PRODUCTION BEGINS ON TWO-HOUR "GOOD WITCH" HALLOWEEN SPECIAL EVENT PREMIERING OCTOBER 29 ON HALLMARK CHANNEL

Stars Catherine Bell, Bailee Madison, James Denton Return

Season Three of Network's Highest-Rated Original, Primetime Series Premieres Early 2017

STUDIO CITY, CA, August 11 - Production has begun in Toronto, ON, Canada on a two-hour,Halloween special event installment of Hallmark Channel's highest-rated original series, "Good Witch." Based on the wildly popular "The Good Witch" movie franchise, which is the most successful in the network's history, the series stars Catherine Bell ("Army Wives," "JAG"), Bailee Madison ("Northpole: Open for Christmas," Just Go with It, Trophy Wife) and James Denton ("Desperate Housewives," "Devious Maids"). Production on season three will commence Monday, September 12.

"'Good Witch' is an annual Halloween tradition and a cornerstone of Hallmark Channel's success," said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming and Network Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks. "What began as the network's highest-rated movie franchise has become a powerhouse, routinely ranking among the top 5 original cable TV series on Sunday nights."

In the special, Cassie (Bell) welcomes a popular fantasy author and her editor to Grey House. Before long, Cassie inspires her to hold the launch party for her latest book right there in Middleton, which shares mysterious and surprising similarities with her stories. Work begins to transform Middleton into the book's Halloween-inspired setting of Tarynsville but when the event is threatened, Cassie must conjure up a way to save the day - all the while helping the author and editor find a long-simmering love. Meanwhile, a medical emergency keeps Sam (Denton) busy at the hospital and away from Cassie until a surprise patient brings them closer than ever.

In its second season, "Good Witch" averaged a solid 2.4 L+3 HH rating, making Hallmark Channel the #2-rated cable network in the time period. Additionally, the series reached nearly 9.7 million unduplicated viewers and more than 1.8 million viewers in the W25-54 demographic.*

"Good Witch," is a Whizbang Films Production. Dean Batali, Orly Adelson, Jonathan Eskenas, Frank Siracusa and Craig Pryce are the executive producers. Catherine Bell is co-executive producer. ITV Studios America controls distribution rights in the world for "Good Witch" outside of North America.

*Source: Nielsen (4/17-6/19-16)

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," "Frasier" and "Little House on the Prairie." Hallmark Cards, Inc. owns and operates Crown Media Family Networks.

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