New When Calls The Heart Prequel In The Works — Hope Valley 1874

Hallmark Channel When Calls The Heart spoilers and updates reveal a new prequel is in the works called “Hope Valley 1874”. It will be shown on Hallmark Plus exclusively, set to premiere in March 2026.

Taking A Cue From The Yellowstone Franchise

Hallmark is following the example of “Yellowstone” by creating a prequel series for “When Calls the Heart.” Bethany Joy Lenz (“One Tree Hill”), Benjamin Ayres (“Saving Hope”), and Jill Hennessy (“City on a Hill”) will star in “Hope Valley: 1874,” an eight-episode series intended for the Hallmark+ streaming service.

Filming is scheduled to begin in Vancouver, BC, during the week of Dec. 15-it’s set to debut in March 2026, although a specific release date has not been announced yet.

Michelle Vicary, Head of Programming at Hallmark Media, stated on Friday, “‘Hope Valley: 1874’ provides a fantastic chance to delve deeper into the world of ‘When Calls the Heart.’

And expands the universe for our loyal fans, who have contributed to making it one of the most successful and long-lasting series on television today.”

Vicary Continues Talking About The New Prequel

Vicary continued, “We are thrilled for the Hearties to be with us as we share this deep origin story filled with the heart, community, and hope they cherish”.

According to Hallmark, Lenz plays Rebecca Clarke, who journeys from her hometown of Chicago to the Western Canadian frontier with her 11-year-old daughter.

However, when her wagon breaks down, she must accept assistance from local rancher and lifelong bachelor, Tom Moore (Ayres).

Rebecca wants to remain single, but her dreams for herself and her daughter, and people, like Tom and the ambitious Hattie Quinn (Hennessy)- lead her to settle down and begin again.”

Viewers will also meet brave ranchers, gold miners, and early settlers who worked together to form a close-knit community during the tough yet hopeful pioneer days.

Who Else Plays In The Prequel, And How Many Series Are In The Franchise?

Roan Curtis from “Firefly Lane” plays Hattie’s daughter, Olivia, and Lachlan Quarmby from “Providence Falls” is Constable Alexander Vaughn, an early member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

“Hope Valley: 1874” is the third series in the “When Calls the Heart” universe and its first prequel. Hallmark+ (formerly Hallmark Movies Now) previously hosted the spinoff “When Hope Calls,” which later moved to Great American Family with a mostly new cast; it has been renewed for Season 3.

“When Calls the Heart” has already been renewed for Season 14, just weeks after its Season 13 premiere on Sunday, Jan. 4, and will see the return of Lori Loughlin as Abigail Stanton.

It is still unclear if “Hope Valley: 1874” will join “When Calls the Heart” on the Hallmark channel, as it is currently exclusive to Hallmark+. Variety first reported its series order.

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