When Calls the Heart: Upcoming Episode Pulled After Lori Loughlin Firing
Paul Dailly
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Hallmark is doing damage control in the aftermath of Crown Media, its parent company severing ties with Lori Loughlin.
The network has decided to pull the March 17 episode of When Calls the Heart from the schedule.
“We are no longer airing the episode on March 17, but we are not cancelling the show,” a representative for Crown Media revealed to Variety.
“The show is one of our best performers in the Sunday night slot, and we are exploring all sorts of creative options moving forward.”
Related: Hallmark Cuts Ties With Lori Loughlin
The news of the upcoming episode being pulled is quite concerning, but given the legal situation surrounding the embattled actress, it makes sense.
Hallmark has been known for family-friendly programming and having one of its most prominent stars all over the media for the wrong reasons does not exactly align with its brand values.
Loughlin has also lost her role on Garage Sale Mysteries, which was slated to return in August for another four-week run.
It's unclear whether the mystery movie series could continue with a new lead to keep the rest of the actors and staff on the show employed, but Hallmark is likely weighing up its options right about now.
"We are saddened by the recent news surrounding the college admissions allegations," the company said yesterday.
"We are no longer working with Lori Loughlin and have stopped development of all productions that air on the Crown Media Family Network channels involving Lori Loughlin, including Garage Sale Mysteries, an independent third party production."
Related: Felicity Huffman, Lori Loughlin Among Dozens Charged in College Bribery Scandal
Loughlin and her husband, Mossimo Gianulli face charges of federal conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud for their part in the college admissions scandal.
The pair allegedly paid $500,000 in bribes to secure their two daughters spots at USC. The two daughters were supposed to be part of their crew team.
The issue here was that the girls had never participated in crew. It has been alleged that the admissions board accepted pictures of the girls on rowing machines, according to the criminal complaint.
What are your thoughts on this, When Calls the Heart fanatics?
Hit the comments below.
Paul Dailly was an Associate Editor for TV Fanatic.Follow him on X.
