In case anyone marvels at my affection for or wonders about my preferences for the various Hallmark Signature Mystery series, I readily admit to fostering a strong affinity for the Hailey Dean Mysteries from the moment the first film premiered back in 2016 on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Network. Who could not love Kellie Martin? And Nancy Grace is an absolute legend in the world of journalism! Of course, the fact that my other friends have been featured prominently in the series definitely helps to endear this series to my heart! Last year, I had the supreme honor of interviewing the executive producer of the Hailey Dean Mysteries series, Josh Sabarra, and I was so enthralled with our conversation that I knew I had to bring him back again this year. (Thankfully, a new trio of films will be premiering over the next three weeks, which makes this the perfect time for me to share him with my readers today!)
RH: Since our last interview, there have been three more Hailey Dean movies made that viewers will be seeing very soon. Why do you believe this series continues to be so popular with Hallmark fans?
JS: I believe the HAILEY DEAN MYSTERIES series continues to be popular with Hallmark fans because the lead character is so relatable. She’s flawed like all of us — and most certainly scarred by her past — but she has turned her life experiences into a flourishing second career as a therapist. It’s empowering to see someone who has become a self-made success in spite of adversity. Also, I think viewers connect with the idea that Hailey believes so much in the justice system and what is right that she is willing to continue to use her wildly developed intuition and sharpened crime-solving skills for the greater good.
In brief, what can we expect from this new trio of films? Any special moments you can share without revealing too much?
The new series of HAILEY DEAN MYSTERIES, which airs May 5th, May 12th and May 19th on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, will have audiences gasping until the final moments of each movie. We’re going to learn more about Fincher (played by the amazing Viv Leacock), and fans will meet a new character from Hailey’s past whose motives may or may not be what they seem. We are so thrilled to have Lauren Holly — how cool is she? — in that mysterious role. And, not to give away too much, but I think audiences will be happy to see a little development in Hailey and Jonas’s romantic relationship. I’m going to stop there because if I say anything more, I might wind up being the subject of Hallmark’s next murder mystery series!
I have said before that I believe Hailey Dean is a trailblazer in these Hallmark movies and often pushes the envelope and stretches the boundaries even before some of the other series begin to. When deciding the direction of a storyline in these movies, what kind of guidelines do you use? (Whatever it is, it’s working!)
First and foremost, we strive to keep Hailey Dean grounded. People can find themselves in the character and are able to both root for her triumphs and empathize with her difficult past. In addition, we make sure that the storylines are rich, smart and timely and that Hailey’s innate ability to understand people and the human condition is a “superpower” that’s central to the plotting.
Do you have a character in the series that you most identify? Elaborate if you would like to.
To be honest, I identify a little bit with each of the characters in the HAILEY DEAN MYSTERIES series. Without a doubt, I have Hailey’s passion for wanting justice served (as well as a psychology degree!), Fincher’s love of a good food truck, Monty’s take-no-prisoners directness, and Jonas’s playful romantic nature. (And, by the way, I have to give shout-outs to Matthew MacCaull and Lucia Walters. Both actors bring so much to the HAILEY DEAN MYSTERIES series as Jonas and Monty, respectively.)
While no one knows for sure, are there plans to do more Hailey Dean movies in the future?
Oh, believe me, Hailey has countless adventures ahead of her, and we have so many stories to tell. Nancy Grace, Kellie Martin and I — along with writer Michelle Ricci — have already been looking into Hailey’s future (and past, for that matter) to outline new movies that will be extremely strong additions to the series.
Any other upcoming works you can mention?
I’m very excited about an upcoming Christmas movie that Nancy Grace and I have been working on with Hallmark. I can’t say more quite yet — see, I’m sticking with the mystery theme here — but I think fans are going to love what we’ve cooked up for the holidays.
I know you’re also an author. Any books in the works that you can mention?
Both my memoir and my debut novel, ENEMIES CLOSER, have continued to strike a chord with readers, and I’m grateful for how well they’ve been received. I’m currently hard at work on my third book, and I will keep you posted about the release date and any related events.
With such a saturated film/TV market in today’s world, what is the best way that you have found to ensure success in any aspect of this industry?
There’s quite a bit of content out there, but quality and compelling storytelling definitely make particular programs stand out. We work tirelessly on the HAILEY DEAN MYSTERIES series to create top-notch movies that have a beating (and sometimes racing!) heart at their centers.
While I adore every one of the Hallmark mysteries on the network and my favorites are constantly changing, no one can deny the intensity, perseverance, and relatability of the amazingly intuitive Hailey Dean as portrayed by the impeccable and vivacious (not to mention talented and beautiful) Kellie Martin. I am grateful that this series has continued to be so popular with the fans, and it thrills me to know that the series does not appear to be waning in content nor fan adulation. I can easily sense Josh’s passion for this series in every one of his exemplary responses, and it is perfectly evident that he and Nancy Grace have formed a formidable duo that permeates the very essence of this film series from start to finish. It is an honor to be able to feature him today, and one of these days, maybe I’ll even make it to set and have the opportunity to tell him in person what a talented professional and gracious human I think he is.
If you have access to the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Network, I invite you to tune in this Sunday, May 5th (and the next two Sundays as well–May 12th and May 19th) for the next three thrilling films in the Hailey Dean Mysteries saga. Additionally, please visit Josh’s links below and consider following him where applicable. (After all, NO Hallmark fan wants to miss what Josh and Nancy are cooking up for Hallmark this Christmas, right?) I often state that the Hallmark Network continues to employ only the most skilled people in the business for all of their projects, and there is no doubt that Hallmark has “scored” exponentially by continuing their vibrant partnership with Josh and all those attached to the Hailey Dean Mysteries series. I greatly anticipate the exceptional content Josh brings to the network, and I can hardly wait to see what the future holds for him, the Hailey Dean Mysteries franchise, and more!
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Hailey Dean Mysteries: Killer Sentence Premieres Sunday, May 19th 9 PM/8c Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
