‘Cedar Cove’ Was Hallmark Channel’s First Scripted TV Series
The Hallmark Channel knows how to tug at viewers’ heartstrings when it comes to wholesome and heartwarming programs. For two decades, the network has been entertaining audiences with its sweet, romantic movies. They’ve also branched out into television with a string of drama series. When Calls the Heart and Good Witch have become a few of the network’s popular programs. But the very first original television show to air on Hallmark would be Cedar Cove.
‘Cedar Cove’ was Hallmark Channel’s first scripted TV series
Hallmark Channel’s journey from original movies to TV shows began in 2013. When looking for inspiration for a new television drama, producers turned to the literary world for help. Cedar Cove was the television adaption of Debbie Macomber’s popular book series. The show would premiere in July 2013, and according to TV Insider, made history as Hallmark’s first scripted TV series.
The series’s premise revolves around court judge Olivia Lockhard (Andie MacDowell) and the other citizens of a small, coastal town. Throughout the series, Oliva finds herself dealing with squabbles in the town and her home life. The show is filled with an eccentric cast of characters, including the handsome Jack Griffith (Dylan Neal), Olivia’s love interest.
‘Cedar Cove’ ran for three seasons
Fans of Macomber’s books tuned in to support the television adaption of Cedar Cove. The show was a success garnering over three million viewers for the premiere episode. MacDowell, who played the lead character on the show, jumped at the chance to be part of the Hallmark project.
In a 2013 interview with Los Angeles Times, MacDowell says she signed on for the series to provide good quality programming for audiences. “We need diversity. We need to have options for everybody, and there aren’t many options for people who want to watch something wholesome,” she explained to the newspaper. MacDowell would entertain Cedar Cove fans for three seasons before the show’s cancellation in December 2015.
‘Cedar Cove’ paved the way for other Hallmark TV series
Although its run only lasted three seasons, Cedar Cove helped pave the way for other Hallmark TV series. Since then, the network has added many other original shows to its lineup. Its current dramas When Calls the Heart and Chesapeake Shores have become huge hits with fans.
Recently, Hallmark said goodbye to another of its original programs with the cancellation of Good Witch. After seven seasons, Good Witch aired its final episode on July 25th. Although Cedar Cove, and Good Witch are no longer on the network, fans can watch reruns on Amazon Prime Video and iTunes. A good way to enjoy wholesome, heartwarming programming and take a trip down memory lane.
