©Deadline - David Dolsen / Hallmark ChannelThis new series goes into production this week in Vancouver and consists of eight episodes. The premiere is scheduled for March 2026.
The lead roles will be played by Bethany Joy Lenz, Benjamin Ayres, Jill Hennessy, Roan Curtis, and Lachlan Quarmby.
Hope Valley: 1874 is set in the early years of the settlement that will later become known as Hope Valley. The story revolves around Rebecca Clarke, played by Bethany Joy Lenz, who travels with her eleven-year-old daughter from Chicago to the rugged West Canadian frontier.
Her plans are abruptly disrupted when her wagon breaks down along the way, forcing her to accept help from local rancher Tom Moore, a committed bachelor played by Benjamin Ayres.
Although Rebecca is determined to maintain emotional distance, her dreams for her daughter's future and her encounters with the inhabitants of the budding village slowly but surely lead her to consider settling down and starting anew.
An important role is played by Hattie Quinn, a determined pioneer woman portrayed by Jill Hennessy, and her daughter Olivia, played by Roan Curtis. Lachlan Quarmby takes on the role of Officer Alexander Vaughn, who oversees law and order in the young community.
The series is created by Alfonso Moreno, who also previously worked as a showrunner on When Calls the Heart, ensuring a clear content and thematic connection between the two series.
According to Michelle Vicary, head of programming at Hallmark Media, Hope Valley: 1874 offers the opportunity to further explore the beloved universe of When Calls the Heart. She emphasizes that the series is intended as a rich origin story full of warmth, community spirit, and hope, precisely the elements that loyal fans, known as the 'Hearties', have cherished for years.
