Yesterday, Hallmark Channel announced that host Cristina Ferrare would be replaced as co-host by regular contributor Debbie Matenopoulos. The cable channel didn’t specify when the change would take place.
Today, co-host Mark Steines made a quick announcement that Ferrare had left the show and that Matenopoulos would be replacing her, effective immediately. Ferrare hadn’t been on the show for two weeks and didn’t return for a send-off.
Fans of the show have been concerned if Ferrare was sick and have been wondering if the decision to leave was her decision. On her Facebook page, Ferrare confirmed that she is not sick and essentially says that she was fired. She wrote:
Okay here goes, I feel it’s important to finally step up to the plate and let you know what is happening.
First may I say that my family and I have been so thankful and appreciative for all the love, support, prayers, and good wishes you have been sending me on a daily basis for the past three weeks. It pained me so that I was unable to let you know what was going on out of respect for everyone on Home and Family and the Network. I was asked to wait and I have but now I feel I should out of respect for YOU let you know.
It’s really very simple, Home and Family will have a season 5 which I am so happy for and the Network decided that they want a new co-host and that will be Debbie. She will do a great job!
You can still reach me here on facebook and we shall continue honoring love of family and friends. I truly LOVE you all. You have been my rainbow!
What do you think? Are you sorry that Ferrare is no longer a co-host on Home & Family? Will you continue to watch? Should the show be cancelled or, is Ferrare’s replacement a good idea?
I don’t usually comment on the Webb but as far as I’m concerned you have made a hugh mistake letting Cristina go.
I think the show should be cancelled…..We will not be watching home and family anymore…..Sorry u have made a very bad choice I am agreeing with all the other viewers that Christina was a breath of fresh air and a very classy lady. I hope the hallmark channel will listen to their viewers and bring back the one person who has changed so many people with her warmth and respect for her viewers……PLease bring Christina back (If she will come back) Thank you
I am flat outraged at Hallmark ‘s decision in the firing of Christina ! Christina not only was the show… SHE MADE THE SHOW!!!!!!! I luv Debbie from the side lines…I like Mark…. BUT, as much as I looked forward to this show every single day. I will NeVER watch it again. U have shot yourself in the foot! How stupid do u think us viewers r? How tragic that my favorite show on TV iis now not worth watching! I am ANGRY beyond words! Younger is NOT always better! Outraged in Alabama!
Patricia McCullough
AGREE!! OUTRAGED IN RHODE ISLAND!!!! HOW STUPID DO THEY THINK US VIEWERS ARE!!!! LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING HER ELSEWHERE!!!!! SOON PLEASE!!
I want her back bad decision!!!!!
Donald J. Hall JR. CEO of Hallmark INC
Hallmark Cards, Inc. P.O. Box 419034. Mail Drop 216.
Kansas City, MO 64141-6580
OR
corporate.hallmark.com/Contact-Hallmark
I am respectfully writing him because our voices have not been heard by Woody Fraser. Please be as heartfelt as you were here
Thank you for the email, if we can get this out to everyone maybe they will get tired of all the emails and listen.
I will no longer be watching Home and Family. The show has removed the only reason I did watch- Christina. Two things bother me: first, was she fired because she isn’t a 30 -something clone.; and second, how stupid do the executives in charge think the audience must be to just accept the flimsy and shabby manner in which she was ” explained away”? Poor decision, Hallmark!
I am almost 60 yrs old and I have never commented on anything in my life, but this makes my heart sad. This was my very favorite show on TV. I looked forward to seeing Cristina everyday. She inspired me and brightened my day with her charismatic charm. She was the heart and soul of the show. I don’t know what Hallmark is thinking, first Tanya and now Cristina. Cristina and Mark had good chemistry, Debbie and Mark not so much. The show is just not the same without Cristina. The sparkle is gone in the show and now in… Read more »
Thank you for your article posted yesterday (June 23, 2016). I’m sure by now you’ve seen the outrage listed in comments on your site and across the internet. It’s unrealistic how the Hallmark channel and Hallmark Home & Family show can be so dishonest and LIE to viewers about Cristina! It’s truly unbelievable in this day and age…they’re really out of touch.
I believe changes like this will hurt the popularity of the show. I like Debbie but she is not Cristina. Too big of a chemistry change and BIG MISTAKE!
I think firing Cristina the way Home and Family choose to do was disrespectful to her and the fans of the show. Not everyone that watches TV needs to see a younger co host. I agree with those that have stated Cristina brought grace, love and a real genuineness to the show. That is rarely found in Hollywood or on TV today. (It’s wonderful to see someone like her in our crazy world today.) My admiration and respect for Cristina,who was also not afraid to share her love for our gracious Lord, will continue forever, however, the disrespect the executives… Read more »
Debbie will beafine host. That said, what in the world are the managers or whoever thinking?? Cristina is one of the finest, most loved lady in the business! She’s also one of the sweetest, and most beautiful woman in the world! I will miss her so much.
I AM SO APPALLED THAT THE ADORABLE CHRISTINA WAS FIRED FROM HOME & FAMILY!!! WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH THE PRODUCER, DIRECTORS ETC??? I AM SO SICK & TIRED OF SHOWS LETTING HOSTS GO BECAUSE OF THEIR AGE – & YOU CAN’T SAY ANYTHING DIFFERENT – WE WON’T BELIEVE YOU!!! WHATS WITH MARC WHO DOES HE THINK HE IS??? YOUR SHOW NOW IS TARGETED FOR THE AGES 20 TO MAYBE 40 (MAX) GOSH DO YOU THINK THE VIEWING AUDIENCE IS STUPID?? SO FAR I AGREE WITH MOST OF THE COMMENTS VIEWERS HAVE MADE IN REGARDS TO YOUR UNBELIEVABLE MOVE OF… Read more »
I have been a fan of Cristina’s forever and am so upset – not sure if i will watch again- i think Hallmark ruined a hit show
I always thought home and family was an honest and open show. I have watched it daily but I thought the way the show replaced Christina kinda under the door was bad. I loved Cristina she brought the feeling of family and love to the show and i don’t think i will be watching it as much any more
My wife has been a devoted watcher of Home & Family for years and I started watching when I retired. Since I do a lot of cooking, I enjoyed the cooking segments. Also enjoyed the wood crafting and the segments w/Matt. Made many trips to stores mentioned on the show in order to duplicate projects. Cristina, however, was the main reason we either watched or taped the show for later viewing. My wife & I feel Cristina made the show enjoyable with her warmth, compassion, interest in people and family values. This, we believe, age related decision has angered us… Read more »