The Martha Stewart Show is leaving the world of
broadcast syndication to go to cable. Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia has
signed a deal with Hallmark Channel to exclusively present new episodes on the
cable network starting in fall 2010.
In addition to The Martha Stewart Show, MSLO will
develop and produce new original series and specials to complement the talk
show and Hallmark's current lineup of movies and classic television series.
Starting in the fall, new episodes of The Martha Stewart
Show will run weekdays on Hallmark from 10-11 a.m., followed by additional
content from MSLO from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The strip will continue to be
taped in New York
in front of a live studio audience.
The series is in its fifth season and is currently
distributed by NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution.
"This is a match made in TV heaven. We couldn't be more
excited about welcoming Martha Stewart to the Hallmark Channel family.
She is the undisputed leader in cooking, home décor, design and gardening, and
The Martha Stewart Show is the kind of high-quality, programming that celebrates
life, exemplifying Hallmark Channel and the Hallmark brand," said Bill Abbott,
president and CEO of Hallmark Channels. "We believe the creative programming,
branding and advertising opportunities this partnership presents are limitless.
As these properties join our already strong lineup which includes a full slate
of original movies, our viewers, distributors and advertisers will continue to
see in Hallmark Channel a destination like no other."
"It has long been a dream of mine to bring our unique
evergreen content to television in an expansive way. I'm delighted that we have
found the perfect home for the kind of programming that consumers look to us
for, a home that is devoted to excellence, family life and celebrations - what
we call living," said Stewart. "Our core values and content
areas--entertaining, weddings, crafting, cooking, gardening, holidays, pets and
humor--are a perfect fit with Hallmark Channel. I'm thrilled with the
opportunity to further develop MSLO's deep pool of talent and provide audiences
with exciting new programming that educates, informs, entertains and inspires."
