Hallmark Channel, Greeting Cards Get Together on Screen

Animated greeting card characters to host channel's "Countdown to Christmas"

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 10/19/2009 10:20:03 AM

Hallmark Channel and majority investor Hallmark Cards are getting together on-screen for the first time, according to the companies.

Hoops & Yoyo, characters featured on Hallmark animated greeting cards, will host a movie night on Hallmark Channel Friday nights between Thanksgiving and Christmas as part of the channel's "Countdown to Christmas" programming initiative. It will become a feature of a year-round holiday countdown cross-platform initiative.

The H oops & Yoyo characters are also available in greeting card, stuffed animal, bobblehead and mug form.

The characters will be providing running commentary for the holiday films, as well as in promos and on a customized microsite.

Hallmark Channel said this would be the first "of many synergistic programming and marketing opportunities we will forge with Hallmark Cards."