Hallmark Adds Several Classic Series

By R. Thomas Umstead
published

Hallmark Channel will debut several classic hit television shows beginning in
September.

Andy Griffith drama vehicle Matlock and 1970s series Little House
on the Prairie will air weekdays on the network beginning Sept. 2, while
classic 1950s series The Lone Ranger will join the network’s
Saturday-afternoon Western-oriented programming block beginning Sept. 6, network
executives said.

The announcements follow the June deal that landed the network rights to
popular CBS drama JAG beginning in 2005. During Hallmark's run, USA
Network, the series' longtime cable home, will air JAG during the
afternoons.

"We are excited about these solid ratings performers coming to our network,"
Hallmark executive vice president of programming David Kenin said in a prepared
statement.

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.