Everything We Know About ‘When Calls the Heart’ Season 9
It’s time to return to Hope Valley! Less than a year since the Season 8 premiere in May 2021, When Calls the Heart is back with a brand-new, feel-good season, premiering this spring on Hallmark Channel.
Set in the fictional town of Hope Valley, the series follows schoolteacher Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow) and the quaint Canadian town’s residents in the early 1900s. After Season 8 ended on a major decision, character departures and reunions, and new beginnings, fans have been anxiously waiting to see what will happen next.
Below, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about Season 9 of When Calls the Heart, including which cast members are returning, upcoming storylines, and when it will premiere.
Where did Season 8 leave off?
Ricardo Hubbs/Crown Media
At the center of the season was the love triangle between Elizabeth, Nathan (Kevin McGarry), and Lucas (Chris McNally). In a shocking surprise, Elizabeth decided that her heart lied with Lucas, even after telling her he was stepping away from their relationship. The finale finally saw Elizabeth overcome her past (signified by removing her wedding from her dead husband, Jack) and taking charge of her future. “We got so lucky with Kevin and Chris… I’m excited about [the Elizabeth/Lucas] pairing because I feel like it will truly be something different for Elizabeth,” Krakow said in an interview with TV Insider.
The finale led several other characters down new paths, with Rosemary (Pascale Hutton) becoming the editor-in-chief of her own newspaper, Hickam (Ben Rosenbaum) moving forward with his oil pipeline plans after a promotion, and Carson (Paul Greene) choosing not to propose to Faith (Andrea Brooks) and leaving for his surgical fellowship in Baltimore. Also leaving Hope Valley was Henry (Martin Cummins), hoping to reunite with an old acquaintance (hinting at a potential return from Lori Loughlin).
When will Season 9 premiere?
Earlier this month, it was announced that Season 9 will premiere on Sunday, March 6, at 8/7c on Hallmark Channel. The Season 8 finale became the series’ most-watched episode, in addition to being the show’s most-watched season to date.
Which cast members are returning?
So far, it seems the majority of the show’s main cast will be returning for the new season. However, according to a sneak peek clip on the channel’s website, Jesse (Aren Buchholz) and Clara (Eva Bourne) will not be a part of Season 9, having moved away from Hope Valley to start anew in Montana. Whether or not the actors chose to leave the show is unknown, but their departure comes as a surprise, especially given their importance throughout Season 8. Additionally, the adorable Little Jack has been recast with newcomer Hyland Goodrich.
What will happen in Season 9?
According to the season’s description, “Hope Valley is in a state of growth, with the foundry’s progress and the evolution of key relationships. The Mayoral race has the town buzzing with a few members of the town running against one another.” Hinting at what’s to come with Elizabeth and Lucas, the season description states, “As she gets to know Lucas better, she learns about his past which gives Elizabeth pause about their future.”
When Calls the Heart, Season 9 Premiere, Sunday, March 6, 8/7c, Hallmark Channel
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O
I am so glad that Elizabeth chose Lucas. I think they are just right for each other. I hope they stay together
21 5
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R
Why are they hinting at Lucas having a shady past. Leave Lucas alone and allow them to be happy. There are plenty of twists in which a saloon owner can run into trouble without Lucas being guilty of anything. Afterall, a saloon is where you will find all kinds of shady characters.
14 4
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O
I was so looking forward to seeing what was happening with Clara and Jesse!
11 1
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P
I think a teacher in that day and time would not be involved with a man that owns a bar. Especially with a child that needs to look up to a dad replacement.
15 8
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G
Glad Lori may be coming back
15 8
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O
Leave Lucas alone! Quit trying to make him a bad guy! Elizabeth better not break up with him! She's so fickle sometimes! Not a fan of Nathan. She better not turn to him!
13 7
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C
I love Lucas and Elizabeth together and I hope we see an engagement and Wedding in S9 for them. They are perfect together and I can't wait to see them start a family with little Jack!!
14 9
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O
I am not happy that Elizabeth is taking up with Luke, I don't know why, but I don't like them together. I will atill watch as am an avid fan but will shy away from scenes with them.
18 13
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R
Still for team Nathan. But, for a series that has “jumped the shark” and not been historically accurate since Season 2, what did we expect?
5 1
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O
i am not sure the lucas character is good enough for elizabeth and not a great father figure for little jack. also no more lori laughlin. as she had no idea what she had ms represented to the real people that sent there children to college the expense working are to be accepted. shame on her who knows what else she did that is just what we found out about. she needs to live a life like normal people.
5 2
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G
No more Lori Loughlin!!!!!
5 2
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B
I totally agree. Her behavior in real life makes her a misfit for the show. I would no longer be able to see her as she was, but what she did. It has broken my appreciation for her as an actress. Especially as a Hallmark actress. Maybe with time, lots of time, everyones feelings toward her will change, but never as a representative for Hallmark.
6 2
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R
Used to watch reruns of all seasons, which I purchased, over & over but the final episode of S8 left a bad taste in my mouth. Have not watched a single rerun since that one and don't plan on watching anymore! Never liked the Lucas character from day one and definitely did not see him as Elizabeth's choice. Just not the kind of partner the character Elizabeth needs and should have.
20 17
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P
You get the impression Nathan's mustache was the showrunner's attempt at putting an end to the Nathan-Elizabeth shipping? Don't worry, last season's finale did that for us.
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O
I hope Rosemary and lee have a Child I think Luke is fine
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G
I do not like Elizabeth with Lucas, he just isn't the type of man she would be with if this was real life and I'm not sure I will continue watching if she stays with him.
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B
Yeah she were absolutely right. I have to say for a grown woman who been married, has a child, and widowed, season eight she was acting more like a school girl that a woman.
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A
Lori was rejected from the Hallmark channel! Lori became part of GAC When Hope Calls.
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