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| 'When Calls the Heart' is getting an 1874 prequel | Hallmark+ has announced plans for a prequel to its popular drama, When Calls the Heart. "We are excited to announce the When Calls the Heart universe is expanding with the all new original series Hope Valley: 1874, starring Bethany Joy Lenz, Benjamin Ayres, and Jill Hennessy," the studio announced Friday. "Streaming exclusively on Hallmark+ this March!" The flagship series is set in early 20th century Canada and based on the books by Janette Oke. Starring Erin Krakow, Daniel Lessing, Lori Loughlin, Jack Wagner and Martin Cummins, all 12 seasons are available on the streaming platform. Season 13 is to premiere next month. |
| Apple TV renews 'Down Cemetery Road' for second season | Apple TV has renewed its British mystery series, Down Cemetery Road, for a second season. Based on characters created by Mick Herron, the show stars Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson as contemporary private detectives. "I'm so thrilled that Down Cemetery Road has been enjoyed enough to warrant a second season. The thought of working with the team again, with wonderful Morwenna Banks in the writer's seat and the indomitable Ruth Wilson who is the best and most brilliant co-star any aging Dame could desire, is frankly far more than I feel I deserve," star and executive producer Thompson said in a statement Friday. "Zo Boehm is a punkishly delicious avatar and I can't wait to pull on her knock-off Doc Martens again. |
| Taylor Swift's 'Life of a Showgirl' tops U.S. album chart | Pop star Taylor Swift's Life of a Showgirl is the No. 1 album in the United States this week. Coming in at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart dated Saturday is Morgan Wallen's I'm the Problem, followed by the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack at No. 3, Stray Kids' Do It at No. 4 and the Wicked: For Good soundtrack at No. 5. Rounding out the top tier are Michael Buble's Christmas at No. 6, Bing Crosby's Ultimate Christmas at No. 7, Olivia Dean's The Art of Loving at No. 8, A Charlie Brown Christmas at No. 9 and Tate McRae's So Close to What at No. 10. |
| Famous birthdays for Dec. 13: Dick Van Dyke, Wendie Malick | Those born on this date are under the sign of Sagittarius. They include: -- U.S. first lady Mary Todd Lincoln in 1818 -- U.S. Sgt. |
| True story 'Soul on Fire' left Joel Courtney humbled, inspired | Super 8, The Kissing Booth and Jesus Revolution actor Joel Courtney says he wants his new film Soul on Fire to remind young people to seek light outside themselves and never to give up hope. "This generational despair that's happening right now? There's a choice," Courtney, 29, told UPI in a recent Zoom interview. "What's the saying? Whatever you give attention to, whatever you water, that's what will grow," he said. "If you focus on negativity, if you really are self-inward, looking at yourself, talking about yourself, you have the inward dilemma of thinking about yourself. It's very depressing. Love comes from pouring yourself out. |