Why WCTH Star Chris McNally Calls Show ‘A Blessing’

Published: February 2, 2026

By India McCarty

WHEN CALLS THE HEART’s Chris McNally says working on the hit TV show has been “a blessing.”

“The longevity of a show like WHEN CALLS THE HEART is so rare,” the actor, who has played Lucas Bouchard since Season 6, told Good Housekeeping. “The show has kind of become a part of me, and I think it shows that Hallmark has one of the most loyal fan bases out there. They really care about WHEN CALLS THE HEART and continue to show up and invest their time to watch these characters.”

McNally added, “I also enjoy attending events where you see everybody and get to know how passionate they are that they’re willing to travel from all over to meet you. It’s definitely a blessing, that’s for sure.”

He also shouted out his co-stars on WCTH, saying, “We’ve all gotten so close, that it feels like we’re going back to school every summer we return to Hope Valley and film a new season. So, the day when WHEN CALLS THE HEART eventually comes to a close, I think it’s going to be a very sad day.”

That day isn’t coming any time soon, though; WHEN CALLS THE HEART was recently renewed for a fourteenth season. Production is set to begin this year, with a 2027 release date for new episodes.

Original cast member and FULL HOUSE star Lori Loughlin is set to return to Hope Valley in Season 14, reprising her role as Abigail Stanton.

“Since the series’ debut in 2014, the character of Abigail Stanton was a fan favorite and beloved by the Hearties,” Michelle Vicary, Head of Programming at Hallmark, said in a statement. “At its core the Hallmark brand is about hope, positivity and connection, which is also the central theme of WHEN CALLS THE HEART. We felt that Season 14 was the right time to continue Abigail’s story with her return to this beloved series.”

Star and executive producer Erin Krakow recently spoke about how incredible WCTH’s run has been, telling Good Housekeeping, “I am just so grateful.”

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“I mean, this set and this community of people is such a happy place for me,” she said. “I show up to work every season feeling a lot of joy and gratitude in my heart. It’s just, we don’t have egos in this cast or crew. Everyone is truly happy to be here. And I’m just very grateful to Hallmark and to the Hearties, our loyal fans, for continuing to rally behind us and be so engaged in this show.”

Season 13 of WHEN CALLS THE HEART is currently airing on Hallmark, with new episodes premiering Sundays at 8 p.m.

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