What Is GAC Family? What to Know About the Network Recruiting Hallmark Stars
As TV programmers prepare for the holiday season, GAC Family is ready to give other networks a run for their money with its debut lineup of festive films and programming. But you might be wondering — what is GAC Family?
TV Insider has you covered with everything you need to know about the recently-launched channel, including which Hallmark Channel mainstays made the switch to the family-friendly network this fall. Scroll down for the scoop.
What is GAC Family?
GAC Media, aka Great American Channels, is owned by Bill Abbott, the former CEO of Hallmark Channel’s parent company, Crown Media Family Networks. He acquired the channel in June 2021 after stepping down from his role following some network backlash in 2020.
GAC Family and GAC Living both launched in September 2021 and will mark Lori Loughlin’s return to television in a new season of Hallmark’s former series When Hope Calls, premiering on December 18. This will be the Fuller House alum’s first acting role since the 2019 college admissions scandal which resulted in her being fined and sentenced to two months in prison for conspiracy to commit fraud.
Where can I watch it?
The new channel is included with most television providers, including Altice USA, AT&T U-verse, Comcast, COX, Dish, DirecTV, and Spectrum, in addition to the streaming services Frndly TV, Fubo TV, Philo, Hulu, and Sling TV.
What can I watch on GAC Family?
According to the network’s description, “GAC Family celebrates American culture, lifestyle and heritage with holiday-themed, family-friendly original movies and series,” which means popular holiday TV destinations like Hallmark and Lifetime will be facing some major competition this holiday season.
In October, the network announced a “Great American Christmas” lineup of new holiday movies, including the “12 Movies of Christmas” marathon, with new original films premiering every Saturday night through Thanksgiving weekend. Following the food-filled holiday, new movies will premiere on Fridays through Sundays, with new holiday-themed movies each Saturday and Sunday night.
You can check out some of the network’s first annual holiday lineup here!
Which Hallmark stars are crossing over to the channel?
Several Hallmark Channel alumni are making their way to the new family network, including Danica McKellar, who signed an exclusive deal with the channel to star in and executive produce four new movies through 2023. Hallmark’s Home & Family hosts Cameron Mathison and Debbie Matenopoulos will now host the Welcome to Great American Christmas special, along with Loughlin and many others.
Other familiar Hallmark faces fans can expect to see in this year’s GAC Family holiday lineup include Nick Bateman, Rukiya Bernard, Cindy Busby, Sara Canning, Dillon Casey, Torrance Coombs, Trevor Donovan, Brendan Fehr, Jennie Garth, Maggie Lawson, Jen Lilley, Sarah Lind, Daniel Lissing, Jessica Lowndes, Matthew MacCaull, Chad Michael Murray, Sam Page, Merritt Patterson, Christopher Russell, Becca Tobin, Jill Wagner, and Dewshane Williams.
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Love this new channel! So happy to have a family oriented theme again. I don’t know what happened to Hallmark.
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I've been enjoying the GAC channel a lot.
Looking forward to all their movies.
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I love the new channel, and I can’t wait to see Lori Laughlin back on tv. Thanks for giving her a chance. I also love all the old tv shows. Thank you
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Lifetime has been a joke for a decade, at least. Not sure about their holiday movies, those might be OK, but the regular programming on that network is detestable.
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Always good to give viewers options and allow them to choose what they prefer! I watch the movies I like on Hallmark and Lifetime and other channels. I don’t watch the ones that don’t appeal to me. It’s that simple. The one thing I do want to emphasize is, leaving politics aside, I have been raised with Hallmark Christmas commercials, Hallmark ornaments which fill our tree, Hallmark memorabilia and sweatshirts. I remember the episodes on Home and Family where we met the people doing the crafting on the ornaments and we learned about the history of Hallmark. I value what is good. I can’t forget all the good from all the things that Hallmark has done, all the actors and movies that I have valued through the years. I don’t have to pledge to any channel because I have options to choose what I want to watch. I am totally not so sure in any situation in life if any one thing is all good, or all bad. All we can do is to try to make things better and reap the blessings along the way!
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Bill Abbott is the one who cut the 'lesbian wedding commercial' but the powers that be made him put it back on - he was released from Hallmark soon after - so I'm assuming he's going to be on the 'right' side of the 'woke range'
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I'm all in if they keep true to family values.
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If I want the GAC channel, I would have to pay to upgrade, I already pay over $200 and that is not for everything. I refuse to pay for any streaming services. I will watch if and when Spectrum includes it in the regular line up.
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GAC is in Spectrum’s basic lineup… if you’re paying $200 a month, you have more then basic cable. Good luck! 😊
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I had the same problem, but then I found that FrndlyTV only charges $7 a month and includes GAC plus a bunch of other family friendly programming.
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I just found out about GAC Ironically because of a commercial on a Hallmark channel. i thought they were affiliated... anyway, i haven't been enamored with Hallmark since the Lori Loughlin thing, then the cancellation of Home and family, and their changes in programming. i was practically a 24/7 supporter. moving away from it more and more. glad to have GAC for an option.
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So far, I am liking some of the programs on gac family. I especially enjoy watching father knows best. I even like watching “hazel”. None of their Christmas movies have captured my interest. Even some of the new Christmas movies on hallmark don’t interest me. I rather watch their older Christmas movies. I am sorry to hear that some of the actors are “jumping ship” from hallmark to gac. Why can’t they do both?? Business is so ruthless. Oh well, what’s a person to do.🤷♀️
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funny - they don't mention that GAC Family is only available on Dish & Direct TV on their 'top tier' of programming. and they may not be aware that there are still areas around the world that can't access 'streaming TV' - (believe it or not, even in the US), so there will a lot of people who would like to watch the channel, but can't because of the access or finance issues.
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I’m watching iGAC family channel on Suddenlink. They moved UP tv and Hallmark Drama to upper pay tier a couple years ago. Hopefully they will leave this alone
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Spectrum carries it.
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I'm so glad that this channel is here! I had watched the Hallmark channel for over 10 years and was so disappointed 2018 when they started deviating from their Family friendly programming and started letting all the alphabet groups start dictating their format that I stopped watching the Hallmark channel for the last 3 years. Thank you GAC for this wonderful gift!😄
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Unhappy Hallmark customers are not opposed to racial content ... it's the new bowing to the LGBTQ crowd - who probably weren't watching in the first place - that has upset many of us. Hallmark turned its back on its base to placate a tiny minority, and now many of us have turned our back on Hallmark. That's our right also.
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I will check it out hopefully they film and produce in the USA. I want to support American businesses. No more hallmark for me 😊
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I am so thankful for GAC. I used to be a fan of Hallmark, but when they gave in to pressure and changed from family friendly shows, I had to find another channel to watch. I do not appreciate having diversity shoved down my throat. I can watch GAC without a having to change channels. I am so happy to see many of my favorite actors and actresses moved to GAC. Thank you GAC for your wholesome programming!
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Polly I think they are jumping ship is they use to be family friendly and now have gone to the other side.
So I am very happy to see them on GAC 🥰
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ONE Lesbian interviewer told a Hallmark exec that she felt left out so Hallmark turned its back on its base to cater to one offended person. What about all of us who don't WANT to see same-sex couples, etc.? Hallmark is going to find they made a HUGE mistake.
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You have to pay more and move up a tier to get GAC. I'm not going to pay more to watch just that channel. Plus Hulu you have to more up to their premier. Not worth paying for one channel.
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I have been looking for an alternative to Hallmark as I do not like the direction they are going. Thank you so much for giving us a positive family channel!
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I am absolutely not going to upgrade my Dish package to get it. I pay more than enough as it is. If they truly want to be an alternative to Hallmark then it should be easier to get.
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Frndlytv.com carries GAC for $6.99 with other channels. I think you can get it thru Fire TV. I haven't tried yet. I don't have cable bill, Fire has plenty. So if I GAC for 7 bucks it's not a biggy.
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Wow. Just put it right out there. 😶
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Abbott during his rein at Hallmark, didn't want to air a commercial with a gay couple getting married. He is anti gay, anti black, anti bi-racial coupling, a typical white old man in power who disguises his hatred for anything non-white as "family" programming. The really sad part is that some of the actors listed above are gay and agree to this network.
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Good to know. Interesting that certain actors followed him to his new network. Either he's offering buckets of money, or.....
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I believe the issue with Hallmark is they are straying for wholesome TV, presumably because of pressure. too bad.
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So, I just found this channel! I am so excited that it seems to be fresh - and more like the old Hallmark channel used to be. The movies are cuter than what Hallmark is showing this year. I don’t know all of the ins and outs - but have not liked any new Hallmark movies this year. I just like the traditional - small town - cute stories that let me escape during the Christmas season. I will be watching this channel looking forward to seeing new things- love the old shows too 😊
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I am sad to see so many Hallmark known faces. I wish you all the best. In my area GAC isn't option. Im not sure however I would watch. I 'm troubled that owner chose to make such a rival. It is a bitter tale with much revenge. Good luck to all.
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We love that GAC movies are more wholesome than the new Hallmark movies and have a more religious side as well.
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I am so very happy!! Thank you, thank you, thank you for GAC Family. I stopped watching Hallmark and missed how it all began. Missed the actors and shows, I really hope they do the daytime programming especially with the hosts. I loved that show!! Keep it up- you will sky- rocket!
Blessings, Linda
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I think this wonderful. I am a little upset with some hallmark movies. I know this a little bit better you not seeing some thing you don't believe in. So thank you!
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to all that are suggesting alternative viewing - thanx, but - some of us still live outside the ability to get cable or streaming. thanx for all the suggestions - but living in the middle of nowhere Nevada makes it impossible to get anything else. if GAC Family would get itself included in the Heartland Pkg on Dish Network, I would be able to get it - but can't afford to upgrade package on Dish.
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Rural Nevada doesn't have the Internet?
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very slow, even though it's DSL - I can't even watch 'on demand' movies without constant 'buffering'
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why are you saying this channel is about racism, bigotry and hate? not seen any of that so far..... Don't believe everything you hear. do your own research.
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If your racist just say that a lot of these comments are just racist folk I really don’t care if the people are purple I enjoy a good Christmas movie smh and if you don’t like diversity as far different kinds of people your world will be very small their are so many amazing people in the world that don’t share your background doesn’t mean they can make an amazing movie that’s just silly
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I was wondering where all the people I enjoyed watching were going. Then I saw my favorite actor was leaving. Oh now wait a minute hold up. You know I had to follow! So I guess I’m on board. I can’t understand what all the deal is but i know I’ll still be watching my favorite actors this Christmas season!
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I found the channel 326 on direct TV but I see no movies all shows. Full house, fuller house etc not one movie. Why don't I see movies
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I’m so excited about this!! This is how Hallmark started and it’s sad they left their roots. I hope to find this as I will be a faithful watcher!! Looking forward to great programming again!
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Every time I turn it on, you're showing something from the 50's 60's etc. Don't have to spend much when showing old, old, reruns. Can't waste my time on this channel
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I don’t understand what you mean by a “family Friendly Network” Hallmark is a “Family Friendly Network “ sorry to see all the Hallmark star’s who got their start on Hallmark ditch the network.
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there is a difference between all people being represented vs having to be represented.
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Was excited to see another hallmark type of channel. Until the first commercial with Mike Lindell talking about “woke cancel culture”. Seriously does everything need to be political. I just deleted it. I just wanted to watch television. So disappointing.
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I mute the sound every time he comes on.
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Is GAC on Spectrum? If so, what channel. Thanks
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I like the movies but they seem a little out of focus. It makes the movies look old because the focus is not crisp. I guess I’ll have to watch because some of my favorite actors have moved there.
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I’ve been enjoying “Father Knows Best.” I certainly understand the need to edit, but must you put the commercial on in the middle of a sentence? It’s very annoying.
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I have to move up also on Directv.l can't afford to move up a package. I would love to be able to get the GAC family channel.
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Verizon station for GAC is 223
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That's CMT on channel 223
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My TV company Verizon Fios does not have the new station and Hallmark is going to die because of this. Very upset I can not get the station.
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I think it’s a crime to bring Lori Laughlin back to Hallmark. She’s a criminal- what’s with that??
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Just found out about GAC network. I only watch Hallmark for shows like Murder She Wrote and Monk. I’m a Black woman born in the 50’s. I consider myself conservative but flexible. I wanted to weigh in bc Hallmark movies like BET soft porn (in my opinion) movies and series offerings don’t consider me as part of their viewing audience or a part of the conversation. Not looking to horn in just wanted to say there are others of us out there who don’t seem to fit any where at the table.
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I see no movies on it at all . I don't know why
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GAC is like a spin-off of Hallmark. I will most likely switch between the channels to catch all the movies. Big fan of WCTH and a few other shows.
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Diversity is not just about race.
Diversity is also about the LGBTQ community.
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Upset that gac family is not available on YouTube tv
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Thank you for picking up the slak on family friendly TV after Hallmark dropped the ball.
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On Hulu.
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Comcast Carrie’s it too
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Spectrum in New York has GAC on 295.
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what about our mysteries
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They should bring all the cancelled mystery series from Hallmark to GAC, like Hailey Dean.
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Yet, he isn't wrong.
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Hallmark offended lol Lordy please tell me how. They’re so vanilla
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I’m glad that GAC offers other programs also instead of showing Christmas movies 24/7 like Hallmark does.
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I have Comcast and I can get the GAC Channel
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It's available on Philo
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thanx - but I live in an area that can't get streaming - tried, but all it does is continue to 'buffer'
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Will GAC family ever be offered on Frontier?
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I’m happy more competition means more Christmas movies, more actors working, and more variety of entertainment.
What I’ve seen of the GAC Family movies, is lack of diversity, and when did lack of diversity mean American lifestyle, heritage, culture, and American traditions?
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When is this channel come to WOW!
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GAC network has been down on spectrum for for days, and they only show like two movies a weekend for Christmas sad
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I have it on the Frndly App
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If you love re-runs of years gone by-GAC is the place for you. I am not cheering them on.
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It’s very enjoyable
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I’m all for watching what you like, change the channel of what you don’t like. I think what bothers me is the uproar about more people of color in Hallmark movies. I understand that argument if you’re also reaching out to black owned stations only showing black movies and shows. Personally, I think they have the right but so does Hallmark. I guarantee most who complain about Hallmark does not do this with BET and OWN. Just be fair when complaining that you complain across the board.
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If this channel is all about racism, bigotry, and hate, then how can these actors and actresses move to this channel? Do they have the same kind of beliefs as afar as racism, bigotry, and hate for all that are not white? America is not about evil things. I am so sorry this channel is like that. That is truly sad.
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Money.
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"Network backlash in 2020"?? Was that backlash about Hallmark's "white Christmas" issue? And if so, does Abbott's POV reflect the issue, or the solution?
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It had nothing to do with color and everything to do with airing homosexual content, or rather not airing it.
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So, did Abbott leave Hallmark because Hallmark aired gay holiday romances? Or because they didn't?? (I honestly don't know, since I no longer watch those movies.) Anyway, that might help people decide if they want to watch the new channel.
Also, same-sex romance does not equal 'homosexual content,' so unless we're talking explicit sex scenes, it's an apples/oranges thing.
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The my pillow guy gets air time I will never watch
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Please explain what " segment population" you feel Hallmark is making movies to appeal. I, personally, won't pay for another premium station. But besides that owner is deliberately causing
much bitterness attempting to take a obvious open wound of his with Hallmark Channel to Rival. If there is something I don't want to watch on Hallmark Channel I turn channel. I often see actors on LMN that have been Hallmark faces. I just don't like the branding of GAC Family attacking Hallmark Channel. It 's childish and bitter.
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That small population would would be LGBTQ+- and I doubt they even watch it to be honest. What's up with all the witch movies & shows though? Is that supposed to be family friendly?!?
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Regarding comments about Hallmark and “inclusion” being “shoved down someone’s throat”: it’s called the real world where all humans are represented.
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