‘When Calls the Heart’ Prequel Set at Hallmark+: ‘Hope Valley: 1874’

The world of “When Calls the Heart” is expanding with the announcement of a prequel series titled “Hope Valley: 1874.” The new series has been greenlit by Hallmark+ and is set to begin production in Vancouver next week, as reported exclusively by Variety. The eight-episode series, starring Bethany Joy Lenz, Benjamin Ayres, Jill Hennessy, Roan Curtis, and Lachlan Quarmby, is scheduled to premiere in March 2026, delving into the early days of the settlement now known as Hope Valley.

Lenz takes on the role of Rebecca Clarke, a woman who embarks on a journey from Chicago to the Western Canadian frontier with her 11-year-old daughter. When her wagon breaks down, she finds herself seeking help from local rancher and confirmed bachelor, Tom Moore, portrayed by Ayres. Despite Rebecca’s initial intentions to remain unattached, the connections she forms with the people in the budding town, including the guarded Tom and pioneer woman Hattie Quinn (Hennessy), compel her to establish roots and start anew.

Curtis plays Hattie’s daughter in the series, while Quarmby rounds out the main cast as Constable Alexander Vaughn, a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The show promises to explore the lives of adventurous ranchers, gold prospectors, and early pioneers who work together to navigate the challenges of a new era and build a tight-knit community in the pioneer era.

This latest project is one of the first greenlights under the leadership of Michelle Vicary, who returned to Hallmark as head of programming in August. Vicary, who was instrumental in the success of “When Calls the Heart” during her original tenure at the company, expressed excitement about expanding the show’s universe through “Hope Valley: 1874.” She emphasized the opportunity to provide the devoted fans, known as Hearties, with a rich origin story filled with the heart, community, and hope they cherish.

In addition to the prequel series, “When Calls the Heart” has been renewed for its 13th season on Hallmark Channel, set to air in 2026. The main series stars Erin Krakow, Kevin McGarry, Jack Wagner, Chris McNally, Pascale Hutton, and Kavan Smith, with original cast member Lori Loughlin making a return after being written out in 2019. Inspired by Janette Oke’s book, the original series premiered in 2014 and has garnered a loyal following. A spinoff series titled “When Hope Calls” debuted in 2019 and has continued to captivate audiences with its heartwarming storytelling.

As the “When Calls the Heart” universe expands with “Hope Valley: 1874,” fans can look forward to immersing themselves in a new chapter of the beloved series, filled with the same themes of love, community, and hope that have made it a television favorite.