Hallmark is officially expanding the When Calls the Heart universe with Hope Valley: 1874, a brand-new series heading into production next week in Vancouver, BC.
The eight-episode prequel arrives March 2026 exclusively on Hallmark+ and stars Bethany Joy Lenz, Benjamin Ayres, and Jill Hennessy.
Set in 1874, the series dives into the earliest days of the settlement that will one day grow into the beloved Hope Valley.
Meet the Cast of Hope Valley: 1874
Lenz plays Rebecca Clarke, a woman who leaves Chicago behind to start fresh on the Western Canadian frontier with her 11-year-old daughter. But when her wagon breaks down, she’s forced to accept help from local rancher and sworn-off-romance bachelor Tom Moore (Ayres).
Rebecca intends to keep her heart firmly locked up, but the rugged land, the people she meets, and the new possibilities for her daughter slowly tug her toward planting roots instead of running.
Among those new faces is Hattie Quinn (Hennessy), a strong-willed pioneer woman with grit to spare. The cast also includes Roan Curtis as Hattie’s daughter, Olivia, and Lachlan Quarmby as Constable Alexander Vaughn—one of the very first members of the newly formed Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Viewers will also get to know the early ranchers, gold prospectors, and trailblazing settlers who band together to carve out a future—and a community—in a rugged era full of promise.
About the New Series
“Hope Valley: 1874 gives us a wonderful opportunity to further explore the universe of When Calls the Heart and build a deeper world around this show for our devoted fans, who have helped make it one of the most successful and enduring series on television today,” said Michelle Vicary, Head of Programming at Hallmark Media, in a press release. “We’re excited for the Hearties to join us as we tell this rich origin story filled with the heart, community, and hope they know and love.”
When Calls the Heart first premiered on Hallmark Channel in 2014 and has remained a fan favorite. The series was recently renewed for a 14th season and wrapped its 12th season as the #1 most-watched entertainment cable program of the year so far among key demos.
Photo Credit: Hallmark.
Key Takeaways
- Hallmark expands the When Calls the Heart universe with a new series, Hope Valley: 1874, starting production next week in Vancouver.
- Hope Valley: 1874 premieres March 2026 on Hallmark+ and features stars like Bethany Joy Lenz and Jill Hennessy.
- The prequel focuses on Rebecca Clarke, who moves to the Western Canadian frontier with her daughter, exploring themes of love and community.
- The series highlights early ranchers and settlers, as they build a future together in a promising yet rugged era.
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