NEW YORK, June 11, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ION Television today announced the addition of five all new original movies to its 2012 holiday lineup. Premiering in November, the new collection, including "Christmas Twister," "A Christmas Wedding," "Anything But Christmas," "Golden Christmas 3," and "A Star for Christmas," will air alongside returning ION favorites throughout the holiday season.
With the new titles, ION looks to build on a successful 2011 holiday season that saw double-digit increases in households, adults 18-49 and total viewers, a well as an ION-record 1.8 million total viewers for the original holiday movie "A Christmas Kiss."
"ION is delighted to add this new collection of original movies to our holiday programming lineup," said Brandon Burgess, CEO, ION Media Networks." "These movies reinforce our commitment to deliver original programming while providing a quality destination for viewers during the holiday season."
ION Television's 2012 holiday schedule includes:
"Christmas Twister"
Cast: Casper Van Dien, Victoria Pratt, Richard Burgi
When a massive, out-of-season storm system sneaks up on Texas at Christmas, weather scientist Ethan Walker (Van Dien) is hard-pressed to convince skeptics, including his meteorologist wife, Addison (Pratt), and her coworker, Logan (Burgi), of the fast-approaching danger. Produced by Hybrid Entertainment.
"A Christmas Wedding"
Cast: Marla Sokoloff, Chris Carmack, Catherine Hicks, David DeLuise, George Wendt
After being fired from her high-powered job, Rebecca (Sokoloff) heads back home to see her mom, Shirley (Hicks), and attend her friends' small-town wedding on Christmas Eve. Initially convinced that the trip is a terrible mistake, especially her botched romantic conversation with former beau, Chad (Carmack), Rebecca soon learns that, indeed, you can go home again, and, again -- until you get it right. Produced by Hybrid Entertainment.
"Anything But Christmas"
Cast: To Be Announced
John loves Grace and her 10-year-old son, Zachary. Although he wants to propose to her at Christmas, it's the one holiday John runs from. In this romantic comedy, chaos with exes, misunderstandings, parents and in-laws all imperil John and Grace's relationship. But can they get it sorted out in time for the holidays? Produced by CCI Entertainment.
"Golden Christmas 3"
Cast: Shantel VanSanten, Rob Mayes, Orson Bean, Mark Famiglietti, Nikki DeLoach, Alex Peters, Maxim Knight, Peter Holden, Matt Corboy
Heather is a charming, free spirit and Bobby is a naval officer home from serving overseas. Thanks to three golden retrievers, Bobby's spirited 11-year-old niece, Myra, and a fun-filled theatre production of "A Christmas Carol," these two unlucky and unlikely people end up falling in love at Christmas. Presented by MarVista Entertainment.
"A Star for Christmas"
Cast: To Be Announced
The only thing that is working in Cassie's world is her small town business. Her Christmas Cupcakery is a huge success, but her love life is a mess. Cassie's whole universe is turned upside down when she falls in love with a co-worker who is revealed to be the famous and notoriously troubled actor Alex Gray. There's no denying that Alex and Cassie are in love, but can their relationship survive the pressure of Hollywood and the holidays? Presented by MarVista Entertainment.
Source: Nielsen Media Research. Live+SD AA (000). 11/22/10 - 12/26/10, 11/21/11 - 12/25/11; Prime 7P-1A Holiday Movies.
About ION Television
ION Television is a leading U.S. general entertainment network, combining high-quality programming and dependable broadcast distribution with an attitude of innovation and growth normally associated with a cable channel. Its "Positively Entertaining" network brand positioning features a formula of proven series, an expansive catalog of blockbuster movies and a commitment to introduce new original programming. Since its recent launch in 2008, ION's reach has grown to 100 million households and has become one of the top-15 TV rated U.S. networks in record time. For more information, visit www.iontelevision.com.
Contact:
Chris Addeo, ION Media Networks
561-682-4210
chrisaddeo@ionmedia.com
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