Hearties Rejoice: “When Calls the Heart” Season 13 Premieres January 4, 2026 on Hallmark Channel

Beloved Hallmark Channel series When Calls the Heart returns for its highly anticipated Season 13 on Sunday, January 4, 2026, @ 8PM ET/PT. Fans, known as Hearties, can look forward to more heartwarming drama, romance, and community spirit in the charming town of Hope Valley.

Premiere Details and Announcement

Hallmark Channel officially announced the premiere date in November 2025 via a fun promotional video featuring stars Erin Krakow (Elizabeth Thornton) and Kevin McGarry (Nathan Grant). The teaser playfully urged viewers not to miss the new season, confirming the January 4 slot. Episodes will air weekly on Sundays, with next-day streaming available on Hallmark+.

This early 2026 return follows the show’s tradition of kicking off new seasons in the first quarter of the year, giving fans a cozy winter escape after the holiday season.

What to Expect in Season 13

Season 13 picks up after the dramatic events of Season 12, which concluded in March 2025. Early teases suggest the story will involve the community rallying in the wake of a devastating wildfire that impacts Hope Valley. Elizabeth and Nathan’s romance is set to reach new heights, promising more emotional moments for the fan-favorite couple.

Returning guest stars add excitement:

• Brooke Shields reprises her role as Charlotte Thornton, mother of Elizabeth’s late husband Jack.
• Melissa Gilbert returns as Georgie McGill, bringing forensic expertise and potential romance for Bill Avery (Jack Wagner).

The core cast includes Erin Krakow, Kevin McGarry, Jack Wagner, Chris McNally, Pascale Hutton, Kavan Smith, and more, ensuring the familiar blend of family, faith, and frontier life.

Behind the Scenes and Future Outlook

Filming for Season 13 wrapped in late 2025, allowing for a swift post-production turnaround. The season is expected to feature around 12 episodes, running through late March or early April 2026.

In even bigger news for Hearties, Hallmark has already renewed the show for a Season 14, with reports of Lori Loughlin potentially returning as Abigail Stanton in 2027. Additionally, a prequel series titled Hope Valley: 1874 is slated for March 2026 on Hallmark+, expanding the universe with new stories from the town’s early days.

Mark your calendars—January 4, 2026, promises to be a heartfelt start to the new year!

	When Calls the Heart
	Network: Hallmark ChannelGenre: DramaSeasons: 13Episodes: 139
	Overview Elizabeth Thatcher, a young school teacher from a wealthy Eastern family, migrates from the big city to teach school in a small coal mining town in the west.