Chesapeake Shores: Showrunner Named for Hallmark Series

Chesapeake Shores has a showrunner. Hallmark has announced Emmy Award-winner John Tinker will executive produce and serve as showrunner for the network’s upcoming original series.

The eight-part drama is launching with a two-hour TV movie in July. It stars Meghan Ory, Jesse Metcalf, Treat Williams, and Diane Ladd.

Based on the book series by Sherryl Woods, Chesapeake Shores “follows Abby O’Brien (Ory), a high-powered career woman, divorcee and mother to twin daughters, who makes a trip from New York City to her hometown of Chesapeake Shores. Her visit home brings Abby face to face with her past, including her high school sweetheart Trace (Metcalfe), her uncompromising father Mick (Williams) and her esteemed grandmother Nell (Ladd).”

Tinker has previously worked as a writer and producer on Chicago Hope and The Practice in addition to co-creating Judging Amy.

Watch a preview for Chesapeake Shores and read the full details below:

STUDIO CITY, CA – March 2, 2016 – Emmy(R) Award winner John Tinker, co-creator of the drama “Judging Amy” and executive producer and writer on such shows as “Chicago Hope,” “The Practice” and “The Book of Daniel,” will executive produce and serve as showrunner for Hallmark Channel’s anticipated upcoming series “Chesapeake Shores.” As previously announced, the series is slated for a Summer 2016 premiere and stars Jesse Metcalfe (“Desperate Housewives”), Meghan Ory (“Once Upon A Time”), Golden Globe(R) nominee Treat Williams (“Everwood,” “Hair”) and Academy Award(R) nominee Diane Ladd (“Wild At Heart”). Based on the novels of the same name by New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods, the series will launch with a two-hour movie, followed by eight one-hour episodes.

“For years so many quality series have flourished under John’s watch,” said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming and Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks. “We know John’s incredible ability to create stories and characters that resonate with heart and meaning will guide ‘Chesapeake Shores’ to become the timeless series we envision. Having someone at the helm who possesses this genuine vision was essential to us.”

Tinker was the co-creator of the CBS drama “Judging Amy” and served as executive producer and writer on television shows such as the CBS drama “Chicago Hope,” the ABC drama “The Practice” and the NBC drama “The Book of Daniel.” Prior, Tinker won the 1986 Emmy for Outstanding Writing in a Drama series for the script “Time Heals,” which he co-wrote with Tom Fontana and John Masius. John graduated from Middlebury College.

The multi-generational family drama of “Chesapeake Shores” follows Abby O’Brien (Ory), a high-powered career woman, divorcee and mother to twin daughters, who makes a trip from New York City to her hometown of Chesapeake Shores. Her visit home brings Abby face to face with her past, including her high school sweetheart Trace (Metcalfe), her uncompromising father Mick (Williams) and her esteemed grandmother Nell (Ladd). Abby realizes the toll her career has taken on her ability to be a hands-on mother to her daughters, and considers a permanent move to Chesapeake Shores.

“Chesapeake Shores” is a Chesapeake Shores production in association with Borderline Distribution. Dan Paulson is the executive producer. John Tinker serves as executive producer and showrunner. Martin Wood is the director and executive producer. Nancey Silvers is the writer and executive producer, based on the New York Times bestselling series of books by Sherryl Woods, who also serves as executive producer.”

What do you think? Have you read the Chesapeake Shores books? Will you watch the movie and series?