Dear Mr. Abbott: Signed, Sealed, Delivered & The Heart of Hallmark

I'm sure I don't have to tell you how special this show is, but...

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Dear Mr. Abbott,

I hope this digital correspondence finds you well. By now I'm hoping you've received innumerable letters, cards, emails and perhaps even the occasional crayon drawing from people who love Signed, Sealed, Delivered as much as I do. I hope you've heard stories about the family we've made, and about all the ways hearts and minds have been touched by Martha Williamson's work, and our love for the actors who have brought her stories to life on both your networks.

While I'm sure you've appreciated the emotional, personal pleas, I'm also well aware that they may only go so far in convincing the people around you that Signed, Sealed, Delivered is top priority moving into 2017. Today, I hope to pen the argument that makes the case for now, and possibly for all time.

In a class of their own

First, there's the matter of numbers, ratings and the number of times Signed, Sealed, Delivered has made network history. After garnering a solid 1.4 Household rating average during its single season run, introducing 10 million people to its quirky, complicated, and endearing cast, as well as making Hallmark Channel the # 5 rated cable network during its time slot, Signed, Sealed, Delivered wasted no time making its mark on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.

The first installment to air on its new home, the Christopher Award-winning Signed, Sealed, Delivered: For Christmas was the 2nd most-watched original movie in network history. Each addition to the canon since has received no less than a 1.0 Household rating. To add to the momentum, Signed, Sealed, Delivered: From The Heart was recently dubbed the highest rated & most watched February premiere in network history.

In addition to receiving a Christopher award, the high quality storytelling and production have led to the repeated nomination of Signed, Sealed, Delivered for various Canadian film and television awards since it first aired. Among them a Leo Award in 2014 for Best Score in a Television Series (Hal Beckett), a 2015 Canadian Film Award for Best Score for The Treasure Box (James Jandrisch), and most recently for three Leo Awards for Truth Be Told (Best Television Movie, Best Direction - Kevin Fair and Best Supporting Performance by a Male in a Television Movie - Geoff Gustafson).

But perhaps Signed, Sealed, Delivered’s greatest accomplishment is how comprehensively it embodies the very heart and soul of Hallmark as a brand, from its roots as a greeting card company, to its evolution into a television destination for quality, family-friendly programming.

Standing on either end of the letter from Kelly to Charlie in the Signed, Sealed, Delivered Pilot are two cards---one a “Thinking of You” greeting from an acquaintance to an antique store owner, the other a Birthday card with a $20 bill in it from an estranged father to his daughter. Hallmark began as a card company with a vision to “emotionally connect the world,” just as these cards would connect those acquaintances, and begin to reconcile that estranged daughter and her father, even after his death. Throughout the course of the series, Shane, Oliver, Rita and Norman are challenged to connect emotionally with the world around them through each and every card, letter and package they deliver late, but somehow right on time. In turn, they challenge and inspire their audience to do the same.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered does much more than superficially demonstrate the act of delivering a letter as a means of connection, it expands on that vision by telling compelling stories about the power of those connections as they are created and challenged, while practically exploring faith, love and the beautiful complexities of life. In a world where technology has all but replaced face-to-face interaction and the carefully crafted, handwritten letter, this show celebrates “what endures---human need to connect emotionally with others” and the indelible mark it leaves on the lives of those involved. Much like Hallmark sees this intrinsic need as the key to its brand flourishing long into the future, so Signed, Sealed, Delivered personifies and reinforces this timeless commitment, making it an irreplaceable gem in Hallmark’s crown.

They fulfill your "rom-com" priorities

Aside from being the only Hallmark original scripted series to be based on the delivery of letters and cards, Signed, Sealed, Delivered is also the only program to have aired on both Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, further reinforcing it's fluid compatibility with the Hallmark brand and its values. As well as tackling serious topics, this show also has a knack for humor---particularly romantic comedy---flowing seamlessly into the genre you shared with The Hollywood Reporter is a top priority for your network(s)---Have you ever watched Rita and Norman?!

Mr. Abbott, your ongoing support of Signed, Sealed, Delivered is about much more than just renewing a television show. It’s about making a conscious decision to continue building and honoring the legacy of the Hallmark brand in every medium over which you have jurisdiction as you stand at the helm. I hope that as you review the letters you've received, the accomplishments of this program both on screen and off, and its inextricable link to your company's core values, that you discover what us POstables already know---we'll always choose Signed, Sealed, Delivered and you should, too.

Sincerely,
Chandel Charles
On Behalf of POstables Everywhere