ION Television set to "Bring the Holidays Home" with Six All-New Movie Premieres

ION Television set to "Bring the Holidays Home" with Six All-New Movie Premieres
Following record audiences in 2017, ION will kick off its 10th holiday movie season on Sunday, November 25.

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[via press release from ION] ION Television set to "Bring the Holidays Home" With Six All-New Movie Premieres
ION's Annual Holiday Movie Lineup Kicks off its 10th Season on November 25 with New Premieres and Returning Favorites after Record Viewership in 2017

This Season's Titles Include "Christmas Cupid's Arrow," "A Wedding for Christmas," "Rent-an-Elf," "A Snow White Christmas," "Country Christmas Album" and "A Christmas in Royal Fashion"
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Nov. 05, 2018 -- The holiday season is a special time where traditions are celebrated and families come home to gather. And starting this November, ION Television will "Bring the Holidays Home" with the U.S. television premieres of six holiday movies. Following record audiences in 2017, ION will kick off its 10th holiday movie season on Sunday, November 25, and will air all-new movies and more than 25 returning favorites on weekends through Christmas Day.

Last year's holiday lineup delivered ION Television's highest household ratings ever, averaging 887,000 in primetime, while ranking #2 among networks airing holiday movies. ION's highest-rated movie, "A Prince for Christmas," averaged 1.2 million viewers.

"The holiday movie season has become a significant part of ION Television's programming strategy, and it continues to prove its value to both the network and our advertisers," said Brandon Burgess, Chairman and CEO of ION Media. "As a top-rated destination entering our 10th year of holiday movie offerings, we're excited to continue this festive tradition for our loyal viewers."

ION Television's holiday movie season begins on November 25, with the premiere of "Christmas Cupid's Arrow" starting at 9/8c PM. The following list includes ION's all-new movies for 2018, including their premiere dates and times. To see the full movie schedule, visit iontelevision.com.

"Christmas Cupid's Arrow" - Sunday, November 25, 9/8c PM
Cast: Elisabeth Harnois, Jonathan Togo, Chad Michael Collins, Sasha Jackson
Synopsis: Holly, a professor at a small college, has had a long history of finding the wrong guy. She's accomplished quite a bit in her life, but after her younger sister announces she is pregnant, Holly decides she is going to make an effort to meet Mr. Right. Meanwhile, David, another professor, is a single father, very smart and kind, but not the type that Holly takes notice of when the two are assigned to plan the Christmas Formal. At the insistence of her best friend, Holly signs up for the dating website "Cupid's Arrow," where she meets Josh, an attorney just hired by the school. He's everything she wants on the surface, but has little to say beyond his work and good looks. Josh and David were roommates in college, so Josh recruits David to write poetic messages in an attempt to win Holly over. Eventually, Holly notices that Josh's spoken words don't match the glowing, beautifully written texts and emails she's grown to adore. After confronting Josh, she begins to realize that the man she fell in love with may just be the one who wrote those words to her.
Produced by: Wonderfilm Media Corporation

"A Wedding for Christmas" - Sunday, December 2, 9/8c PM
Cast: Vivica A. Fox, Cristine Prosperi, Colton Little, Curtis McGann, Lesli Kay, William McNamara
Synopsis: Haley Foster built a big city life in Los Angeles as a top wedding planner at an elite and powerful company run by Ms. Reynolds. When her sister, Angela, insists on getting married Christmas Day on the tree farm in their old hometown of Truxton, Haley is resigned to make her sister's dreams come true and her parents happy. Returning to her hometown not only brings back fond memories, but also reunites Haley with Angela's childhood pal, Carter. Soon sparks begin to fly. Will Haley head back to the city where her new life lies, or will she tumble in love again with her old town and Carter?
Produced by: Hybrid Films

"Rent-an-Elf" - Saturday, December 8, 9/8c PM
Cast: Kim Shaw, Sean Patrick Thomas, Nicholle Tom, Yohance & Zakei Biagas-Bey, Debbi Morgan, Luke Jones
Synopsis: Type-A personality, Ava, owns "Rent-an-Elf," a business in which she sets up a memorable Christmas for busy families. This year, she's hired by the newly-single Liam and falls for him and his adorable son, Nathan. But, just as Ava thinks she's found her match, Liam's ex-wife returns, wanting to patch things up. Even though Ava decides to put Liam and Nathan's happiness above her own, she's still determined to give them the best Christmas ever, and maybe even hope for a Christmas miracle or two.
Produced by: The Asylum

"A Snow White Christmas" - Sunday, December 9, 9/8c PM
Cast: Carolyn Hennesy, Michelle Randolph, Liam McNeill, Colt Prattes, Richard Barnes
Synopsis: When Blanca Snow is faced with spending Christmas with her dastardly stepmother, Victoria, she attempts to fulfill her late father's wishes and create new memories as a family. However, Victoria plots to edge Blanca out of her father's inheritance and keep the money and his mansion, for herself. She plans to renovate the house by hiring a talented designer, Lucas Prince, but when he falls in love with Blanca, Victoria is jealous and outraged. With the help of her assistant, Zane, Victoria has Blanca hypnotized, so she will forget everyone and everything about her father's will. When Blanca wakes up in a quaint motor lodge out of town with severe amnesia, she receives the help of seven quirky friends, the Holly Jollies, to help her figure out her life. While attempting to regain her memory, she finds herself the object of affection to both house painter Hunter, and Lucas Prince. But, who can she trust? And will she finally remember her past, and stop Victoria from stealing everything her father built?
Produced by: MarVista Entertainment

"Country Christmas Album" - Saturday, December 15, 9/8c PM
Cast: Hannah Barefoot, Evan Gamble, Taylor Bedford, Alexander Kane, Kevin Crowley, Will Blagrove
Synopsis: After country music starlet Tess Stapleton's album sales keep dropping, her label forces her to record a Christmas album with ex-teen heartthrob and pop-star, Derek Copeland, in an attempt to resurrect each's career. Reluctantly, Tess agrees. At first, they appear to be polar opposites; clashing over song styles and irritated that they were forced together. However, to their combined surprise, as the album shapes up, they find themselves growing closer over their shared love of music. As they finish the album sparks begin to fly and love blooms just in time for Christmas.
Produced by: MarVista Entertainment

"A Christmas in Royal Fashion" - Sunday, December 16, 9/8c PM
Cast: Cindy Busby, Diarmaid Murtagh, Michael Paré
Synopsis: Kristin Cooper, a talented assistant for a global PR firm, is put in charge of the annual Christmas fashion show and auction for clothing entrepreneur, Mr. Carson. A handsome young royal, Prince Patrick, is dispatched by his father, the King of Edgemoor, to be the face of the family co-sponsored event. Upon his arrival to Beverly Hills, Patrick meets Kristin and is instantly smitten with her, mistakenly thinking she is actually her boss, Melanie. While Patrick and Kristin spend the Christmas season together in California, she wonders if Patrick would have still fallen for her if he knew she was an assistant, and not the boss.
Produced by: Hybrid Films
* Source: C3 Nielsen data, 2017 holiday movies

About ION Television
ION Television, a top 10-ranked U.S. general entertainment network, is the flagship of the independent, privately held media company, ION Media. Launched in 2007, ION Television features a "Positively Entertaining" schedule of proven, award-winning programs, quality original series and popular holiday movies available on multiple platforms via its state-of-the-art distribution system. As owner of the nation's largest broadcast station group, ION Media's 70 full-power stations reach 102 million homes. For more information, visit www.iontelevision.com. 

ION Media Acquires Broadcast Rights to "Chicago P.D."

ION Media Acquires Broadcast Rights to "Chicago P.D."
ION Television will also add season 17 of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" to its programming lineup this fall.

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[via press release from ION Media] ION Media Acquires Broadcast Rights to "Chicago P.D."

The Agreement Includes Renewals of all "Law & Order" Franchises, Making ION Television the Only Network to have all Three Series

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Aug. 07, 2018 -- ION Media today announced a long-term content deal with NBCUniversal Television Distribution to bring the top-rated drama "Chicago P.D." to its flagship network, ION Television. From Dick Wolf's highly successful "Chicago" franchise, the series is a top-10 drama on broadcast television in A25-54 and A18-49 and is the #1 series in its time period (Wed/10p) in all key demos this season.i The agreement gives ION seasons 1-5 (106 episodes) of "Chicago P.D.," which will make its network debut in early 2019, plus the option for future seasons.

ION Television will also add season 17 of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" to its programming lineup this fall. The series continues to be a top performer with an average of 1.24 million viewers, making ION the #1 cable network on Saturdays.ii The agreement extends ION's rights to "Law & Order," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent." Additionally, ION has acquired the rights to broadcast the "Law & Order" and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" series on its D2 properties.

"ION is pleased to add another one of television's most-watched shows to its stable," said Brandon Burgess, Chairman and CEO of ION Media. "The addition of this compelling new series and renewal of an iconic TV franchise further demonstrates our commitment to building on our multi-network and multi-platform expansion strategy over the next five years, and is another success story in our longstanding relationship with NBCUniversal."

"NBCUniversal is pleased to work with Wolf Entertainment to expand and extend our partnership with ION Media for 'Chicago P.D.,' one of television's top-rated drama series," stated Frances Manfredi, President, Television and New Media Distribution, U.S. and Canada, NBCUniversal.
"Chicago P.D." is a riveting police drama about the men and women of the Chicago Police Department's elite Intelligence Unit, combatting the city's most heinous offenses - organized crime, drug trafficking, high-profile murders and beyond. Detective Sergeant Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) and his intelligence team have always considered rules to be guidelines more than actual laws. Now, it's a new day and age in Chicago. Police are under siege and under a microscope. The intelligence team will feel the pressure, and their form of justice will be questioned and challenged.
"Chicago P.D." is produced by Wolf Entertainment in association with Universal Television. The cast includes Jon Seda, Sophia Bush, Jesse Lee Soffer, Patrick John Flueger, Marina Squerciati, Elias Koteas, LaRoyce Hawkins, Amy Morton, and Tracy Spiridakos.

"Chicago P.D." was created by Dick Wolf and Matt Olmstead and developed by Derek Haas and Michael Brandt. In addition to Wolf, Haas and Brandt, executive producers include Rick Eid, who succeeded Olmstead as showrunner, Peter Jankowski, Arthur Forney and Terry Miller.
"Chicago P.D." will join ION Television's acclaimed library of hit series, including "NCIS: Los Angeles," "Blue Bloods," "Criminal Minds" and "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," plus, a robust catalog of scripted original programming, including the series "Private Eyes" and more than 30 made-for-TV holiday movies.

About ION Media
ION Media is an independent, privately held media company launched in 2007. ION Media's flagship, ION Television, is the most widely distributed and watched independent broadcast network in the U.S., reaching 102 million homes with a popular lineup of TV series and movies, including original shows. ION Media also nationally broadcasts two digital networks: Qubo, dedicated to children, with content that entertains, educates and celebrates learning; and ION Life, dedicated to healthy, active lifestyles. ION is the nation's largest operator of TV broadcast stations by national household reach, with 68 full power stations. For more information, visit www.ionmedia.com. 

ION Television Signs Deal for New Original Series, "Private Eyes," From Entertainment One

ION Television Signs Deal for New Original Series, "Private Eyes," From Entertainment One
"Private Eyes" follows ex-pro hockey player Matt Shade (Jason Priestley), who irrevocably changes his life when he decides to team up with fierce P.I. Angie Everett (Cindy Sampson) to form an unlikely investigative powerhouse.

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[via press release from ION]

    

ION Television Signs Deal for New Original Series, "Private Eyes," From Entertainment One
The Agreement Gives ION Exclusive U.S. Rights to the Hit Investigative Drama Starring Jason Priestley

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., March 27, 2017 -- ION Television today announced its newest partnership with global independent studio Entertainment One (eOne), signing an agreement for the original series, "Private Eyes," starring Jason Priestley. The deal makes ION the exclusive U.S. television home for current and future seasons of the drama series - the latest in a string of successful originals to join the network from eOne.

"Private Eyes" follows ex-pro hockey player Matt Shade (Priestley), who irrevocably changes his life when he decides to team up with fierce P.I. Angie Everett (Cindy Sampson) to form an unlikely investigative powerhouse. Through their new partnership, Shade is forced to examine who he has become and who he wants to be while investigating high-stakes crimes.

"We are thrilled to continue what has become a very fruitful relationship with eOne by bringing our audience this exciting new original program," said Brandon Burgess, Chairman and CEO, ION Media Networks. "The success we've achieved with our current original roster is a testament to the network's steady approach to original series production, and we look forward to building on those achievements going forward."

"We are delighted that ION will be the U.S. home to 'Private Eyes.' The series has been a ratings success internationally, achieving record-setting numbers when it debuted in the UK, Canada, Italy, Spain, and Belgium," said John Morayniss, CEO, eOne Television. "It's exciting to continue our successful relationship with Brandon and the whole ION team with another standout series."
The new drama series is the latest addition to the network's lineup of scripted original program offerings, including eOne's "Saving Hope," as well as "The Listener" and a robust catalog of made-for-TV holiday movies. The series also joins ION Television's acclaimed library of hit programming, including "Criminal Minds," "Law & Order: SVU" and "Blue Bloods."

Created by Shelley Eriksen and Tim Kilby, "Private Eyes" is produced by eOne in association with Corus Entertainment, with the participation of the Canada Media Fund, the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit, the Ontario Film and Television Tax Credit and COGECO Program Development Fund. The series is executive produced by John Morayniss and Tecca Crosby for eOne, Shawn Piller and Lloyd Segan for Piller/Segan, Jason Priestley, Alan McCullough, James Thorpe and Tassie Cameron. McCullough and Piller are also showrunners.

About ION Television
ION Television, a top ten-ranked U.S. general entertainment network, is the flagship of the independent, privately held media company, ION Media Networks. Launched in 2007, ION Television features a "Positively Entertaining" schedule of proven, award-winning programs, quality original series and popular holiday movies available on multiple platforms via its state-of-the-art distribution system. As owner of the nation's largest broadcast station group, ION Media Networks' 60 full-power stations reach 98 million homes, including in 24 of the top 25 markets. For more information, visit http://www.iontelevision.com/.

About Entertainment One
Entertainment One Ltd. (LSE:ETO) is a global independent studio that specializes in the development, acquisition, production, financing, distribution and sales of entertainment content. The Company's diversified expertise spans across film, television and music production and sales, family programming, merchandising and licensing, and digital content. Through its global reach and expansive scale, powered by deep local market knowledge, the Company delivers the best content to the world. Entertainment One's robust network includes film and television studio The Mark Gordon Company; content creation venture Amblin Partners with Steven Spielberg, DreamWorks Studios, Participant Media, and Reliance Entertainment; leading feature film production and global sales company Sierra Pictures; unscripted television production company Renegade 83; world-class music labels Dualtone Music Group and Last Gang; and award-winning digital agency Secret Location. The Company's rights library is exploited across all media formats and includes more than 100,000 hours of film and television content and approximately 40,000 music tracks.

ION Television Original Series, "Saving Hope," Premieres All-New Fifth Season on Tuesday, March 14

ION Television Original Series, "Saving Hope," Premieres All-New Fifth Season on Tuesday, March 14
The medical drama from ICF Films and Entertainment One (eOne) returns with an 18-episode season.

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[via press release from ION]

    

ION Television Original Series, "Saving Hope," Premieres All-New Fifth Season on Tuesday, March 14

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., March 06, 2017 -- Season five of ION Television's original series, "Saving Hope," debuts with an all-new episode on Tuesday, March 14, at 12 AM ET/11 PM CT. The medical drama from ICF Films and Entertainment One (eOne) returns with an 18-episode season. Viewers can also watch an encore of each new episode on Saturday nights at 12 AM ET/11 PM CT, as well as the following Tuesday at 11 PM ET/10 PM CT.

"Saving Hope," which premiered in October 2015, has proven to be a ratings success for ION Television. The series continued to rank among the top five in several key demos in season four, including Households, Total Viewers, and Adults and Women 18-49 and 25-54. The series is also up double digits since its premiere in Households (+18%), Total Viewers (+18%), Adults 18-49 (+20%) and 25-54 (+16%), and Women 25-54 (+11%).

Stars Erica Durance (Dr. Alex Reid) and Michael Shanks (Dr. Charlie Harris) return alongside series veterans Wendy Crewson, Benjamin Ayres, Julia Taylor Ross, Michelle Nolden and Huse Madhavji. The new season of "Saving Hope" joins ION's critically-acclaimed library of drama series, including "Criminal Minds," "Law & Order: SVU" and "Blue Bloods," as well as the network's latest addition, "White Collar."

"Saving Hope" is produced by ICF Films in association with eOne and CTV, the originating Canadian broadcaster, with the participation of the Canada Media Fund and the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit. Season 5 is executive produced by Ilana Frank, John Morayniss, and Linda Pope, and co-executive produced by Noelle Carbone, Patrick Tarr, Jocelyn Hamilton, and Sonia Hosko. Adam Pettle is Executive Producer and Showrunner. All distribution rights are handled by eOne.

Source: Nielsen C3 data, Saving Hope Season 4, Tue/11p-1a, 10/11/16-12/6/16, ION and all general entertainment networks (excludes sports, news, and kids networks); Nielsen C3 Imp (000), Saving Hope original episodes seasons 1 and 4, Tue/11p-1a, 10/13/15-12/6/16

About ION Television
ION Television, a top ten-ranked U.S. general entertainment network, is the flagship of the independent, privately held media company, ION Media Networks. Launched in 2007, ION Television features a "Positively Entertaining" schedule of proven, award-winning programs, quality original series and popular holiday movies available on multiple platforms via its state-of-the-art distribution system. As owner of the nation's largest broadcast station group, ION Media Networks' 60 full-power stations reach 98 million diverse and highly engaged viewers in 85% of U.S. television households, including in 24 of the top 25 markets. For more information, visit http://www.iontelevision.com/.

About Entertainment One
Entertainment One Ltd. (LSE:ETO) is a leading international entertainment company that specializes in the acquisition, production and distribution of film and television content. The company's comprehensive network extends around the globe including Canada, the U.S., the UK, Ireland, Spain, Benelux, France, Germany, Scandinavia, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Through established Film and Television divisions, the company provides extensive expertise in film distribution, television and music production, family programming, merchandising and licensing, and digital content. Its current rights library is exploited across all media formats and includes more than 40,000 film and television titles, 4,500 hours of television programming and 45,000 music tracks.