I wasn’t really sure what Hope Valley: 1874 would be, but from the moment I watched the first episode, I knew it was something. It felt like a show building its own legacy and carving out its own path. And I think that’s what makes it so special—you know it’s something meaningful, even if you can’t quite define it yet. That uncertainty makes it feel like it could become anything. And when the possibilities feel endless, it’s easy to get invested.
While I love When Calls the Heart, I love Hope Valley: 1874 just as much—just for different reasons. There’s something exciting about watching a cast establish themselves and grow into something bigger. There’s also an indescribable feeling when you get in on the ground floor of a show and fall in love with it from the beginning.
One character we’re especially looking forward to learning more about is Clayton. We sat down to speak with Jedidiah Goodacre, who brings him to life.
Our conversation covered a lot in a short amount of time—from what drew him to the series, to how he approaches Clayton’s personality and backstory, to the way Clayton’s relationship with Olivia unfolds on screen. We also talked about the surreal experience of filming in an 1874 setting while still living in a modern world, his awareness of the fandom, and what he hopes to explore if there’s a second season.
I know some people don’t love being asked why they joined a project, but I always do—because the answer says a lot about them. For Jedidiah, it came down to connection. He shared that Clayton’s hands-on nature aligned closely with his own background.
“I used to build houses,” he said. “I worked with my hands, and that really resonated with me—especially with Clayton. I felt like, ‘Oh, this guy is of the same breed as me.’ I just gravitated toward the audition. It clicked. I could see myself doing this. And while you often feel that way in auditions, this one really felt right. Clayton is a romantic, artistic guy out on the frontier.”
That connection to craftsmanship and a simpler way of living was only part of the appeal. The 1874 setting itself—free from modern technology—offered something refreshing. It’s a world rooted in presence, effort, and community.
And let’s be honest—1874 is kind of thriving right now. No emails. No group chats. Just craftsmanship, connection, and a little bit of yearning.
One of the most intimate moments in the series so far is the scene where Clayton teaches Olivia woodworking. Jedidiah described his co-star Roan Curtis as a strong scene partner, explaining that the moment started as simple instruction before naturally evolving into something more emotionally layered. The closeness between the characters wasn’t forced—it was discovered.
And that’s really the heart of Clayton and Olivia’s dynamic. Their connection isn’t just about attraction—it’s about recognition. They see something in each other that others don’t. There’s a shared sense of wonder, a quiet understanding, like they both view the world just a little differently—in the best way.
So why do they work?
Jedidiah explained it simply: “It’s a very small town. And Olivia—she’s a beautiful young woman who’s intelligent, artistic, and has aspirations beyond what’s considered ‘normal.’ I think he sees the same thing in her eyes that people would see in his—this innocence and wonder. They just see the world differently. It takes one to know one. He sees qualities in her that he values in himself, and I think that’s what connects people in the right way sometimes.”
He added, with a smile, that it also doesn’t hurt that Roan is “extremely fun to play off of.”
As our time wrapped up, I had to ask: what would be the hardest part about living in 1874?
He paused before answering, “I love being outside, camping, being with my dogs… so I think I’d actually love a lot of it. But the food—I’m a very picky eater. Getting used to whatever’s available would definitely be an adjustment.”
I laughed, because honestly, same. Every time Hattie lists food options on the show, I’m not exactly tempted.
That led into a conversation about stepping into such a passionate fandom, given the show’s connection to When Calls the Heart. Surprisingly, Jedidiah wasn’t intimidated.
“I’m not really on social media much,” he admitted. “So that wasn’t something I was thinking about. But before we started, we had a dinner with producers, and they told us about the Heartie fandom. That was my introduction—and I was just excited.”
Having attended conventions in recent years, he’s grown to appreciate connecting with fans in person. “I might not do much online, but meeting fans face-to-face is really special. So for me, it was more of a kind of naive excitement. I didn’t really think about expectations.”
Before we wrapped, I asked one final question: what does he want for Clayton in season two?
He didn’t hesitate.
“I’d love to see more of his bravery,” he said. “Clayton is someone who would go to the ends of the earth for the people he loves. In season one, we saw his romantic side—him swooning for Olivia, helping around the ranch, being there for everyone. But I’d love to see him step up in a bigger way. Put himself on the line. Make that choice to jump in and try to save the day… maybe that’s my own Superman complex.”
He laughed, then added, “I think the fans would love that too.”
He’s not wrong.
