The network's number one star is following a long line of on-camera talent departing the outfit for rival GAC Media.
The C-Suite at Hallmark and Crown Media Family Networks - their parent company - must be reeling from the announcement that Candace Cameron Bure is jumping ship. Far and away their top draw for the annual Christmas programing and with her Aurora Teagarden Mysteries franchise, the Christian actress' departure will leave a massive void.
As reported in Deadline, Cameron Bure will join the GAC Family and GAC Living channels where she will develop, produce and star in both movies and TV shows as well as having an expected executive function related to overall programming. Those two networks are part of GAC Media, which was launched last June by former Crown Media Family Networks CEO Bill Abbott; he has been consistently pilfering Hallmark network talent since, including Jen Lilley and Danica McKellar, who welcomed Cameron Bure's arrival in comments on a social media post about the move.
In a press statement, Abbott calls Cameron Bure "one of family entertainment's most cherished and relatable stars," adding that he is "truly honored" she will be joining the team at Great American Channels. In her own press statement, the actress echoed her new boss' enthusiasm.
"I'm very excited to develop heartwarming family and faith-filled programming and make the kind of stories my family and I love to watch."
What has remained unmentioned - but is the 800-pound gorilla in the room here, as it were - is how the changing nature of Hallmark's programming influenced Cameron Bure's decision. She is a devout Christian and, though she has not spoken out about it publicly, cannot have been happy with the network's emphasis on homosexuality in a growing percentage of its productions.
That issue more broadly, in fact, was evidently what led to Abbot's departure from his Crown Media post back in early 2020. He bolted after it caved into pressure groups and apologized for pulling an advertisement featuring a homosexual kiss and marriage. While Cameron Bure has never addressed the matter, she is among the most outspoken Christians in Hollywood and her statements on this move seem to make her position clear.
"I am constantly looking for ways that I can inspire people to live life with purpose. GAC fits my brand perfectly; we share a vision of creating compelling wholesome content for an audience who wants to watch programming for and with the whole family. Great, quality entertainment with a positive message is what my partnership with GAC is all about!"
There is no word yet on whether Cameron Bure's "faith-filled programming" will be out-and-out Christian fare or even what her first new project will be, though on that score we feel certain she will have a Christmas movie on the roster this year. In the meantime, two of her previous TV shows - Full House and Fuller House - already air on GAC Family. Christian Film Blog will follow developments and let you know once there is news about her coming productions.