Hallmark has reversed its decision regardingThe Way Homeseason 3 following backlash from viewers. A family story focused on time travel, the sci-fi drama concluded its second installment at a significant pause that set the stage for an intriguing continuation. But the show’s future was briefly derailed by an unpopular announcement thatThe Way Homeseason 3would debut first on streaming rather than cable.
Now,Varietyconfirms thatHallmark has reversed its plans for the popular drama series.Instead of debuting exclusively on the new Hallmark+ streaming service, as was previously announced,The Way Homeseason 3 will now premiere as usual on The Hallmark Channel on January 3 at 9 PM ET. It will then be available to stream on Hallmark+ the next day, continuing to follow this schedule for the whole season. The reversal comes after angry responses from viewers, particularly on Facebook groups, who voiced dissatisfaction with subscribing to another streaming service and threatened a boycott.
What The Reversal Means For The Way Home Season 3
Hallmark Is Following What Other Channels Have Done
The upcoming episodes will feature some new additions. Julia Tomasone, Jordan Doww, and Devin Cecchettohave joinedThe Way Homecast, respectively playing younger versions of Del, Colton, and Evelyn. However, the big draw that likely fueled viewers' response is that season 2 ends in an important place. Jacob (Spencer Macpherson), who had been missing, is back as an adult. With the help of Kat (Chyler Leigh),they are prepared to meet up with the unaware Del(Andie MacDowell).
Kris Holden-Ried
Thomas Coyle
Hallmark might have been hoping that the dangling thread would attract viewers to Hallmark+, which launched only this year. But the streaming change was unusual. NBC airs its shows on broadcast first and then Peacock the next day. ABC also keeps its primetime shows to go on Hulu the next day. Hallmark, on the other hand, hadplanned to keepThe Way Homeseason 3 as a streaming exclusive until later in 2025. It’s understandable why that would upset viewers, but it’s good that the network walked it back and followed a familiar path.
Our Take On Hallmark’s Reversal
It’s Trying To Capitalize On A Hit
The Way Homeis a top-rated scripted series for Hallmark, with loyal viewers eager to discover what creators Heather Conkie, Alexandra Clarke, and Marly Reed have planned next. It also makes sense that executives would want to build on that success. But an abrupt change and such a long streaming exclusivity window were always bound to attract a negative response.
The Way Home
Cast
The Way Home is a series about three generations of women who reunite after over two decades of estrangement. They embark on an unexpected journey toward healing and rediscovering their familial bonds, discovering new insights about each other and themselves along the way.
