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?
From the beginning I think that Cristina had a hard time being a team player. She was constantly stepping on Mark’s lines and interrupting him. He was no angel, but she surrounded herself with her friends as co-hosts and he was left hanging out there alone, at their catty mercy. Another thing that BUGGED me was that fair play eluded her. If they played a game, and her team lost, she always whined about it. They even started doing the coin toss “off camera” and surprise, 99% of the time, her team got to go first. I also think she… Read more »
This show is NOT the same! Sorry but Hallmark lost another viewer. Deleted my recordings, the series, etc… Shame on you Hallmark and anyone else that was in on this piss poor decision, I hope for you that the show will last but I’m doubtful!!! Cristina Ferrare was the Heart and Soul of this show and had she not signed on in 2012… This show wouldn’t still be here
Doesn’t seem like Christina was fired for being too old, but rather she wasn’t conservative or overtly religious enough for the new format. They had Gretchen Carlson guest host (from Fox News) as a possible replacement and she may have been too conservative. When they had Ann Romney on, Christina seemed displeased with her and didn’t hide it too well. When they had Michelle Bachmann on, Christina took the day off, so it appeared she didn’t approve of the direction the show was headed. Now, everyone is talking Jesus, god and prayer all over the place (Matt Rogers). Everyone is… Read more »
You may be right, Rich…… I felt the same way & started tuned out during segments featuring guests like Romney & Bachmann. But I was more disturbed hearing Mark, sound like the perfect SS officer, after a guest discussing his new WW II movie, explained the film showed some German families hiding Jewish friends & neighbors from the Nazi’s, say he personally wouldn’t be able to do anything like that, which could put his son’s lives in danger. That tidbit MS should have kept to himself!
They’re not as subtle as they used to be, now that Christina is gone. Mark may not stick around when his contract is up. He spends most of the episodes auditioning for a game show host job where he can work alone.
Anyone know what happened to Tanya Memme and Amber, the DIY winner?
I’m pretty sure Christina is conservative with faith herself no? I actually like that they are more open about faith and prayer AND that they are finally letting Ken talk about his husband instead of acting like it needs to be a dirty secret that Ken is gay. But I agree with you about the crying bit. Especially Debbie. When she first had her daughter you understood but it’s like every freaking episode she is crying about her husband or daughter. Plus she is just too ‘on’. Everything she eats on that show is like the most amazing thing she… Read more »
So disappointed in Hallmark for firing Cristina Ferrare. I had Home and Family on my DVR series to record and watch each day. I just erased it. I will not be watching anymore. Shame on you, Hallmark. You didn’t handle her leaving well at all, and the warmth and grace and humor she brought to the show are irreplaceable. Count me out. It makes me not want to watch anything on the Hallmark Channel, as it seems your “Heart of TV” is completely FAKE.
Christina added a calm, classy, motherly influence that made the cast well rounded. Without her the show is left as one dimensional. I am also surprised and saddened by the circumstances of her exit.
place mk he is a dud
I personally think you fired the wrong one. Mark is SO rude on the show. I can’t believe he says the things that is disgracing to Kym for one. Everyday he does this. He thinks he’s funny. Well He’s not. I think Christina was great. She could relate to all ages. I’m sure MARK wanted a younger co-host and as usual he got what he wanted AGAIN !!! I’m sure I can find another show to watch. Don’t like the switch you let the wrong person go. I’m sure a lot more women feel the same way. Not a Home… Read more »
Cristina was the heart of Home and Family! She brought a wealth of wisdom, experience, and class to the show! It’s a huge mistake that Cristina was replaced by Debbie who was only tolerable as a segment host once in awhile. Now the combo of her ego and Mark’s is simply too much for me to take! I cannot believe Hallmark and am extremely disappointed. I looked forward to watching the show everyday. Not anymore…I’ve watched it for the last time!
It was a mistake, whatever the reason. Pure and simple. The show is just not the same. Less of Ken and Shirley and so many of the originals. I miss them. Sad. Not as fun, family like or enjoyable as it once was. There just seems to be tension all the time. It seems forced. Cristina was just such a calming presence and also multi-dimensional with respect to what she brought to the show. You made a mistake, powers that be!
Oh man, yeah…everything you said is dead on. From the tension to how forced it seems – it’s almost like it’s imploding. Plus not seeing as much from Ken and Shirley while everyday they have Orly on now.
What the Hallmark executives did is wrong. The fans should have been considered since they are the ones who support the show. Debbie has never been well received in her past endeavors! She’s irritating to watch! Cristina is well received and is a victim of AGE DISCRIMINATION! I am done with Home And Family. Let’s see if a younger audience supports your moronic decision!
I finally figured out the biggest difference between Debbie and Christina! Debbie interviews guests, and Christina talks to them. Debbie is abrasive and Christina is soft and gentle. Christina is compassionate and sincere, Debbie comes across as fake. My daughter who gas only seen a few shows told me today that the young girl Debbie seems off with Mark. There is no click like with Christina. If someone who doesn’t watch regularly can see it why can’t the network. By the way she is your target age and she doesn’t watch because guess what she is working like most of… Read more »
I have a different perspective on the firing of Christina. A while back I started to notice the tension between Mark & Christina. I can’t remember when it started or what was said. I honestly thought Mark would be the one to go. But again, women are always to blame. GOOD LUCK Christina & everyone at Home & Family.
As a FORMER viewer of H & F, out of curiosity I decided to read some of the comments regarding your moronic decision to replace Christina with Debbie, who by the way, leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to hosting anything. I am now on page 8 of comments and it seems to me that 3 positive responses out of the many dozens of negative responses should make you rethink your irrational decision. Hopefully, the many viewers you have lost, stick to their resolutions to never watch the show again and your ratings plummet to cancellation. “Sorry”… Read more »
So Sad,
I will not be watching any longer
Loved Mark and Christina together both seemed to be very caring people.
I do not feel that with Debbie she is way to over powering and does not seem to have that kind personality that a show like hallmark needs.
Bring Christina back!
I thought Cristina was on vacation until I decided to see where she was. Geez what a shock. I’ve always enjoyed Cristina when she worked with Regis. She was always very family oriented and loved her since of humor. Also I liked watching someone who was my age as a host. I will be looking to see where she goes and I will follow. Watching people who can add something positive to your life and you can identify with is rare on television. Cristina is a joy and I’ll miss the show.
I was the same…..thinking she was on vacation. I am truly sad that she is gone…..she is such a beautiful presence….always seemed so genuine in talking with anyone. I felt they had a perfect balance with her and Mark….sorry the family has been upset.EaEpC
With everything going on in our country, is this really that big of a deal? This show is about family and it is just that. I have been watching Home and Family since it started. I loved Christina and will miss her wise words of wonderful wisdom and hilarious since of humor! Please people, give Debbie a chance….she has huge shoes to fill. She is actually getting better at relaxing and being her self. There is to much anger in the world today……this seems petty to me.
It’s not that I don’t like Debbie, but it’s true she really talks to much. And I also fast foward over her segment. And the show just missing something.
By the way, I do not think (as decent & kind as Cristina is) that she would congratulate Debbie for taking her spot on the show. The show NEEDS a Cristina, not a too young and inexperienced Debbie. Debbie is NOT a Mother figure like the show promoted. It’s a Family Show not a sisters’ and brother show. If Cristina DID give Debbie thumbs up, it was because someone on the show (higher up) told her too. Although, Cristina is a REAL LADY I can believe she would give D. a thumbs up. Cristina, you gave the show Class, and… Read more »