HALLMARK CHANNEL'S NEWEST ORIGINAL PRIMETIME SERIES, "CHESAPEAKE SHORES" PREMIERES TO A STRONG START

Episode Averages 2.3 HH Rating and 2.5 Million Total Viewers on a L+3 Basis

New York, August 19 - "Chesapeake Shores," Hallmark Channel's newest original primetime series, premiered to strong results on Sunday, August 14, boosting the network to be #1-rated among HH, W25-54 and total viewers across all ad-supported cable networks in the 9-11 p.m. time period. The debut struck a chord on social media as well, becoming Sunday's 2nd most social ad-supported cable drama airing a new episode, attracting the 2nd most uniques and interactions on Facebook and Twitter combined.

Key Nielsen Highlights (L+3)

· Season premiere averaged a 2.3 HH Rating and 2.5 Million total viewers

· Debut reached nearly 3.5 million unduplicated viewers

· Hallmark Channel ranked #1 among HH delivery in the Sunday 9-11 p.m. time period

In "Chesapeake Shores," Abby O'Brien Winters (Meghan Ory) returns to Chesapeake Shores when she receives a panicked phone call from her younger sister Jess, who has renovated the charming Inn at Eagle Point. The Maryland town her father built has many sad memories and Abby, thanks to her demanding career, divorce and young twin daughters, has not had time to spare. Saving the inn from foreclosure means dealing not only with her fractured family but also with Trace Riley (Jesse Metcalfe), the man she left ten years ago. Trace initially poses an obstacle but becomes an unexpected ally and a second chance at finding love.

Source: Nielsen, August 8-14, 2016; Nielsen Social Content Ratings, August 13-14, 2016.

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 fresh, 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.

Hallmark Channel on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube