Hallmark Lands ‘The Chicken Sisters’ Series Adaptation With Lea Thompson, Schuyler Fisk, Genevieve Angelson and Wendie Malick (EXCLUSIVE)
“The Chicken Sisters,” the bestselling 2020 novel by KJ Dell’Antonia and a Reese’s Book Club selection, is being adapted into a new original television series at Hallmark, Variety can exclusively announce.
Annie Mebane is set as both executive producer and showrunner of the eight-episode series, in production now and set to air later this year. The cast includes Schuyler Fisk, Genevieve Angelson, Lea Thompson and Wendie Malick.
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The Hallmark Channel currently has two series on the air with “When Calls the Heart,” currently in its 10th season, and “The Way Home,” which is about to begin production on Season 3.
“The Chicken Sisters,” a family drama with southern charm and romance, is set in the fictional town of Merinac, “where a generations-old rift between dueling fried chicken restaurants – Mimi’s and Frannie’s – has left the founders’ families fractured and the locals taking sides.” When a popular cooking show comes to town, things get more complicated as sparks begin to fly and secrets are uncovered.
“Annie Mebane blew us away with her vision for ‘The Chicken Sisters’ — her unique spin and enthusiasm for this fried chicken feud had us excited from day one,” says Lisa Hamilton Daly, EVP of programming, Hallmark Media. “And talk about a dream cast! Schuyler, Genevieve, Lea and Wendie are the perfect actors to lead this witty and heartfelt story. We are confident that each episode is going leave our viewers craving more and more.”
Mebane adds, “When I read ‘The Chicken Sisters’ by KJ Dell’Antonia, I fell in love with these characters. On the surface, the show is about two restaurants competing on a reality show, but it’s about the baggage we pass down through the generations and learning to unpack it. I love telling this multigenerational story focused on women: their frustrations, their desires, and ultimately, their healing. We’ve assembled an incredible cast, and we can’t wait to welcome audiences to Merinac.”
“The Chicken Sisters” is from Fox Entertainment’s MarVista Entertainment in association with Lighthouse Pictures and Busy B Entertainment. Fox Entertainment Global will handle international distribution. Executive producers include Mebane, Bradley Gardner, Larry Grimaldi, Ani Kevork, Hannah Pillemer, Fernando Szew, Shawn Williamson and Jamie Goehring.
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