The runaway hit original Hallmark Channel series, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove, is the first original series in the history of the network. When it debuted, it was number one in its time slot. Inspired by the stories and characters created by bestselling author Debbie Macomber, it’s no wonder viewers love this show. At the Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour, Ms. Macomber discussed bringing her popular series of novels to the small screen.

The series stars Andie MacDowell as a family court judge in the small, Pacific Northwest town of Cedar Cove. Along with her friends and family, the stories immerse viewers in the ups and downs of their relationships and their lives and careers.

“The other day my husband came home, and I was telling him that 75 percent of all books are purchased by women. And he looked at me and snorted, and he said, ‘75 percent of everything is bought by women,’” Ms. Macomber said. “So yes, these are books written by women for women about women. But they’re relationship books, and that’s what’s important.” With a top-notch cast, that includes Bruce Boxleitner, Dylan Neal, Teryl Rothery, and Barbara Niven, along with Ms. MacDowell, there are plenty of great stories going on in every episode, and although the primary viewing target is women, I think men will find some of these stories compelling too.

It was a natural for Macomber to be on Hallmark Channel. Many of her other books have been turned into Hallmark Channel original movies.

“I write about reality and slice of life kind of scenes. So anything that happens in real life, if it’s relevant and provocative, I think would fit into Cedar Cove.” With 15 books in the series, Macomber stated there are many stories to tell to take the series through years, if the public wants. As of right now, a second season has already been OK’d.

When she was asked why this series of novels lends itself to a TV series rather than a movie or series of movies, the New York Times bestselling author claimed, “I think the answer to that really comes from my readers, who love the characters so much that they want me to continue writing about the same characters. And so it seems natural to make the progression, then, from ongoing characters into a TV series. And Hallmark believed in it enough and in this series and in me to do that.”

Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove airs Saturday nights on Hallmark Channel. To sum it up, it’s a pleasant show with fun and interesting characters that are now welcomed into the homes of millions of viewers. If you haven’t seen it yet, check it out and you will most likely be pulled into the ongoing light drama that happens in Cedar Cove.