HALLMARK MOVIES & MYSTERIES ANNOUNCES EMMY(R) AND GOLDEN GLOBE(R) WINNER "MONK," COMING TO PROGRAMMING LINEUP STARTING MARCH 11

"MONK" MARATHON PREMIERES SATURDAY, MARCH 11, ON HALLMARK MOVIES & MYSTERIES

STUDIO CITY, CA - March 6, 2017 - Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, the fastest growing network in the Crown Media Family Networks portfolio, announces the acquisition of the off-network comedy series "Monk" from NBCUniversal. The series will begin to air as part of the network's programming lineup beginning March 11, 2017 at 9am EST/PST, with a full day marathon and will then air weekdays from 1-3pm EST/PST beginning Monday, March 13. "Monk" stars EMMY(R) winner Tony Shalhoub as the obsessive-compulsive homicide detective Adrian Monk.

"The acquisition of such an acclaimed show as 'Monk' reminds viewers that we want to continually grow the network, into a quality destination for mysteries and whodunit programs," says Darren Melameth, Senior Vice President, Program Planning & Acquisitions, Crown Media Family Networks "We also feel that the show will complement our existing line up that include such classics as 'Murder She Wrote' and 'Columbo.'

In "Monk" Tony Shalhoub stars as the title character Adrian Monk, a brilliant but unconventional detective. Monk had a promising career with the San Francisco Police Department until Monk developed a case of obsessive-compulsive disorder as a result of his wife's unsolved murder. With assistance from a nurse, Monk is able to leave his house which allows him to work as a private detective and a consultant with the Police Department.

Shalhoub's work as the character Adrian Monk earned him EMMY(R) nominations for all eight seasons that the show ran on USA. Shalhoub took home the EMMY(R) three times. Shalhoub received five Golden Globes(R) nominations and won the Golden Globe(R) for Best Actor in Musical or Comedy Series in 2003. In addition, he was nominated for seven Screen Actors Guild(R) awards and won twice for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series. "Monk" was also a showcase for such actors as Gena Rowland, Stanley Tucci, Sarah Silverman and John Turturro, many of them earning nominations and winning awards as well for their efforts.

Created by Andy Breckman and David Hoberman, "Monk" was produced by Mandeville Films and Touchstone Television in association with Universal Cable Productions (UPC). The show was executive-produced by Andy Breckman, David Hoberman Rob Thompson, Tom Scharpling and Tony Shaloub. "Monk" is distributed by NBCUniversal Television and New Media Distribution.

ABOUT HALLMARK MOVIES & MYSTERIES

With sister cable television network Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries is the second 24-hour linear channel under the Crown Media Family Networks umbrella. Distributed in both (HD) and standard definition (SD) in 68 million homes across the United States, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries is one of the fastest growing networks in cable and a leading destination for quality, family friendly entertainment. Launched in 2008 as Hallmark Movie Channel, the network was re-branded in fall of 2014, transitioning into Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. True to its name, the channel brings the lighter side of the suspense and mystery genres into focus with rich, dramatic, and thought-provoking storytelling. The network's programming lineup features a unique mix of new, original movies, presentations from the acclaimed Hallmark Hall of Fame library, and such time-honored acquired series as "Murder, She Wrote," "Matlock," "Hart to Hart" and "Diagnosis Murder." The channel is also home to the annual, eight-week holiday programming event "Most Wonderful Movies of Christmas," which helps viewers celebrate the season with new, original movies and beloved holiday classics, including "A Christmas Carol," "Holiday Affair," "Babes in Toyland," and "Christmas in Connecticut." Hallmark Cards, Inc. owns and operates Crown Media Family Networks. Hallmark Movies & Mysteries on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube