Hallmark are continuing their trend of piloting potential new original series with TV movies that serve as backdoor pilots. The only difference is that this time, it is a TV movie franchise that is being used as the basis for a TV series.
The network has handed a 10 episode series order to The Good Witch, an hour-long series based on the TV movie franchise which will star JAG alum Catherine Bell and follow Cassie (Bell), a witch residing in a haunted house in small town America. The drama series is being produced by Whizbang Films Production with Orly Adelson, Jonathan Eskenas, Frank Siracusa and Craig Pryce serving as executive producers. In addition to starring, Catherine Bell will also executive produce. The 10 episode series is set to launch on Hallmark in early 2015, following the premiere of the latest Good Witch TV movie this October. ITV Studios Global Entertainment will handle international distribution.
“From the moment the first film in ‘The Good Witch’ series premiered, we knew audiences would fall in love with Catherine Bell and this character and want to see more of her. ‘The Good Witch’ franchise has consistently delivered top ratings with the airing of every film, and we expect the highly-anticipated TV series to deliver even more success”, said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel. “Our audience will be so excited to hear this news. Catherine has been one of the most sought after talents in our industry, and now she has a weekly home on Hallmark Channel.”
