‘WHEN CALLS THE HEART,’ SEASON 13 FIRST IMPRESSION: RETURN TO HOPE VALLEY!
Back for its latest season, Hallmark’s best loved TV show is back. Naturally we’re taking a look at When Calls the Heart season 13, in the usual first impression kind of way.
When Calls the Heart, Season 13 (2026) TV Show Review
Leaving behind her home and the man who holds her heart isn’t easy for Elizabeth Thornton (Erin Krakow). But her son’s health comes first and so packing him up, she leaves in a rush to get the medicine he urgently needs. Going after her without hesitation, Nathan (Kevin McGarry) along with his teenage daughter, together face a future with a few unknowns. Living with Charlotte Thornton (Brooke Shields), Elizabeth’s mother-in-law, they prepare to leave Cape Fullerton behind for Hope Valley.
Back in Hope Valley, Lee and Rosemary Coulter (Kavan Smith, Pascale Hutton) continue to dote on their young daughter! Then there is Lucas (Chris McNally) who is still working to build his political career.
‘WHEN CALLS THE HEART,’ SEASON 13 FIRST IMPRESSION: RETURN TO HOPE VALLEY! #WCTH #Hearties #ErinKrakow #KevinMcGarry Share on XWhen it comes to talking about the premiere of this thirteenth season, I don’t think its any kind of spoiler to say Elizabeth and Nathan return to Hope Valley. Anyone who knows anything about the typical TV show knows that moving two of its main characters (without the cast wanting out) rarely if ever lasts. This one is no different. A return that will delight many as will the fact that this kicks off an entirely new group of episodes.
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Much as I want to like When Calls the Heart, which for Hallmark is the longest running show at 13 seasons, I do have gripes with it. One being its so far away from its novel inspiration and secondly, this feels less and less like a period drama each year. It now seems more like a group of characters attending a costume party. This said, I don’t like to be too harsh because I do respect that it’s the kind of TV show (wholesome) so many want. I cannot help but appreciate all of this, and I know it’s something that enchants so many people.
Based on this thirteenth season premiere, When Calls the Heart gets off to much the same start. It has the same cadence and of course the return cast step into favorite characters again; we get to experience more of the same fun and (lovingly said) silliness of certain characters. Some threads set up that will likely string this series together, and based on promotional teasers late in 2025, I expect there may be a big romantic moment waiting for fans in this season, too.
Stream, at publication, When Calls the Heart season 13 next-day on Hallmark+; or stream seasons 1-12 now on Hallmark+
Photos: Hallmark Media
Content: for all 13 seasons, based on what I have seen, which isn’t every episode or season (but enough), this one is very TV-G in its content. There are some kisses and minor flirting, but again, all very wholesome.
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I totally agree with you that the period drama feeling has disappeared. I was initially drawn to this series for the humble, old timey feelings with candlelit rooms and traveling by horse. I LOVED this show until Jack died. I’ve become less and less interested since then, and it’s driving me nuts how much history they jump past every season. The show is 13 seasons old, which means the characters should have only aged 10-13 years since the show started… and I believe that. But it almost feels like we’re time traveling with all the changes in makeup, fashion, and technology. I miss what it was in the beginning. I haven’t seen tonight’s premier yet, but it’s on my DVR to watch tomorrow but I’m not as excited about it as I’d like to be.
I hope you are surprised by the premiere Jana (LMK what you thought!). I watched pretty faithfully for several seasons and now I just watch the premiere and finales of each year, and honestly, I don’t feel as though I’m “missing” the in-between. It’s a show easy to predict which I have a healthy TV viewer respect for because I do know many people SO enjoy easy watching TV like this and I want that to be something they can find. That said, I wish this one were still more authentic (at least more like it was) to its periods. It’s like they put everyone in a costume and then everything else (dialogue, scene setups, underdressed guys) feels SO modern. When I watch a period drama I like to be transported. :)
Ok, so the premiere was pretty much what I expected! lol. Not a lot happened, but more than is typical for some of their episodes. I did not love the traffic light. LOL. What in the world are they going to do with that?? VERY glad Nathan shaved his mustache. Allie and Oliver are super cute. And I’m super interested in where the teasers for next week’s show will take us. You’re right that things are quite predictable with this show, and I do find that comforting. I just miss what it was and the way they more accurately portrayed the time period. I’ve been thinking of starting over and re-watching the early seasons. It’s been long enough that I bet I’ve forgotten parts!
I should re-watch some of the early seasons too Jana. I just have this memory in my mind that they were SO much better about the period which made everything feel a little more authentic but still comforting. I respect this show because it does have those “comforting” elements and I know SO many viewers love that. I’m sure I even watch other shows that fall into this same trap. I just want a little more period accuracy with this one (and that stoplight did feel… odd). Like you I agree that Allie and Oliver are SO cute. And this week’s episode will probably up some of the suspense AND I expect this may be an engagement season for Elizabeth. :) So glad you did enjoy it for that comfort factor (and that you shared all your thoughts!).
I adored When Calls the Heart. I’ve gotten to where I read instead of watching television. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I hope you continue to enjoy this if you see it. I know SO many love this one! :)