Hallmark Launching New Streaming Service in September

Another streaming service is arriving for consumers.

This time, it’s Hallmark+, which is launching in mid-September. Talking with reporters Thursday in Pasadena, President and CEO Mike Perry said the new platform would cost $80 a year and offer the “very best of Hallmark with new exclusive content and membership benefits program.” That includes e-cards and “surprising gifts.”

In other words, members will apparently earn reward points based on content that they are watching. Those points, or rewards, can be used in Hallmark stores.

“It’s symbiotic between streaming and our retail and digital footprint,” said Chief Brand Officer Darren Abbott. “We give content to inspire their lives and their rewards to help them live it.”

“Shoppers are viewers, viewers are shoppers,” added Perry.

The execs added that its partnership with Peacock will continue.

Among the series planned for the new platform: The Chicken Sisters featuring Leah Thompson, Wendie Malick and Margo Martindale as narrator, which is an adaption of KJ Dell’Antonia’s bestselling novel; Holiday limited series Holidazed and Mistletoe Murders; the reality competition series Finding Mr. Christmas; the unscripted show Celebrations with Lacey Chabert) and new movie trilogy called Groomsmen. inspired by the success of The Wedding Veil.

‘Hallmark has never been more a part of the culture conversation,” said EVP Emily Powers. “It’s never been more relevant. There’s a strong demand out there, a demand for hallmark. People want to interact with brand more.”