Debut Announced for Hallmark Channel Series When Calls the Heart

The new Hallmark Channel original series When Calls the Heart – that debuted as a two-hour movie back on October 19 with Maggie Grace (Lost), Stephen Amell (Arrow), Daniel Sharman (Teen Wolf) and newcomer Poppy Drayton in the lead roles – will debut on Sunday, January 12 at 8 PM with Erin Krakow (Army Wives) and Daniel Lissing (Last Resort) taking over the lead roles.

When Calls the Heart tells the captivating story of Elizabeth Thatcher (Krakow), a young teacher accustomed to her high society life, who receives her first classroom assignment in Coal Valley, a small coal mining town where life is simple, but often fraught with challenges. Lori Loughlin (who appeared in the two-hour film) will play Abigail Stanton, a wife and mother whose husband, the foreman of the mine, along with a dozen other miners, have just been killed in an explosion. The newly widowed women find their faith is tested when they must go to work in the mines to keep a roof over their heads. Elizabeth charms most everyone in Coal Valley, except Constable Jack Thornton (Lissing), who 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. Set against the wild canvas of a 19th century coal town, Elizabeth will have to learn the ways of the frontier if she wishes to thrive in the rural west on her own. Jean Smart is also part of the cast, reprising her role from the two-hour movie.

When Calls the Heart is inspired by author Janette Oke; and will again debut on January 12 on the Hallmark Channel.