I have been an avid supporter of Chesapeake Shores even before the pilot aired on the Hallmark Channel, and as we prepare to watch the final episode of season three tonight (October 7th), I am honored to yet again share my recent and concise interview of the executive producer of the show, Dan Paulson. While he may not be sharing any information about which the Chessies are not already aware, if you read between the lines a bit, you may rediscover just how passionate this man is about bringing quality entertainment to the viewers.

RH: Dan, thank you so much for making the time to chat. It’s a very busy time for both of us, I think.

DP: I think it’s always busy, Ruth.

I am glad we get to chat before season three of Chesapeake Shores is over. 

Yes, thank you, Ruth.

I understand that you’re going to be making a cameo in the final episode of the season.

Yes, that is correct.

With Nicole Hansen
set of Chesapeake Shores

Can you let us know where in the episode to watch out for you?

Well, I always try to do a cameo so I can kind of be like the Alfred Hitchcock of Hallmark. If you keep your eyes peeled for a regatta, you can look for me there, sitting at a check-in table.  And usually, I wear an orange shirt. That should be a dead giveaway.

Okay, well we’ll be watching out for you. I want to tell you from a viewer’s standpoint, I have enjoyed this season. I think one of the strengths of the show is how you try to keep up with all the stories. You have so many O’Briens to keep up with.

We have nine lead characters and that’s quite an ensemble.

I really commend you for keeping up with so many characters because not every series can do that. Now, do you have a favorite episode this season?

The O’Briens and Bree’s Book

I would say episodes nine and ten. Chessies saw episode nine last week, and of course, they will see episode ten tonight. This finale episode is where things really get dramatic with the family. We saw a hint of that last week. Tonight’s episode really has an edge, and it’s something nice for Hallmark. It’s a little different, and it’s extremely dramatic, but it’s also a little bit raw.

I know the part with Bree’s book has been quite dramatic and emotional. In fact, I’m not as much in a minority since last week, but I understand Bree’s motivation with the book. Maybe it’s because I’m a writer too, but I understand where she’s coming from. She’s not wanting to create trouble within the family, but she’s also bringing up some issues that need to be talked about.

Ruth, you absolutely get it. There’s the dilemma.

Exactly. If families don’t talk about these kinds of things and they just sweep them under the rug, then they don’t work these issues out.

Right, and as Mick has always said, “Be honest with yourself.” But when it comes to his own family, he doesn’t quite think that way.

Actually, that was a surprise for Bree when her dad said that she couldn’t publish the book. I think she figured he’d be on her side. 

Right. Bree is being true. Sometimes the truth hurts. People don’t want to hear it.

With Treat Williams and Gregory Harrison

While I know you love all the characters, are there any with whom you particularly identify?

As far as the characters, I guess I would say in some sense, Mick. He’s a hard worker. He’s kind of driven. And he does it all for his family. Sometimes you have to have that balance though. So for me personally, Mick is the character that I could identify with.

I think that’s another strength of the show is that there is such a wide range of age groups represented. You might identify with Mick, and the younger viewers might identify with someone younger.

Absolutely, and that’s all by design. Metaphorically, I have nine children. And so I love all the characters in their own right. I can’t really pick a favorite.

with some of the Chesapeake Shores cast

I think we fans also appreciate the fact that you are so accessible. You and your whole team are. It means a lot that you tweet with the fans, respond to questions, and even are willing to deal with criticisms as they come up. 

We’re all about the fans. Without the fans, there’s no sense in producing a series. It’s their show.

Speaking of the fans, I think they have two requests right now. First of all, I know they are talking about wanting a season four. And they are also pushing for a holiday film of some kind for the show next year.

I know they want a holiday film, and I want all the fans to know that we have discussed this idea of a holiday film with Hallmark on more than one occasion. I would love to do a Chesapeake Shores holiday film, whether it be Christmas or a June film. I know that the network would like a special closer to the airing of the series. And of course, I understand that marketing-wise. I do think there is some receptivity as far as the network goes. So yes, a special would be great.

with Barbara Niven

I understand what you’re talking about. As nice as it would be to have a Christmas movie, having a spring or summer one would work too. 

Yeah, I understand why they would like a special and then have the next season coming on soon afterward. It does make sense. So yes, we’re open and we’d love to do it. But that’s Hallmark’s call.

Then that means it’s time for the fans to get busy and let Hallmark know that they would like a holiday special if that’s what they really want. 

And as for season four, of course, we don’t want the story to end. I tend to think a season four will happen. I think a lot of that hinges on the ratings from last week and this week. But at this point, I think Hallmark has made every indication that they are open to a season four. No guarantees, of course.

Sweet Magnolias series writers

That’s just the way the business is, I know. So the fans should still go and request a season four on Hallmark’s social media pages. 

Always a good idea.

I understand you are also working on another show that’s going to be coming on Netflix next year. What can you tell us about that show?

Yes, we are currently working on Sweet Magnolias. This show is definitely in the family genre. It’s got that mix of romance and personal stories. It is skewed more to the female audience. I think it’s going to be a bit more edgy than Chesapeake Shores. I think Netflix has a bigger appetite for that. But it’s a very loyal fanbase. And certainly, Sherryl Woods is one whose writing is loved by the fans.

We’ll definitely be watching out for it. And that’s surely going to keep you busy. 

Uh, yeah, that’s an understatement. {laughs} Keep in touch and we’ll apprise you of what’s going on.

You can count on that. And it doesn’t sound like you’ll be retiring any time soon.

Um, I don’t think so. Why? What for? To play more tennis? No. I like to keep busy.

Well, thank you so much, Dan, for your time and your dedication to Chesapeake Shores. The fans really appreciate it.

And thank you, Ruth, and to the fans for all their support. We wouldn’t be here without you.

As far as I’m concerned, Dan is a living legend in the entertainment business. All you have to do is look up his impressive list of credits, and more than likely, some of your favorites will be included. The fact that he is providing his unsurpassed expertise to a show like Chesapeake Shores for the Hallmark Channel is an honor that I hope none of the fans ever take flippantly. Without his incredible leadership, his vast experience, and his impeccable proficiency, we wouldn’t even be celebrating a season three finale. And in addition to all this, he makes himself accessible to the entire team. Whether it is the cast, crew, or the fans, all can count on his personal involvement on every level. Moreover, the fact that he is not looking to retire any time soon simply reinforces his passion for this business and his commitment to providing premium entertainment for all the viewers.

I hope that all U.S. and Canadian households tune into the finale of Chesapeake Shores tonight (October 7th) on the Hallmark Channel or Super Channel Heart & Home for what is certain to be a profoundly emotional, flawlessly acted, prolific, and compelling conclusion to an explosive season overflowing with twists and turns. Likewise, I would invite everyone to check out all of Dan’s links below and follow him where applicable. Furthermore, if you are interested in a season four and/or a holiday film for this heartfelt series, don’t forget to request both from Hallmark via any of their social media pages. I cannot thank Dan enough for investing as much time with the show as he does, and Chesapeake Shores is a testament to his leadership and prowess. And make no mistake! If I did not subscribe to Netflix, after hearing about this new series, I would make every plan to subscribe as soon as possible. After all, the combination of Dan and Sherryl has already produced an excellent show on the Hallmark Channel, and I tend to think that will only become more marvelous in this next collaboration!

FOLLOW DAN

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

IMDB

Spread the love

Tweet