Hallmark to get into series biz with Andie MacDowell

Now it's Hallmark's turn to get into the series business, and with the lovely/talented Andie MacDowell no less. The network just announced a two-hour pilot for the series based on the book series by Debbie Macomber, "Cedar Grove."  

This is interesting because every network -- not to mention Hulu, Netflix and YouTube -- now wants to be in series television. Why? Because there's gold in them thar hills. Get a hit and you've got yourself a franchise that'll send you to lofty heights. Here's stuff from the release:

The movie pilot will premiere in late 2012, with the new one-hour drama series expected to premiere shortly after in early 2013. “Cedar Cove,” is based on the bestselling book series by renowned author Debbie Macomber. The past partnership between Hallmark Channel and Debbie Macomber has resulted in the network having three of the top rated Original Movies on all of ad-supported cable TV three years in a row. “Debbie Macomber’s Mrs. Miracle,” “Debbie Macomber’s Call Me Mrs. Miracle,” and “Debbie Macomber’s Trading Christmas” all premiered as #1 for both the day and the week each premiered, 2009-2011, respectively.