The CW has ordered six original primetime movies based on Harlequin romance novels, the first of which will get a theatrical release in August in a partnership with Fathom Entertainment.
Starring “Walker: Independence” actress Katherine McNamara, “Montana Mavericks” will be released nationwide in select theaters Aug. 26-27. The film will then debut on the CW broadcast network this fall, followed by primetime-only airings for the other five movies in the channel’s Harlequin series: “Ordinary Girl in a Tiara,” “Paws in the City,” “Recipe for Romance,” “Savvy Sheldon Feels Good as Hell,” and “Second Guessing Fate.”
Presented by CW Originals, Centinel Media and Bell Media, developed in association with Fremantle and produced by Neshama Entertainment, these films star a curated list of CW vets like McNamara, including actors from “Gossip Girl” and “The Flash.”
The film announcement comes as the CW continues to reposition itself in the marketplace post-Nexstar acquisition. According to the most current Nielsen data stream, over the past year alone, the CW’s movie telecasts and original documentaries have reached more than 26 million viewers.
“The CW has been building a passionate weekend audience of movie lovers, and this new slate of original films is for romance fans everywhere,” CW’s head of scripted and unscripted content Heather Olander said. “These feel-good stories, inspired by hugely successful blockbuster Harlequin novels, are the perfect blend of nostalgia and escapism, and thanks to our exciting partnership with Fathom Entertainment, we’re thrilled to bring these films to the big screen first—giving fans the chance to laugh, swoon, and fall in love, together in theaters this summer.”
“We’re thrilled to partner with Centinel Media, The CW Network and Fathom Entertainment to bring Harlequin’s great love stories to life on the big and small screens,” Harlequin executive vice president and publisher Brent Lewis said. “This is an exciting opportunity to tell the incredible stories of our authors in a new medium to millions of Harlequin fans and new audiences alike.”
“Fathom Entertainment prides itself on building innovative partnerships to bring quality content to theaters and experience the magic of the big screen,” Fathom Entertainment CEO Ray Nutt said. “‘Montana Mavericks’ brings legions of fans from the highly successful Harlequin franchise, and Fathom looks forward to working in collaboration for the first time with Nexstar and its team at The CW for this highly anticipated project.”
See below for the official descriptions of each of the new CW Harlequin romance movies, per the network:
MONTANA MAVERICKS
Heather (Katherine McNamara, “Walker: Independence”) is a New York City girl and a best-selling author on a mission to conquer writer’s block and avoid paying back an advance on her next book. Her plans take a sudden swerve when she inherits a family ranch in Montana. With her two best friends, Heather heads out for a “Yellowstone” adventure intent on a quick sale but is blindsided by both the ranch’s dilapidated condition and by Cliff (Dennis Andres, “Workin’ Moms”), the charming cowboy veterinarian next door who challenges her big-city ideals. Heather and her friends find more than they bargained for in this big sky adventure. Linda Kee (“Black Summer”) and Kaya Coleman (“Beyond Black Beauty”) also star.
From Centinel Media, in association with Harlequin Studios and Bell Media, MONTANA MAVERICKS is a CW Original movie produced by Neshama Entertainment and inspired by the “Montana Mavericks” Harlequin book series. Arnie Zipursky, Dayna Zipursky, Mitch Geddes, Suzanne Berger, Brent Lewis, Dianne Moggy, Craig Cegielski, Susan Oman Gross serve as executive producers. For Fremantle, Bob McCourt serves as Executive in Charge of Production and Michela DiMondo executive produces. The film is directed by Annie Bradley with a teleplay by Wendy Litner and Shelley Scarrow. The film is distributed internationally by FOX Entertainment Global.
ORDINARY GIRL IN A TIARA
When vintage fashion devotee Caro Cartwright (Katharine King So, “Transplant”) agrees to harbor her childhood nemesis turned couture heiress Philippa Levreaux (Kathryn Gallagher, “Gossip Girl”), fireworks explode. Despite—or perhaps because of—their differences, these two women help each other wrangle the challenges around them to find a way forward, be their best selves, and fulfill their dreams. This tale of style and moxie proves that opposites not only attract but can enrich the lives of anyone willing to take a chance on themselves and on true love.
From Centinel Media, in association with Harlequin Studios and Bell Media, ORDINARY GIRL IN A TIARA is produced by Neshama Entertainment and inspired by the Harlequin novel “Ordinary Girl in a Tiara” by Jessica Hart. Arnie Zipursky, Dayna Zipursky, Mitch Geddes, Suzanne Berger, Lauren MacKinlay, Brent Lewis, Dianne Moggy, Craig Cegielski, Susan Oman Gross serve as executive producers. For Fremantle, Bob McCourt serves as Executive in Charge of Production and Michela DiMondo executive produces. The film is written by Lisa Rose Snow and directed by Meeshelle Neal. The film is distributed internationally by FOX Entertainment Global.
PAWS IN THE CITY
Issa (Emeraude Toubia, “Shadowhunters”) is a social media whiz on the rise. But when a mishap on her watch accidentally ruins a young starlet’s career, making Issa the most unemployable social media manager in Manhattan, she has no choice but to take the first job she can find—caring for Camila, a glossy-maned and capricious dachshund diva. While ferrying Camila from playdates to pet psychics, Issa realizes the dog’s bark is worse than her bite—much like Camila’s attractive, yet reclusive owner, Theo (Carter Jenkins, “Famous in Love”). What starts as a way to keep a roof over her and her 14-year-old sister’s heads turns into an opportunity for Issa to showcase her skills and reunite her family; it also might be the key to her success in life and love.
From Centinel Media, in association with Harlequin Studios and Bell Media, PAWS IN THE CITY is produced by Neshama Entertainment and based on the Harlequin novel “The Dachshund Wears Prada” by Stefanie London. Arnie Zipursky, Dayna Zipursky, Mitch Geddes, Suzanne Berger, Lauren MacKinlay, Brent Lewis, Dianne Moggy, Craig Cegielski, Susan Oman Gross serve as executive producers. For Fremantle, Bob McCourt serves as Executive in Charge of Production and Michela DiMondo executive produces. The film is written by Andrea Martinez Crowther and directed by John L’Ecuyer. The film is distributed internationally by FOX Entertainment Global.
RECIPE FOR ROMANCE
Would-be enemies turn to heartwarming lovers in this story of two warring businesses in Little Manila. Sari (True O’Brien, “Days of Our Lives”) is given the long overdue opportunity to prove herself when her parents head for vacation, placing the family’s coffee shop in her hands. Sari’s big plans are derailed when a bakery run by the annoyingly handsome and charming Gabe (Alex Mallari Jr., “The Adam Project”) opens right next door. This launches a prank war to end all prank wars, bringing Sari and Gabe together in a story of love, family, community, and irresistibly delicious pastries. In the week leading up to the big Little Manila Festival, the two competitors will clash, kiss, and make-up as they navigate their desire for each other and for success.
From Centinel Media, in association with Harlequin Studios and Bell Media, RECIPE FOR ROMANCE is produced by Circle Blue Entertainment and based on the Harlequin novel “Sweet on You” by Carla de Guzman. Arnie Zipursky, Dayna Zipursky, Floyd Kane, Amos Adetuyi, Brent Lewis, Dianne Moggy, Craig Cegielski, Susan Oman Gross serve as executive producers. For Fremantle, Bob McCourt serves as Executive in Charge of Production and Michela DiMondo executive produces. The film is directed by Kelly Fyffe-Marshall with a teleplay by Nathalie Younglai and Shelley Scarrow. The film is distributed internationally by FOX Entertainment Global.
SAVVY SHELDON FEELS GOOD AS HELL
Savvy Sheldon (Amber Riley, “Glee”) is juggling a lot—a high-stress/low-thanks job, a situationship that has run its course, and the love-worn kitchen she inherited from her cherished grandma who left Savvy her love of cooking and a treasure trove of recipes. Supported by her ride or die mom and best friend, Savvy decides to take control of her destiny and sets out on some renovations, from her career to her kitchen. Isaiah (Dorian Grey, “Transplant”), the dashing contractor, falls for more than Savvy’s delectable cuisine and may just be the secret ingredient to heating up Savvy’s love life, even as she finds her true calling. Nadine Whiteman (“Designated Survivor”) and Malaika Hennie-Hamadi (“Bria Mack Gets a Life”) also star.
From Centinel Media, in association with Harlequin Studios and Bell Media, SAVVY SHELDON FEELS GOOD AS HELL is produced by Neshama Entertainment in association with Circle Blue Entertainment and based on the Harlequin novel “Savvy Sheldon Feels Good as Hell” by Taj McCoy. Arnie Zipursky, Dayna Zipursky, Floyd Kane, Amos Adetuyi, Vinuja Shanthasoruban, Suzanne Berger, Brent Lewis, Dianne Moggy, Craig Cegielski, Susan Oman Gross serve as executive producers. For Fremantle, Bob McCourt serves as Executive in Charge of Production and Michela DiMondo executive produces. The film is written by Miriam van Emst and Shelley Scarrow and directed by Samantha MacAdam. The film is distributed internationally by FOX Entertainment Global.
SECOND GUESSING FATE
Gemma (Danielle Panabaker, “The Flash”) is a successful event planner with a full life. She has pretty much given up on dating until a fortune teller mysteriously shows up at one of her perfectly planned parties and predicts that Gemma is one last horrible date away from true love. When Gemma goes on what she hopes is her last blind date with Nick (Corey Sevier, “Immortals”), anything and everything goes wrong, including crashing her car into a handsome wealthy stranger, Enzo (Brendan Morgan, “The Handmaid’s Tale”). When the fortune teller’s predictions start to materialize, once cynical Gemma is ready to take a leap of faith. But is Gemma misreading the signs? Only fate knows what’s in store for her. Jocelyn Chugg (“Me and Mr. Christmas”) and Ari Rombough (“The Last of Us”) also star.
From Centinel Media, in association with Harlequin Studios and Bell Media, SECOND GUESSING FATE is produced by Neshama Entertainment and based on the Harlequin novel “Second Guessing Fate” by Claire Robyns. Arnie Zipursky, Dayna Zipursky, Ian Malone, Suzanne Berger, Lauren MacKinlay, Brent Lewis, Dianne Moggy, Craig Cegielski, Susan Oman Gross serve as executive producers. For Fremantle, Bob McCourt serves as Executive in Charge of Production and Michela DiMondo executive produces. The film is directed by Stefan Brogren with a teleplay by Alexandra Mircheff and Shelley Scarrow. The film is distributed internationally by FOX Entertainment Global.
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