Hallmark Channel Scores Strong Ratings with Weekend Premieres

Giving viewers an early dose of romance for Valentine's Day, Hallmark Channel's newest original movie, "Chance at Romance", premiered on Saturday with a 1.5 household rating. The February 8 premiere attracted over 2.7 million unduplicated viewers to the network and ranked as the #2 cable movie of the day. On the original series front, Hallmark Channel's newest scripted series, "When Calls The Heart" is showing solid week-over-week growth, with the February 8 episode delivering a 1.4 household rating and reaching more than 2.0 million unduplicated viewers.

In the 7-9pm period, "Chance at Romance" placed #3 in both HH (1.5 rtg) and P2+ (.7 rtg) for key demo ratings. The Valentine's Day charmer was also #3 in key demo delivery, reaching 1,295,000 household impressions. The original movie boosted Hallmark Channel to be the #4 cable network in Primetime on Saturday among households.

An online friend request becomes a romantic journey for Samantha in "Chance at Romance", when she thinks she has met the man of her dreams, a famous photographer. Upon arriving for what she expects to be a romantic weekend with Heath, she learns that her online relationship has really been with his young son who hopes to find a new wife for his father. To make matters worse, her dream guy isn't interested in a relationship. Despite the nontraditional start to their virtual relationship, could an actual relationship develop between Heath and Sam? Stars Erin Krakow and Ryan McPartlin.

In "When Calls The Heart: The Dance", Abigail Stanton (Lori Loughlin) works with Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow) to put on Coal Valley's dance to welcome the new miners to town. Elizabeth is immediately charmed by one of the new coal miners, Billy Hamilton (Andrew W. Walker), much to Constable Jack Thornton's (Daniel Lissing) annoyance. Jack is convinced smooth-talking Billy isn't exactly who he claims, but all of his warnings to Elizabeth are brusquely pushed aside as jealousy on Jack's part. Stars Erin Krakow, Daniel Lissing and Lori Loughlin.

Source: The Nielsen Company, February 3-9, 2014