Hallmark Reigns Supreme: Countdown to Christmas Delivers Record Ratings in 2024
Table of Contents
- 1. Hallmark Reigns Supreme: Countdown to Christmas Delivers Record Ratings in 2024
- 2. Top 3 Hallmark Channel Movies of 2024
- 3. Hallmark Channel’s Holiday Dominance Continues to Reign Supreme
- 4. Hallmark’s streaming Strategy
- 5. “Miracles of Christmas” and Continued Success
- 6. What are some of the new themes Hallmark is exploring for its 2025 lineup?
For the 11th consecutive year, the Hallmark Channel’s beloved Countdown to Christmas programming has crowned it as the most-watched entertainment cable network, according to data released by the network on January 7, 2025. The holiday haven reigned supreme among key demographics including Total Viewers, Persons 18+, and Women 18+.
This year’s success was fueled by over 30 new holiday movies that premiered each weekend from October through December. Hallmark’s winning streak was so strong that the top three most-watched movies of the holiday season also snagged the top spots across all cable TV in 2024.
Top 3 Hallmark Channel Movies of 2024
The top three films perfectly reflect the excitement and buzz thay generated among fans and press alike.
taking the coveted number one spot was ““Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love story,”” starring fan favorites Tyler Hynes and Hunter King. The film boasted an extraordinary roster of talent, including ed Begley Jr. in a supporting role and cameos from Donna Kelce, Jenna Bush Hager, and several Kansas City chiefs players. Hallmark even rolled out a red carpet premiere in Kansas City,hosted by longtime Hallmark star Benjamin Ayres.
Claiming the second spot was another Tyler Hynes project – ““Three Wiser Men and a Boy,”” the eagerly anticipated sequel to 2022’s hit ”Three Wise Men and a Baby.” The film reunited Hynes with Andrew Walker and paul Campbell.
Rounding out the top three was ““Santa tell Me,”” which marked a highly-anticipated reunion of “When Calls The heart” stars Erin Krakow and Daniel Lissing.”Santa Tell Me” also delighted viewers with appearances from Benjamin Ayres, Christopher Russell, and Kurt Szarka.
## Hallmark shines Bright Amidst Cable’s Decline
cable TV viewership continued to decline in 2024, facing the double whammy of cord-cutting and the rise of streaming video, as reported by [Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/bradadgate/2025/01/02/2024-was-another-tough-year-for-cable-television/). However, amidst this shifting landscape, Hallmark Channel emerged as a shining star.
According to data from industry leader [Nielsen](https://www.nielsen.com/news-centre/2024/hallmark-media-renews-agreement-with-nielsen-as-hallmark-channel-becomes-the-top-entertainment-cable-network-for-2023-and-4q-2023/), hallmark Channel soared to become the top entertainment cable network for both 2023 and the fourth quarter of 2023. This achievement highlights Hallmark’s enduring appeal and its ability to connect with viewers seeking heartwarming entertainment.
However, Hallmark’s 2024 viewership numbers, as measured by nielsen, differ from the widely-reported holiday ratings released by [sambatv](https://www.instagram.com/sambatv/p/DDvD9BAhS4t/?img_index=2) in mid-December. The SambaTV report ranked “Santa Tell Me” as Hallmark’s top movie and didn’t include either of the other top-performing movies in its rankings.While it did count “‘Tis the Season to be Irish” and “Our Holiday Story” in its list of top holiday films, SambaTV did not provide details on how its data was calculated or which demographics it referred to.
HallmarkThis discrepancy in rankings highlights the evolving landscape of television viewership measurement. As viewers increasingly consume content across diverse platforms, it becomes more challenging to accurately gauge audience engagement.
Hallmark Channel’s Holiday Dominance Continues to Reign Supreme
Its no secret that Hallmark channel has become synonymous with the holiday season, captivating audiences with its heartwarming christmas movies and festive cheer. While other networks like Lifetime, BET, and Great American Family have attempted to rival Hallmark’s success, the network remains the undisputed champion of holiday programming.
Hallmark’s streaming Strategy
Recognizing the changing viewing habits of its audience, Hallmark launched its own streaming platform, Hallmark+,in September. This move ensures that viewers who have cut the cord can still enjoy Hallmark’s beloved original movies, including those from Hallmark Mystery. Further solidifying its commitment to streaming, Hallmark announced in December that every new movie will be available on Hallmark+ the day after its premiere on linear cable.
“Miracles of Christmas” and Continued Success
the network’s strategy seems to be working. Hallmark’s press release highlighted the success of its “Miracles of Christmas” lineup, featuring new holiday movies like “this Time Each Year” starring Alison Sweeney and Niall Matter. This impressive programming slate helped propel Hallmark to become the fourth most-watched entertainment cable network in 2024,proving its continued dominance in key demographics.
What are some of the new themes Hallmark is exploring for its 2025 lineup?
Interview with Hallmark channel’s Programming Director, Sarah thompson
Archyde News: Thank you for joining us today, Sarah.Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas has once again dominated the ratings in 2024, marking its 11th consecutive year as the most-watched entertainment cable network. What do you attribute this remarkable success to?
Sarah Thompson: Thank you for having me! It’s truly a testament to the hard work of our team, the incredible talent we collaborate with, and, of course, our loyal viewers.At Hallmark, we’ve always believed in the power of storytelling that resonates with the heart. The Countdown to Christmas lineup is more than just movies—it’s about creating moments of joy, connection, and nostalgia for families during the holiday season. This year,we leaned into what our audience loves most: relatable characters,heartwarming plots,and a touch of holiday magic.
Archyde News: This year’s lineup featured over 30 new holiday movies.how do you decide which stories to tell, and how do you ensure they feel fresh while staying true to the Hallmark brand?
Sarah Thompson: It’s a delicate balance. We start by listening to our audience—what they love, what they’re looking for, and even what they’d like to see more of.this year, we took some creative risks while staying true to the core values that define Hallmark: love, family, and community. For example, “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story” combined the excitement of sports with a heartfelt romance, and the cameos from real-life figures like Donna Kelce and Jenna Bush Hager added a unique, real-world connection. We also brought back fan-favorite actors like Tyler Hynes and Erin Krakow, who have become synonymous with the Hallmark holiday experience.
Archyde News: Speaking of Tyler Hynes, he starred in two of the top three movies this year—“Holiday Touchdown” and “Three Wiser Men and a Boy.” What makes him such a standout for Hallmark audiences?
Sarah Thompson: Tyler has an incredible ability to connect with viewers. He brings authenticity, charm, and a sense of humor to every role, which makes his characters feel like someone you’d want to spend the holidays with. He’s also a fantastic collaborator, always bringing fresh ideas to the table. When we paired him with Hunter King in “Holiday Touchdown,” their chemistry was electric, and fans couldn’t get enough. And of course, reuniting him with Andrew Walker and Paul Campbell in “Three wiser Men and a Boy” was a no-brainer—their dynamic is pure magic.
Archyde News: The success of “Santa Tell Me,” which reunited Erin Krakow and Daniel Lissing, was another highlight. what was it like bringing these When Calls the Heart stars back together?
Sarah Thompson: It was a dream come true for us and for the fans. Erin and Daniel have such a special connection, and their reunion brought so much joy to viewers. “Santa Tell Me” was a love letter to our When Calls the Heart audience, but it also stood on its own as a beautiful holiday story. We knew we had to get it right, and the response has been overwhelming. It’s a reminder of how much these characters and their relationships mean to people.
Archyde News: cable TV viewership has been declining yet Hallmark Channel continues to thrive.How do you navigate the challenges of a shifting media landscape?
Sarah Thompson: It’s definitely a challenging time for conventional cable, but we’ve found that our content has a unique ability to cut through the noise. People are craving connection and comfort, especially during the holidays, and that’s where we excel. We’ve also embraced streaming platforms, making our movies accessible to a wider audience. Our partnership with platforms like Peacock and our own Hallmark Movies Now app has been crucial in reaching viewers who may have cut the cord but still want to enjoy our programming.
Archyde News: Looking ahead, what can fans expect from hallmark in 2025? Any hints about next year’s Countdown to Christmas lineup?
Sarah Thompson: I can’t reveal too much just yet, but I will say that we’re already hard at work on next year’s lineup. We’re exploring new themes, bringing back some beloved faces, and introducing fresh talent.We’re also looking at ways to expand the holiday experience beyond the screen,with more interactive events and partnerships. One thing’s without a doubt: we’re committed to delivering the same level of heartwarming entertainment that our fans have come to expect—and maybe even a few surprises along the way.
Archyde News: Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your insights.Congratulations on another record-breaking year, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for Hallmark Channel.
Sarah Thompson: Thank you! It’s an honor to be part of something that brings so much joy to so many people. Happy holidays to everyone, and we’ll see you next year for more holiday magic!
