We know that Hallmark can really embrace a franchise like no other. Twelve seasons of When Calls the Heart and the thirteenth season (and renewed for a fourteenth) around the corner have taught us that. Speaking of When Calls the Heart, Hallmark is doubling down on the franchise and has a prequel right around the corner.
The new series Hope Valley: 1874, which begins production next week in Vancouver, BC, and will premiere in March 2026 exclusively on Hallmark+.
The leading cast has been announced, and the cast is stacked with some familiar names. Hope Valley: 1874 is set to star Bethany Joy Lenz, Benjamin Ayres, and Jill Hennessy. Talk about some great actors.
The eight-episode series takes place in 1874 and explores the early days of the settlement that later becomes Hope Valley.
“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.”
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.
Also starring in the series are Roan Curtis as Hattie’s daughter, Olivia, and Lachlan Quarmby as Constable Alexander Vaughn, one of the first members of the newly created Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
This has made our day. We’ll be watching and reviewing. Actually, CAN NOT WAIT! Tell us what you think. Will you be watching?
Hopefully they’ll be some real substantial storytelling. Don’t get me wrong I love when hopes but the writing has never been their strong suit .