• by Alex Weprin , November 16, 2017

Crown Media Family Networks, the parent company of Hallmark Channel, is joining Amazon's Channels program, which offers a la carte streaming video channels to Amazon Prime members for an additional monthly fee.

Viewers can access Crown Media's streaming video on-demand service Hallmark Movies Now through Amazon Channels for $5.99 per month. The video channel will feature between 800-1,000 hours of content, with  offerings refreshed on a weekly basis. As is the case for all Hallmark-branded programming, movies and shows will be family-friendly. 

Amazon Channels launched in December 2015 as a premium video option for Amazon Prime members, living alongside the standard Amazon Prime Video service. It includes premium pay-TV channels like Showtime and HBO, as well as streaming-only options like BritBox and TasteMade. 

Hallmark is best known for its original movies, particular during the holiday season when it runs them as part of its "Countdown to Christmas." The launch on Channels coincides with that programming initiative.