Hallmark Channel Acquires Rights to 1990's Comedy HOME IMPROVEMENT

Hallmark Channel, the nation's leading destination for quality programming, announces the network has acquired the rights to the popular 1990s sitcom, HOME IMPROVEMENT, from Disney-ABC Domestic Television. The off-network comedy series will drive the network's sitcom block with episodes from seasons one through eight (203 episodes) joining the schedule in September 2013. The classic family comedy joins Emmy nominated drama, "The Good Wife", which begins airing in January 2014, and award-winning comedy, "The Middle", airing March 2014, as the network accelerates its strategy to assemble a "dream team" of programs comprised of acquired hits and original scripted fare.

"The broad-based appeal of the 90s runaway hit, 'Home Improvement', along with being one of the most successful shows in off-net syndication, makes this series a must-have for Hallmark Channel," said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming. "We believe this award-winning sitcom will be a major driver of our classic family television lineup and will continue to acquire the best shows available to augment our schedule while aggressively ramping up production on our own original series to bring viewers some of the strongest programming on television."

Based on the stand-up comedy of Tim Allen, "Home Improvement" made its network debut on ABC September 1991 and was one of the highest-rated sitcoms for almost the entire decade. This popular family comedy stars Tim Allen, Patricia Richardson, Earl Hindman, JoNathan Taylor Thomas, Zachery Ty Bryan, Taran Noah Smith, Richard Karn and Debbe Dunning as the "Tool Time" Girl. The series was a family viewing favorite and appealed to all age groups. The universal themes of family, parenting, the battle of the sexes - and of course, man's need for "more power" - come to play throughout the episodes of "Home Improvement". The show's writing and performances have allowed it to address serious issues in a humorous way, from mid-life crises and career concerns, to health challenges and the ups and downs of adolescent relationships.

The final episode aired on May 25, 1999 with a 90-minute finale, which was the fourth highest-rated comedy series finale of the 1990s, behind "Cheers", "The Cosby Show", and "Seinfeld". The show was honored with an abundance of awards, including Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, People's Choice Awards, Nickelodeon Awards and Kid's Choice Awards. America's favorite tool-man, Tim Allen, won the People's Choice Award for "Favorite Actor in a Television Comedy Series" for eight consecutive years.

Created by Matt Williams, David McFadzean and Carmen Finestra, "Home Improvement" was produced by Wind Dancer Production Group in association with ABC Studios (also known as Touchstone Television) and is distributed by Disney-ABC Domestic Television. The show was executive-produced by Matt Williams, David McFadzean, Carmen Finestra, Bruce Ferber, Elliot Shoenman, and Tim Allen.

Hallmark Channel, owned and operated by Crown Media Holdings, Inc., is a 24-hour basic cable network that provides a diverse slate of high-quality entertainment programming available in high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) to a national audience of 87 million subscribers. Hallmark Channel is the nation's leading destination for quality family programming with an ambitious slate of original TV movies and specials, as well as some of television's most beloved sitcoms and series, including The Golden Girls, Frasier, and Happy Days. The channel is also home to a range of lifestyle programming, anchored by Home & Family, a daily two-hour live show shot in a fully functional house located on the Universal Studios lot, and Marie, a one-hour talk show hosted by iconic entertainer, Marie Osmond. Hallmark Channel's sibling network, Hallmark Movie Channel, also available in HD and SD, focuses on family-friendly movies with a mix of original films, classic theatrical releases, and presentations from the acclaimed Hallmark Hall of Fame library.