'When Calls the Heart' Spin-Off, 'When Hope Calls', Is Hallmark's Next Addictive Drama

Hallmark Channel broke new ground when it debuted When Calls the Heart in 2014. The drama quickly escalated to the top of the ratings charts and amassed a fanbase of dedicated viewers that are lively, interactive, and determined to keep their favorite show on top.

With six successful seasons of the show based on Janette Oke's books, Hallmark decided to venture into a new series that would be available only on its streaming channel, Hallmark Movies Now. Enter When Hope Calls, a spin-off period drama set in the fictional town of Brookville in Canada.

Hallmark Channel's Executive Vice President of Programming, Michelle Vicary, acknowledged the "passionate community of loyal viewers" when she spoke with E! News about When Hope Calls' debut.

We wanted to serve their increased appetite by developing a spin-off series that we know will evolve into another beloved classic. When Hope Calls is a seamless fit to debut on our streaming service, Hallmark Movies Now, and speaks to our dedication to our loyal fans.

And When Calls the Heart fans, also known as #Hearties, responded enthusiastically, waiting anxiously for the arrival of the new series on August 30th.

Executive Producer Brian Bird promised #NOZOMBIES #NOVAMPIRES #NODRUGDEALERS... only humor, EMOTION,ROMANCE & HOPE! for the inaugural series which follows a pair of sisters, Grace and Lillian, as they run an orphanage in 1916. With a Mountie and veterinarian serving as romantic interests, the always incredible Wendy Crewson adding a bit of intrigue, and adorable children you can't help but love, the show set the stage for all Bird promised. And, according to the response of the fans, it's delivering!

A quaint spin-off of the Hallmark show When Calls the Heart, it features a more diverse range of characters set in more realistic situations than its mother show. Enjoyable plot so far, visuals are good and emotion is not lacking. A good, clean show for the family.

A lot like "When Calls the Heart", If you enjoy that show, then it's worth the watch. I love it!!!

Such a great show! Great characters, engaging storylines and beautiful scenery.

Well its absolutely amazing i love when hope calls. Thank you for bringing another awesome show for us to enjoy for many years and seasons to come. 😊😍💓

Though only four episodes in, When Hope Calls has already garnered a strong following with over 7,600 members in its official Facebook group, over 1500 of those having joined within the past thirty days. It's further proof that the show has found its footing and is, hopefully, here to stay.

And #Hearties, fans of When Calls the Hope, have already been treated to familiar guest stars on the homespun drama as Pascale Hutton (Rosemary Coulter) and Kavan Smith (Lee Coulter) made their way to Brookville in the series' second episode.

Given the long wait time between the sixth season finale of When Calls the Heart and the season seven premiere, seeing a favorite couple from Hope Valley was a breath of fresh air. With faith, hope, and charm, When Hope Calls neatly bridges the gap during the long hiatus, but there is little doubt the series will break out on its own much as NCIS did after spinning off from JAG over sixteen years ago (And there's no questioning how successful that series has been!).

Hallmark Channel is known for releasing high-quality, family-friendly viewing on cable. The introduction of its first original streaming series has proven to be yet another wise move. Let's pray that When Hope Calls is given the thumbs-up for a second season as now addicted fans would be devastated to lose their weekly dose of hope.

New episodes of When Hope Calls release every Friday on Hallmark Movies Now.

#whenhopecalls #whencallstheheart #hearties #hopies #mounties #hallmarkchannel #hallmarkmoviesnow