Hallmark Channel Renews ‘When Calls the Heart’

Hallmark Channel has issued a fifth season renewal to drama “When Calls the Heart.” Debuting on Jan. 11, 2014 and based on the book of the same name by Janette Oke, “When Calls the Heart” tells the story of Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow), a young teacher accustomed to her high-society life. She receives her first classroom assignment in Coal Valley, a small coal-mining town in Western Canada which is located just south of Robb, Alberta. Elizabeth charms most everyone in Coal Valley, except Royal North West Mounted Police Constable Jack Thornton (Daniel Lissing). He believes Thatcher’s wealthy father has doomed the lawman’s career by insisting he be assigned in town to protect the shipping magnate’s daughter.

Also starring are Lori Loughlin (“Fuller House”), Daniel Lissing (“The Last Resort”), Jack Wagner (“The Bold and the Beautiful”), Pascale Hutton (“Sanctuary”) and Kavan Smith (“Supernatural”).

“Viewers have fallen in love with ‘When Calls the Heart’ and have embraced the themes of faith, family and community,” said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming and Network Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks. “The talented writing staff and our amazing cast have created our best season yet and the record ratings reflect this. We’re thrilled to be able to bring our viewers more drama, romance and adventure next year as we continue the saga of Hope Valley.”

The number of new episodes ordered for “When Calls the Hart” has not been confirmed.