Filming a period drama always looks dreamy on screen; flowing dresses, sweeping landscapes, slow-burn romance. But behind the scenes? Yeah…not exactly glamorous. And Bethany Joy Lenz is keeping it very real about what it actually takes to get through a long day on set for “Hope Valley: 1874.”
What Filming Was Really Like
In an exclusive with New Beauty, the former “One Tree Hill” star opened up about the less-than-comfy conditions while filming the recently released Hallmark series, a prequel spin-off of “When Calls the Heart.” And honestly? It seems like this is one of those roles where grit matters just as much as talent.
Lenz summed things up pretty bluntly:
“We’re fighting the elements, working with animals, wearing wet costumes…there are just so many things that are uncomfortable.”
Yep. Not exactly the cozy Hallmark vibe we picture from our couches. But if there’s one thing Lenz makes clear, it’s that mindset is everything.
“So, you find every ray of sunshine you can, and hold onto it until the end of the day, and then you do it again tomorrow.”
And honestly? That’s not just a filming tip… that’s a life motto.
Bethany Joy Lenz on Surviving the Set
GettyLet’s talk about the real MVP here: her survival kit.
Lenz has a go-to lineup of essentials that help her push through those long, physically demanding days, according to New Beauty. And it’s not over-the-top; more like kind of relatable, which we love.
Her routine includes strategic hydration (because, yep, corsets make everything more complicated), Dr. Barbara Sturm eye patches, and a late-night hot bath to unwind after hours on set. It’s giving “treat yourself,” but make it practical.
And then there’s the one thing she emphasizes above all else:
“And sleep! You just have to keep sleeping.”
Groundbreaking? Maybe not. Necessary? Absolutely.
It seems like Lenz has figured out the balance between pushing through tough conditions and knowing when to recharge… and that’s probably the secret sauce to keeping up with a demanding shoot like this.
Because let’s be real: period dramas don’t just require emotional depth, they demand physical endurance too.
Stepping Into Rebecca Clarke’s World
HallmarkIf you’re wondering what kind of story “Hope Valley: 1874” is telling, Hallmark’s official synopsis lays it out… and yep, it’s got all the emotional beats we love, with a few twists that make it feel fresh.
It seems like everything kicks off with a plan; and then life immediately says, “not so fast.” Rebecca (Lenz) sets out for a new beginning, but instead of a smooth journey, she ends up stranded and forced to rely on strangers. And that’s where things get interesting.
Because this isn’t just about survival on the frontier. It’s about what happens when the life you carefully mapped out starts to shift. Rebecca is clearly focused on her daughter and building something stable, but the moment she lands in this town, new relationships start pulling her in directions she didn’t expect.
There’s the slow-burn tension with Tom Moore (Benjamin Ayres), because “confirmed bachelor” is basically a challenge in Hallmark terms. There’s the sense of community forming around her, especially with someone like Hattie Quinn (Jill Hennessy), who feels like she’s going to bring a strong, no-nonsense energy into the mix. And then there’s that bigger question hanging over everything: does Rebecca stick to her original plan, or does she allow herself to want something more?
It seems like this story is less about finding a place and more about choosing one. And if that doesn’t scream emotional payoff, we don’t know what does.
Safe to say, we’re going to get heart, growth, and probably a few moments that hit a little too close to home… in the best way.
The Hallmark+ Weekly Drop We’ll Be Watching
If you’re already counting down, here’s the good news: new episodes of “Hope Valley: 1874” are dropping every Thursday on Hallmark+.
And honestly, knowing what goes into making each episode? It kind of makes you appreciate it even more. Because behind every sweeping shot and emotional moment, there’s a cast pushing through wet costumes, long days, and whatever the weather decides to throw at them.
Still, Bethany Joy Lenz’s outlook keeps things grounded and (dare we say) inspiring. As she put it to New Beauty:
“Filming was a really positive experience… I think it was pretty great, actually. I think it’s a good way of going through life.”
That kind of perspective really ties everything together. Even with the challenges, she’s clearly focused on finding meaning in the process; not just the end result.
Find the good, hold onto it, and show up again tomorrow. Simple. Not easy. But clearly worth it. And yep, we’ll definitely be tuning in.
