Hallmark Channel Orders Rodeo-Themed Drama

Hallmark Channel has greenlit Ride, a new original prime-time drama that centers on a dynastic rodeo family.

In Ride, the Murray family struggles to keep their beloved ranch in Colorado afloat. After a tragic loss, each character embarks on a journey of transformation and self-discovery while also uncovering a web of secrets that threaten to tear the family and their small town apart. The series will premiere on Hallmark Channel in 2023.

Ride, which is co-produced by Endeavor Content-backed Blink49 in partnership with Bell Media for CTV Drama Channel in Canada, is set to begin production this summer in Calgary, Alberta. It is based on an original script by the husband and wife writing team of Rebecca Boss and Chris Masi (Our Kind of People, Step Up: High Water, Star), who serve as showrunners and executive producers alongside Sherri Cooper-Landsman (Beauty and the Beast, Brothers & Sisters).

Lisa Hamilton Daly, executive VP of development at Crown Media Family Networks, said: “As we continue to grow our slate of heartfelt and thought-provoking series, we are delighted to get to work with a creative team behind some of our favorite shows, including our talented and creative showrunners, the incredible producing team at Blink49 and award-winning executive producers Greg Gugliotta, Elana Barry and Josh Adler.”

Laurie Ferneau, senior VP of development at Crown Media Family Networks, said: “We were immediately hooked by the story of the resilient Murray women. We couldn’t be more excited to work with the incredible team at Blink49 to bring their engrossing story to viewers.”

John Morayniss, CEO of Blink49, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Hallmark Channel, Bell Media and our co-production partner Seven24 on this addictively entertaining new series. This deal reflects our commitment to investing in premium content with a creative-first and audience-first approach, working with some of the best talent in our industry.”

Carolyn Newman, executive VP of global scripted, and Virginia Rankin, executive producer, Blink49 Studios, said: “Get ready to be swept up in the epic romance of Ride. Rebecca Boss, Chris Masi and Sherri Cooper-Landsman are creating a truly juicy family saga set against the backdrop of the West.”

Greg Gugliotta, executive producer at Nitelite Entertainment, said: “There’s nothing I love more than a grounded family drama that delivers dynamic and inclusive storytelling, so when I first read Rebecca and Chris’ pilot, I was instantly hooked. We knew that the Murray Ranch would find a home and we’re proud and excited to be part of the venerable Hallmark family in 2023.”