‘WCTH’ Creator, Hallmark EVP Seem To Disagree On Erin Krakow’s Value
Recently, WCTH co-creator Brian Bird seemingly threw Erin Krakow under the Hope Valley bus by declaring the series fine without her. However, his words don’t seem to reflect what the Hallmark EVP of Programming recently shared with the TCA 2024 Winter Panels.
Are they at opposite ends on how valuable Erin Krakow is to the long-running franchise?
Brian Bird Says That WCTH Would Be Fine Without Erin Krakow
Brian Bird is the co-creator of WCTH. Bird is always happy to give an interview about the series as he is proud of what this show about the Hope Valley residents brings to television. In a recent interview with Soaps.com, Bird raised a few eyebrows when he spoke about the longevity of the Hallmark series should Erin Krakow leave. He doesn’t seem to think it would matter a bit.
Brian Bird was asked, “If he thought the show could continue without its heroine, Elizabeth Thornton (Erin Krakow).” His response indicated that this show was not about actors, but about a feeling of community.
After saying, “I do,” to the question, he tempered the remainder of his response carefully. “Not that I would ever want to have to do that, or that any of us would ever want to have to do that. We do think [Erin] is the absolute source of everything on When Calls The Heart and we love her. We hope we don’t wear her hour and tire her of this whole thing. She could be there forever as far as I’m concerned.”
But, he did share that “community” not Erin Krakow is why people tune in. He cited Daniel Lissing’s departure as a good example of this. They adjusted the show by adding Chris McNally and Kevin McGarry.
However, it doesn’t really sound like Hallmark would agree with him about Erin Krakow leaving.
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Hallmark EVP Of Programming Revealed How Valuable Erin Krakow Is To WCTH
At the beginning of February, Hallmark participated in the TCA (Television Critics Association) 2024 Winter Panels. Lisa Hamilton Daly, the EVP of Programming for Hallmark Media was asked about a WCTH spinoff. But, she could not see who they could remove from the OG series to spinoff into a new series.
It’s hard to think, who would you peel off? Erin is really central to the show, as many of the cast members are.
What this indicates is that Hallmark considers Erin Krakow valuable to the series. Moreover, they would not risk taking her from the OG to spinoff to a new series.
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Erin Krakow Has Already Filmed Two Hallmark Movies In 2024
While Brian Bird seems to think that Erin Krakow is not necessary for WCTH to continue, Hallmark certainly values Erin’s efforts. She has already filmed two new movies for 2024. She just wrapped up Santa Tell Me with her former WCTH co-star Daniel Lissing.
Earlier in the year, she filmed Blind Date Book Club with Robert Buckley. This will premiere on Saturday, April 6, at 8 p.m., Eastern, on the Hallmark Channel. This is on the eve of the When Calls The Heart Season 11 premiere.
Hearties, do you think that Hallmark values Erin Krakow more than the creator of the series? What are your thoughts?
