Hallmark Orders 'When Calls The Heart' Prequel

When Calls the Heart on Hallmark Channel

The new series premieres in March 2026.

December 12, 2025

Less than two weeks after renewing When Calls the Heart for a 14th season, Hallmark has announced that the universe is expanding with a new prequel series on Hallmark+. Titled "Hope Valley: 1874," the eight-episode show begins production next week for an expected premiere in March 2026.

Starring Bethany Joy Lenz, Benjamin Ayres, and Jill Hennessy, the series will take place in 1874 and explore the early days of the settlement that later becomes Hope Valley. Lenz portrays Rebecca Clarke, who travels from her home city of Chicago to the Western Canadian frontier with her 11-year-old-daughter. But when her wagon breaks down, she has no choice but to accept help from local rancher and confirmed bachelor, Tom Moore (Ayres). Despite Rebecca's best intentions to remain unattached, the future she dreams of for her and her daughter along with the people she meets in this fledgling town - including the guarded Tom and tenacious pioneer woman Hattie Quinn (Hennessy) - ultimately compel her to put down roots and make a fresh start.

"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," began Michelle Vicary, Head of Programming, Hallmark Media. "We're excited for the Hearties to join us as we tell this rich origin story filled with the kind of heart, community and hope they know and love."