GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY ANNOUNCES DANICA MCKELLAR SET TO STAR IN
ROYAL CHRISTMAS BALL,
ORIGINAL MOVIE FOR GREAT AMERICAN CHRISTMAS 2023
NEW YORK, NY – February 15, 2023 – Great American Family today announced Danica McKellar is set to star in, Royal Christmas Ball, an original holiday movie premiering as part of the network’s highly anticipated annual holiday event, Great American Christmas 2023. In addition to starring in the film, “Dancing With the Stars” alum McKellar wrote the story with Marcy Holland and serves as one of the film’s executive producers. Teleplay by Marcy Holland.
In Royal Christmas Ball, Chelsea Shaw, a Chicago-based dance instructor whose adoptive parents have long since passed, travels to the small European country of Havenshire over Christmas break in search of her heritage… and maybe even family. Discovering that the only way to get access to information she needs on her quest is via the royal family, she accepts an offer to teach a very reluctant Prince a special Waltz for the traditional Royal Christmas Ball. By the end of this Christmas adventure, Chelsea finds love, answers to her deepest questions, and yes, family.
Royal Christmas Ball is executive produced by Brad Krevoy, Danica McKellar, Kathy Ceroni, and Kelly Martin. Producer is David Anselmo. Writer is Marcy Holland.
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 CONTACTS:
Pam Slay
Network Program Publicity
818.415.3784
Mead Rust
469.663.7717
Great American Family Star Jen Lilley Set to Appear at The Stanford Christmas Parade
40th Anniversary of Historic Parade To Be Featured in Great American Family Holiday Special “Christmas In Kentucky”
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.
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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
sshort@fsnb.net
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 ANNOUNCES 18 ALL-NEW HOLIDAY ORIGINALS
FOR ANNUAL GREAT AMERICAN CHRISTMAS EVENT BEGINNING OCTOBER 21
Network Grows Original Christmas Movie Slate by 50% In Year Two Further Establishing the Brand as a Holiday Movie Destination
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
LORI LOUGHLIN SET TO STAR IN GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY ORIGINAL MOVIE FALL INTO WINTER
Romantic Comedy Marks Loughlin’s First for Network
NEW YORK, NY – September 22, 2022 – Great American Family today announced Lori Loughlin (When Hope Calls, When Calls the Heart) is set to star in Fall Into Winter, which premieres in January, 2023 as part of the network’s annual winter programming event. The film, Loughlin’s first romantic comedy for Great American Family, follows her successful reprisal of the role of Abigail Stanton in When Hope Calls Christmas last holiday season. Fall Into Winter begins production October 23.
“Lori is a genre-defining star that I have had the honor to call a close friend and collaborator for more than 15 years,” said Bill Abbott, President and CEO of Great American Media. “We have a shared vision for creating meaningful and memorable movies that resonate with our passionate fans, and I look forward to welcoming her back to Great American Family to anchor our 2023 winter programming slate.”
In Fall Into Winter, Keely (Loughlin) is aghast when her brother sells his half of their family-owned, upscale candy shop to his best friend from high school (and her nemesis, Brooks) forcing a sudden urgency to find connection and common ground. Keely has been hurt before; change is her new nemesis. Brooks’ past is a mirror of Keely’s. He, too, has a fortress around his heart. Fate brings the pair together. Might it also offer new beginnings?
Fall Into Winter is executive produced by Brad Krevoy and Susie Belzberg Krevoy.
David Anselmo produces for HP Into Winter Productions, Inc. Fall Into Winter is written by Cara J. Russell.
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
917-439-4066
GAC FAMILY TO BE RENAMED GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY;
GAC LIVING WILL BECOME GREAT AMERICAN LIVING
Networks Will Be Part of a New Great American Media Master Brand
NEW YORK, NY – July 19, 2022 – GAC Media, LLC today announced GAC Family will be renamed Great American Family and GAC Living will become Great American Living. The new channel names will debut on air and across digital and social platforms on August 20 along with the return of new original movie premieres to Great American Family. The new monikers align the linear channel names with the company’s FAST channel, Great American Adventures, and Great American Community, a new direct-to-consumer app coming this fall. The four brands will be a part of the company’s new Great American Media master brand.
“As the company expands across different media verticals, renaming our linear networks Great American Family and Great American Living better reflects our vision for each brand and firmly aligns the company under our new Great American Media umbrella,” said Bill Abbott, President and CEO of GAC Media, LLC. “Fans can expect more of the same quality, family-friendly programming they have come to love from our channels, and we look forward to rolling out the new name this summer in time for the return of our original movie premieres.”
As the company’s flagship network, Great American Family will continue to offer family-friendly series, original holiday movies and seasonal romcoms that celebrate faith, family and country. Great American Family previously announced the network’s highly anticipated holiday programming event, Great American Christmas, returns October 28 with all-new original Christmas movies and 24/7 holiday content. As the unscripted companion to Great American Family, Great American Living celebrates family-friendly traditions every day and every season.
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ABOUT GAC Media
GAC Media, LLC is home to Great American Media: Great American Family: Stories Well Told and Great American Living: Life Well Lived. As the flagship service, Great American Family features family-friendly series, original holiday movies and seasonal romcoms that celebrate faith, family and country. Great American Living is the unscripted companion to Great American Family that celebrates family-friendly traditions every day and every season. GAC Media, LLC was established in June 2021 by Bill Abbott and a group of US-based family offices.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Mead Rust
469-663-7717
Pam Slay
818-415-3784
