NEW YORK — The Hallmark channels have competition in the market for viewers seeking specials in the holiday seasons. Among them, one operates in a similar general-entertainment mode and another provides home lifestyle fare.
ION Television has slated five new holiday movies this year, which will combine with 23 returning titles from the network’s library. The new titles (airing at 9 p.m. ET/PT) are A Prince for Christmas (Sunday, Nov. 29), Merry Kissmas (Saturday, Dec. 5), How Sarah Got Her Wings (Sunday, Dec. 6), A Christmas Truce (Saturday, Dec. 12) and A Christmas Reunion (Sunday, Dec. 13).
ION said it’s coming off its best-viewed year during the holiday period, averaging 893,000 total viewers and led by last Dec. 21’s 12 Wishes of Christmas with 1.6 million viewers.
Scripps Networks Interactive’s HGTV has a slate that kicks off Saturdahy, Nov. 28, 8 p.m. ET/PT, with the premiere of All-Star Gingerbread Build. This special will showcase HGTV and Food Network stars Drew and Jonathan Scott (Property Brothers), Duff Goldman (Ace of Cakes), Egypt Sherrod (Flipping Virgins) and Ron Ben-Israel (Sweet Genius) competing in a holiday bake-off.
Holiday special episodes are planned for Fixer Upper; House Hunters; House Hunters Renovation; Tiny House Hunters; Property Brothers and Flip or Flop.
In White House Christmas 2015 on Sunday, Dec. 13 (6 p.m. ET/PT), Genevieve Gorder hosts a behind-scenes look at holiday preparation at “the people’s house.”
