Hallmark’s Top Stars Unfazed by Candace Cameron Bure’s Departure

Not everyone followed Candace Cameron Bure’s footsteps and made the move from the Hallmark Channel to the Great American Family network. In fact, several of Hallmark’s brightest stars were happy to see the “Full House” actor leave the network for GAC.

Before her departure, Bure was the reigning queen of Hallmark. She starred in numerous Christmas films for the network. But in April 2022, Bure announced she would be moving to GAC. Her initial statement didn’t suggest any issues between her and Hallmark, though Bure later revealed her decision was due to a misalignment of values.

Hallmark has embraced diversity in its programming. In contrast, Bure seemed to side with former Hallmark CEO Bill Abbott, who left after pulling a same-sex couple ad. Bure stated in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, “I think that Great American Family will keep traditional marriage at the core.” This comment sparked backlash, including from Hallmark stars Tyler Hynes, Paul Campbell, and Andrew Walker, who were glad to see her go.

Tyler Hynes, Paul Campbell, and Andrew Walker did not hold back their opinions on Bure’s departure. Walker viewed her excuse related to leadership changes at Hallmark as a cover for a better opportunity elsewhere. He told Vulture, “I think it was just a good excuse to cover up an opportunity she had somewhere else.”

Hynes, who was rumored to be joining GAC in 2014, also criticized Bure’s comments on traditional marriage. He told Vulture, “That was the intention from the beginning. We want to see the same things you’re talking about — diversity of storytelling. Because things have to evolve.”

Campbell avoided direct comments on Bure but dismissed GAC as real competition to Hallmark. “I don’t think there’s competition. Hallmark is the only place that does specifically what Hallmark does,” he said. Despite the backlash from her peers, Bure remains firm in her decision to leave.

Despite the backlash, Candace Cameron Bure stands by her decision to leave Hallmark. In an Instagram Q&A, she explained that moving to GAC was an opportunity for growth. “It wasn’t so much about leaving as it was about an opportunity to grow a new network that puts faith and family at the forefront of its content,” she said.

Although her relationships with some Hallmark peers have soured, Bure maintains respect for her former colleagues. “I’m very proud of the work I did at Hallmark for 15 years and love all my friends there,” she said. She then shifted focus to her new projects at GAC.

GAC’s CEO, Bill Abbott, expressed his delight in having Bure join the network. He told Variety, “We are absolutely blown away by Candace’s taste, judgment and ability … we always knew that she would contribute to what we were doing in many ways, but never at the level that she does.” While Hallmark stars may not be fans of Bure’s move, GAC warmly welcomes her.