SEASON FIVE OF HALLMARK CHANNEL'S "WHEN CALLS THE HEART" PREMIERES WITH TWO-HOUR SNEAK PEEK DURING "COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS"

Returning February 2018, Series Earned Record Ratings in Season Four

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - July 27, 2017 - Season five of Hallmark Channel's original, primetime series "When Calls the Heart" returns with a two-hour sneak peek during the network's annual, popular programming event, "Countdown to Christmas." In February 2018, the saga of Hope Valley will continue with 10, one-our weekly episodes. Since its debut in January 2014, the frontier drama has continued to see viewership growth each year, with season four bringing double-digit gains in HHs and key demos.* The announcement was made today as part of Crown Media Family Network's bi-annual TV Critics Association Summer Press Tour.

"The record ratings 'When Calls the Heart' earned in season four are a testament to the compelling, heartfelt storytelling by our writers and our stellar cast that brings to life the tale of Hope Valley each week," said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming and Network Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks. "We are thankful for tireless fan support from the #Hearties and couldn't be more pleased to give them another season of their favorite show."

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 an All Canadian Entertainment Production in association with Brad Krevoy Television and Believe Pictures. Brad Krevoy, Paul Jackson, Cynthia J. Cohen, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., Susie Belzberg, Eric Jarboe, Michael Shepard and Jimmy Townsend are executive producers. Derek Thompson, Elizabeth Stewart, Amanda Phillips Atkins, and Lori Loughlin, are co- executive producers. Vicki Sotheran and Greg Malcolm serve as producers. Richard Manning, Neill Fearnley, Peter DeLuise, and Michael Rohl 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 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