Hallmark Expands ‘When Calls the Heart’ Universe with Exciting Prequel Series
Hallmark Channel is thrilling fans with the announcement of “Hope Valley: 1874,” a new prequel series expanding the beloved “When Calls the Heart” universe. Set to begin production next week, this eight-episode series will star Bethany Joy Lenz, Benjamin Ayres, and Jill Hennessy, premiering exclusively on Hallmark+ in March 2026. Michelle Vicary, Hallmark Media’s head of programming, expressed enthusiasm about this opportunity to explore the early days of the settlement that would eventually become Hope Valley, promising a story rich with “heart, community and hope” that loyal fans—affectionately known as “Hearties”—have come to cherish from the franchise. The prequel takes viewers back to 1874, revealing the humble beginnings of the frontier town that has captured viewers’ hearts for over a decade in the original series.
The storyline follows Rebecca Clarke (played by Bethany Joy Lenz), who journeys from Chicago with her 11-year-old daughter through the rugged Canadian frontier. When their wagon breaks down, Rebecca reluctantly accepts help from Tom Moore (Benjamin Ayres), a local rancher and confirmed bachelor. Despite her initial reluctance to put down roots, Rebecca finds herself drawn to the possibilities of a new life in this developing frontier community. Her interactions with Tom and pioneer woman Hattie Quinn (Jill Hennessy) gradually pull her into the fabric of this emerging settlement. The cast is rounded out by Roan Curtis as Hattie’s daughter Olivia and Lachlan Quarmby as Constable Alexander Vaughn, one of the first Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers. Through these characters, viewers will witness the birth of a community as “adventurous ranchers, gold prospectors and early pioneers” work together to build what will eventually become the Hope Valley that fans have come to love.
Most of the “Hope Valley: 1874” cast are familiar faces to Hallmark viewers, with Lenz, Ayres, and Curtis having starred in various Hallmark romantic comedies over the years. Quarmby recently made his network debut in the “Providence Falls” movie series, while Hennessy brings fresh talent to the Hallmark family. The prequel creates an intriguing mystery for longtime fans who will undoubtedly be looking for connections between these 1874 characters and the present-day residents of Hope Valley. While the network hasn’t revealed any direct lineage between the prequel’s characters and those in the original series, the possibility of such connections adds an extra layer of excitement for devoted fans who have followed the main series since its 2014 debut.
While “Hearties” wait for the prequel’s 2026 premiere, they won’t be without their Hope Valley fix, as season 13 of “When Calls the Heart” is set to begin this January. The original series, which began by following schoolteacher Elizabeth Thatcher (now Thornton, played by Erin Krakow) as she adjusted to life in the western mining town, has evolved significantly over its run. The upcoming season will find Elizabeth and her boyfriend, Mountie Nathan Grant (Kevin McGarry), temporarily relocated to Cape Fullerton while her son, Little Jack, receives treatment for diabetes. This temporary move away from Hope Valley offers a fresh perspective for the characters and storyline, with Krakow noting in a recent interview that “We don’t get to spend a lot of time outside of Hope Valley, so it’s always pretty special when we do.”
The time away from Hope Valley has apparently influenced both Elizabeth and Nathan, with Krakow teasing that viewers will notice changes in their appearance and demeanor when they return to town. With a laugh, she mentioned Nathan’s return to “the mustache life, which Kevin is so fond of,” while also revealing that “Elizabeth changes her look a bit as well.” These physical transformations seem to reflect deeper character development, as Krakow explained, “I think that they’re both influenced by spending some time in the big city, and they bring that back to Hope Valley.” Their experiences in Cape Fullerton have also impacted their relationship, both romantically and as a “pseudo blended family, pre marriage,” suggesting that their bond has deepened during their time away from the familiar setting of Hope Valley.
As “When Calls the Heart” prepares to launch its thirteenth season on January 4, 2024, Hallmark is demonstrating its commitment to this cherished franchise by simultaneously developing its history through the prequel series. The announcement of “Hope Valley: 1874” represents an exciting expansion of a world that has resonated with viewers for a decade, offering both longtime fans and newcomers the opportunity to experience the frontier spirit and community bonds that laid the foundation for the Hope Valley they know today. While the original series continues to evolve with Elizabeth’s journey through love, loss, and new beginnings, the prequel promises to illuminate the pioneering heritage that shaped the community’s character. With both shows, Hallmark continues its tradition of storytelling centered on themes of connection, resilience, and hope—values that have made “When Calls the Heart” one of television’s most enduring and beloved series.
