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?
Debbie is not graceful, but loud and dingy. Miss the show with Christina
Cristina represented the mother figure on the show. Debbie just doesn’t do that for me. The show does not have the appeal it once had. They took the heart out of Home and Family, and in doing so, broke my heart.
I can’t stand Debbie. She is like nails on a chalkboard. I could barely put up with the irritating Mark. Cristina made it all bearable. Barbara Walters got rid of the Debbie for a reason. Perhaps Home and Family should do the same.
For whatever reason the decision was made, Cristina Ferrare is greatly missed – the show has lost its luster and charm for me. Cristina was the reason I tuned in and I no longer watch the program.
I am shocked and saddened to hear that Cristina was fired because she was “too old” and the Hallmark Channel was going for a younger demographic target audience. Just who do you think is home and watching shows like Home and Family? Aren’t the demographic target audience you are seeking at work, climbing up the corporate ladder? The group who were watching is the retired sector, who have time to watch, and money to buy their commercial driven products. I am following the responses of other upset previous viewers and will not watch or endorse any Hallmark programs or products.… Read more »
I have not watched since they let Christina go.she was classic funny graceful beautiful and brought so much to show. I don’t intent on watching
Debbie is fake and does not add anything. Big mistake
I will not watch the show, I have no interest without Christina.
I have no interest in the show without Christina.
I am saddened Christina is no longer on Home & Family. The show should change its name, because you do not treat family that way. I, as a boomer looked forward to seeing & listening Christina everyday. She always brought a calm & beauty to my day. Home & Family should hire her back at ten times her previous salary (she will probably turn them down).. Thank you Christina & best wishes to you. Another lost viewer.
I went on vacation and came back to a show that I will no longer be watching. Christina added style, grace and dignity to the show that Debbie does not have. Hallmark has ruined the show as far as I am concerned. If they think it is the younger generation that watch day time shows I think they are sadly mistaken. I hope more people speak up against this change!!! They can change the name to Home and Awful.
Good for Maria Shriver for speaking out about the shameful (and illegal) way the Hallmark Channel execs treated Cristina Ferrare – firing her from Home and Family because of her age. Hallmark Channel, shame on you! I will join Maria Shriver, and hopefully a lot of other people, in boycotting all Hallmark products and Hallmark Channel productions. You pretend to espouse ‘family values’ and yet you obviously believe people lose their value when they get too old. How old is too old? Will the other cast members on the show who are over 50 be the next to get the… Read more »
Dear Pam,
I agree with you 100%. I, also, am boycotting anything Hallmark. I hope the show goes down the drain, which I’m sure it will!
I am so disappointed in Home & Family! I thought they were a FAMILY! I looked forward each morning to watching the show. I loved Christina! She had class, poise, humor, real beauty and a heart to share her faith! I always admired how she handled Mark’s immaturity. He was always interrupting guests, with his silliness. He would not let the guests have their few moments to shine. I always admired how Christina handled him, like a loving, caring older sister. I always wondered how Mark got away with his talking silly and interrupting guests. I can’t believe you fired… Read more »
I will never, ever, again watch Home and Family. I agree with Adele Souder’s comment. The show has lost it’s style and grace. I watched it the other day for about 5 min, if that. Debbie and Mark together are too loud and obnoxious, even on the commercials for it. Hallmark, you have ruined one of the best morning shows on television in a long time. Shame on you Hallmark for firing Cristina because she is “too” old, and shame on you Debbie (Cristina’s supposed friend) for taking her place. It was obvious that Cristina was genuinely a friend to,… Read more »
I liked the show better with Christina. They lost me as a viewer!
Missed the mark on this Hallmark. Christina was Christian (can’t have that) & older ! Class acts not allowed I guess. Removed from series recordings today.. Had to address political views today with a child & force feed your beliefs to America.