Hallmark+ Orders When Calls the Heart Prequel Hope Valley: 1874, Premiering March 2026

Hallmark is building a larger world around its long-running hit series When Calls the Heart. The network’s streaming service, Hallmark+, has officially ordered a new prequel series titled Hope Valley: 1874. The show will explore the frontier origins of the beloved town, going back over 50 years before the main series begins.

Production for the eight-episode season starts the week of December 15, 2025, in Vancouver, Canada. Fans, known as Hearties, can expect the series to become available for streaming in March 2026.

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The Story and Setting of Hope Valley: 1874

Hope Valley: 1874 will tell the story of the settlement’s earliest days. The series will show how ranchers, gold prospectors, and other pioneers came together to build a community in the rugged Canadian frontier.

The main character is Rebecca Clarke, played by Bethany Joy Lenz. Rebecca travels from her home in Chicago to the Western Canadian frontier with her 11-year-old daughter. After their wagon breaks down, Rebecca must accept help from a local rancher named Tom Moore, portrayed by Benjamin Ayres. Tom is described as a confirmed bachelor.

“’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,” said Michelle Vicary, Head of Programming at Hallmark Media.

Despite planning to stay independent, Rebecca finds herself drawn to the people of the fledgling town. This includes the tenacious pioneer woman Hattie Quinn, played by Jill Hennessy. These relationships convince Rebecca to put down roots and make a fresh start for her and her daughter.

Meet the Cast and Characters

The series features a mix of established and emerging actors taking on new roles in the When Calls the Heart universe.

• Bethany Joy Lenz as Rebecca Clarke: Lenz is best known for her long-running role as Haley James Scott on One Tree Hill. Her character Rebecca is a mother seeking a new beginning on the frontier.
• Benjamin Ayres as Tom Moore: Ayres played Dr. Joel Goran on the Canadian medical drama Saving Hope. He will portray the guarded rancher who helps Rebecca.
• Jill Hennessy as Hattie Quinn: Hennessy, recognized for roles on Law & Order and City on a Hill, plays a strong-willed pioneer woman in the new settlement.
• Roan Curtis as Olivia Quinn: Curtis, from Firefly Lane, will play Hattie’s daughter.
• Lachlan Quarmby as Constable Alexander Vaughn: Quarmby plays one of the first members of the newly formed Royal Canadian Mounted Police, bringing law to the frontier town.

Connection to the Larger When Calls the Heart Universe

Hope Valley: 1874 will be the third series set in the When Calls the Heart universe and its first prequel.

The original series, When Calls the Heart, debuted on the Hallmark Channel in 2014 and was recently renewed for a 14th season set for 2026. That season will feature the return of original cast member Lori Loughlin as Abigail Stanton. A previous spinoff, When Hope Calls, launched in 2019. Its first season was on Hallmark Movies Now (now Hallmark+), but later seasons moved to a different network, Great American Family.

The prequel was created by Alfonso Moreno, who previously served as the showrunner for When Calls the Heart. The greenlight for Hope Valley: 1874 marks one of the first major series orders from Michelle Vicary, who returned to Hallmark as head of programming in 2025. She originally oversaw the launch of When Calls the Heart over a decade ago.

Streaming Details and What Fans Can Expect

Hope Valley: 1874 will be an exclusive series for the Hallmark+ streaming service. As of now, there is no official plan for it to also air on the linear Hallmark Channel.

The series aims to deliver the same core themes that made the original show popular. Hallmark executives say the story will be filled with “heart, community and hope”. For viewers who enjoy historical settings, family stories, and character-driven drama, this prequel offers a new entry point into a well-loved world.

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