Hope Valley: 1874 – First-Look – Coming to Hallmark+ March 21!

Hallmark has just released a new promo for "Hope Valley: 1874," the new prequel series to “When Calls the Heart,” starring Bethany Joy Lenz, Benjamin Ayres and Jill Hennessy! I also spotted the well-known actor Neal McDonough in the new preview.

The new series will begin streaming - March 21st exclusively on Hallmark+.

See the new promo and more details on the series from the Hallmark press release below. Plus, see my thoughts at the end of this post…


Hope Valley: 1874 - Promo:

THE DAWN OF A NEW FRONTIER

HALLMARK’S HIGHLY ANTICIPATED

PREQUEL SERIES

TO WHEN CALLS THE HEART

HOPE VALLEY: 1874

PREMIERES SATURDAY, MARCH 21

EXCLUSIVELY ON HALLMARK+

New Episode Available to Stream Every Thursday Beginning March 26
Starring Bethany Joy Lenz, Benjamin Ayres and Jill Hennessy

BURBANK, CA – January 30, 2026 – Hallmark announced today that Hope Valley: 1874, the new prequel series to the beloved When Calls the Heart, will premiere Saturday, March 21, exclusively on Hallmark+, with a new episode premiering every Thursday beginning March 26. The network also unveiled a first look at the trailer for the eight-episode series, giving fans an exciting glimpse into the origins of the community that would one day become Hope Valley.

As previously announced, the series stars Bethany Joy Lenz (A Biltmore Christmas), Benjamin Ayres (The Santa Class), Jill Hennessy (City on a Hill), Roan Curtis (Firefly Lane) and Lachlan Quarmby (Providence Falls). Joining the ensemble are Jedidiah Goodacre (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) as Clayton Cooley, a ruggedly handsome blacksmith, Chelsea Hobbs (Deck the Halls on Cherry Lane) as Peggy McCabe, the wife of Tom’s (Ayres) foreman Nash as portrayed by Brad Abramenko (A Splash of Love).

Set in 1874, the series explores the earliest days of the frontier settlement that later became Hope Valley, chronicling the courage, resilience and relationships that laid the foundation for the close-knit town viewers have come to love. Lenz portrays Rebecca Clarke, who travels from her home city of Chicago to the Western Canadian frontier with her 11-year-old-daughter Sarah (Mila Morgan, The Holiday Sitter). But when her wagon breaks down, and she realizes the boardinghouse is not as advertised, Rebecca has no choice but to accept help from local rancher and confirmed bachelor, Tom Moore (Ayres). Despite her best intentions to remain unattached, Bella can't help but slowly fall for Tom and develop a friendship with tenacious pioneer woman Hattie Quinn (Hennessy). Hattie’s daughter Olivia (Curtis) helps run their trading post and catches the eye of Constable Alexander Vaughn (Quarmby), much to the dismay of Clayton (Goodacre), who harbors feelings for her.

Showcasing themes of perseverance and romance, this series explores the journey of a mother as she discovers a new chapter in her life as she helps forge what starts out as collection of isolated settlers into a small close-knit community during the rugged and hopeful Pioneer Era. This prequel to Hallmark’s historical drama series, When Calls the Heart, will take viewers back in time to follow the early settlers of the community that will one day become the beloved frontier town of Hope Valley.

Hope Valley: 1874 is from All Canadian Entertainment production company. Executive producers of the series include Brad Krevoy, Brian Bird, Michael Landon Jr., Amy Hartwick, Olivia Krevoy, Vicki Sotheran, Greg Malcolm, Alfonso Moreno and Susie Belzberg. Mike Rohl and Elizabeth Stewart are co-executive producers, and Jennifer Siddle and Melody Fox serve as consulting producers.

# # #

My Quick Take:

I’m absolutely loving this beautiful first look at Hope Valley: 1874. It truly captures the spirit of the pioneer era and truly feels like a step back in time. With When Calls the Heart now set in the 1920s and moving further away from the early American frontier, it’s especially heartwarming to see a new series that takes us back to those humble, hardworking pioneer days.

This glimpse of Hope Valley: 1874 is already giving me the same comforting, nostalgic feeling as classic shows like Little House on the Prairie, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, Christy, Little Men, When Hope Calls, and of course, the early seasons of When Calls the Heart, along with Hallmark's Love Comes Softly films. There’s something so special about stories set in a simpler time, filled with resilience, faith, community, and hope.

Based on the promo, which highlights a close-knit community and everyday struggles of frontier life, I have a feeling this new series coming to Hallmark+ this spring will become another deeply beloved period drama.

I’d love to know what you think, too. Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Blessings to you all,

Net

🚢❤️ Don't Miss This: Kristoffer Polaha and Emilie Ullerup Reunite for "Missing the Boat" -- Plus New "When Calls the Heart" and More!

Happy Weekend, Friends! I hope you're all doing well.

This Saturday night, you don't want to miss Emilie Ullerup and Kristoffer Polaha reuniting in their new Winter Escape Hallmark movie, "Missing the Boat." It's sure to make a splash!

Plus, the investigation into who or what started the fire at Goldie National Park continues on "When Calls the Heart" this Sunday night.

Also, wanted to share in advance that "When Calls the Heart" will not be airing at it's regular time next Sunday due to the Super Bowl. Instead, episode 6 will air Saturday night, February 7th, at 10:01pm/9:01c after the first Loveuary movie premiere!

And for all of us Christmas movie lovers... I have great news - on the day of the Super Bowl, February 8th, Hallmark will be airing several fan-favorite Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Family. I'll share more details next weekend, or be sure to check out the Christmas Schedule.

Also, I have some news about two faith-filled films that will surely be of interest to many of you here!

Check out all of the details below...


********************


Friday, January 30th - Sunday, February 1, 2026:

Kristoffer Polaha Hallmark Movies

Enjoy a boatload of Kristoffer Polaha classic Hallmark movies leading up to the premiere of Missing the Boat...

Friday:

Rocky Mountain Christmas ... Hallmark Channel ... 6pm
A Grand Ole Opry Christmas ... Hallmark Channel ... 8pm
Mystery 101 (Movie #1) ... Hallmark Mystery ... 8pm


Saturday:

Mystery 101: Playing Dead (Movie #2) ... Hallmark Mystery ... 10am
Mystery 101: Words Can Kill (Movie #3) ... Hallmark Mystery ... 12pm
Mystery 101: Dead Talk (Movie #4) ... Hallmark Mystery ... 2pm
Mystery 101: Killer Timing (Movie #5) ... Hallmark Mystery ... 4pm
Mystery 101: Deadly History (Movie #6) ... Hallmark Mystery ... 6pm
Missing the Boat ... Hallmark Channel ... 8pm *PREMIERE


Sunday:

Missing the Boat ... Hallmark Channel ... 6pm *ENCORE


*Plus, Kristoffer Polaha movies you'll want to stream or add to your DVD collection (if you haven't already)!

Click on movie titles below for current price/details at Amazon.

* A Biltmore Christmas *
* The Christmas Quest *
* Mystery 101 Collection *
* A Grand Ole Opry Christmas * (extended cut)
* Hearts of Christmas *
* A Dickens of a Holiday *



********************


Friday, January 30, 2026:

Moses

Sight & Sound Theatres

Details via TBN: From his dramatic rescue as a baby in the Nile to his calling at the burning bush and the awe-inspiring parting of the Red Sea, Moses’ journey is filled with moments that have shaped generations of believers. MOSES captures the full scope of that journey, exploring not only the miracles, but also the internal struggle of a man learning to trust God’s voice over his own fears and doubts.

Moses Sight & Sound

Premieres Friday, January 30, 2026:

at 8pm and 10pm EST on TBN

*Also streaming on TBN+ (with paid subscription)

********************


Saturday, January 31, 2026:

Missing the Boat

Storyline: Strangers Kelly and Parker both end up on the same Italian cruise, but after missing the boat during a stop, they're forced to team up and race across southern Italy to catch up.

Missing the Boat

Premieres Saturday, January 31, 2026

at 8pm/7c on the Hallmark Channel

********************


Sunday, February 1, 2026:

When Calls the Heart

Storyline: New evidence comes to light that shifts the fire investigation; Elizabeth and her classroom start a project that will impact the territory for generations to come.

When Calls the Heart

Premieres Sunday, February 1, 2026

at 8pm/7c on the Hallmark Channel

********************

David (animated movie)

Now Streaming
and Available on DVD

Movie synopsis via Angel: From the songs of his mother’s heart to the whispers of a faithful God, David’s story begins in quiet devotion. When the giant Goliath rises to terrorize a nation, a young shepherd armed with only a sling, a few stones, and unshakable faith steps forward. Pursued by power and driven by purpose, his journey tests the limits of loyalty, love, and courage—culminating in a battle not just for a crown, but for the soul of a kingdom.

I wanted to share this with those of you who said you were waiting to watch this once it hit streaming... good news, it’s available now!

And, you can read my review of this movie - *here*.

Stream the David animation movie through Angel Studios with a paid subscription membership.

And more great news... the movie David (the bonus edition!) is now available to pre-order on DVD! The release date is March 17, 2026- the perfect timing right before Easter! Click here for details!

* David - Animated Movie *

********************


I hope you all have a wonderful weekend as we transition from January into February... already one month into 2026! Wow, time really is flying!

For those of you who’ve had a tough week dealing with snow, ice, and power outages from Winter Storm Fern, please know you’ve been on my heart and in my prayers. I truly hope things are improving for you as the weekend begins. I know firsthand how difficult and exhausting that can be. Hopefully, you'll be able to relax more this weekend.

I’ll definitely be tuning in for another heartwarming new episode of When Calls the Heart, and I can't wait to see the latest Winter Escape, Missing the Boat, starring Kristoffer Polaha and Emilie Ullerup! That's one I absolutely don’t want to miss!

And if you’d like to share any movie reviews, whether for the Winter Escape films or even Christmas, I’d love to read them! Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Blessings to You All!

Net

❤️ SHARING HIS LOVE: ❤️

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."

~Isaiah 43:2

🏇🌹It's a Kentucky Derby Romance -- Andrew Walker and Odette Annable Star in Hallmark’s "Kentucky Roses"

It's off to the races with the Hallmark Channel and Andrew Walker and Odette Annable in Kentucky Roses!

While the Hallmark movie Hats Off to Love was also set at the Kentucky Derby, it was actually filmed in Florida. Kentucky Roses, however, was filmed last year at the iconic Churchill Downs in the beautiful bluegrass state of Kentucky. (For those who want to be more technical, Kentucky is officially a commonwealth.)

You can find more details on this exciting production, galloping onto the Hallmark Channel this May, in Hallmark’s official press release below…

See Andrew Walker's announcement video at the end of this post!

HALLMARK MEDIA AND

CHURCHILL DOWNS RACETRACK

PARTNER ON

KENTUCKY ROSES

AN ALL-NEW ORIGINAL MOVIE

CELEBRATING THE PAGENTRY

OF KENTUCKY DERBY DAY,

PREMIERING MAY 2

ON HALLMARK CHANNEL

AND STREAMING NEXT DAY

ON HALLMARK+

ANDREW WALKER

AND

ODETTE ANNABLE

STAR ALONGSIDE

ALLY LEDFORD,

PEYTON MEYER,

BRYNN THAYER

AND GREGG HENRY

Shot on Location at Churchill Downs Racetrack

Film Includes Jewelry Collection Exclusively in Hallmark Gold Crown Stores

Hallmark Media and Churchill Downs Racetrack (“Churchill Downs”) are proud to announce Kentucky Roses, an all-new original movie shot on location at the iconic Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby®. The movie stars Andrew Walker (Three Wisest Men, She’s Making a List) and Odette Annable (Supergirl, Walker), alongside Ally Ledford (His Nerd), Peyton Meyer (Girl Meets World, Days of Our Lives), Brynn Thayer (Fatal Attraction, Suits), and Gregg Henry (Gilmore Girls, Guardians of the Galaxy), and celebrates the pageantry, tradition, and enduring spirit of the Kentucky Derby. The movie wrapped production last year and is set to premiere May 2, 2026 on Hallmark Channel, streaming next day on Hallmark+. The partnership continues in Hallmark Gold Crown stores with a collection of romantic jewelry inspired by the movie.

“Hallmark Media and Churchill Downs are both legacy brands, each with more than a hundred years of history. Additionally, we share a commitment to giving generations of fans a memorable experience that fosters deep connections,” remarked Jessica Callahan, Vice President at Hallmark Media. “Together, we’re thrilled to bring audiences an inspiring story of community, courage, and time-honored traditions.“

Kentucky Roses unfolds across two timelines—present day and 1932—at Churchill Downs. In present-day, Sadie Moore (Annable) works in the Churchill Downs greenhouse, dreaming of becoming a florist and one day contributing to the Derby’s garland of roses, just like her great-grandmother, Gloria (Ledford). As Derby Day approaches, Sadie meets Ash Taylor (Walker), the son of Churchill Downs’ CEO (Henry), who’s been asked to do an emergency repair on the iconic Twin Spires after a storm left one damaged. Both Sadie and Ash feel the weight of family legacy and the desire to carve out their own paths. Sparks fly, and their budding romance is complicated by a long-buried connection between their families—a bittersweet love story from the past that threatens to repeat itself.

Kentucky Roses is a Hallmark Media production.

# # #

ABOUT HALLMARK MEDIA
Owned and operated by Hallmark Cards, Inc., Hallmark Media is entertainment’s leading destination for feel-good content. Hallmark Channel features an ambitious slate of new, original movies, scripted series, and the popular annual holiday franchise, Countdown to Christmas. Hallmark Mystery features a unique mix of movies and acquired series focused on the lighter side of the suspense and mystery genres, as well as its own seasonal programming event, Miracles of Christmas. Hallmark Family showcases timeless storytelling for the whole family centered around faith, love, and community. The company’s subscription streaming service and membership program, Hallmark+ offers a distinctive blend of all new, exclusive original series and movies, next-day access to Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Mystery premieres, plus monthly discounts and rewards for shopping at Hallmark Gold Crown retail stores. For more information, please visit Corporate.HallmarkMedia.com.

ABOUT CHURCHILL DOWNS RACETRACK
Churchill Downs Racetrack (“CDRT”), the world’s most legendary racetrack, has been the home of The Kentucky Derby, the longest continually held annual sporting event in the United States, since 1875. Located in Louisville, CDRT features a series of themed race days during Derby Week, including the Kentucky Oaks, and conducts Thoroughbred horse racing during three race meets in the Spring, September and Fall. CDRT is located on 175 acres and has a one-mile dirt track, a 7/8-mile turf track, a stabling area, and provides seating for approximately 60,000 guests. The stable area has barns sufficient to accommodate 1,400 horses and a 114-room dormitory for backstretch personnel. CDRT also has a year-round simulcast wagering facility. www.ChurchillDowns.com

ABOUT THE KENTUCKY DERBY
The Kentucky Derby takes place on the first Saturday in May at historic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Inaugurated in 1875, the legendary 1 1/4-mile race for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds is the longest continually held major sporting event in North America and the first leg of horse racing's Triple Crown series. Also known as, The Run for the Roses® and The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports®, the Kentucky Derby is the most attended horse race in the nation. The 152nd Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026. For more information, please visit www.KentuckyDerby.com.

Tickets for the 152nd Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby on May 1-2 are available by visiting www.KentuckyDerby.com and www.DerbyExperiences.com, or call (502) 636-4447 to be a part of the most extraordinary Kentucky Derby yet.


----------------------------


Andrew Walker's announcement:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hallmark Channel (@hallmarkchannel)

I love that this movie is set at the historic racetrack in Kentucky and was actually filmed at Churchill Downs. I'm already imagining how beautiful this setting will be on screen.

I remember Andrew sharing quite a few photos from the Derby last year, and now it’s clear he had even more reason to be enthusiastic- knowing he was filming this movie there!

Please share your thoughts on this movie in comments below. Are you familiar with Andrew's co-star, Annabelle?

I hope this May movie news brings you a little hope and warmth of Spring!

Happy movie-watching,

Net

💕Four Romantic Comedies💕 Coming to Great American Family This February

February is the month of Valentine’s Day and rom-coms, and Great American Family is getting in on the fun by adding four movies to their lineup!

See details below...


💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

Meet Me In New York

Starring: Brooke Nevin and Corey Sevier

Premiere Date: Saturday, February 7 at 8/7c on Great American Family

Storyline: Ambitious New York events planner Kelly is one of the best in the business. But when Joe, a stubborn, but influential website editor, hires her to organize his niece's birthday, Kelly soon realizes that she may have met her match.

*Note: This movie was released in 2022 and has been available on several streaming platforms, but it’s finally making its very first cable TV premiere on Great American Family! I’m so thrilled to see this delightful rom-com joining the GAF lineup and truly hope it will continue to encore there. I’ve been wishing for quite some time that GAF would add this sweet film to their movie library and it’s wonderful to see that's coming true!

Movie Reviews:

💕 Meet Me In New York - Starring Corey Savier & Brooke Nevin is certainly family friendly ~Anonymous

💕 Meet Me In New York - First, this movie has excellent leads with Brooke Nevin and Corey Sevier. The chemistry is fantastic, it's funny, entertaining, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! There is one quick comment by Corey's character near the end about living with his previous girlfriend, but beyond that brief mention, the movie is completely G-rated and I loved the interaction between Corey and the young girl who portrayed his niece. This is one I'd love to have on DVD! ~Net


💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

Love for Starters

Starring: Stephanie Bennett and Jonathan Cherry

Premiere Date: Saturday, February 14 at 8/7c on Great American Family

Storyline: In Love for Starters, when a gifted interior designer (Bennett) learns that her father has brought in a celebrity chef (Cherry) to save their lakeside restaurant, she has no choice but to team up with this unexpected partner to transform the place before time runs out.

Movie Review:

💕 Reel One's Love For Starters (written by Ansley Gordon) is a very lovely movie, and would be a perfect fit for GAF or UP TV. -Maria



💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

A Missed Connection

Starring: Meggan Kaiser and Alex Trumble

Premiere Date: Saturday, February 21 at 8/7c on Great American Family

Storyline: After finding a spark with a woman on a train platform, a photographer posts a missed connection in the newspaper but never hears from her. Five years later, they meet again while on the way to the same wedding – hers.

Movie Review:

💕 Reel One's A Missed Connection is clean and fantastic! -Maria



💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

Love Afloat

Starring: Alanna Smith and Travis Bravo-Thomas

Premiere Date: Saturday, February 28 at 8/7c on Great American Family

Storyline: When Lorelei inherits a shabby sailboat from a distant relative, she hires Rob to help clean, fix and sail it from its present location at a Caribbean island to Miami. The two will have to work together as romantic sparks start to fly.

Movie Review:

💕 Reel one's Love Afloat is a fantastic movie, would make a great fit for UPTV or GAF! -Maria




💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕


I hope you find a movie above that you'll love this February!

If you've previously seen any of the movies above and would like to share a review, please do so in the comments below.

Happy Movie-Watching!

Net

🔎 Hallmark to Premiere New Mystery Movie in March: "Nelly Knows Mysteries: All Manners of Murder" - See Which Character is Crossing Over From Another Hallmark Mystery

Great news, Sleuthers! The second film in the "Nelly Knows Mystery" series is coming to the Hallmark Channel this March!

So far, it looks as if all clues point to this being the first mystery movie premiere of the year for Hallmark, unless another (currently unknown) mystery premieres the first week of March.

Here's the scoop on the movie details...

Nelly Knows Mysteries: All Manners of Murder

Premiere Date: Saturday, March 14, 8/7c

Starring: Pascale Hutton and Kavan Smith

Storyline: Nelly and Detective Michael set out to solve the murder of a guest while at a lavish dinner.

*Note: In addition to Pascale and Kavan, this movie will also star Crystal Lowe ("Signed, Sealed, Delivered") and Markian Tarasiuk ("True Justice: Family Ties")

According to Markian's IMDB listings, he will be portraying his character, Eli Flint, from the "True Justice" series in this all-new "Nelly Knows Mystery."

I believe this may be the first time a character has crossed-over from one Hallmark mystery to another. (Do you know of any others?)

There are two other "True Justice" mysteries that have been filmed: "True Justice 2: Eye for an Eye" and "True Justice 3: Lost Love." Hopefully, we will see those mysteries soon.

Markian Tarasiuk is also starring in the new UP Faith & Family streaming series, "Blue Skies."

And while Crystal Lowe, from "Signed, Sealed, Delivered," is also in this new "Nelly Knows Mystery," I just wanted to make sure to note that it does NOT appear in any way that she is portraying her "SSD" character, Rita.

More details to come on Hallmark's March movie premieres.

Happy Sleuthing!

Net🔎

*Press images via: Hallmark Media
Note: The top image is not Hallmark's official poster for this film.