Inside Great American Media: Bill Abbott’s Great American BreakoutAmerican Christmas 2026
Inside Great American Media: Bill Abbott’s Great American Breakout
Great American Media posts one of the most impressive growth years in family and faith entertainment.
NEW YORK, Dec. 30, 2025 — Under Bill Abbott’s leadership, Great American Media closed 2025 not just with growth but with major strategic wins that reshaped its footprint in the entertainment industry. While the broader media landscape grappled with fragmentation and shifting consumption habits, Great American Media’s commitment to family-centered, values-driven content delivered breakthroughs in audience reach, distribution, and cultural relevance.
Abbott’s clear vision — rooted in trust, connection, and content that celebrates faith, family, and country — produced one of the most compelling success stories in entertainment this year.
Audience Growth and Distribution Expansion
Great American Family and its sister network Great American Faith & Living achieved significant distribution milestones. Both networks joined YouTube TV’s live channel lineup, expanding linear reach into millions more households nationwide and strengthening the company’s appeal to cord-cutting audiences who still value scheduled, appointment programming.
In streaming, Great American Media rolled out its direct-to-consumer GFam+ app across all major platforms, giving viewers seamless access to its growing library of original films and series anytime, anywhere. Availability on platforms like YouTube’s Primetime Channels further amplified this reach and supported cross-platform audience growth.
Original Content Fueled Growth
2025 marked a major shift into sustained original series production, setting the stage for a robust 2026. Hits like When Hope
Calls and County Rescue wrapped production on their third seasons, building franchise continuity and deepening audience investment.
The breakout success of Crossroad Springs stands out as a true network milestone. After its first season became one of the most-watched original dramas in Great American Media history, the series was renewed for Season 2 with expanded distribution across Great American Pure Flix, Great American Family, and GFam+. The network also premiered a Crossroad Springs Christmas music special tied to its fifth annual Christmas season.
Abbott’s focus on compelling storytelling paid dividends. This year’s Christmas slate, highlighted by a lineup of more than a dozen original films starring major talents like Candace Cameron Bure and Mario Lopez reinforced Great American Family’s identity as a destination for heart-centered holiday content. Coverage in national press underscored the breadth of the 2025 holiday film slate and the network’s growing cultural relevance.
Cinematic and Cultural Milestones
Great American Media hit a significant milestone with Another Sweet Christmas, the first theatrical release of a Great American Christmas Original, presented in partnership with Fathom Entertainment. The three-night nationwide engagement in more than 700 theaters brought the brand’s storytelling to the big screen and created a rare event-style theatrical moment for a faith-and-family-oriented feature.
Building on that momentum, production began in 2025 on the follow-up film A Sweet Christmas Anniversary, with a planned world premiere in 2026, signaling GAM’s commitment to expanding its film slate beyond television and streaming.
Great American Media also served as the exclusive broadcast home for the 2025 National Christmas Tree Lighting, bringing a national tradition into homes with performances from artists rooted in the network’s community and values. The event’s reach underscored GAM’s role as a cultural convenor during the holiday season.
Strategic Innovation and Market Positioning
Beyond programming, Great American Media enhanced its industry profile with key commercial initiatives. The company integrated its GAM Connect linear advertising solution with Audyns, giving advertisers data- driven tools to plan and measure campaigns across its networks with greater precision. This move positioned GAM as both a creative and commercial partner in the evolving media ecosystem.
Looking Ahead: Growth and Major Partnerships
Abbott closed the year with forward-looking announcements that set the tone for 2026. Great American Media became a media partner with America Reads the Bible, supporting a historic nationwide reading event scheduled for April 18–25, 2026. The collaboration aligns with the company’s mission and extends its influence into community-focused cultural programming.
On the streaming front, Great American Media revealed plans to launch Pure Flix Familia, a dedicated Spanish- language platform designed to serve one of the fastest-growing audience segments in faith-based entertainment. This expansion reflects a broader strategy to welcome diverse communities with meaningful, values-aligned content.
A Year of Momentum
Across platforms, content, and culture, 2025 was a defining year for Great American Media. Abbott’s leadership translated into measurable audience growth, expanded distribution, enhanced advertiser relationships, and cultural relevance that extended beyond screens into national conversation. With an ambitious slate of originals, new franchise extensions, and deeper audience engagement, Great American Media enters 2026 with momentum built on a distinct identity and growing industry influence.
ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN MEDIA
Great American Media, the leader in faith and family programming, is home to a portfolio of entertainment brands that celebrate faith, family, and country, including Great American Family, the flagship linear network featuring original Christmas movies, rom-coms, and beloved series; Great American Pure Flix, the leading faith and family streaming service; Great American Faith & Living, the unscripted companion network; and GFam+,
an app that lets viewers watch anytime, anywhere. Great America Media is available via cable, streaming on Pure Flix and YouTube TV, and on the GFam+ app. Great American Media was established in June 2021 by Bill Abbott and a group of US-based family offices.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Debbie Long Davis 512.537.1414 media@crosswindpr.com
Great American Media and Branson, Missouri Partner on
Original Christmas Film for Great American Christmas 2026
NEW YORK, NY – December 22, 2025 – Great American Media today announced a new partnership with the City of Branson, Missouri, and Silver Dollar City to produce an original Christmas film as part of Great American Christmas 2026. The film, An Ozark Mountain Christmas, stars Brianna Cohen (A Royal Christmas Manor, Saving the Christmas Ranch) and Jonathan Stoddard (“Crossroad Springs,” A Royal Christmas Tail) and will stream exclusively on Great American Pure Flix, with linear and live-feed premieres on Great American Family and GFAM+.
This collaboration brings together partners who share a deep commitment to faith, family and country. Branson’s long-standing reputation for wholesome entertainment, craftsmanship, and community makes it a natural fit for Great American Media’s Christmas storytelling. Filmed on location, the movie showcases Branson during the holiday season, highlighting the city’s character, heritage, and enduring appeal.
As part of the partnership, the City of Branson will extend its holiday light displays into January to support production. Silver Dollar City also plays a central role, with its 1880s Ozark-era setting and renowned “An Old Time Christmas” festival providing an authentic backdrop rooted in tradition, artistry, and small-town pride.
“Branson represents many of the values that define Great American Christmas—faith, family, and a strong sense of community,” said Kaitlyn Haubrich, Chief Brand Officer of Great American Media. “This partnership allows us to tell a story that is both genuine and grounded, while showcasing a destination that has remained true to its heritage. We are proud to work alongside the City of Branson and Silver Dollar City on a project that reflects what our audience values most.”
In An Ozark Mountain Christmas, a driven young designer (Cohen), at a professional crossroads, returns home to the Ozarks for Christmas at her sister’s urging. There, she reconnects with her family’s legacy of craftsmanship, rediscovers a quieter faith, and begins to reevaluate her priorities. With the help of Paul (Stoddard), she finds renewed purpose through work rooted in care, community, and tradition.
An Ozark Mountain Christmas is produced by Nicely Entertainment.
ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN MEDIA
Great American Media is the leader in faith and family entertainment, and one of the fastest-growing entertainment networks on television. Great American Media is home to a portfolio of entertainment brands that celebrate faith, family, and country, including Great American Family, the flagship linear network featuring original Christmas movies, rom-coms, and beloved series; Great American Pure Flix, the leader in faith and family streaming; Great American Faith & Living, the unscripted companion network; and GFam+, an app that lets viewers watch anytime, anywhere. Great America Media, established in June 2021 by Bill Abbott and a group of US-based family offices, is available via cable, streaming on Great American Pure Flix and YouTube TV, and on the GFam+ app. Connect with Great American Media on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube TV, LinkedIn and X.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Pam Slay
Head of Network Program Publicity & Talent Relations
818.415.3784
Great American Media Announces Production is Underway on A Christmas List of Blessings,
Starring Shae Robins and Christopher Russell
A New, Original Movie for Great American Christmas 2025
NEW YORK, NY – July 10, 2025 – Great American Media announced production is underway on A Christmas List of Blessings, an Original Movie starring Shae Robins (Destined At Christmas, Destined At Christmas: Once More, Love In Aruba) and Christopher Russell (“When Hope Calls,” Peppermint And Postcards, A Vintage Christmas), which will premiere as part of Great American Christmas 2025. Great American Christmas Year 5 Original Movie Premieres will be available to stream on Great American Pure Flix, airing on Great American Family, and a commercial-free option on GFAM+, the company’s 24/7 live channel feed. In its first five years, Great American Christmas has produced one of the most coveted Original Christmas movie libraries in entertainment. Great American Christmas is faith, family, love, hope, and joy. Christmas as it is meant to be.
“A Christmas List of Blessings is a heartfelt film about the miracles that happen when people come together for the greater good, and it is a powerful reminder of why we celebrate the season,” said Bill Abbott, President & CEO, Great American Media. “Rooted in faith, family, and community, the film exemplifies what makes Great American Christmas stand apart from other holiday movie events. Great American Christmas original films reflect the true meaning of the season with heart, purpose, and authenticity,” Abbott concluded.
In A Christmas List of Blessings, Natalie (Robins), a children’s book illustrator struggling with creative burnout, finds unexpected inspiration when she comes across a little girl’s Christmas gift list. Unlike other children’s Christmas lists, Caroline writes her list of heartfelt prayers to Jesus, requesting blessings for her family, friends, and community – including one to ask that her recently widowed dad (Russell) will find happiness again. Touched by Caroline’s list, Natalie begins to secretly fulfill each blessing. In turn, she is inspired to create a new character, Adeline the Angel, to illustrate the ways Jesus quietly works through everyday people to answer prayers with love and grace.
A Christmas List of Blessings is executive produced by Samantha Degagne and William Tom Fielek. Produced by Anthony Fankhauser. A Christmas List of Blessings is directed by Nicholad Humphries from an Original Screenplay by Ansley Gordon.
ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN MEDIA
Great American Media is home to a family-friendly portfolio of brands including Great American Family, Great American Pure Flix and Great American Faith & Living. As the flagship linear TV network, Great American Family features original Christmas movies, rom-coms and classic series that celebrate faith, family and country. Great American Pure Flix is a leading faith and family streaming service that inspires, uplifts and entertains with content that you can confidently stream with the entire family. Other platforms include, Great American Faith & Living, the unscripted companion to Great American Family that celebrates faith, family, and country every day and every season; Great American Adventures and Pure Flix TV, FAST channels (free ad-supporting streaming TV). Great American Media was established in June 2021 by Bill Abbott and a group of US-based family offices.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Pam Slay
Network Program Publicity & Talent Relations
818.415.3784
pamslay@gacmedia.com
media@crosswindpr.com
Great American Christmas in July Returns to Air on Great American Family, June 27,
Kicking Off Countdown to 5th Anniversary of Great American Christmas 2025 in October
NEW YORK, NY – June 4, 2025 – Great American Media proudly announces the return of Great American Christmas in July on Great American Family, the mid-year holiday movie event, beginning June 27 (6 p.m. ET). The festive celebration serves as the perfect prelude to the countdown to the 5th Anniversary of Great American Christmas, launching in October 2025.
With nearly 100 Original holiday films produced in just four years, Great American Media continues to lead with stories grounded in faith, family, and the true spirit of Christmas. Christmas as it is meant to be. The July programming event invites audiences to revisit fan-favorite films while building excitement for the landmark anniversary season ahead.
“Great American Christmas in July is more than a mid-year tradition — it is a joyful celebration of what our viewers love: stories that uplift, inspire, and bring families together,” said Bill Abbott, President & CEO, Great American Media. “This year, it also marks the beginning of the countdown to something truly special – the 5th Anniversary of Great American Christmas, which returns bigger and brighter than ever this October,” Abbott concluded.
Great American Christmas in July is heartwarming romances, favorite holiday moments, and stories steeped in faith, family, and the true meaning of the season. Celebrate moments that matter, those that remind all to believe, to give, to love, and to celebrate together. Enjoy never-before-seen behind-the-scenes moments from fan favorites films, as well as sneak peeks from brand new Great American Christmas 2025 Original movies.
Weekly marathons celebrate the BEST OF Great American Christmas in July, including marathons audiences can look forward to.
Marathon line-up includes:
Saturday, June 28 – A royal Christmas affair – Kick off Great American Christmas in July with elegance, enchantment, and touches of royal romance everywhere. A day filled with tiaras, traditions, and timeless tales of love fit for a prince (or princess!). Viewers crown their favorites like Jingle Bell Princess, A Christmas Castle Proposal, A Cinderella Christmas Ball, and many more!
Friday, July 4 – Holiday, honor, at home – Great American Family proudly presents a military-themed Christmas movie marathon, an inspiring lineup of Christmas films that celebrate the bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering spirit of those who serve the nation. Salute America and see these favorites, Bringing Christmas Home, My Christmas Hero, Tails of Christmas, and many more!
Saturday, July 5 – A celebration of grace and joy, Great American Christmas in July honors the beloved actresses who bring heart, hope, and holiday cheer to every character: Candace Cameron Bure, Danica McKellar, Merritt Patterson, Cindy Busby, Laura Osnes, Jill Wagner, Alexa PenaVega, Courtney Lopez, Jen Lilley, Lori Loughlin, Jillian Murray, Jennie Garth, and many more. These actresses make Great American Christmas the most beloved holiday program event on television. What’s more, they lead with love!
Saturday, July 12 – Heart, honor, and holiday love – Great American Christmas honors the actors who bring strength, sincerity, and timeless charm to fans favorite Christmas movies: Mario Lopez, Trevor Donovan, Cameron Mathison, Casey Elliott, Paul Greene, Carlos PenaVega, Jonathan Stoddard, Daniel Lissing, Matthew Morrison, Jesse Hutch, and many more! These leading men deliver performances of love, loyalty, family, and the joy of finding the way home to Christmas!
Saturday, July 19 – The ultimate Christmas Checklist, showcasing a curated collection of beloved holiday films that embody the spirit of the season! These beloved holiday originals return to small towns, cut down real Christas trees, attend Christmas services, bake the best sugar cookies, deck the halls that unite community. Viewers have their favorites, like A Vintage Christmas, A Christmas Less Traveled, Once Upon A Christmas Wish, Christmas Under the Northern Lights, A Kindhearted Christmas, A Little Women’s Christmas, and many more!
Saturday, July 26 – Fan-Favorite Christmas movies as chosen by Christmas movie review ranking – Viewer review rankings decide which film’s make the final 24 hours of Great American Christmas in July. The films are a testament to our viewers love of celebrating heartwarming Christmas movies that celebrate love, hope, and the true meaning of Christmas. Lean back and enjoy!
These curated lineups showcase the stars, stories, and moment’s that have defined Great American Christmas’ signature style – heartfelt, wholesome, and hopeful.
For a complete list of featured films and to keep track of viewing, fans can refer to the Official Great American Family Christmas Checklist. For more information, www.greatamericanfamily.com
Photo: Courtesy of Great American Media 2025
ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN MEDIA
Great American Media is home to a family-friendly portfolio of brands including Great American Family, Great American Pure Flix and Great American Faith & Living. As the flagship linear TV network, Great American Family features original Christmas movies, rom-coms and classic series that celebrate faith, family and country. Great American Pure Flix is a leading faith and family streaming service that inspires, uplifts and entertains with content that you can confidently stream with the entire family. Other platforms include, Great American Faith & Living, the unscripted companion to Great American Family that celebrates faith, family, and country every day and every season; Great American Adventures and Pure Flix TV, FAST channels (free ad-supporting streaming TV). Great American Media was established in June 2021 by Bill Abbott and a group of US-based family offices.
Cutline: Great American Christmas in July on Great American Family returns to air beginning Friday, June 27 (6 p.m. ET), featuring TV’s brightest stars in holiday stories about faith, family, and the true meaning of Christmas. The celebration is one of the best Christmas movie program events on television. [Pictured left-right] Lori Loughlin, Candace Cameron Bure, Cameron Mathison, and Danica McKellar, all stars of multiple original Christmas movies for Great American Media.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Pam Slay
Network Program Publicity & Talent Relations
818.415.3784 pamslay@gacmedia.com media@crosswindpr.com
LORI LOUGHLIN, JAMES TUPPER, AND JESSE HUTCH STAR IN
BLESSINGS OF CHRISTMAS (wt),
A NEW, ORIGINAL HOLIDAY FILM FOR GREAT AMERICAN CHRISTMAS 2023
NEW YORK, NY – July 10, 2023 – Great American Family today announced production has wrapped on Blessings of Christmas (wt), starring Lori Loughlin (Fall Into Winter, When Hope Calls Christmas), James Tupper (Fall Into Winter, Cold Copy), and Jesse Hutch (B&B Merry, For the Love of Chocolate). Blessings of Christmas premieres as part of Great American Christmas which returns October 20 with new holiday movie premieres every Saturday and Sunday and 24/7 Christmas movies through the end of the year. Holiday films fans need not wait until October as Great American Christmas in July returns to air on Great American Family, Friday, June 30 (6 p.m. ET).
In Blessings of Christmas, renowned TV star Mandy Gilmore (Loughlin) says goodbye to her hit culinary series, A World of Food, with plans to travel the globe dining in all 142 Michelin star restaurants. Before jetting to Paris, Mandy stops in Milwaukee with the deed to her deceased aunt’s food pantry, Angel’s Fare, recently purchased by adjacent business owner, Adam Carraway (Tupper). A simple transaction. Until pantry volunteer, Otto Nessen (Hutch) reminds all that Aunt Susie’s love of cooking was truly love of feeding and inspires one more holiday feast for those who need it most. Haul out the holly! For we need a little Christmas now.
Blessings of Christmas is executive produced by Brad Krevoy, Amy Krell, Vince Balzano, Alfonso Moreno, Lori Loughlin, Susie Belzberg Krevoy, Jameson Parker, David Winning, Doran S. Chandler, Trevor McWhinney. Produced by Brian Dick. Supervising producer is Bradley Goodman. David Winning directs from an original screenplay Blessings of Christmas by Alfonso H. Moreno. Revisions by Andrea Stevens.
Photo: Lori Loughlin by Melissa Coulier; Group photo: James Tupper, Lori Loughlin, Jesse Hutch (Photographer Eike Schroter, copyright Great American Family)
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
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