‘God Used the Hearties’: WHEN CALLS THE HEART Fan on Show’s Real-Life Impact
By Movieguide® Contributor
WHEN CALLS THE HEART’s fans and stars recently shared what the show means to them.
“There’s a real desire for heartwarming entertainment. It’s something that I think all of us really want in our lives,” star Erin Krakow said during a CBS SUNDAY MORNING segment. “I am one piece of the heart of the show, because we are a show about community, and I think that we wouldn’t be Hope Valley, we wouldn’t be WHEN CALLS THE HEART, without all of the members of this community.”
Some of WHEN CALLS THE HEART’s fans, called “Hearties,” also spoke about how the show has impacted them.
Celia Sumrall said her connections with fellow Hearties gave her the “opportunity to meet a whole lot of new people.”
“I love the show just simply because I like the faith,” she continued. “I love the family atmosphere. I love the way the community comes together. Our world is very divided right now. Hope Valley works through that, and they talk to each other, and they get over it.”
The Hearties have even taken the show’s themes and incorporated them into their real lives. For example, when Jelsy Freytes’ home was devastated by Hurricane Maria, the community came together to help.
“[The Hearties] just came together, created a website so everybody could see what was needed, and they just started mailing me things,” she shared. “I feel like God used the Hearties to help me out. Not just me — I was able to bless others with what I received from the Hearties.”
WHEN CALLS THE HEART is based on the popular series of books by Janette Oke, who gave her thoughts on why the show has resonated with so many around the world.
“We come from different cultures and different areas of the world, and yet we have that common human need of understanding, working together, feeling accepted,” she explained. “We were made to belong to one another, support one another…and I think that’s why the show has touched so many hearts.”
Movieguide® previously reported on WHEN CALLS THE HEART’s impact on viewers:
WHEN CALLS THE HEART co-creator Brian Bird recently discussed the impact the show has on viewers and why he’s not afraid to tell stories that don’t always make the audience feel good.
“We think that it’s a good force in the world that this show is here,” Bird said during an interview with the Daily Planet. “In a culture [and] a world with so few shows that do what this show does, it would be horrible not to have it.”
He continued, “I love what we’ve done with the show. I love what the show is. We’re not perfect, but I think we’re pretty good at it. It truly is a show that had to struggle to survive, and the origin story of this show [is] harrowing…it was never really supposed to be here, but it is. The fact that there is now this massive community of people that call themselves Hearties and ten seasons plus of the show — for me, it’s like a big miracle, and I don’t take that for granted.”
WHEN CALLS THE HEART is getting ready to premiere its eleventh season.
“Time has flown by since the end of season 10 and I cannot put into words how thrilled I am for the premiere of season 11 of WHEN CALLS THE HEART,” Krakow, who also serves as an executive producer on the show, told Entertainment Tonight. “It’s such a warm feeling to know that we have the loyalty, love, and longevity to make it this far and that is a true testament to our viewers.”
Hallmark has released some information about what fans can expect from Season 11, promising “a fresh start” for Elizabeth (Krakow) as she navigates ‘new romance, new challenges, and new style.’”
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
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Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
