmark Channel is a win for fans, the shift to a Friday night slot has left some concerns.

Nevertheless, the show’s strengths and dedicated fanbase suggest that it will continue to thrive.

As Hallmark navigates the balance between traditional TV and streaming, the future of *The Way Home* and other original series will be an interesting journey to watch.

Stay tuned, Hallmark fans, and mark your calendars for January 3rd.

Let’s see how *The Way Home* fares in its new time slot and what it means for the future of Hallmark’s programming.