Get the Scoop on Candace Cameron Bure's New Mystery Series Coming to Great American Family
It's no secret that Great American Family hopes to build a content library that rivals Hallmark Channel. Led by former Hallmark Channel CEO Bill Abbott, the network has launched a successful stream of Christmas movies and original series. While not quite up to Hallmark Channel level—yet—the network is still young and growing.
Their next goal is cornering the TV mystery market with Great American Mysteries, a movie franchise of mystery movies featuring recurring characters. Similar to the Mystery 101, The Jane Mysteries and Crossword Mysteries on Hallmark Mystery, these series will showcase familiar faces in a series of movies. For example, if you enjoyed the Aurora Teagarden Mysteries on Hallmark, you can check out GAF's first new series, The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries. The series stars Candace Cameron Bure in the titular role with Aaron Ashmore, Robin Dunne and BJ Harrison as co-stars.
“We are thrilled to be in the business of telling fun, light-hearted stories featuring great characters, strong stories and a fun side of the mystery genre that fits perfectly with our licensed series strategy,” Abbott said. “Our cozy mysteries are crafted in the heritage of the classic storytelling that has evolved since Agatha Christie coined the term in the 1930s and set the stage for one of the most popular genres of entertainment.
Here's everything we know so far about the first movie in the series, The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker.
What is The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker about?
Ainsley McGregor (Bure) a former Chicago criminologist returns to her hometown of Sweet River, Texas. She has chosen to trade full-time crime work to open Bless Your Arts, a market for artisans to sell crafts and wares. But Ainsley cannot deny her first love is crime solving and accepts a position teaching a criminology class at the local community college. Her skills quickly become a major asset to the quaint town, when a murder occurs at a winery owned by her friend, who now stands accused of the crime. The Sweet River Sheriff, who just happens to be Ainsley’s brother, Rian (Dunne), wants her to stay out of the investigation. But Ainsley knows the pieces of this puzzle do not fit. To help her friend and with the unexpected assistance from some goodhearted local busybodies—Ainsley McGregor is back on the case.
Related: The Complete List of Hallmark Channel Stars Who've Moved to Great American Family
Is The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker based on other material?
Yes. The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker is based on the book of the same name by author Candace Havens.
Meet the cast of The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker
Candace Cameron Bure (Ainsley McGregor)
Bure was the star of the Aurora Teagarden Mysteries on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. She has since made the move over to Great American Family, not only as an actress but also as Chief Content Officer for the network, curating and developing programming for GAF.
“There’s nothing more exciting for me than being back in the cozy mystery genre. Mysteries are so fun to watch and to try to solve. I hope our faithful fans and audiences fall in love with the townspeople of Sweet River, Texas and Ainsley McGregor’s keen eye for solving mysteries. In this next-level mystery series, the family dynamics and developing relationships alone should keep you coming back for more!” added Candace Cameron Bure, CEO of Candy Rock Entertainment.
Aaron Ashmore (Jake Trenton)
Ashmore plays, Jake Trenton, best friend of Rian McGregor and potential love interest for Ainsley. He has previously starred in Killjoys. Veronica Mars, and Sky Med.
Fun fact: Ashmore is the identical twin brother of Shawn Ashmore, who is a series regular on ABC's The Rookie.
Robin Dunne (Rian McGregor)
Actor and producer Robin Dunne plays Rian McGregor, Ainsley's brother and the local sheriff. Dunne has starred in several movies including The Christmas Chalet, New Year's Kiss, and Last Scene Alive: An Aurora Teagarden Mystery.
BJ Harrison (Gladys Wheldon)
Harrison has guest starred in over a hundred film and tv series and is a familiar face on Great American Family, Hallmark, and Lifetime. Her appearances include Family Law, Crimetime: Freefall, Wild Cards, and Sealed with a List.
When does The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker premiere?
The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the WInemaker will have its linear premiere on Great American Family on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 8 p.m. ET.
Does Parade have a sneak peek of The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker?
I can make a case that we do! Check out this Parade exclusive sneak peek from The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker below.
Is there a trailer for The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker?
Check out the official trailer for The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker.
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