As Hearties anxiously await the season 13 premiere of Hallmark’s hit series “When Calls the Heart,” premiering on January 4, 2026, filming has begun on the show’s just-announced prequel, “Hope Valley 1874” starring Benjamin Ayres, Bethany Joy Lenz, and Hallmark newcomer Jill Hennessy.
Hallmark revealed the surprise series to fans on December 12 and began shooting days later, racing to film an eight-episode first season in time for the series to debut on Hallmark+ in March. They faced some major hurdles right out of the gate, but there’s been plenty of good news, too. Here’s everything we know about the show so far…
The ‘Hope Valley 1874’ Began Filming With ‘Biblical Level Challenges’
Days after Hallmark announced “Hope Valley: 1874,” the primary cast and crew began filming in Vancouver in tough weather conditions. On December 22, “When Calls The Heart” production manager Mike Magnusson, who is also handling logistics on “Hope Valley: 1874,” shared on social media that the first week of filming was complete, and everyone had gone home for the holidays.
“I want to thank our cast & crew for a heroic week one,” he captioned a photo of ominous clouds over an inlet. “Weather systems conspired to make this a week of biblical level challenges. I am confounded by the personal stories of heroic dedication required to get the job done; or in some cases, heroics required just to make it to work! Heros, each & every one of you! Thank you so much for your dedication! 🙏🙏🙏”
Grip Grayson Wells, who also works on “When Calls The Heart,” wrote in the comments, “We killed it as a team👊🏼 My boots are still wet though! lol”
Chelsea Hobbs Joins ‘Hope Valley: 1874’ Cast
On December 28, longtime Hallmark actress Chelsea Hobbs revealed that she was the first cast member to join “Hope Valley: 1874,” but her busy schedule as a single mom kept her from celebrating her news online sooner. The “Dream Moms” and “Deck the Halls on Cherry Lane” star shared in an Instagram post that she’s “over the moon” to be playing Peggy McCabe on the series.
She wrote, “To say I’m grateful and honoured to join the #whencallstheheart universe for this more rugged prequel, would be a wild understatement. 💞”
Fellow Hallmark stars cheered Hobbs’ announcement, including Taylor Cole, who commented, “Oh I love this. You and @benjaminayres are going to have so much fun. 🤩 congratulations”
In her Instagram Stories, Hobbs posted a selfie video in which she further shared, “I’m giddy excited about this experience. I was actually one of, if not the first, person cast. I’ve been sitting on it, like, couldn’t announce anything (or) talk about it.”
“I’ve learned how to drive a wagon, been back on a horse,” she said, and then gushed, “The costumes, the people, like everything already is just so fun. I’m giddy about it. It’s so fun! Can’t wait.”
Benjamin Ayres Provides 1st Look Behind the Scenes at ‘Hope Valley: 1874’
Two days before Magnusson’s update, Ayres posted a montage of footage he took behind the scenes, revealing rugged and dimly-lit backdrops, from the inside of a horse stable to him sitting near the water as clouds and fog rolled in.
Hennessy, who’s starred in multiple hit series including “Crossing Jordan,” wrote in the comment section, “Wow, you really captured it!!! Really beautiful work this week, Ben!!👏👏👏” and he replied, “You crushed it sister! So fun being wet and cold with you:)”
‘When Calls The Heart’ Creators Have Been Involved in ‘Hope Valley: 1874’ Development
HallmarkFor those Hearties wondering whether “When Calls The Heart” co-creators Brian Bird and Michael Landon Jr. have been involved in and aware of the development of “Hope Valley: 1874,” the answer is YES. Even “When Calls The Heart” showrunner Alfonso Moreno is at the helm, ensuring consistency across the franchise.
Bird acknowledged his involvement and support on December 12, tweeting an article about the show announcement and writing, “For #Hearties everywhere… this has been a big few weeks on the BREAKING NEWS front. Thanks to patron @hallmarkchannel and partners @MichaelLandonJr, @BradKrevoy and @AlfonsoMoreno, a new original series… Hope Valley: 1874!”
In an Instagram post on December 13, Landon Jr. wrote, “When I first created When Calls the Heart, I never imagined we’d one day be going back to explore how Hope Valley began. And now here we are. So thrilled to share that ‘Hope Valley: 1874’ is officially coming to @HallmarkPlus. Watching this world grow and knowing it still resonates with so many of you means more than I can say. Can’t wait to see what this talented cast and team bring to the frontier. March 2026—mark your calendars, #Hearties. 💛”
Some die-hard Hearties have questioned the name of the new series, noting that in Janette Oke’s first novels that inspired “When Calls The Heart,” and in the show’s first season, Hope Valley was originally called Coal Valley. Social media questions about why the show isn’t called “Coal Valley 1874” have gone unanswered; the reason may be as simple as the need for consistent and recognizable branding across the franchise. The initial press announcement acknowledged that the show will be about “the early days of the settlement that later becomes Hope Valley.”
What’s ‘Hope Valley: 1874’ About?
HallmarkIn the initial press announcement about the new show, Hallmark Media head of programming Michelle Vicary said, “‘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, who have helped make it one of the most successful and enduring series on television today. We’re excited for the Hearties to join us as we tell this rich origin story filled with the kind of heart, community and hope they know and love.”
Lenz will play Rebecca Clarke, “who travels from her home city of Chicago to the Western Canadian frontier with her 11-year-old-daughter. But when her wagon breaks down, she has no choice but to accept help from local rancher and confirmed bachelor, Tom Moore,” played by Ayres.
“Despite Rebecca’s best intentions to remain unattached,” Hallmark’s synopsis continues, “the future she dreams of for her and her daughter along with the people she meets in this fledgling town –including the guarded Tom and tenacious pioneer woman Hattie Quinn (played by Hennessy) – ultimately compel her to put down roots and make a fresh start.”
I love When Calls the Heart! Will the New Hope Valley be aired on The Hallmark Channel? I hope it will be!
Correct me if I’m wrong, but when When Calls the Heart premiered, the name of the town was Coal Valley and it was changed only in the aftermath of the mine disaster.
Addressed somewhat in the article. Makes sense to leverage the ‘Hope Valley’ name and brand.
Some die-hard Hearties have questioned the name of the new series, noting that in Janette Oke’s first novels that inspired “When Calls The Heart,” and in the show’s first season, Hope Valley was originally called Coal Valley. Social media questions about why the show isn’t called “Coal Valley 1874” have gone unanswered; the reason may be as simple as the need for consistent and recognizable branding across the franchise. The initial press announcement acknowledged that the show will be about “the early days of the settlement that later becomes Hope Valley.”
Disappointed that this will be on Hallmark+. Hoping it will be shown on Hallmark channel at a later date.