HALLMARK CHANNEL ORDERS SEASON FIVE OF ORIGINAL, PRIMETIME DRAMA SERIES 'WHEN CALLS THE HEART'

Series Earns Record Ratings in Season Four

STUDIO CITY, CA - April 24, 2017 - Hallmark Channel has ordered a fifth season of the network's original, primetime drama series "When Calls the Heart," it was announced today by Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming and Network Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks. Having just concluded its fourth season, "When Calls the Heart" has thrived on a highly competitive Sunday night, with the sweeping, frontier drama series enjoying double digit gains in HHs and key demos, year over year.*

"Viewers have fallen in love with 'When Calls the Heart' and have embraced the themes of faith, family and community," began Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming and Network Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks. "The talented writing staff and our amazing cast have created our best season yet and the record ratings reflect this. We're thrilled to be able to bring our viewers more drama, romance and adventure next year as we continue the saga of Hope Valley."

The series boasts a passionate fan base known as the #Hearties, who have become a social media phenomenon, making "When Calls the Heart" one of the network's most social series. The #Hearties' activity on social media has reached record levels, causing the show to trend consecutively during every new episode since season four premiered on Sunday, February 19. To date, "When Calls the Heart" has seen a 15% growth in social media impressions secured over season three.

Based on the book of the same name by Janette Oke, the series stars Erin Krakow ("Army Wives"), Lori Loughlin ("Fuller House," "90210"), Daniel Lissing ("The Last Resort"), Jack Wagner ("The Bold and the Beautiful"), Pascale Hutton ("Sanctuary") and Kavan Smith ("Supernatural").

Hallmark Channel's Original Primetime Series "When Calls the Heart" is a WCTH Season 4 Production in association with Brad Krevoy Television and Believe Pictures. Brad Krevoy, Robin Bernheim Burger, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., Susie Belzberg, Eric Jarboe, Michael Shepard and Jimmy Townsend are executive producers. Paul Jackson, Cynthia J. Cohen, Amanda Phillips Atkins, Lori Loughlin, Derek Thompson, Neill Fearnley, Peter DeLuise and Michael Rohl are co- executive producers. Vicki Sotheran and Greg Malcolm serve as producers. Richard Manning, Charles Lazer, Simon Richardson and Shelley Matheson serve as supervising producers. Doran S. Chandler and Vince Balzano are associate producers.

*Source: Nielsen Company. "When Calls The Heart" Season 4 vs. 3.

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 88.5 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