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?
Yes I think she was fired because of age. They thought their previous Home and Family would get better ratings if they had a younger host. Mark said on one of his segments to the older crafter contestant, something to this effect,…how would you feeling joining a younger demographics of cast members? That was before we knew Cristina was fired. At the time, I thought that was weird! I am so SICKENED and so mad that they let her go!!! I loved her, even though she was older. She had class and added debth to the show! I can’t watch… Read more »
Google search Cristina Ferrare age discrimination and you’ll find that Woody Fraser was already named in another age discrimination lawsuit from a past director of the same show. Interesting, to say the least.
Cristina Ferrare brought a touch of class to “Home & Family”, distinguishing it from being just another tabloid talk show with silly talk and over-the-top high energy. The show’s time slot and audience should be considered….NOT what the network “wishes” it was. Sorry to see this change, the chemistry is just not there anymore.
I will never watch Home and Family again. Shame on you Hallmark Channel.
Shame on Home & Family! I WAS a viewer. Miss YOU Cristina!!
-time for Carousel –
Then make another show for over 40.cuz evidently there’s no aging after 39.live the show… But so much pressure to never age. Ug!! Sigh-
I think that Cristina Ferrare was a much better host. Nothing against the newest one, however Cristina Ferrare brought a lot of knowledge and sophistication to the show .I don’t even think of looking at it anymore. Hallmark, you lost me!!!
Cristina Ferrare has always been very pretty and brings class to a show. I am very disappointed with Hallmark Channel – how is this not age discrimination? Good for Maria Shriver for speaking up for Cristina!
is this not discrimination? I agree with Dave! I don’t watch as much. she will be missed.
I would prefer Christina to be brought back. Maybe she had personal reasons and if so I wish her the best. I don’t want to sound personal but in my opinion the replacement is too stuck on herself – not the family type. What a great show it was!
All this time I thought she was just taking time off! It’s now off my tv!! Cruel and unjustified treatment!!
Always felt Ferrare was an accomplished hostess, chef that I could learn from. I also deleted h&f from my DVR. Disappointing.
I just removed all hallmark from my dvr. I understand business, but they can’t call this a home show when they throw out the matriarch for being too old. This show won’t last without Christina’s grace and elegance as well as her knowledge, and experience. I am sad Hallmark chose to do this,
i used to love Hallmark, it represented family, home and love. Now, it represents discrimination of women of age and value.
Goodbye Hallmark I’ll miss the old you.
There is so many sad things going on in the world right now. Home and Family represents happiness and compassion, which is missing all around our country. We all have our differences, let us put those aside and just enjoy this wonderful show.
I am just SHOCKED that Home and Family execs would make such a poor decision, and on top of that, not have a send off or acknowledgement for Christina and her fans. What a terrible transition!. Christina was the heart and soul of the show and without her it just isn’t the same. I wish her all the best in whatever adventures lie in store for her. As for the H&F show, I have erased it from my DVR and I don’t intend to watch again. I feel completely misled – I thought this was a Christian show and that… Read more »
SO Very sorry that Cristina is gone…….I like Debbie, too but Crsitina and Mark were great as co-hosts. Cristina will be greatly missed and SO wish she could be brought back. They all have seemed like a true family and you just don’t separate family.