Great American Media has signed a multiyear deal with Mario Lopez, who will play a major part in the company’s 2024 Christmas plans.
The deal with Lopez, known for his role as A.C. Slater in the 1989 sitcom Saved by the Bell and as a current host on Access Hollywood, was announced by the company on Tuesday, with his first role in this deal consisting of a Christmas film that will star both him and his wife, Broadway star Courtney Lopez. Great American Media has made itself known in recent years as a conservative alternative to the Hallmark Channel, with both channels known for their output of Christmas films.
“Mario Lopez has entertained millions of people for almost four decades,” Great American Media CEO Bill Abbott said. “From his breakout role of A.C. Slater on ‘Saved by the Bell’ to his nightly presentations of Hollywood news on ‘Access Hollywood,’ the world loves Mario Lopez. We welcome Mario to Great American Media and look forward to his many creative contributions to our ever-growing, emerging brand of beloved faith and family entertainment.”
Lopez shared his enthusiasm in the announcement, saying that joining Great American Media is “immensely fulfilling.” He added that he is looking forward to creating “uplifting, inclusive, and diverse content” for viewers of all ages.
“At this stage in my life, family is the most important thing to me,” said Lopez, who is a father to three children. “Being able to share family-friendly stories representing diverse voices is a true blessing.”
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The announcement of Lopez joining Great American Media comes two years after Christian actress Candace Cameron Bure joined the network, leaving the Hallmark Channel in the process. Outside her various Hallmark roles, Bure is best known for her role in the sitcom Full House.
Last year, Great American Media merged with Pure Flix, a Christian-based film production company best known for the God’s Not Dead film series. Pure Flix also released The Case for Christ, a 2017 film based on the true story of journalist Lee Strobel’s investigation into Christianity.
