Candace Cameron Bure has become a mainstay on the Hallmark holiday movie circuit, starring in features including the popular “Aurora Teagarden Mysteries” films. Now following the announcement that Bure is heading to GAC Network, it’s been revealed that there are no plans for the actress to continue starring in Hallmark productions.
The reason for this, according to Newsweek, is financial. Apparently, GAC offered the 46-year-old star a “prominent executive role” with their organization in an attempt to compete with Hallmark for family-friendly content. The push is being led by GAC head Bill Abbott, who previously worked with Bure when he was President & CEO of Crown Media, who owns the Hallmark Channel.
It’s worth noting that Hallmark was criticized for a lack of diversity in their programming while Abbott was leading. It wasn’t until he left that the channel released its first Christmas movie featuring a same-sex couple. Abbott moved to GAC with the intention to create “a family-friendly programming destination of broad appeal based on traditional values,” The New York Times reported. In a statement, Abbott said his mission was to “deliver on the promise of safe and entertaining storytelling.”
The actress did praise Hallmark’s new focus on diverse storytelling, at least publicly. She told Insider in November 2021 that the changes made sense because all families look “so different.”
“Hallmark has definitely made changes in that direction, which we are all very, very happy to see,” Bure said at the time. “it’s important to represent all people and all of their journeys and their family dynamics.”
Bure didn’t sign an exclusive contract with GAC, but rather is choosing to end her tenure at Hallmark for now. In addition to starring in all 18 movies of the “The Aurora Teagarden Mysteries” film series, the actress was a big part of the network’s “Countdown to Christmas” content. She appeared in 11 holiday movies over the years.
The “Full House” alum said in a statement, “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.”
“GAC fits my brand perfectly,” she continued. “[W]e share a vision of creating compelling wholesome content for an audience who wants to watch programming for and with the whole family.”
Bure isn’t the only former Hallmark star making the move to GAC. Variety shared that other recognizable faces including Trevor Donovan, Jen Lilley, and Danica McKellar recently signed deals with the company.
Abbott released a statement Tuesday discussing how happy he was to be working with Bure again. He said her inclusion generated enthusiasm as she’s an actress who’s been adored by “generations of fans as one of family entertainment’s most cherished and relatable stars,” People reported.
“She has helped build this genre into the mainstream success it is today, and I look forward to working together at GAC Media as we further establish our brands as leaders in quality family programming,” he added. “I am truly honored that she has chosen to be a part of and help curate her special brand of family entertainment here at Great American Channels.”
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Source: Dailywire
