Hallmark Channel to Premiere First-Ever MEOW MADNESS Basketball Championship, 4/3

Hallmark Channel, the exclusive home for kitten sports and the highly-rated "Kitten Bowl" franchise, announces the network's latest pet-centric programming buzzer beater, MEOW MADNESS, a Hallmark CHANNEL Original Special Event, will premiere on Monday, April 3, 2017. "Meow Madness" features author and animal advocate Beth Stern as host and Peabody Award-winning reporter Mary Carillo as commentator. The special will showcase adoptable kittens in the most competitive tournament the basketball world has ever seen.

Hallmark Channel enjoys home court advantage for the inaugural "Meow Madness" special as 100 adorable, adoptable "cat-letes" purr-fect an unstoppable zone defense while taking shots from the "flea throw" zone as each team claws its way to "The Final Fur."

"'Meow Madness,' along with our other very successful Hallmark CHANNEL original pet-centric specials, entertain audiences of all ages while showcasing what beautiful animals are available for adoption at local shelters," said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President of Programming & Network Program Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks, Hallmark CHANNEL and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.

"As Crown Media Family Networks PETS program expands its partnerships with North Shore Animal League America and others to include hundreds of neighborhood shelters around the country, we are focused on adoption and showcasing the joys pets bring to our lives every day," Ms. Vicary concluded.

"Meow Madness" is produced by 3 Ball Entertainment. Executive Producers are Todd A. Nelson, Ross Weintraub, DJ Nurre, and Jeff Altrockm, with Kathy Sutula serving as co-executive producer. 3 Ball Entertainment credits include "Extreme Weight Loss" (ABC), "Bar Rescue" (Spike) and "My Cat From Hell" (Animal Planet), among others.

ABOUT Hallmark CHANNEL Hallmark Channel is Crown Media Family Networks' flagship 24-hour cable television network, distributed nationwide in high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) to 89 million homes. As the country's leading destination for quality family entertainment, Hallmark CHANNEL delivers on the 100-year legacy of the Hallmark brand. In addition to its signature new, original movies, the network features an ambitious lineup of other new, original content, including scripted primetime series, such as "Good Witch," "When Calls the Heart" and "Chesapeake Shores"; annual specials including "Kitten Bowl" and "Hero Dog Awards"; and a daily, two-hour lifestyle show, "Home & Family." Additionally, Hallmark CHANNEL is the exclusive home to world premiere presentations of the acclaimed HALLMARK HALL OF FAME franchise. Dedicated to helping viewers celebrate life's special moments, Hallmark CHANNEL also offers annual holiday programming franchises, including "Countdown to Christmas," "Countdown to Valentine's Day," "Summer Nights," "Fall Harvest" and "Winterfest." Rounding out the network's diverse slate are some of television's most beloved comedies and series, including "The Golden Girls," "The Middle," "Last Man Standing," and "Frasier." Hallmark Cards, Inc. owns and operates Crown Media Family Networks. Hallmark CHANNEL on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube

ABOUT NORTH SHORE ANIMAL LEAGUE AMERICA North Shore Animal League America - the world's largest no-kill rescue and adoption organization - has saved the lives of over 1 million dogs, cats, puppies and kittens at risk of euthanasia. Through our many innovative programs, we reach across the country to rescue animals from overcrowded shelters, unwanted litters, puppy mills, natural disasters and other emergencies and find them responsible, loving homes. As a leader in the no-kill movement, we are dedicated to promoting shelter pet adoptions; encouraging spay/neuter programs; reducing animal cruelty; ending euthanasia; and advancing the highest standards in animal welfare. Please join us in saving the lives of innocent animals by donating to support our lifesaving mission.

Photo credit: Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Brian Friedman