Hallmark+ Unveils 'Hope Valley: 1874' Trailer for 'When Calls the Heart' Spinoff

The prequel series will feature the early days of the frontier town that became the setting for the hit Hallmark Channel drama.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 9:47am

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Hallmark+ has released the first trailer for its upcoming prequel series 'Hope Valley: 1874', which will explore the early days of the frontier town that serves as the setting for the hit Hallmark Channel drama 'When Calls the Heart'. The series will star Bethany Joy Lenz as Rebecca Clarke, a mother who travels from Chicago to the Canadian frontier with her young daughter Olivia, played by Roan Curtis. There, they meet the guarded local rancher Tom Moore, portrayed by Benjamin Ayres, and the two soon find themselves drawn to each other as they work to build a new life in the rugged Western town.

Why it matters

As one of Hallmark's most popular and long-running original series, 'When Calls the Heart' has developed a devoted fanbase known as 'Hearties'. The prequel series 'Hope Valley: 1874' will provide these loyal viewers with an opportunity to explore the origins of the beloved fictional town and its early residents, offering new insights and backstories for the characters and community they have come to cherish.

The details

The 'Hope Valley: 1874' trailer teases the arrival of Rebecca and Olivia in the frontier town, as well as the introduction of key supporting characters like Hattie Quinn, played by Jill Hennessy, and Constable Alexander Vaughn, portrayed by Lachlan Quarmby. The series will chronicle the early days of Hope Valley, then known as Coal Valley, and the challenges faced by the adventurous ranchers, gold prospectors, and pioneers who worked to build a close-knit community in the rugged Canadian West.

  • The 'Hope Valley: 1874' series premiere is set for Saturday, March 21 on Hallmark+.
  • New episodes of the prequel series will debut on Thursdays following the premiere.

The players

Bethany Joy Lenz

An actress known for her role on the hit drama series 'One Tree Hill', Lenz will star as Rebecca Clarke, a mother who travels from Chicago to the Canadian frontier with her young daughter.

Benjamin Ayres

The actor, previously seen in 'Saving Hope', will portray Tom Moore, the guarded local rancher who crosses paths with Rebecca and Olivia upon their arrival in the frontier town.

Hallmark+

The streaming service owned by Hallmark Media that will be the exclusive home of the 'Hope Valley: 1874' prequel series.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Michelle Vicary, Hallmark Media programming head (tvinsider.com)

“Grit alone isn't going to save you on the frontier.”

— Tom Moore (tvinsider.com)

“I'm looking to build something that lasts.”

— Tom Moore (tvinsider.com)

“So am I.”

— Rebecca Clarke (tvinsider.com)

What’s next

The 'Hope Valley: 1874' series premiere on Hallmark+ on March 21 will be followed by new episodes debuting on Thursdays, giving 'Hearties' a chance to dive deeper into the origins of the beloved fictional town.

The takeaway

The 'Hope Valley: 1874' prequel series represents an exciting opportunity for Hallmark to expand the world of 'When Calls the Heart' and provide loyal fans with new insights and backstories for the characters and community they have come to cherish over the years.