What Is When Calls the Heart About? Here’s What We Know

When Calls the Heart on the Hallmark Channel is about a young, high-society school teacher, Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow). She leaves her comfortable life to teach in a small town named Hope Valley (earlier Coal Valley). Her story is backed by adjustments, disasters, and the highs and lows of relationships.

The show mirrors the essence of a life quote from a very famous personality, Anne Frank. It says, Where there’s hope, there’s life. But, how does this show explain the quote? It is because the people of the town have been through so much that they have changed the name of Coal Valley to Hope Valley.

Devastated by a tragic mine explosion, they took this step. It also showcased their willpower and commitment to stay during the toughest of times. Let’s dig a bit into 20th-century life.

When Calls the Heart: Heartfelt Moments That Define Hope Valley

When Calls the Heart has each viewer’s heart because of its soft plotline and a really cute story. One of the scenes where the story takes its form is Elizabeth’s first day as a teacher. The very first episode, Lost & Found, lays the groundwork, making the other part of the show palpable and relatable.

The struggle of each character in the show is masterfully depicted in Episode 2, titled Cease and Desist

. The widows, who do not want to leave their town to the children losing enthusiasm in everything, following the mine explosion tragedy, is something to look upon.

In Season 4, Episode 7, Healing Heart, we can clearly notice the overjoyed Elizabeth and Jack, stepping into the next phase of their lives. The sweet couple has seen the most tumultuous journey.

The most heartbreaking point comes when, in Season 5, Episode 9, In My Dreams, Jack is no more. The following episodes revolve around Elizabeth’s life who is pregnant, while also struggling through the pain.

Thereafter, the seasons focused on some inclusions and some bittersweet goodbyes that turned the show to a point that laid a new plot with a more nuanced and apt story.

Now, renewed for a new season, When Calls the Heart is ready to take over the screens once again. But what’s in store in the next instalment? Let’s find out.

When Calls the Heart’s Renewal is Backed by Steady Praise

Erin Krakow and Kevin McGarry standing at the Hope Valley Farmers Market while being stunned to hear a news.
Elizabeth Thornton and Nathan Grant in When Calls the Heart | Credits: Hallmark Channel

When Calls the Heart is returning for Season 13. Backed by praise, applause, and positive critical reviews, the show will further Elizabeth and Nathan’s (Kevin McGarry) story.

Here’s a table about the details of the show:

Key PointsDetails
TitleWhen Calls the Heart
GenreDrama, Western, and Romance
Based OnWhen Calls the Heart by Janette Oke
CastErin Krakow, Daniel Lissing, Lori Loughlin, Martin Cummins, Jack Wagner, Pascale Hutton, and others
Seasons12
Episodes131
IMDb7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes (Popcornmeter)65%

According to Deadline, on March 23, 2025, during the season finale of the twelfth season, it was announced that the 13th Season will be coming soon.

Showrunner Joy Gregory appeared on The Official Hearties Aftershow, where he shared that (via People)

“I am so excited that we got to launch them toward Cape Fullerton to literally put them on new territory, but they’re also very much on new territory. Now they’re going to co-parent someone who has a chronic illness.”

The new season will focus on the leads’ storyline, but it will also pay special attention to Allie’s (Jaeda Lily Miller) growth and her friendship with Oliver Garrett (Jacob Shoemay). Also, it will shed light on Minnie Canfield’s story (Natasha Burnett).

Though the filming has already begun, there is no particular date for the airing of the new season. It is assumed that the show will make a comeback in 2026.

Therefore, as Hope Valley’s story grows richer with each season, what are you most excited to see in Season 13? Comment down below.

All 12 seasons of When Calls the Heart are available to stream on Hallmark Plus (USA).