HALLMARK CHANNEL OPENS ITS STADIUM DOORS FOR 'KITTEN BOWL III' WITH HOST BETH STERN, ANNOUNCERS JOHN STERLING AND MARY CARILLO AND FELINE FOOTBALL LEAGUE (FFL) COMMISSIONER BOOMER ESIASON

Celebrities Cheer On The Nation's Most Adorable And Adoptable Kittens From North Shore Animal League America and Last Hope Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation

New York, NY - October 21, 2015 - Hallmark Channel opens the stadium doors and announces that the road to "Kitten Bowl III" has begun, presenting the nation's most athletic, adorable and adoptable kittens in a claws-out, paws-out showdown. A Hallmark Channel special event premiering Su-purr Bowl Sunday, February 7, 2016 (12p.m. ET/PT, 11C). TV personality, author and animal advocate Beth Stern returns to host this year's gridiron championship along with play-by-play announcers John Sterling, iconic radio voice of the New York Yankees, and award-winning reporter, sports analyst and commentator Mary Carillo. NFL Most Valuable Player and four-time Pro Bowl quarterback Boomer Esiason will reprise his role as Feline Football League (FFL) Commissioner and ensure these furr-ocious feline follow the league's furr-ocious rules.

"The 'Kitten Bowl' franchise has become a cultural phenomenon and ratings success where viewers of all ages and demographics can watch and connect," said Bill Abbott, President and CEO, Crown Media Family Networks. "This year's game will bring unique and innovative content across digital and social platforms that will keep viewers engaged while simultaneously encouraging and educating millions on the importance of animal adoption."

"Not only are these cats some of the best players in the Feline Football League, but also they are looking for their forever homes," said Boomer Esiason, FFL Commissioner. "These champions will make loving and playful additions to any family looking to adopt an animal in need."

Hallmark Channel continues its partnership with North Shore Animal League America and Last Hope Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation for "Kitten Bowl III" and will provide all kittens forever loving homes once the games conclude. The "Kitten Bowl" franchise is part of Hallmark Channel's evergreen corporate initiative, "Pet Project," a multi-faceted initiative devoted to celebrating pets and its core purpose bringing light to the plight of shelter pets and the incredible joy adopting a pet can bring to our lives.

"Kitten Bowl III" is executive produced by 3 Ball Entertainment's Todd A. Nelson, JD Roth, Brant Pinvidic and DJ Nurre, with Kathy Sutula serving as co-executive producer. 3 Ball Entertainment credits include "Extreme Weight Loss" (ABC), "Bar Rescue" (Spike) and "My Cat From Hell" (Animal Planet), among others.

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TWITTER: @HallmarkChannel, #KittenBowl, @BethStern, @7BoomerEsiason