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Sheridan Today
By the People, for the People
Hallmark Expands 'When Calls the Heart' Universe with Prequel Series 'Hope Valley: 1874'
The new show will explore the early days of the beloved frontier town and its founding.
Mar. 10, 2026 at 9:07pm
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Hallmark is launching a new prequel series to its long-running drama "When Calls the Heart" titled "Hope Valley: 1874". The show will follow a mother named Rebecca Clarke, played by Bethany Joy Lenz, as she travels from Chicago to the Canadian frontier and helps establish the town of Hope Valley in its early days. The series will explore the political, social, and religious disputes that took place as the town was being founded, and will also feature a budding romance between Rebecca and local rancher Tom Moore, played by Benjamin Ayres. "Hope Valley: 1874" will serve as the earliest chapter in the "When Calls the Heart" universe, which also includes the spinoff series "When Hope Calls".
Why it matters
This new series will provide longtime Hallmark fans with deeper insight into the origins of the beloved Hope Valley community featured in "When Calls the Heart". By exploring the town's founding, the show will shed light on the values and traditions that have defined the frontier town over the decades. Additionally, the series will expand Hallmark's growing frontier universe, which has found success with shows like "1923" and "When Hope Calls".
The details
"Hope Valley: 1874" follows Rebecca Clarke, a mother traveling from Chicago to the Canadian frontier with her 11-year-old daughter. When their wagon breaks down, Rebecca is forced to seek help from local rancher Tom Moore. As Rebecca and her daughter put down roots in Hope Valley, Rebecca finds herself developing feelings for Tom, despite her initial desire to remain detached. The series will also feature characters like the tenacious pioneer woman Hattie Quinn, played by Jill Hennessy, and Constable Alexander Vaughn, one of the first members of the newly created Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
- The series will premiere on Hallmark+ on March 21, 2026.
The players
Bethany Joy Lenz
An American actress who will play the lead role of Rebecca Clarke, a mother traveling to the Canadian frontier.
Benjamin Ayres
A Canadian actor who will play the role of Tom Moore, a local rancher who helps Rebecca when her wagon breaks down.
Jill Hennessy
A Canadian actress who will play the role of Hattie Quinn, a tenacious pioneer woman in Hope Valley.
Lachlan Quarmby
An Australian actor who will play the role of Constable Alexander Vaughn, one of the first members of the newly created Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Alfonso H. Moreno
The creator of "Hope Valley: 1874".
What’s next
Fans will have to wait until March 21, 2026 when "Hope Valley: 1874" premieres exclusively on Hallmark+.
The takeaway
Hallmark is expanding its popular "When Calls the Heart" franchise with a new prequel series that will explore the founding of the beloved frontier town of Hope Valley. By delving into the town's origins, "Hope Valley: 1874" will provide longtime fans with deeper insight into the values and traditions that have defined the community over the decades.
