'When Calls The Heart' fans received good news the day after the season 4 finale when the Hallmark Channel announced that the show would be renewed for Season 5. Viewers have fallen in love with the series, originally from a series of books written by author Janet Oke.
The story of Elizabeth Thatcher
Programming Insider reported the renewal and said that 'When Calls the Heart' tells the story of schoolteacher Elizabeth Thatcher. From a high society background, Elizabeth is given a teaching position in a small mining town in Western Canada called Coal Valley.
It is just south of Robb, Alberta. It doesn't take long before the whole town comes to love Elizabeth except for Constable Jack Thornton. He is a member of the Royal Mounted Police, and he believes he has been condemned by Elizabeth's wealthy father to watch out for her, and that it will affect his career as a Mountie. Fans have fallen in love with the series because it offers themes that include faith, family, and community.
The show also includes many faces familiar to viewers, like Jack Wagner of 'Melrose Place' and Lori Loughlin of 'Fuller House' and 'Full House.' Rounding out the cast are Pascale Hutton of 'Sanctuary' and Kavan Smith of 'Supernatural.' Daniel Lissing portrays Constable Jack Thornton and Elizabeth is portrayed by Erin Krakow.
The decision to renew 'When Calls the Heart'
Broadway World reported that the announcement for season 5 was made by Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President of Programming and Network Publicity for Crown Media Family Networks. The flagship product for the media outlet is the Hallmark Channel. She said that the series had done well on the highly competitive Sunday night, and it enjoyed double digits in the key demographics for the series.
The show offers a talented writing crew as well as a talented cast. Viewers will have a chance to see more drama, romance, and adventure in season 5.
'When Calls the Heart' has become a social media phenomena as well with its base of rabid fans. It is one of Hallmark's most social series, and it saw a 15 percent increase in social activity during the third season of the show.
Because of the activities of the Hearties, as fans are called, social media activity has reached record levels.
Season 4 left many open questions for fans. In season 4 episode 9, fans finally found out Carson Shepard's secret, and there was some question as to whether or not Carson would stay in Hope Valley. Constable Jack Thornton is still in the Northern Territories, and fans are waiting to see when he and Elizabeth will be reunited and if and when they will finally marry. Elizabeth did receive a letter from Jack, but there was no indication of when he would return. Fans will have to wait for season 5 to find out what happens next for Elizabeth and Jack and when they'll be reunited. 'When Calls the Heart' airs in primetime on Sunday nights at 8 p.m.
