Could Major Shakeups at Hallmark & Crown Media Mean More Changes Coming?
Recently, The Hallmark Channel and Crown Media have undergone a series of major shakeups, and viewers are wondering if this could foreshadow more big changes happening in the future. The changes include major executive shakeups and the end of a production that fans had enjoyed. Hallmarks Podcast Bubbly Sesh Was Canceled  As they say, all good things must come to an end. Thank you to all of you who have faithfully listened. We appreciate you so much. Pls do follow us @JacklynCTweets & @shawlinivmh for the latest updates. Full statement below. #Hallmarkies #Hearties #Goodies pic.twitter.com/VYk62udmaz  Hallmark Channels Bubbly Sesh Podcast (@thebubblysesh) May 14, 2021  Hallmarks popular podcast, Bubbly Sesh, was canceled in mid-May. The podcast announced the change in a social media post, without elaborating on why they were canceled. You can read their full goodbye message below. Theyre still covering the Good Witch series before the podcast is canceled. Fans on Twitter shared that they were devastated by the news. NooooDO NOT LIKE. Ill miss you both on Fan Fridays! I know though, that you two arent done. NooooDO NOT LIKE. I'll miss you both on Fan Fridays! I know though, that you two aren't done. Whether it's with Hallmark or not, you two are amazing and I can't wait to see (and cheer for) what's next for you both.   Lisa (she/her) (@lisafayco) May 14, 2021  Another fan wrote about how upset they were. Me after seeing this news. So glad we get to at least have you all through S7 of good witch.  pic.twitter.com/xFuuFYrlu6  Blue Shirt Sam (@samantha_h89) May 14, 2021  Another person angrily tweeted that they didnt like the changes happening with Hallmark. What the hell is happening at Hallmarkit feels like the lunatics have taken over the asylum.  Dawn Kendrick  (@dawnielou69) May 14, 2021  Michelle Vicary, Executive VP of Programming, Is Leaving  Another day, another shake up at @hallmarkchannel. First, Home & Family. Then, @thebubblysesh. Now, we say goodbye to @MichelleVicary. Whats next, no more Christmas movies?!   Michelle, Youve always been kind to us & we wish you all the best in whatever is next! pic.twitter.com/KJ58VtqOim  Deck The Hallmark Podcast (@hallmarkpodcast) May 17, 2021  In May, Crown Media announced that Michelle Vicary, EVP of Programming, was leaving in June, Deadline reported. Wonya Lucas, CEO of Crown Media Family Networks, said in a statement: We thank Michelle for her contributions to the growth and success of our networks and for helping to bring the quintessential Hallmark brand to life. We appreciate the passion and effort she has brought to our team and to the company.  Two interim replacements were appointed until a permanent replacement is hired: Randy Pope, SVP Programming & Development, and Darren Melameth, SVP Programming & Content Strategy. Vicary helped establish The Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, including helping kick off When Calls the Heart and Good Witch, Deadline reported. Her last role included overseeing programming for all three TV stations. Crown Media Restructured & Layed Off a Number of Employees in February  Lucas has brought about a number of changes since taking over as CEO and replacing Bill Abbott, Deadline reported. The changes included restructuring in February that led to laying off about 20 employees, Deadline reported. Employees were let go in the Media Operations, On-Air Promotion, and Research and Administration departments, including some who had worked more than 20 years at Crown Media. Crown Media said in a statement: As part of a restructure to realign roles and responsibilities, some positions were eliminated. This was done in an effort to decrease redundancies, optimize effectiveness, and create more support level roles.  On top of all of this, Hallmark also canceled Home & Family, as Heavy previously reported on, and the last episode is in August. In early June, Debbie Matenopoulos wrapped filming for Home & Family and said goodbye to the set. She wrote: And thats officially a WRAP!!! Whew! My trailer was just pulled away  Thank you for all of the amazing memories @homeandfamilytv @hallmarkchannel @hallmark @universalstudioslot and to all of the wonderful people that have been on this magical journey with me every step of the way. This has truly been my favorite decade of my career and it is all thanks to YOU!!! Heres to more great journeys ahead.  #endofanera #newbeginnings  Hallmark has also increased the syndicated programming on the channel, adding more sitcoms during the day and airing fewer new movies. READ NEXT: Hallmarks Schedule of New Movies for June 2021