PURE FLIX AND GREAT AMERICAN MEDIA TO MERGE
Sony Pictures’ Faith and Family Streaming Service to Join Forces with Great American Media’s Portfolio of Family-Friendly Cable and FAST Channels to Serve Growing Audiences
Culver City, CA and New York, NY – May 11, 2023 – Pure Flix, a leading faith and family streaming platform owned by Sony Pictures Television, and Great American Media, home to a growing portfolio of family-friendly media brands, today announced the signing of an agreement to merge the two companies. Pure Flix will become part of the merged company, with Great American Media contributing two cable networks (Great American Family and Great American Living) and a FAST channel (Great American Adventures). Great American Media will retain a majority interest in the merged company and will oversee day-to-day management of the independent organization.
Great American Media President and CEO, Bill Abbott, will serve as CEO of the merged entity, reporting to the company’s board of directors. The new company will build on the multi-faceted, multi-channel family and faith media brands in the portfolio. Closing of the deal is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.
Pure Flix and Great American Media share the same mission to serve and delight consumers in the family and faith categories. Combining the power of Great American Media’s linear networks and FAST channel with Pure Flix’s SVOD service and vast content library will provide an opportunity for each platform to reach a larger and broader audience. Bringing the brands together into one entity will immediately establish the company as a leader in the genres.
“Family-friendly entertainment remains an important segment of the industry, and merging these two entities will create the greatest opportunity to achieve more scale for Pure Flix as it continues to build its subscriber base,” said Ravi Ahuja, Chairman of Global Television Studios and Corporate Development for Sony Pictures. “Bill and the Great American Media team have been successfully leading the Great American Family and Great American Living brands, and we believe they have a winning plan to take Pure Flix to even greater heights.”
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
SPT acquired Pure Flix in December 2020. The service provides faith and family-friendly movies and TV series to its ~1M subscribers in the U.S. and Canada.
Featuring original Christmas movies, rom-coms and classic series that celebrate faith, family and country, Great American Family is currently in ~50M homes and is carried by all major cable providers. Great American Family recently closed out First Quarter 2023 as the fastest-growing network on TV for the second consecutive quarter.
–END–
ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN MEDIA
Great American Media is home to a family-friendly portfolio of brands including Great American Family and Great American Living. As the flagship network, Great American Family features original Christmas movies, rom-coms and classic series that celebrate faith, family and country. Great American Living features lifestyle programming that celebrates family-friendly traditions every day and every season. Great American Media is also home to FAST (free ad-supporting streaming TV) channel Great American Adventures, which offers scripted and unscripted content highlighting themes including cooking and DIY, and Great American Community, a free direct-to-consumer streaming app featuring short-form original series hosted by well-known lifestyle experts. Great American Media was established in June 2021 by Bill Abbott and a group of US-based family offices.
ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY
Great American Family is America’s premiere destination for quality family-friendly programming, including original holiday movies, rom-coms and fan-favorite series that celebrate faith, family and country. Great American Family is home to year-round seasonal celebrations including Great American Christmas, the network’s signature franchise featuring holiday themed movies and specials. Founded in 2021, Great American Family is part of the Great American Media portfolio of brands. Follow Great American Family on Twitter: @GAfamilyTV Facebook: @GAfamilytv Instagram: @gactv
ABOUT PURE FLIX
Pure Flix is your home for faith and family-friendly movies and shows where you can confidently stream with the entire family. With new premium and exclusive original entertainment choices every week, you can strengthen your faith and family with Pure Flix – a streaming service that inspires, uplifts and entertains. You’ll get access to the largest variety of high-quality wholesome movies, series and kids’ content at one low price. Experience the difference that positive, encouraging entertainment can have in your home. Pure Flix is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment.
ABOUT SONY PICTURES TELEVISION
Sony Pictures Television (SPT) is one of the television industry’s leading content providers, producing, distributing and carrying programming worldwide in every genre and for every platform. In addition to managing one of the industry’s largest libraries of award-winning feature films, television shows and formats, SPT is home to a thriving global content business, operating a robust portfolio of wholly-owned and joint-venture production companies across the U.S., Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific, as well as linear and digital channels around the world. SPT is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Group Corporation.
Contacts:
Great American Media:
Mead Rust
469-663-7717
Sony Pictures Television:
Stacy Weitz
Corporate Communications
Great American Family Extends Streak as TV’s Fastest-Growing Network for Six Consecutive Months
NEW YORK, NY – May 5, 2023 – Great American Family has extended its ratings growth streak after closing out April 2023 as TV’s fastest-growing network for six consecutive months in year-over-year Total Day Household ratings. The recent ratings success marks sustained growth and momentum for Great American Family which previously announced it was the fastest-growing network in several key dayparts and demographics in both 4Q 2022 and 1Q 2023.
According to Nielsen Media Research, Great American Family ranks #1 in ratings growth in 2Q 2023 to date and 2023 YTD with the largest gains in Total Day and Primetime viewership among both Households and Total Viewers. April 2023 also marked the strongest month in network history for Total Day Household ratings. Please see highlights below:
- Six consecutive months as the fastest-growing network year-over-year in Total Day Household ratings*
- 2Q 2023 to Date: Fastest-growing network on TV in both Total Day Households (+214%) and Total Viewers (+226%) and Primetime Households (+167%) and Total Viewers (+162%) **
- 2023 Year to Date: Fastest-growing network on TV in both Total Day Households (+147%) and Total Viewers (+141%) and Primetime Households (+132%) and Total Viewers (+130%) ***
- April 2023 was the highest rated month in network history in Total Day Households ****
- Sunday, April 2 was the highest rated Sunday in network history in Total Day Households and tied for the highest among Women 25-54 ^
- Saturday, April 29 was the highest rated Saturday in network history in Total Day Households and Adults 25-54 and tied for the highest among Women 25-54 ^^
Source:
* Nielsen LSD, ASC HHs, Ranked by YOY % Change by Month, Total Day M-Su 6a-6a
**Nielsen LSD, 2Q23TD (3/27/23-4/30/23) vs 2Q22TD (3/28/22-5/1/22) % change, Total Day M-Su 6a-6a, Prime M-Su 6p-1a
***Nielsen LSD, 2023YTD (12/26/22-4/30/23) vs 2022YTD (12/27/21-5/1/22), Total Day M-Su 6a-6a, Prime M-Su 6p-1a
****Nielsen LSD, 3/27/23-4/30/23, Total Day M-Su 6a-6a
^ Nielsen LSD, Sundays only, 9/27/21-4/30/23, 6a-6a
^^Nielsen LSD, Saturdays only, 9/27/21-4/30/23, 6a-6a
GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY ANNOUNCES PRODUCTION START OF
‘MY CHRISTMAS HERO,’
STARRING CANDACE CAMERON BURE
NEW YORK, NY – April 18, 2023 – Great American Family, TV’s fastest-growing network for two straight quarters, today announced the start of production for MY CHRISTMAS HERO, starring Candace Cameron Bure (A Christmas Present, “Full House”), which will premiere as part of the network’s annual Great American Christmas franchise. Great American Christmas returns in October with original movie premieres Saturdays and Sundays, and 24/7 holiday movies through the end of the year.
In MY CHRISTMAS HERO, US Army reservist and orthopedic physician, Nicole Ramsey (Bure) is dedicated to serving military service members and their families at the Joint Military Base in Lacey, Washington, home of I Corps and the 62nd Airlift Wing. This Christmas, with the help of many dedicated heroes, Dr. Ramsey is on a mission to honor a special fallen soldier and bring much needed healing to her own family.
“We are proud to tell a story that honors our U.S. veterans this Christmas season. From WW2 to present day veterans, we shine the spotlight on their heroic work as well as aftercare needs. We have a talented cast and crew and are thrilled to bring it to our Great American Family audience,” says Candace Cameron Bure.
MY CHRISTMAS HERO is produced by Veteran Productions in Association with Candy Rock Entertainment and Syrup Studios. Mick McKay serves as Producer, and Martin Wood directs an original screenplay written by Jim Head. Executive producers include Candace Cameron Bure, Ford Englerth, Jeffery Brooks, Jim Head, Gerald Webb, Eric Jarboe, Holly Hines, Martin Wood, and Trevor McWhinney. Supervising Producers include Jonathan Shore, Robyn Weiner, Michael Shepard, and Doran Chandler serves as Associate Producer.
Photo Credit: Melissa Coulier
ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY
Great American Family is America’s premiere destination for quality family-friendly programming, including original holiday movies, rom-coms and fan-favorite series that celebrate faith, family, and country. Great American Family is home to year-round seasonal celebrations including Great American Christmas, the network’s signature franchise featuring holiday themed movies and specials. Founded in 2021, Great American Family is part of the Great American Media portfolio of brands. Follow Great American Family on Twitter: @GAfamilyTV Facebook: @GAfamilytv Instagram: @gactv
ABOUT CANDY ROCK ENTERPRISES
Candy Rock Enterprises is a joint venture between award winning actress, producer and New York Times Best Selling Author Candace Cameron Bure and the full-service development and execution team behind Redrock Entertainment, Ford Englerth and Jeffery Brooks. Candy Rock’s Entertainment division develops, produces, and distributes television projects, lifestyle programming and feature length films with an emphasis on family-friendly content. Instagram: @CandyRock.Entertainment
ABOUT SYRUP STUDIOS
Syrup Studios is a Canadian deficit-financing studio focused on exceptional films, series, and international co-productions for global audiences. Syrup’s highly tailored approach to developing, financing, producing, and distributing content through entrepreneurial business models brings each compelling story to life.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Pam Slay
VP, Program Publicity & Talent Relations
Great American Media
818.415.3784
GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY REIGNS AS THE FASTEST-GROWING NETWORK FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE QUARTER
#1 in 1Q’23 Total Day Ratings Growth in Households and Total Viewers
#1 in 1Q’23 Primetime Ratings Growth in Households and Total Viewers
NEW YORK, NY – March 30, 2023 – Great American Family has extended its streak as the fastest-growing network on TV ranking #1 in ratings growth for First Quarter 2023. The new leader in original Christmas movies, seasonal rom-coms and family-friendly series and specials closed out the quarter with the highest increases for Total Day ratings in Households and Total Viewers, and the largest gains in Primetime ratings in Households and Total Viewers.
The increase in audience marks the second consecutive quarter in which Great American Family was TV’s fastest-growing network. In addition to quarterly growth, the network registered its highest-rated weekend ever in several key demographics on Saturday, March 18 and Sunday, March 19. Please see highlights below:
- Total Day First Quarter 2023: Ranked #1 in ratings growth in Households (+121%) and Total Viewers (+118%)
- Primetime First Quarter 2023: Ranked #1 in ratings growth in Households (+118%) and Total Viewers (+124%)
- Saturday, March 18: Strongest Saturday Total Viewers rating, and tied with 11/26/22 (Thanksgiving weekend) for strongest Household rating
- Sunday, March 19: Strongest Sunday ratings for Households, People 25-54 and Total Viewers, and second strongest in Women 25-54
- Weekend Combined (Saturday 3/18 and Sunday 3/19): Strongest weekend ratings ever in Households, People 25-54 and Total Viewers and second strongest in Women 25-54
Great American Family’s success comes amid overall declines among general entertainment networks which saw 1Q 2023 Total Day audiences down an average -18% year-over-year in both Households and Total Viewers, and 1Q 2023 Primetime viewership down an average -21% in Households and -20% in Total Viewers.
In First Quarter 2023, Great American Family premiered eight original movies, including Fall Into Winter starring Lori Loughlin in her long-awaited return to romantic comedies, along with popular specials “Great American Rescue Bowl” hosted by Beth Stern and “To The Rescue Pup-A-Thon” with Tommy Habeeb. The network is also home to classic fan-favorite series, including “Columbo,” “Little House on the Prairie” and “Murder, She Wrote.”
Source: Nielsen LSD, 1Q23 vs 1Q22 delivery ranked on % change; Nielsen LSD, Weekly Saturday + Sunday Total Day combined, 9/26/21-3/19/23; Nielsen LSD, Gen Ent Cable nets, Total Day=M-Su 6a-6a, Prime=M-Su 6p-1a
###
ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY
Great American Family is America’s premiere destination for quality family-friendly programming, including original holiday movies, rom-coms and fan-favorite series that celebrate faith, family and country. Great American Family is home to year-round seasonal celebrations including Great American Christmas, the network’s signature franchise featuring holiday themed movies and specials. Founded in 2021, Great American Family is part of the Great American Media portfolio of brands. Follow Great American Family on Twitter: @GAfamilyTV Facebook: @GAfamilytv Instagram: @gactv
Media Contact:
Mead Rust
469.663.7717
GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY PRESENTS ITS FIRST-EVER ANIMAL RESCUE TELETHON “TO THE RESCUE PUP-A-THON 2023“
STAR-STUDDED TELETHON HOSTED BY MARIEL HEMINGWAY, SCOTT BAIO, TOMMY HABEEB AND MORE — BENEFITTING ANIMAL RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY
Dallas, TX (February 6, 2023)–Great American Family and the producers of the hit animal TV series, “To The Rescue,” are teaming up to raise money for animal rescue organizations via Forever Family Rescue Foundation a 501c3, with its first annual “To The Rescue Pup-A-Thon 2023.” Featuring dogs that are available for adoption around the country that have been waiting for a forever home, the event will be broadcast live nationally from Los Angeles on Great American Family from 12 PM-4 PM ET / 9 AM-1 PM PT this Sunday, February 12. In support of the upcoming event, the donation window is now live and people can pledge their support by texting LIVE to 801801.
The Pup-A-Thon will be hosted by Tommy Habeeb (host of “To The Rescue”), Mariel Hemingway and Scott Baio. The broadcast will also feature the following celebrity guests and athletes: John O’ Hurley, Ray Crockett (NFL 2 X Super Bowl Champion), Isaiah Stanback (NFL STAR), Alison Eastwood (Actor and Director of Eastwood Ranch & Rescue), Ser’Darius Blain (Jumanji), Bruce Buffer (UFC and Mixed Martial Arts Announcer), Jen Lilley (Great American Family), Roger “Rocket” Clemens (NYY 2 X World Champ, 7 X Cy Young Award, 11 X All Star), Rick Perry (Former Texas Governor), Donna D’Errico (Baywatch), Robert Colbert (The Young and the Restless, Maverick), Burton Gilliam (Blazing Saddles), Spud Webb (NBA Slam Dunk Champion), Cleto Escobedo III (band director, Jimmy Kimmel Live), G.W. Bailey (The Closer/Police Academy/Major Crimes), Richy Jackson (Lady Gaga’s choreographer), and more. Musical performances will include country music legend John Anderson; and The Womak Sisters (Sam Cooke’s daughters).
“What else are you going to watch on Sunday February, 12?,” says Habeeb, host and executive producer of the Pup-A-Thon. “We know that television audiences are looking forward to a bigger-than-life television event, and we plan to deliver. We are thrilled to be able to bring together such a talented group of celebrities to raise awareness and funds for animal rescue.”
“There is a prevailing myth that pet homelessness ended during the pandemic, but nothing could be further from the truth as it continues to be widespread throughout the country. We are extremely proud to partner with Tommy Habeeb and Forever Family Rescue Foundation on Pup-A-Thon 2023 and hope that we are in some small way contributing to raising awareness and inspiring viewers to visit their local shelter and adopt a loving pet and to raise funding that will have a direct impact on the lives of homeless animals nationwide,” said Bill Abbott, President and CEO of Great American Media.
The telethon is part of the Great American Family’s ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of pets in our communities, which also includes “Great American Rescue Bowl,” a rescue adoption event created in partnership with North Shore Animal League America and hosted by Beth Stern, airing this Sunday, February 12 at 10:30 AM ET / 7:30 AM PT with an encore presentation at 4 PM ET / 1 PM PT immediately following the telethon. In total, the network will air seven consecutive hours of original programming dedicated to pet adoption and raising funds for local animal shelters.
To find Great American Family on local cable providers, people can visit GreatAmericanFamily.com and click on “Channel Finder” or text “WINTER” to 877-999-1225.
The Pup-A-Thon will also be simulcast live on Great American Community, a free, direct-to-consumer streaming app available on iOS mobile, Android mobile, Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Google TV and at GreatAmericanCommunity.com.
TO DONATE: Go to https://pupathon.tv
ABOUT “TO THE RESCUE” TV SERIES:
The nationally syndicated television series is hosted Tommy Habeeb, as he journeys across the U.S. to show how animal rescues and sanctuaries operate tirelessly, and against all odds, to save dogs and other animals from abuse, neglect, behavioral issues, and medical issues. For more information, visit: www.totherescuetv.com.
ABOUT FOREVER FAMILY RESCUE FOUNDATION:
The mission of Forever Family Rescue Foundation is to help homeless animals find loving, permanent homes where they can live out their lives with the comfort and security of a forever family. Working together with public shelters, volunteers, and rescue organizations – they raise awareness for animal rescue and work to create a world where every animal is given a chance to find a home and live a happy life. Forever Family Rescue Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. For more information, visit https://foreverfamilyrescue.org/.
ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY:
Great American Family is America’s premiere destination for quality family-friendly programming, including original holiday movies, rom-coms and fan-favorite series that celebrate faith, family and country. Great American Family is home to year-round seasonal celebrations including Great American Christmas, the network’s signature franchise featuring holiday themed movies and specials. Founded in 2021, Great American Family is part of the Great American Media portfolio of brands. Follow Great American Family on Twitter: @GAfamilyTV Facebook: @GAfamilytv Instagram: @gactv
###
CONTACT:
R&CPMK
Lori Lousararian-Hakola
310-854-8104
Tracy Cole
615-568-2988
GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY
Pam Slay
Network Program Publicity
818-415-3784
Mead Rust
469-663-7717
BETH STERN AND LARISSA WOHL HOST FIRST-EVER ‘GREAT AMERICAN RESCUE BOWL’ PREMIERING FEBRUARY 12 ON GREAT AMERICA FAMILY
Heartwarming Tradition of Animal Rescue and Shelter Pet Adoption Continues in Partnership with North Shore Animal League America
NEW YORK, NY – January 17, 2023 – Great American Family today announced New York Times bestselling author and nationally renowned animal advocate Beth Stern (“Kitten Bowl”) and pet rescue expert, Larissa Wohl (“Home & Family”) will host the first-ever “Great American Rescue Bowl.” The original two-hour special created in partnership with North Shore Animal League America premieres Sunday, February 12 (4 p.m.- 6 p.m. ET) continuing the successful pet adoption tradition which has resulted in more than 100,000 shelter pet adoptions over the last decade.
“As animal homelessness continues to be widespread throughout the country, we couldn’t be more proud to welcome ‘Great American Rescue Bowl’ to Great American Family,” said Bill Abbott, President and CEO of Great American Media. “By highlighting these heartwarming adoption stories and the lifesaving work of North Shore Animal League America, we hope this national rescue adoption event will inspire viewers to visit their local shelter and adopt a loving pet.”
“Great American Rescue Bowl” brings viewers behind-the-scenes with emotional stories of animal rescue, fostering, and adoption, including stories from natural disasters like Hurricane Ian and manmade tragedies like puppy mills. The special also takes an in-depth look at the adoption process and steps that families can take if they are interested in rescuing an animal. Showcasing adorable kittens, puppies, cats, and dogs is a proven difference maker in changing attitudes about how pets come into our lives and galvanizes shelters across the country to join together on February 12 in hosting shelter parties encouraging pet adoption.
Executive producer is Ian Karr. Written and produced by Robbie Chafitz. Directed by Ronni Thomas and Robbie Chafitz. Segment Producer Larissa Wohl. Post Producer is Vince Rose.
ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY
Great American Family is America’s premiere destination for quality family-friendly programming, including original holiday movies, rom-coms and fan-favorite series that celebrate faith, family and country. Great American Family is home to year-round seasonal celebrations including Great American Christmas, the network’s signature franchise featuring holiday themed movies and specials. Founded in 2021, Great American Family is part of the Great American Media portfolio of brands. Follow Great American Family on Twitter: @GAfamilyTV Facebook: @GAfamilytv Instagram: @gactv
ABOUT NORTH SHORE ANIMAL LEAGUE AMERICA
North Shore Animal League America has saved more than 1.1 million lives. As the world’s largest no-kill rescue and adoption organization, we understand that a rescue isn’t complete until each animal is placed into a loving home. Our innovative programs provide education to reduce animal cruelty and advance standards in animal welfare. Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly in the pursuit of our vision of a world where all companion animals find permanent homes and end the euthanasia. For more information, visit www.animalleague.org
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Pam Slay
Network Program Publicity
818.415.3784
Mead Rust
469.663.7717
Great American Family Closes Out Fourth Quarter as
Fastest-Growing Network in All of Cable Television
Ranked #1 in Total Day ratings growth in HH, P18-49 and P2+;
Ranked #1 in Primetime ratings growth in HH
NEW YORK, NY – January 3, 2023 – Great American Family closed out Fourth Quarter 2022 as the fastest-growing network in all of cable television. In only its second year, the emerging leader in original Christmas movies ranked #1 in Total Day ratings growth in Households (+113%), People 18-49 (+100%) and Total Viewers (+116%), and #1 in Primetime ratings growth in Households (+128%) among all cable networks.
Fourth Quarter 2022 viewership growth was driven by the network’s Great American Christmas franchise which featured 18 original Christmas movies and fan-favorite stars including Candace Cameron Bure, Danica McKellar, Gladys Knight, Jen Lilley and more. The expanded slate of 18 films marked a 50% increase in the network’s holiday movie offering in year two and further established Great American Family as a destination for original Christmas movies.
In addition to the fast-growing Great American Christmas franchise, the network features year-round seasonal programming events, including Autumn Harvest and Great American Winter, which feature original movies celebrating faith, family and country.
Source: Nielsen LSD; ASC nets; 4Q22 vs 4Q21 ranked on % change; Total Day (M-Su 6a-6a); Prime (M-Su 6p-1a)
###
Great American Family Star Jen Lilley Set to Appear at
The Stanford Christmas Parade
STANFORD, KY – November 2, 2022 – Actress, singer and philanthropist Jen Lilley will be the guest of honor at the annual Stanford Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 3 at 6 pm ET. The historic parade held in downtown Stanford celebrates its 40th anniversary this year and will be featured in the upcoming holiday special “Christmas In Kentucky” premiering in December on Great American Family.
Lilley is best known for her long-running roles on NBC’s “Days of Our Lives” and ABC’s “General Hospital,” in addition to her role in the Academy Award-winning film, The Artist. Lilley has also become a mainstay of the popular romantic comedy genre. Her latest leading role is in the upcoming B&B Merry which premieres on Great American Family on Sunday, December 4, and joining Lilley at the Stanford Christmas Parade will be her B&B Merry co-star, Jesse Hutch (“Batwoman,” Dream Wedding). B&B Merry is part of the network’s annual Great American Christmas franchise which features original Christmas movie premieres every weekend, and Christmas movies 24/7, all-day and all-night, through the end of the year.
The Stanford Christmas parade is the town’s largest annual event with thousands of participants and spectators attending each year. More than thirty police officers, firefighters and first responders facilitate the parade together with volunteers from across the county. This year’s parade will feature more than twenty festive floats, fire trucks and police vehicles, youth sports teams of all ages, and more than 50 classic cars, including a signature 1931 Studebaker Fire Truck. Local businesses are encouraged to decorate store windows and floats to match the “Christmas In Kentucky” theme.
First Southern National Bank, Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, Wilderness Road Hospitality and Great American Family will serve as presenting partners for this year’s parade.
“Christmas traditions in small towns across America are an essential part of our country’s fabric,” said Bill Abbott, President and CEO of Great American Media. “We are so grateful to the town of Stanford for welcoming Great American Family and Jen Lilley to be a part of their historic parade, and we look forward to celebrating the joy and magic of Christmas in Kentucky together with our local partners and the people of Lincoln County.”
“The communities we serve are why First Southern exists,” said First Southern Bancorp, Inc. CEO Jimmy Rousey. “And there is no better time to celebrate community than Christmas and no better place than with our family and friends here in Stanford. Our town has experienced great revitalization over the last decade that has brought this community back to life. We are so thankful for the opportunities this partnership creates for the people of Lincoln County and we hope that our community can be an example for others.”
“Our annual Christmas parade has always been a special event for our town and we know this year will be even better,” said Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Andrea Miller. “It is heartening to see that these organizations and stars like Jen Lilley appreciate the unique values small towns like Stanford contribute to our society as a whole.”
“Small towns offer us the opportunity to slow down and experience peace in our hectic lives.” Wilderness Road Hospitality Co-Founder Angela Correll shares. “We are grateful that Great American Media and Jen Lilley have chosen to shine a spotlight on what makes Stanford special and we can’t wait to share with a broader audience.”
In addition to her work as an actor, Lilley is a singer and songwriter who has also released two popular music albums, including the Christmas album Tinsel Time in 2015. Lilley has also worked tirelessly to raise funds and awareness for foster care and adoption, and is the founder of Christmas Is Not Cancelled, an organization that brings celebrities, brands, and fans together to fundraise for nonprofits, including Toys for Tots, and to provide presents and school supplies for underprivileged children.
Great American Family is available through most cable providers. Visit GreatAmericanFamily.com for help finding the channel on your cable service or text “CHRISTMAS” to 877-999-1225.
###
ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY
Great American Family is America’s premiere destination for quality family-friendly programming, including original holiday movies, rom-coms and fan-favorite series that celebrate faith, family and country. Great American Family is home to year-round seasonal celebrations including Great American Christmas, the network’s signature franchise featuring holiday themed movies and specials. Founded in 2021, Great American Family is part of the Great American Media portfolio of brands. Follow Great American Family on Twitter: @GAfamilyTV Facebook: @GAfamilytv Instagram: @gactv
ABOUT FIRST SOUTHERN NATIONAL BANK
Founded in the small town of Stanford, Kentucky in 1983, First Southern National Bank is focused on empowering those in the communities they serve to make wise financial decisions. They have 16 locations across the state of Kentucky, with accounts serviced in 48 states and 7 countries around the world. While First Southern has grown to over $1 billion in assets, they still operate with the small town values that make them different. You can follow First Southern on Facebook: @fsnbky Twitter: @FirstSouthernKY Instagram: @first.southern YouTube: @FirstSouthernBankKY LinkedIn: @first-southern-national-bank
ABOUT LINCOLN COUNTY & THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Formed in 1780, Lincoln County is one of Kentucky’s three original territories. The county was named in honor of Revolutionary Army Officer Benjamin Lincoln who was asked by Congress to conduct the war in the southern states. Lincoln County was home to Kentucky’s first governor, Isaac Shelby; first chartered school in the state; first brick house in Kentucky; first courthouse west of the Alleghenies; first bank west of the Alleghenies; as well as America’s first circular race track. The Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce was formed to organize the businesses of Stanford and the county at large for shared communications, events, and growth. Follow them on Facebook: @QofMain
ABOUT WILDERNESS ROAD HOSPITALITY
Founded by Jess and Angela Correll, Wilderness Road Hospitality began with a mission to bring life back to Stanford’s downtown. The result has been a one-of-a-kind destination for visitors to stay, eat, shop, and relax in a beautiful small town setting. Guests can relax on the front porch of one of their historic guest houses, experience a meal from the world-class culinary team at Bluebird, shop for handmade soap and unique gifts at Kentucky Soaps and Such, and refresh their body and mind by spending a “spa day” at Esther’s Wellhouse. You can follow Wilderness Road Hospitality on Facebook: @wildernessroadhospitality Instagram: @wildernessroadhospitality YouTube: @WildernessRoadHospitality LinkedIn: @wilderness-road-hospitality
MEDIA CONTACTS:
First Southern National Bank Contact:
Suzanne Short
Corporate Spokesperson
606-879-0064
Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce Contact:
Andrea Miller
Executive Director
606.365.4118
Wilderness Road Hospitality Contact:
Julie Cox
VP of Hospitality
859-583-4200
Great American Family Contact:
Pam Slay
Network Program Publicity
818.415.3784
Mead Rust
469.663.7717
Great American Family Destined for Christmas Success
Premiere of Destined at Christmas Sets New Ratings Records for Great American Family
- The Great American Christmas premiere of Destined at Christmas on Saturday, October 22 broke all network ratings records to-date in EVERY key demo – Households, W25-54, W18-49, P25-54, P18-49 AND Total Viewers
- Destined at Christmas reached .54M total viewers in its premiere and just shy of 1 million total viewers over the weekend (996K over 3 telecasts)
- Destined at Christmas topped Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Saturday premiere in Women 25-54 Coverage Area
- Destined at Christmas outperformed Great American Family’s 2021 Fourth Quarter movie premieres by +333% among Women 25-54
- The first weekend of Great American Christmas was the highest rated weekend ever for Great American Family among Households and Total Viewers
- Great American Christmas Saturday movies were up triple digits vs. the previous four weeks in all key demos.
- 17 more quality original movies to come this holiday season featuring Candace Cameron Bure, Danica McKellar, Gladys Knight, Cameron Mathison, Jill Wagner, and more!
Sources: Nielsen Live + Same Day coverage and delivery ratings, all GFAM Original Premiere Movies 1st TCs (9/27/21-10/23/22); Nielsen Live + Same Day R&F Program Report, all GFAM Original Premiere Movies (9/27/21-10/23/22); Nielsen Live + Same day coverage rating, 10/22/22, GFAM 8p premiere movie, HMM 10p premiere movie; Nielsen Live + Same Day Delivery ratings, 10/22/22 8p vs 4Q21 GFAM Original Movie Premieres; Nielsen Live + Same Day, Sat/Sun Combined, 9/27/21-10/23/22; Nielsen + Live Same Day, Sat 10/22/22 vs 9/24-10/15/22 Saturdays only
###
ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY
Great American Family is America’s premiere destination for quality family-friendly programming, including original holiday movies, rom-coms and fan-favorite series that celebrate faith, family and country. Great American Family is home to year-round seasonal celebrations including Great American Christmas, the network’s signature franchise featuring holiday themed movies and specials. Founded in 2021, Great American Family is part of the Great American Media portfolio of brands. Follow Great American Family on Twitter: @GAfamilyTV Facebook: @GAfamilytv Instagram: @gactv
Medias Contacts:
Mead Rust
469.663.7717
Pam Slay
Network Program Publicity
818.415.3784
GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY ANNOUNCES 18 ALL-NEW HOLIDAY ORIGINALS
FOR ANNUAL GREAT AMERICAN CHRISTMAS EVENT BEGINNING OCTOBER 21
NEW YORK, NY – October 6, 2022 – Great American Family today unveiled the 18 all-new original movies premiering as part of the network’s holiday programming franchise, Great American Christmas. The annual programming event returns on Friday, October 21 with original Christmas movie premieres every weekend, and Christmas movies 24/7, all-day and all-night, through the end of the year. The expanded slate of 18 new titles represents a 50% increase in the network’s holiday movie offering in year two and further establishes the brand as a destination for original Christmas movies.
Great American Christmas is America’s new home for the holidays. Original movie talent returning home to star in Great American Christmas include Daniel Lissing, Merritt Patterson, Jill Wagner, Cameron Mathison, Jen Lilley, Danica McKellar, Neal Bledsoe, Cindy Busby, Jessica Lowndes, Shae Robins, Casey Elliott, and Jillian Murray. Joining the Great American Christmas family in 2022 are Andrea Barber, Dan Payne, Marc Blucas, Jennifer Freeman, Joseph Cannata, Garrett Watson, Jesse Hutch, Paul Greene, the legendary Gladys Knight, and Candace Cameron Bure. Candy Rock Entertainment’s inaugural Candace Cameron Bure Presents: A Christmas…Present, features Bure in her first holiday original for Great American Christmas.
Destined at Christmas, Saturday, October 22 (8 p.m. ET), Starring Shae Robins and Casey Elliott:
Kim and Theo meet amid Black Friday shopping madness but there’s a definite spark between them. When a power outage causes some panic at a store, the couple gets separated. With Christmas coming, there should be plenty of distractions, but neither Kim nor Theo can forget the other. Both yearn to find each other but how with so little information to go on? It’ll take a little Christmas magic and destiny to bring them back together.
Catering Christmas, Saturday, October 29 (8 p.m. ET), Starring Merritt Patterson and Daniel Lissing:
A fledgling caterer, Molly Frost, is hired by Jean Harrison, the perfectionistic director of the renowned Harrison Foundation, to cater this year’s annual Christmas Gala dinner. Things get complicated when Molly falls for Jean’s nephew, Carson, 30s, a photographer with no desire to take over the family’s foundation — until his aunt assigns him to the task of making sure the catered dinner goes perfectly.
A Royal Christmas on Ice, Saturday, November 5 (8 p.m. ET), Starring Anna Marie Dobbins and Jonathan Stoddard:
Looking to escape his Royal life, a dashing prince comes to the United States to start a business in a small town in upstate New York and winds up falling for a former Olympic ice skater.
Love At the Christmas Contest (wt), Sunday, November 6 (8 p.m. ET), Starring Samantha Cope and Ross Jirgl:
For as long as she can remember, Angie’s favorite part of Christmas has been the Christmas Eve tree lighting in town square. But this Christmas, her first without her mom, Angie doesn’t feel much like celebrating… until she learns her mom had always dreamed of winning the annual tree decorating contest and seeing her tree lit up in town square. Angie realizes winning the contest and decorating the town’s tree is the perfect way to honor her mom. What Angie isn’t expecting is her high school sweetheart David and his adorable daughter Gabby to enter the contest, too.
A Merry Christmas Wish, Saturday, November 12 (8 p.m. ET), Starring Jill Wagner and Cameron Mathison:
An NYC advertising executive returns to her hometown to sell the family farm, but instead reconnects with her childhood friend and gets involved with organizing the yearly Winter Wonderland, which takes place on the property.
My Best Friend’s Christmas, Sunday, November 13 (8 p.m. ET), Starring Breanne Hill and Colton Little:
When a woman returns home to find her ex in a relationship, she enlists her best friend to act as her fake boyfriend for the holidays.
Christmas At Pine Valley, Saturday, November 19 (8 p.m. ET), Starring Kristina Cole and Andrew Biernat:
Natalie is the owner of a successful farm and home goods store that garners the attention of a major magazine. The magazine sends a reporter named Josh to profile Natalie’s company thinking it’s a family-run business. Little does he know that Natalie’s business is run by her with the help of longtime family friends. Knowing how much the article will help struggling farm, Natalie must convince Josh that her “family” and Christmas traditions are all real.
My Favorite Christmas Tree, Sunday, November 20 (8 p.m. ET), Starring Emma Johnson and Giles Panton:
Kyla is a skilled genealogy researcher who’s made a thriving business of putting together family trees. When she comes across new information regarding her mother’s mysterious extended family, Kyla and her sister travel to the charming town of Conifer, hoping to piece together their ancestry. The search leads Kyla to a generations-old Christmas tree farm, its stubborn, handsome owner – and potentially, love.
Christmas at the Drive-In, Friday, November 25 (8 p.m. ET), Starring Danica McKellar and Neal Bledsoe:
A property lawyer works to prove that her town’s Drive In Theater, a local institution is not closed down at the holidays, finding romance with the very person who is trying to sell the property.
I’m Glad It’s Christmas (fka Someday at Christmas), Saturday, November 26 (8 p.m. ET), Starring Jessica Lowndes, Paul Greene, and Gladys Knight:
An aspiring Broadway singer is convinced to participate in a small-scale production for her local Christmas celebration. Along the way, she finds hope and unexpected mentorship towards her dream career. But will her professional success come at the cost of her chance at love?
Candace Cameron Bure Presents: A Christmas…Present, Sunday, November 27 (8 p.m. ET), Starring Candace Cameron Bure and Marc Blucas:
Maggie and Eric are busy parents of teenagers who embark on a trip to the home of Maggie’s widowed brother to celebrate Christmas. Everyone has different expectations of the perfect holiday. Through a series of transformative events, Maggie learns to embrace the season.
Christmas on Candy Cane Lane, Saturday, December 3 (8 p.m. ET), Starring Andrea Barber and Dan Payne:
Ivy struggles with the long shadow cast by her late mother, Muriel, the darling of Icicle Falls; head of the Candy Cane Lane Lights Extravaganza, owner of The Christmas Haus, and a former TV star known adoringly as the “Christmas Maven.” This Christmas, a series of comical and mysterious events bring the town together in a masterstroke of perfection only the “Christmas Maven” herself could appreciate. A Candy Rock Entertainment production.
B&B Merry, Sunday, December 4 (8 p.m. ET), Starring Jen Lilley and Jesse Hutch:
Renowned luxury travel blogger, Tracey Moore, is invited to a Christmastime getaway in exchange for a review of a smalltown B&B. Despite her initial reservations, she finds herself wanting to help the property… and falling for the owner’s handsome son, Graham, who helps her to learn that every experience can be five-star when shared with kindred spirits.
Big Box Christmas (wt), Friday, December 9 (8 p.m. ET), Starring Jennifer Freeman and Garrett Watson:
Two exes finally reconnect when a snowstorm leaves them stranded in a superstore (without cell service or Wi-Fi) just before Christmas.
A Prince for the Holidays (wt), Saturday, December 10 (8 p.m. ET), Starring Cindy Busby and Jilon VanOver:
Madison, an aspiring musician, jokingly tells her overbearing family that she is dating the prince of a small European nation. The joke goes too far as her friend and co-worker Sebastian is roped into impersonating the prince while visiting her family in New Jersey. Little does Madison know that Sebastian happens to be hiding a royal secret.
A Belgian Chocolate Christmas, Sunday, December 11 (8 p.m. ET), Starring Jaclyn Hales and Zane Stephens:
A photographer takes her best friend’s place at a Belgian culinary school at the holidays and connects with the chocolatier leading the class. As romance begins to bloom, the only problem is a case of mistaken identity.
A Brush with Christmas Romance (wt), Saturday, December 17 (8 p.m. ET), Starring Jillian Murray and Joseph Cannata:
Over the week leading up to Christmas, Charlotte tries to capture her own unique style in the local art scene while also helping her mother run the family restaurant. Disheartened and struggling to find time for her art, Charlotte throws out her latest painting, only to discover that it has been anonymously submitted to the Christmas art festival. It turns out that Wyatt, a visiting artist, stumbled upon her discarded work and is now using the festival’s exposure to find its mysterious creator who has stolen his heart with her craft.
The Art of Christmas, Sunday, December 18 (8 p.m. ET), Starring Brigitte Kingsley and Joe Towne:
After her latest gallery exhibition literally goes up in flames, struggling artist Liv James accepts a teaching job at a local elementary school to make ends meet. Through this reluctant career move she discovers her true self, a new sense of purpose and a surprising romance.
ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY
Great American Family is America’s premiere destination for quality family-friendly programming, including original holiday movies, rom-coms and fan-favorite series that celebrate faith, family and country. Great American Family is home to year-round seasonal celebrations including Great American Christmas, the network’s signature franchise featuring holiday themed movies and specials. Founded in 2021, Great American Family is part of the Great American Media portfolio of brands. Follow Great American Family onTwitter: @GAfamilyTV Facebook: @GAfamilytv Instagram: @gactv
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Pam Slay
Network Program Publicity
818.415.3784
Mead Rust
469.663.7717
