How WHEN CALLS THE HEART Fans Help the Show Succeed
By Movieguide® Contributor
Hallmark’s WHEN CALLS THE HEART has its dedicated fans, known as “Hearties,” to thank for its success.
Thanks to its focus on relatable topics like “falling in love and experiencing loss…adoption, fertility issues and politics,” the show drew a major fan base shortly after it began in 2014.
“There aren’t a lot of shows out there that are about these themes,” showrunner Lindsay Sturman said. “We call it ‘kind television.’ It’s warm, it’s heartfelt, it’s sincere. We’re a show about important things in life: What does it mean to be a good friend? What does it mean to love your community?”
“We have an incredible fanbase, and it’s so unique in television,” she added. With the episodes premiering on Sunday nights, “everyone’s watching it together. It really creates community among the fans.”
Hearties are even active online in chat groups where they comment on each episode.
“People are talking about the show and commenting on what they love, what’s moving them, what’s making them happier and what they’re excited about,” Sturman said. She’s even gone out for tea with fans.
“I have this little quilt hanging on the bulletin board in my office that one of the fans made,” said Jillian Profeta, Director of series development at Hallmark Media. “It says, ‘Welcome to Hope Valley.’ I look at it every day while I’m working on the show as a reminder of how much this means to the fans and how it’s inspired their artistic talents. It’s a really lovely dynamic between the people working on the show and the fans of the show.”
Season 11 of the show premiered on April 7, and fans are already sharing their excitement.
“The joy you guys bring to your viewers is immeasurable! No other show on tv with such a great cast, writing and family oriented and wholesome,” one person commented.
Another added, “Great first episode for season 11! You guys are amazing! Big fan of this show!”
Star Erin Krakow shared what fans can expect from her character’s romantic relationships this season.
“It is a very gentle, respectful romance, and there’s something very sweet about it,” she said. “As the season is moving forward, we’re building towards something that is hopefully going to be very loving and passionate and exciting for our viewers.”
Movieguide® recently reported on the Hearties community:
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.”
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