Hallmark Expands When Calls the Heart Universe

Hallmark will premiere a prequel series of When Calls the Heart, titled Hope Valley: 1874.

The eight-episode series will begin production this week in Vancouver, British Columbia, and will premiere in March 2026 exclusively on Hallmark+. It will star Bethany Joy Lenz, Benjamin Ayres and Jill Hennessy.

The series takes place in 1874 and explores the early days of the settlement that later becomes Hope Valley.

“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, who have helped make it one of the most successful and enduring series on television today,” said Michelle Vicary, head of programming at Hallmark Media. “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.”