Odyssey Network
Encyclopedia
The Odyssey Network was a cable television
network that was launched in 1996.
This also meant that The Kermit Channel in Asia was changed into Hallmark Channel itself because of EM.TV
who owned The Jim Henson Company until 2003. After the buyout, Henson's programming still aired until Hallmark Channel
wanted to air more mature programming.
Cable television
Cable television is a system of providing television programs to consumers via radio frequency signals transmitted to televisions through coaxial cables or digital light pulses through fixed optical fibers located on the subscriber's property, much like the over-the-air method used in traditional...
network that was launched in 1996.
History
- 1984: The channel was launched as ACTSAmerican Christian Television SystemThe American Christian Television System was a television network developed in the 1980s by the Southern Baptist Convention . Plans for the network involved a combination of low and full-power stations, most of which were to be built, and carriage on local cable TV networks.Religious denominations...
; - 1988: VISNVision Interfaith Satellite NetworkThe Vision Interfaith Satellite Network was a religious television network formed in the late 1980s. The channel became known as the PBS of religion for the inclusive nature of its programming, which was designed to "place its accent on dialogue rather than apologies."The network was formed by...
was launched as a television network; - 1992: VISN and ACTS shared time beginning in 1992 as VISN-ACTS;
- 1993: VISN-ACTS was renamed the Faith and Values Channel;
- 1996: Faith and Values became Odyssey Network;
- 1996: More secular programming was started when the channel was renamed Odyssey Network, using the domain name [Odysseyfamily.com] for posting TV listings;
- 1998: Odyssey Network was purchased by Hallmark EntertainmentRHI EntertainmentRHI Entertainment , formerly known as Hallmark Entertainment, is an American producer of television movies and miniseries, founded in 1979 by Robert Halmi Jr. and Robert Halmi Sr. as Robert Halmi Incorporated....
, a division of Hallmark CardsHallmark CardsHallmark Cards is a privately owned American company based in Kansas City, Missouri. Founded in 1910 by Joyce C. Hall, Hallmark is the largest manufacturer of greeting cards in the United States. In 1985, the company was awarded the National Medal of Arts....
, and The Jim Henson CompanyThe Jim Henson CompanyThe Jim Henson Company, an American entertainment organization, traces its origins to the founding of Muppets, Inc. in 1958 by puppeteer Jim Henson, creator of The Muppets. The Muppets helped the company gain worldwide acclaim in family entertainment for more than four decades...
(TJHC) in November. Their slogan was "A Hallmark & Henson Network" until 2001; - 2000: TJHC sold half of the channel to Crown MediaCrown MediaCrown Media Holdings, Inc. is a United States media production company with corporate headquarters located in Studio City, California, and is controlled by Hallmark Cards....
, a division of Hallmark. The channel withdrew most of Henson's programs due to them selling half of the channel; - 2001: The channel was officially renamed "The Hallmark Channel" on August 5, 2001.
This also meant that The Kermit Channel in Asia was changed into Hallmark Channel itself because of EM.TV
EM.TV
Constantin Medien AG is a German media group, based in Ismaning near Munich...
who owned The Jim Henson Company until 2003. After the buyout, Henson's programming still aired until Hallmark Channel
Hallmark Channel
The Hallmark Channel is a cable television network that broadcasts across the United States. Their programming includes a mix of television movies/miniseries, syndicated series, and lifestyle shows that are appropriate for the whole family...
wanted to air more mature programming.
Programming
- ALFALF (TV series)ALF is an American science fiction sitcom that originally aired on NBC from 1986 to 1990, created by Paul Fusco. The title character was Gordon Shumway, a friendly extraterrestrial nicknamed ALF , who crash lands in the garage of the suburban middle-class Tanner family.The series starred Max...
(1998-2001) - Donna's Day
- Fraggle RockFraggle RockFraggle Rock is a children's live action puppet television program series created by Jim Henson. The central characters were a set of "Muppet" creatures called Fraggles. The show ran from January 10, 1983, to March 30, 1987, on CBC Television in Canada, ITV in the UK, HBO in the United States,...
(1998-2001) - Fraggle Rock (animated TV series)Fraggle Rock (animated TV series)Fraggle Rock is an American animated television series based on the original live action version of the same name created by Jim Henson. NBC aired this spin-off program on Saturday mornings for one season during 1987.-Synopsis:...
(1999-2001) - Hey, Cinderella!Hey, Cinderella!Hey, Cinderella! is an adaptation of Cinderella, featuring Muppets. Kermit the Frog hosts the film. The music score was composed by Joe Raposo.The one-hour special was first shown on the CBC on March 16, 1969, and on ABC on April 10, 1970....
- Jim Henson's Muppet Babies (1999-2000)
- Odyssey Network Presents (1996-present)
- The Muppet ShowThe Muppet ShowThe Muppet Show is a British television programme produced by American puppeteer Jim Henson and featuring Muppets. After two pilot episodes were produced in 1974 and 1975, the show premiered on 5 September 1976 and five series were produced until 15 March 1981, lasting 120 episodes...
(1999-2001, the show aired on Hallmark ChannelHallmark ChannelThe Hallmark Channel is a cable television network that broadcasts across the United States. Their programming includes a mix of television movies/miniseries, syndicated series, and lifestyle shows that are appropriate for the whole family...
after the buyout until 2003) - The Muppet MovieThe Muppet MovieThe Muppet Movie is the first of a series of live-action musical feature films starring Jim Henson's Muppets. Released in 1979, the film was produced by Henson Associates, Children's Television Workshop and ITC Entertainment....
- The Great Muppet CaperThe Great Muppet CaperThe Great Muppet Caper is a 1981 mystery comedy film directed by Jim Henson. It is the second of a series of live-action musical feature films, starring Jim Henson's Muppets. This film was produced by Henson Associates, ITC Entertainment and Universal Pictures, and premiered on 26 July 1981. The...