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?
Sorry Cristina. Don’t enjoy the show with Debbie, but nice of you to defend her. You have class. Will never watch again. It may be just business, but a very bad business decision for Hallmark. Sort of like what they did to “The Good Witch.” They got rid of a main character – Jake – and the show just doesn’t have the charm it used to have. Too many bad decisions by Hallmark. Not a fan anymore.
Christina gave the Home and Family viewer just the right amount of class. I am an older woman who enjoyed her on the show. She kept everything moving and gave it maturity for us to enjoy. I like Debbie but, it is not the same. Good luck Christina in your new adventures. God will guide you. I will miss you.
Again that just shows the maturity & down to earth type of person Christine Ferrare is to worry about Debbie’s attackers rather than herself. Again I will say this Hallmark channel you made a HUGE mistake. A bit of advice to Debbie if she wants to win us 50+women over…don’t try to over show Mark or force yourself in our faces. You are a beautiful YOUNG woman but don’t have the life experiences that Christine had legitimately where we could relate too!!
I see that God has a better plan for your life. You are a true Christian! Loving people who have hurt you and moving on. Sounds like age discrimation to me, but you have turned it around and are doing what God asks all of us to do. Love your enemy’s. You really are an inspiration. You are in my prayers. I guess I am not as gracious as you. I no longer watch the show. I will look at Kenneth Wingard, Dr. JJ, and Dr. Matt on their own sites if they have one. I will certainly try to… Read more »
I am not really interested in the Home and Family Show without Christina being a co-host. I mostly tuned in to listen to her and to also see what she was wearing. She is so beautiful and so kind. I am sad she is off the show.
So long Hallmark. If you get rid of Christina you do not deserve your loyal following. I am also in my 50 s. I like to see someone with class and not someone that brings your show down. Shame on you!
With one decision, Hallmark has managed to alienate women in general along with all men and women over 50 years old. In addition, they have cast a giant spotlight on Home and Family and the results are not pretty. Her cohost and supposed friend Mark lied to us for almost three weeks about Cristina being “on vacation”. I was raised that you never do anything illegal, immoral, or unethical even at the request of your employer. Apparently, Mark does not consider lying to be unethical. Keep in mind that these are not people making minimum wage or living paycheck to… Read more »
Christina gave the show class and really appealed to us older folks. I really liked the age differences on the show and how they all just made the show great. I think Hallmark has made a serious mistake. Anyway, I thought being fired because of your age is illegal!!! I like everyone on the show, but I miss Christina’s beauty and laugh.
Omg! Just watched the Maria shriver video, can’t believe it! I too will be done with not just home and family, but hallmark! Can’t handle look at me debbie!
If you fired Cristina Ferrare because she was too old then I am too old to watch! I hope you are cancelled! Mark is not that young looking either – guess his days are numbered – oh wait he is a man! Bye no longer watching!
I’m sure Hallmark Channel big-wigs fired Christina because she was “too old.”
But unfortunately, they forgot…..those younger viewers they want to attract to up H&F ratings with new host Debbie are working during the day when the show is on live & they don’t shop in Hallmark stores to buy cards, ornaments & other Hallmark products……they only text, video, twitter, & instagram. Bad move Hallmark Channel
I will not watch hallmark anymore,that was wrong
Sorry to see Christina left — both my mom who is 97 years old said that it isn’t the same — the show just isn’t the same — will not be watching — will be watching the game show channel during their time — good luck Christina
with all respect you cannot replace cristina ferrare , the show has lost its flavor and my interest
If the reason Cristina was removed and replaced by a younger woman – isn’t that an insult to your loyal women over 50 crowd? Is Hallmark saying we should be invisible now too? Well okay, I am now an invisible viewer. You’ve lost so many by making this decision.
Cristina was the reason I watched your show. Are younger people watching at 10 am or noon? No – it’s older people who are retired are your loyal viewers and consistent viewers. I’m no longer watching. And I’ll be buying anything as long as it ISN’T Hallmark.