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?
Absolutely not! Cristina’s age should have nothing to do with anything. She looked younger than Kim, one of the regulars. Cristina made the show. She was so warm, so intelligent and compassionate toward everyone on the show, guests or regulars. She was the show! My heart is sick, knowing Cristina is no longer on the show. I do know many baby boomers such as myself watched Home & Family because Cristina REALLY made the show. I can never put into words the sadness I feel at her being fired or let go. The show will never be the same without… Read more »
I totally agree, Linda. Cristina was a very important part of this show!
But why would Christina have to look younger anyway? Why is it that women always have to be younger? There are tons of men that are still in TV that are 60+ and they don’t get ditched for their age.
Cristina was more relatable than Debbie Matenopolous. Debbie’s ok but I won’t be watching anymore. I’m a little younger than Cristina and Debbie is a new mom.Been there done that was more interested in Cristina and what she had to offer.
I’m in my 30s and I prefer Christina to Debbie myself.
It’s really sad to see a great show change overnight, and not for the better because some idiot makes a heart transplant. Home and Family had its heart ripped away in Christina and now has become the Debbie show, because Debbie commands so much of the attention, another quality show is history. Tried to watch, can’t anymore. Hallmark has lost a viewer and customer!
I was wondering what had happened, now I know I’m done with this show. Wow to get rid of someone just because of their age, that’s sad. Maybe it’s time for Woody to go, he’s really old and so is his slaptick!
I have watched this show since the beginning with Chuck Worlerly and Christiana. Debbie is great at interviewing celebs, but this show is totally different. I got my mother to watch the show and she said she wanted to see it even though she knows that I no longer watch the show. Debbie you totally embarrassed yourself, you didn’t know that you can purchase sand? Where do you think people get sand for sandboxes and crafts–bring it back from the beach???. If this type of comment is going to attract more viewers, good luck. No longer supporting the Hallmark channel… Read more »
It makes me sick that Cristina was taken off H&F. The show will never be the same without her! S from Kansas!!
I don’t know why she was fired but I will say I liked Home & Family better when she co-hosted with Chuck Woolery. I think, it seems odd that 2 females were fired from this show( with no notice) Perhaps, Mark should be next. I personally don’t care for him & I am not a fan of Debbie. Just my opinion. I think it is time this show pick 2 hosts that match or go off the air. Age shouldn’t be a factor. I like the concept of the show but when the title is “Home &Family” and you just… Read more »
I’m wondering , has Woody Frazier lost his job for being too old? You go Christina! Whatever you do, I will look forward to watching! Thank you Maria for giving all of us with your same view, a voice!!
Dear Debbie, I wish you the best girl! You can not come close to holding a candle to our sweet Christina! You bring way to much hyper activity in to people’s homes now… especially the elderly!! You are so high strung, controlling, not funny, not true to heart, many insecurities with your looks, personality, who likes me better??? Blaa blaa. Sorry Debbie. You really are annoying in my home now, I mean you were annoying before Christina left but oh my god help us at home…I can not watch you anymore! I am sure the ratings will drop extremely fast….just… Read more »
I have already shared my thoughts, feelings and disappointments re your ill decision with Christina. I mentioned how everyone is fake, I stand corrected….Mark is the only other one other than Christina that was true to heart and a “real” person. Christina and Mark go together like peas & carrots and now it’s like uh…Debbie and Mark just don’t have that special click or spark like Christina & Mark.
Enough said for now, I’m just so disappointed in the network!
Sincerely, Diane Edwards from Kansas!
I will no longer be watching Home and Family never cared for DM in anything she has been on. It shows what a grand lady Christina is to defend DM replacing her and the show’s decision to replace her. I thought this show was a good family show but obviously they only care about younger people and to heck with what the viewers like.
Perhaps Cristina’s firing wouldn’t have such an impact on me and other faithful watchers…if they didn’t constantly promote the wonderful concept of “FAMILY”. I love Debbie…who could not love her. But the way Hallmark treated Cristina does not give one the warm and fuzzy feeling of “home” and “family”. Seeing a family member treated so poorly pretty much destroys what the concept of the show and the title once stood for. Hallmark has made a very poor decision.
I am very disappointed in the Hallmark Channel. I will no longer be watching the show and I will be cancelling my “faith and values” cable package which costs extra each month. Christina is a classy woman, and hopefully another network will snap her up for a show host.
Well, Cristina is supposed to be defending the Hallmark channel hiring Debbie, but I don’t consider that the issue. The issue is why was Cristina fired in the first place? If the CEOs think that a bunch of 20 to 30 year old women are watching daytime television, then they need to hire new CEOs. The viewers are women who are over a “certain age” who are home during the day. The 20 to 30 year old women are busy watching Big Brother and Bachelorette. Why do television executives hate older people, especially females? Our whole society is acting that… Read more »
I enjoyed Hallmark show’s, but I’m through with the Home and Family show as well as the Hallmark Channel. The show is just not the same without Cristina Ferrare. I was discrimiated on my job and was told to keep my mouth shut and not go higher in command. That’s how large corporation’s are, they just rule and get whatever they want. Hallmark you truly messed up a very good thing.