Hallmark Original Series Ranked From Worst To Best

While Hallmark isn't really known to be the pinnacle of modern cinema, many people who watch the channel do so for a compelling reason: it's just so darn comforting. Hallmark is renowned for its wonderfully corny seasonal movies, but the channel also has some original series that are just as good as the Hallmark classics. Something about the wholesome characters, idyllic scenery, and predictable storylines is just *chef's kiss.*

One of the best things about the channel is you know what you're getting yourself into — good-natured entertainment that can be so cliché at times that it makes you laugh. No one expects a Hallmark movie or TV show to be life-changing –- who needs highbrow cinema when instead you can be transported into a Hallmark reality where nothing that bad ever happens and there is always a happy ending? Nevertheless, some Hallmark original TV series are better than others.

"Meet the Peetes" is a reality TV show that first aired in 2018. It focuses on the Peete family  — singer and actress Holly Robinson Peete; former NFL player Rodney Peete; Holly's mom, 86-year-old Dolores Robinson; and Holly and Rodney's four children, Ryan, R.J., Robinson, and Roman. The show gives viewers a glimpse into this big family's life, offering a "real" look at how a close family overcomes challenges and relates to one another.

"Meet the Peetes" is Hallmark's first foray into unscripted reality TV, and, well ... you can tell. Some episodes simply lacked the drama needed for good reality TV. While the Peetes genuinely seem like great people, their lives may not be as compulsively watchable, as, say, the endlessly drama-filled Kardashians. Research shows that people love reality television for a couple of reasons: one, because watching on-screen drama is exciting, and two, because we compare ourselves to the people onscreen, and watching other peoples' meaningless drama makes us feel better about our own lives (via The Latch). So even though "Meet the Peetes" was a favorite for some, others found the show boring — perhaps due to the lack of explosive drama. One IMDb reviewer even called the show a "trainwreck," and ultimately, the show was canceled after two seasons.

"When Hope Calls" is a 2019 spin-off series from Hallmark's beloved original series "When Calls the Heart." "When Hope Calls" takes place in the early 1900s and centers around sisters Lillian and Grace (played by Morgan Kohan and Jocelyn Hudon, respectively), who were separated as children but reunite as adults. Viewers get to watch as the main characters navigate life and the challenges of running an orphanage — all with a sprinkle of humor and a large serving of family-friendly romance.

There are things to like about this show — upbeat characters, beautiful scenery, and heartfelt stories. It has that feel-good vibe you'd expect from a Hallmark series. But here's the thing: it's rare for spin-offs to be as good as the original, and that is the case when it comes to "When Hope Calls." Along with it being too slow at times, IMDb reviewers highlight that the setting looks like a movie set, and one, in particular, noted how "everyone has clean clothing that never seems to get dirty." Reviewers also mention that the show's content is almost too squeaky-clean and would benefit from a bit more realistic drama. While it's not the worst show overall, there is definite room for improvement.

Is there such a thing as a too Hallmark-y Hallmark show? If so, it may be "Chesapeake Shores," based on the novels of the same name by Sherryl Woods. This TV series, which premiered in 2016 and was canceled after its sixth season in 2022, focuses on a young woman named Abby (played by Meghan Ory). She leaves her high-stakes job in New York to go back to her hometown to help save her sister's inn from foreclosure. The show focuses on themes of family and resilience, and "Chesapeake Shores" really gives Hallmark lovers exactly what they want, which is idyllic scenery, small-town vibes, light romance, and problems that always have a way of working out in the end.

Some love "Chesapeake Shores." Television critic Gwen Ihnat of The AV Club wrote in a review, "These two acting powerhouses [Meghan Ory Jesse Metcalf] alone may make the show worth watching, and the giddy chemistry of the romantic leads certainly doesn't hurt." However, others, like Neil Genzlinger, formerly a TV critic for The New York Times, found it "predictable" and "well-scrubbed." Some IMDb reviewers agree, finding the show disappointing, with one citing "super cliche soap vibes." Whether you love it or hate it, there is no denying that "Chesapeake Shores" is very Hallmark.

Hallmark's historical romance series "When Calls the Heart" premiered in January 2014. Since then, it's become a fan favorite, with nine seasons available to watch and a 10th in production, as of this writing. It's based on the "Canadian West" book series by Janette Oke and centers around Elizabeth Thatcher (played by Erin Krakow), a widowed teacher who leaves her high-society life to teach in a middle-of-nowhere mining town. A romance blooms between Elizabeth and local businessman Lucas Bouchard (played by Chris McNally), but Elizabeth must first process grief from losing her late husband before she's able to love again.

It's easy to see why people love "When Calls the Heart" — it's sappy in all the best ways. It deals with real issues like grief and loss and keeps viewers interested in the chemistry between the characters. Some IMDb reviewers have criticized the hair, makeup, and wardrobe choices — which are admittedly pretty modern-looking for a show set in the early 1900s. But overall, this cozy Hallmark original series is widely loved.

Having a bad day? Sit back, relax, and watch "Cedar Cove" — nothing bad ever happens there. Judge Olivia Lockhart (played by Andie MacDowell) is well-liked, trusted, and supportive of her community. Even when problems come up in Olivia's life, they get solved seamlessly. When Nancy deWolf Smith wrote in The Wall Street Journal that "Cedar Cove" is as "burden-free as a day on the beach with an umbrella, a book and a breeze," she wasn't kidding.

Based on a series of books by the same name written by Debbie Macomber, "Cedar Cove" premiered in 2013 and ran for three well-loved seasons. While Hallmark shows and movies aren't necessarily known for their incredible acting, IMDb reviewers note that the actors in "Cedar Cove" are exceptionally talented. Reviewers also appreciate the beautiful scenery in the show (filmed in Vancouver but set in Washington state) and the themes of family and friendships that come up throughout the series. Ultimately, "Cedar Cove" is an easy watch that really epitomizes what Hallmark shows are all about.