There is some drama brewing over at Home & Family. After being fired from the Hallmark Channel daytime show, Cristina Ferrare is now defending her replacement host Debbie Matenopoulos.
The news of Ferrare’s exit came seemingly out of nowhere earlier this month. Alongside Mark Steines, she had been co-host of the current program since 2012.
Since the news broke, many have criticized Hallmark Channel for hiring Matenopoulos only because she’s younger than Ferrare. Earlier this week, Maria Shriver said she was “ticked off” that the network fired Ferrare because she was “too old.” While this hasn’t been confirmed, Ferrare did recently post a picture of herself and Matenopoulos, saying she cares about the new co-host and the decision was only business.
Take a look at Maria Shriver’s video and Ferrare’s post below:
What do you think? Do you think Hallmark fired Ferrare for being “too old”? Do you like Debbie Matenopoulos as the new co-host?
I have watched H and F a couple times to observe why the new co host is better. I find that the show is geared to a MUCH younger audience. Very young stay at home mommies. I miss Christina, and the class she brought to the show. I believe that this change is age related, which is against the law. Some of the older men need to go too, since they seem too old to relate to this very young audience.
I stopped watching the show when Christina was fired for being too old. What kind of family gets rid of their own. Debbie is such fake and I feel everyone else is feeling the pressure of being two face. They pretend to love each other. I also feel bad how much Christina cared for mark during his transition into the show and his divorce. Then when he gets married, she is no where to be seen. Such bad timing and cold. If anyone should leave is that old producer who probably made this terrible decision. He is the one who… Read more »
I have a problem with Hosts of shows being RUDE to their co-host and guests by interrupting and talking over them. I find Debbie does that plus she is constantly touching Mark, rubbing his back and that is unacceptable. She could treat people like that on The View or as a reporter but definitely NOT as a co-host and more over NOT on Home & Family. I absolutely LOVE both the Hallmark channels but will not continue to watch THIS program.
Wow what did they do to Cristina she is the best hosts for H & F why would you change a person that was doing a great job for them. Debbie is a reporter for another show not a Host shame on you H&F.i no longer watch H&F anymore
What to say about Christina?? In fact, what can one not say. “She was an incredible presence on Home & Family…I would NEVER say she was too old. The only thing old about her?? Was her impeccable way of bring a taste of “old fashioned elegance” to anything & everything the show “needed”. Look, the show is called “Home & Family”. And sure, yes of course, the “in” with the “new” & “out” with the “old”-views”?? Seems to be the “in” thing to do. But dare I say “NOT” when it comes to what “Hallmark” & “Home & Family” have… Read more »
This is a show, from that day I heard Mark Steines announce that Debbie Matenopoulis is the new co-host, I no longer watch. Goodbye to anything that is Hallmark related. Home & Family now are only words, not genuine.
I think it’s horrible his they treated Cristina and I don’t care if reason being for a younger host. Debbie is annoying & obnoxious! She acts the know it all and I could barely stand her as a contributor, no way as a host. TaTa HOME & Family. Enjoy your last season
I just can’t warm up to Debbie Christina was so warm I just loved her!i don’t watch anymore but I still love hallmark shows especially Christmas coming up.
I miss Cristina. Seldom watch anymore because Cristina was the heart of the show. Obviously they want a more slick, plastic co host.
I really miss Christina . Since she was let go and you brought someone younger in I won’t be watching the show . I hope Christina gets her own show, I always liked the way she presented her cooking and crafts. She was fun, and very pretty. ( not to old for television)
I’m disappointed with Hallmark, I thought you were family friendly.
I like Debbie as the new host. She is doing a great job. She and Mark seem to get along a lot better than Christine & Mark did. Debbie can articulate much better than Christine and makes less mistakes. Now saying all that I did like Christine & enjoyed the perspective she brought to the show. I thought her cooking was excellent & she was a caring person but she came across as jealous of Mark to me. I felt she would steal from him, for instance the way he would say Thursday, then she starts saying it that way… Read more »
Debbie looks blank. talks over people I no longer watch the show. Cristina please come back or have your own show.
I miss Cristina. Home and Family is boring and silly. I’m real sick of the show. My husband used to watch the show because of her. It would be nice if Cristina had her own cooking show.
I was so saddened by the loss of Christina as a co-host on Home and Family. She and Mark were so good together! I do like Debbie but not as a host. Sad to say I very seldom turn on the Hallmark channel except in the evenings. I HATE all the movies and some of the other programming you have on now. I hope Christina knows how much she was liked.
I will no longer watch your show!
I have tried to move forward with the changes at H&F but it truly not the same without Christina. She brought warmth, love, maturity, class, beauty and grace to this family show. This has not been replaced by any means. It is a shame that the camera man who got sick got more recognition by not being on the show than Christina did. Hallmark should feel ashamed of this action to dismiss, fire, let go or whatever you want to call it a “Family” member. I’m so happy l don’t belong to your family.