“Hallmark Channel Reverses Streaming Decision for ‘The Way Home’ After Fan Criticism”

The Way Home is heading back … home.

The popular series was initially set to move to Hallmark+, Hallmark’s new streaming service, for its third season premiere in January, alongside a planned fall linear debut according to Variety.

However, due to feedback from dedicated fans, the decision was made to debut the show on Hallmark Channel on Friday, January 3, at 9 p.m., with streaming availability on Hallmark+ starting the following day. Fans, particularly active in Facebook groups, had voiced their frustration at the idea of having to subscribe to an additional streaming platform, some even going as far as to threaten a boycott. This release strategy is expected to be maintained throughout the season.

Hallmark+ was introduced in September and features various original series such as “The Chicken Sisters” and “Celebrations With Lacey Chabert”. Since its launch, the platform has continued to expand its exclusive content library, which now includes trilogies like “The Groomsmen” and “Love on the Danube”, as well as movies like Jonathan Bennett’s “Finding Mr. Christmas” and “Mistletoe Murders”.

The news about The Way Home returning to Hallmark’s linear channel was officially shared by cast members Andie MacDowell and Chyler Leigh during the “Look Behind the Lens” panel at the Hallmark Christmas Experience in Kansas City on Friday.

As previously reported, Julia Tomasone and Jordan Doww will join Season 3 as the younger versions of Del (MacDowell) and Colton (Jefferson Brown), as the story revisits 1974—the year the two first met as teenagers. Additionally, Devin Cecchetto is introduced as Evelyn Goodwin, a young girl Alice (Sadie Laflamme-Snow) encounters in the past who might complicate present-day events.

Season 3 picks up where the previous season left off, with Kat (Leigh) finally reunited with her brother Jacob (Spencer Macpherson) and preparing to step into the Landry home.