The Hearties’ Countdown: Everything We Know About When Calls The Heart Season 13 Release Date, Cast, And Engagement Rumors
Hearties, the wait is officially over! As of today, December 23, 2025, the Hallmark Channel has confirmed the highly anticipated premiere date for the thirteenth season of its longest-running and most beloved series, When Calls the Heart. The new season promises to be the most romantic yet, focusing heavily on the long-awaited relationship development between Elizabeth Thornton and Nathan Grant, with production already wrapped and ready for a winter debut.
The latest information confirms that When Calls the Heart Season 13 will officially premiere on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on the Hallmark Channel. This season will consist of 12 new episodes, following the show’s traditional format, and will be available to stream the following day on Hallmark+. All signs point to a season full of major milestones for the residents of Hope Valley, especially for the town’s schoolteacher and its heroic Mountie.
The Complete Season 13 Main Cast and Character Roster
The heart and soul of Hope Valley will return for Season 13, bringing back all the fan-favorite characters whose lives and stories continue to intertwine in complex and beautiful ways. The core cast, led by the show’s executive producer and star, Erin Krakow, is confirmed to return for the new season, with production having recently wrapped. The show’s incredible longevity is a testament to the talented ensemble cast that brings the frontier town to life.
Here is a detailed list of the confirmed main and recurring cast members returning for When Calls the Heart Season 13:
- Erin Krakow as Elizabeth Thornton: The beloved schoolteacher and mother to Little Jack, whose romantic journey with Nathan Grant is the central focus of the new season.
- Kevin McGarry as Nathan Grant: The steadfast Royal Canadian Mountie, who is poised to take a major step forward in his relationship with Elizabeth.
- Pascale Hutton as Rosemary Coulter: The spirited newspaper editor and co-owner of the town’s newspaper, the Hope Valley Sentinel.
- Kavan Smith as Leland "Lee" Coulter: Rosemary’s husband, co-owner of the newspaper, and owner of the sawmill, a vital part of Hope Valley’s economy.
- Jack Wagner as Bill Avery: The town’s former Constable and current judge, who continues to be a pillar of wisdom and occasional mystery.
- Chris McNally as Lucas Bouchard: While the character's future was a major question mark at the end of Season 12, the former Governor and saloon owner is expected to have a continued presence in Hope Valley.
- Hyland Goodrich as Little Jack Thornton: Elizabeth’s young son, who plays a key role in the dynamic between Elizabeth and Nathan.
- Ben Rosenbaum as Mike Hickam: The town's former Mayor and entrepreneur, always involved in new business ventures.
- Andrea Brooks as Faith Carter: The compassionate town doctor who provides essential medical care to the community.
- Eva Bourne as Clara Stanton: A long-time resident and valued member of the town’s social fabric.
- Loretta Walsh as Florence Yost: The town's telegraph operator, always a source of local news and gossip.
- Viv Leacock as Joseph Canfield: The local pastor and co-owner of the café.
- Natasha Burnett as Minnie Canfield: Joseph’s wife and co-owner of the café, a central figure in the community.
- Amanda Wong as Mei Suo: The pharmacist who has found a home and purpose in Hope Valley.
- New Returning Characters: Melissa Gilbert (Georgie McGill), Miranda MacDougall (Edie Martell), and Jacob Shoemay (Oliver) are all confirmed to be returning, having been introduced in earlier seasons.
The Official Premiere Date and Episode Details
The Hallmark Channel has maintained a consistent schedule for When Calls the Heart over the years, and Season 13 is no exception, kicking off the new year with its highly anticipated return. The official premiere date is a beacon for Hearties who have been following the show’s decade-long saga.
- Premiere Date: Sunday, January 4, 2026
- Time Slot: 8 p.m. ET/PT
- Network: Hallmark Channel
- Episode Count: 12 episodes
- Streaming: Episodes will be available the next day on the Hallmark+ streaming platform.
The renewal for Season 13 was announced during the Season 12 finale, a move that delighted fans and solidified the show's status as a television institution. Furthermore, in a major show of confidence, Hallmark has already renewed the series for a fourteenth season, ensuring Hope Valley will be on our screens well into 2027.
Plot Spoilers and The Major Elizabeth-Nathan Relationship Focus
The biggest question heading into Season 13 revolves around the burgeoning romance between Elizabeth Thornton and Nathan Grant. After years of emotional turmoil, near misses, and a complicated love triangle, the Season 12 finale saw the pair finally solidify their relationship, embarking on a trip to Cape Fullerton to secure Little Jack’s access to the school for the deaf.
Season 13 is expected to pick up right where they left off, exploring the depth of their connection and the reality of a life together. The network has released several teasers and promos that have sent the Hearties fandom into a frenzy, strongly hinting at a major life event for the couple.
Is an Engagement Finally Happening?
The most persistent and exciting rumor for Season 13 is the possibility of a proposal. Several promotional clips feature tender moments between Elizabeth and Nathan, with one voiceover dropping a significant hint that the couple could very well be engaged by the end of the season. After the emotional journey they have shared, from their initial attraction to the slow, respectful build of their new romance, a proposal would be a monumental payoff for long-time viewers.
- The Cape Fullerton Trip: The season will likely open with Elizabeth and Nathan returning from or navigating their time in Cape Fullerton, which will serve as a backdrop for deeper conversations about their future.
- Nathan’s Big Step: Actor Kevin McGarry has teased that Nathan is ready to move forward, suggesting he is prepared to take the next major step in his life with Elizabeth.
- A New Chapter: The plot will shift from the drama of the love triangle to the joy and challenges of building a life together, incorporating Little Jack into their new family unit.
Why Season 13 Is a Must-Watch for Hearties
Beyond the central romance, Season 13 will continue to explore the rich tapestry of life in Hope Valley. Topical authority is built on the show’s commitment to its ensemble, ensuring every character has a compelling storyline.
We can anticipate new developments for the other beloved residents:
- The Coulters: Rosemary and Lee Coulter will continue to navigate parenthood with their daughter, Goldie, while running the Hope Valley Sentinel. Their witty banter and deep love remain a fan favorite.
- Bill Avery’s Adventures: Judge Avery will likely find himself embroiled in a new local mystery or a legal challenge, keeping the town on its toes.
- Community Growth: With the return of characters like Georgie McGill and Edie Martell, the town will see new social dynamics and perhaps new business ventures, reflecting the continuous growth of the frontier town.
The premiere of When Calls the Heart Season 13 on January 4, 2026, marks the beginning of what promises to be one of the most significant and emotionally satisfying chapters in the series’ history. Hearties should prepare for a season filled with romance, community spirit, and the potential for a very special, long-awaited engagement.
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