When Hope Calls is an American family drama television series that premiered on August 30, 2019, as a spin-off of the Hallmark Channel's When Calls the Heart, centering on orphan sisters Lillian Walsh and Grace Bennett who reunite in adulthood to establish and manage an orphanage in the early 1900s northwestern town of Brookfield.[1][2]The series follows the sisters' efforts to nurture orphaned children and build a faith-filled community amid frontier challenges, including personal hardships, romances, and town developments, while drawing from Janette Oke's Canadian West book series that inspired the original show.[3][2]Produced initially by Hallmark Movies Now, the first season consists of 10 episodes and features guest appearances by When Calls the Heart stars Lori Loughlin and Daniel Lissing; it later moved to Great American Family, which produced two Christmas specials in 2021 and Season 2, an 8-episode run that aired in 2025, with the series earning a 7.7/10 rating on IMDb from over 1,500 user votes.[2][3][4][5]On October 1, 2025, Great American Media announced the renewal for a third season, retitled When Hope Calls: Brookfield, set to premiere in 2026 with returning cast members including Cindy Busby as Nora, Christopher Russell as Mountie Michael, and Wendy Crewson as Tess Stewart.[6][7]
Synopsis
Premise
When Hope Calls follows the story of two orphaned sisters, Lillian Walsh and Grace Bennett, who reunite as adults after being separated in childhood and decide to establish an orphanage in the fictional town of Brookfield, set in 1916western Canada.[2] Inspired by their own experiences in orphanages, the sisters navigate the challenges of running the institution, including financial difficulties, resistance from local residents, and interpersonal conflicts within the community, all while fostering a sense of family among the children in their care.[3] The series highlights their determination to create a nurturing environment amid the tensions between traditional ranching interests and emerging homesteaders in the frontier setting.[8]The show serves as an adaptation of Janette Oke's When Hope Calls book series, co-authored with her daughter Laurel Oke Logan, which expands on elements from Oke's broader Canadian West saga that also inspired the parent series When Calls the Heart.[9] As a spin-off, it builds upon the orphanage subplot introduced in When Calls the Heart, shifting focus to the Walsh sisters' independent endeavors while remaining connected to the shared universe of Hope Valley and its themes of pioneer life. The narrative initially centers on both sisters but shifts in later seasons to Lillian and other characters after Grace's departure.[10]Central to the narrative are overarching themes of hope, faith, community, and redemption, portrayed through the sisters' moral dilemmas in upholding charity and education against societal pressures in a small-town frontier.[11] The series emphasizes family bonds, both biological and chosen, and the transformative power of compassion in overcoming personal and collective hardships.[12]The key narrative structure is ensemble-driven, weaving individual character arcs—such as the sisters' personal growth and relationships—with larger communal events like town gatherings, crises, and festivals that test the orphanage's role in Brookfield's social fabric.[13] This balance underscores the interplay between private struggles and public responsibilities, reinforcing the series' exploration of resilience in an era of change.[14]
Setting
When Hope Calls is set in the fictional town of Brookfield, a rural settlement in western Canada, during the year 1916. This pioneer community reflects the early 20th-century western prairies, featuring elements like expanding railroads that connected isolated outposts to broader markets and the inherent rural isolation shaped by vast landscapes and harsh weather.[15][16][17]The historical backdrop is the midst of World War I, which spurred significant immigration to the western prairies as the Canadian government encouraged settlers to bolster agriculture and resource development amid wartime demands. Women's roles evolved during this period, with many taking on expanded responsibilities in social services, including the management of orphanages, as the war and economic challenges—such as fluctuating commodity prices and labor shortages—left families strained and increased the need for child welfare institutions. Social reforms of the era, influenced by progressive movements and faith communities, emphasized communal support and moral upliftment in frontier societies.[17][18][19]Visually, Brookfield is portrayed with period-appropriate architecture reminiscent of late Victorian and Edwardian styles, including wooden storefronts, a modest orphanage, and residential homes clustered around a central square. The atmosphere evokes a wholesome, faith-based frontier life through details like layered woolen costumes for men and women, horse-drawn wagons navigating dirt roads, and expansive snowy landscapes that highlight the town's seasonal isolation and communal resilience.[20]The series shares its universe with When Calls the Heart, set in the nearby fictional town of Hope Valley, facilitating occasional crossovers such as visits from characters like Abigail Stanton, who brings connections from that community.[21][22]
Development and production
Conception and development
When Hope Calls was developed by Michael Landon Jr. as a spin-off from the Hallmark Channel series When Calls the Heart, with the project announced on July 26, 2018, during Hallmark's Television Critics Association summer press tour.[23] The series draws from Janette Oke's Canadian West novels, which also inspired the parent show, and incorporated creative input from When Calls the Heart showrunners Michael Landon Jr. and Brian Bird to maintain thematic continuity in its inspirational storytelling.[24] Hallmark Movies & Mysteries greenlit the series for an initial 10-episode first season in early 2019, positioning it as the inaugural original scripted program for the network's streaming service, Hallmark Movies Now.[25]Production faced challenges in 2019 due to the college admissions scandal involving actress Lori Loughlin, who had been a key figure in the When Calls the Heart universe; this led to her exclusion from the main When Hope Calls series and a subsequent limited guest appearance in later specials.[26] Season 1 premiered on August 30, 2019, exclusively on Hallmark Movies Now.[27] Following the launch, the series transitioned networks amid scheduling shifts and a pursuit of stronger creative alignment with family-oriented programming; in September 2021, Great American Family (GAF) acquired the rights, airing two Christmas specials that December as a bridge to future seasons.[28]The move to GAF resulted in delays for Season 2, attributed to production holds, with filming resuming in September 2024 and the full eight-episode season announced that year for a 2025 premiere on GAF and its streaming platform Pure Flix.[5] Emphasizing inspirational narratives centered on hope, faith, and community without mature themes, the series aligned with GAF's wholesome brand, as highlighted by network executives. In October 2025, GAF renewed the show for a third season, subtitled When Hope Calls: Brookfield, slated for 2026, further expanding its focus on timeless, heartwarming tales of resilience and family bonds.[29]
Casting
The casting for the first season of When Hope Calls was announced in February 2019, with Morgan Kohan selected to portray Lillian Walsh, the elder sister running an orphanage in Brookfield.[30] Jocelyn Hudon was cast as Grace Bennett, Lillian's optimistic younger sister who arrives to assist at the orphanage.[30] Supporting roles included Wendy Crewson as Tess Stewart, the matriarch of a local ranching family, and Ryan-James Hatanaka as Gabriel Kinslow, the town constable.[30]For the 2021 Christmas specials, Lori Loughlin reprised her role as Abigail Stanton from the parent series When Calls the Heart, marking her return to acting following her exit from Hallmark amid the college admissions scandal.[21]The transition to Season 2 on Great American Family involved significant ensemble changes, including the promotion of Cindy Busby to the lead role of Nora Anderson, a determined attorney aiding the orphanage, as announced in September 2024.[12] This shift followed the network change from Hallmark Movies Now, which influenced recasting to refresh the core dynamic while retaining select originals.[31] New recurring additions included Christopher Russell as Constable Michael Fletcher, a steadfast Mountie, alongside returns such as Hanneke Talbot as Maggie Parsons, the resourceful nurse elevated to series regular.[12]In October 2025, Great American Media announced Season 3 casting, featuring Sarah Fisher as Hannah Lawrence, a newcomer to Brookfield; Nick Bateman as Wyatt, a ranch hand; and Trevor Donovan reprising his guest role as Constable Jim Reynolds in an expanded arc.[29]The series' casting process drew from the Hallmark ecosystem to ensure continuity in tone and familiarity, with auditions focusing on actors' ability to convey ensemble chemistry and period-appropriate authenticity.[32]
Filming
Principal photography for the first season of When Hope Calls took place from May 27 to September 4, 2019, in Powassan, Ontario, Canada, where the town of Brookfield was constructed from scratch on a field approximately 30 minutes south of North Bay.[33] The production utilized this custom-built western set, including structures for a ranch, orphanage, and the main town, to capture the early 20th-century atmosphere of the series.[34] Additional exterior shots were filmed in the rural areas around North Bay to depict the expansive landscapes surrounding the fictional orphanage.[35]The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted subsequent production, delaying plans for additional episodes after the initial 10-episode season and the two-part Christmas special filmed from September 27 to October 15, 2021, also in North Bay.[33] These specials marked the series' transition from Hallmark Movies Now to Great American Family, with filming adapted to pandemic protocols that limited schedules and involved child actors.[36] The shift in networks contributed to a multi-year hiatus, as production paused amid industry-wide shutdowns and changes in distribution.[37]Filming for season 2 resumed in late September 2024 and wrapped by November 30, 2024, returning to the established sets in North Bay, Ontario, under directors including Don McBrearty, who emphasized the series' period authenticity through detailed costume and prop integration during 10-day episode shoots.[38][39] The production faced logistical challenges from Ontario's variable fall weather, which affected outdoor scenes reliant on natural lighting to maintain the show's wholesome, faith-inspired aesthetic.[40]As of October 2025, season 3 production began in the fall at the same North Bay facilities, with principal photography ongoing for a 2026 premiere on Great American Family, continuing the use of the Brookfield set while navigating budget adjustments from the network transition.[10][6] Directors such as Bradley Walsh and Megan Follows oversaw episodes, focusing on technical elements like period-accurate cinematography to evoke the early 1900s setting.[41]
Cast and characters
Main cast
Lillian Walsh, portrayed by Morgan Kohan, serves as the co-founder of the Brookfield orphanage alongside her sister Grace in seasons 1 and 2.[42][43] As a resilient teacher, Lillian navigates personal losses from her past, including a tragic separation from her family during childhood, while evolving into a steadfast community leader who fosters hope amid challenges.[44][45]Grace Bennett, played by Jocelyn Hudon, appears exclusively in season 1 as Lillian's optimistic younger sister and a dedicated nurse at the orphanage.[42][43] Grace provides essential medical care and emotional support to the orphans and townsfolk, embodying unwavering positivity despite the hardships of frontier life.[46]Gabriel Kinslow, portrayed by Ryan-James Hatanaka, is a main character in seasons 1 and 2 as the local constable who aids in protecting Brookfield and the orphanage.[42][47] Previously injured in the line of duty, he recovers while developing a romantic interest with Grace in season 1 and continues to support community safety in season 2.[48][31]Chuck Stewart, played by Greg Hovanessian, appears in season 1 as the town veterinarian and Tess Stewart's nephew.[42][49] He assists with animal care at the orphanage and develops a romantic connection with Grace, contributing to the community's daily operations before departing at the end of the season.[48][50]Nora Anderson, enacted by Cindy Busby in seasons 2 and 3 (announced), emerges as the new lead following a time jump to the 1920s, taking on the role of orphanagedirector.[31][10] As a trailblazing lawyer, she balances her professional ambitions with family responsibilities and civic duties in Brookfield, driving the narrative through her determination and advocacy.[51][52]Constable Michael Fletcher, brought to life by Christopher Russell in seasons 2 and 3 (announced), is a steadfast Mountie from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police who aids the orphanage and town against threats.[53][10] Known as "Fearless" for his bravery despite past injuries, he introduces action-oriented elements and develops romantic tensions, particularly with Nora, while upholding law and order in the community.[54][55]Tess Stewart, portrayed by Wendy Crewson across all seasons, functions as a matriarchal ranch owner and key orphanage supporter with sharp business instincts.[56][43] Gruff yet profoundly resilient, Tess leverages her influence from building a major local ranch with her late husband to guide and protect the town's vulnerable, adding depth through her evolving alliances.[57][10]
Recurring cast
The recurring cast of When Hope Calls features supporting characters who appear across multiple episodes, providing depth to the community of Brookfield and interacting with the main protagonists to support the orphanage's operations and town dynamics. These roles contribute to the ensemble by handling practical aspects of daily life, offering mentorship, and introducing interpersonal tensions that enrich the narrative without driving central arcs.
Maggie serves as the town nurse and orphanage resident, managing medical care for the children and mentoring the youth in their daily routines and emotional growth. She originally hails from England and brings a resourceful, compassionate presence to the household, often collaborating with Lillian Walsh on orphanage matters.[58][48]
Ronnie, uncle to Chuck Stewart and brother-in-law to Tess, operates the local hotel and provides comic relief through his gruff demeanor and involvement in business dealings that occasionally create minor conflicts within the town. His 18 episode appearances underscore his role in grounding the series' lighter ensemble moments.[59][2]
Season 2 (recurring in Season 1; recast from Marshall Williams)
Sam arrives as a mysterious drifter in Brookfield, contributing to subplot tensions through his enigmatic background and integration into the community, while assisting with various town needs as a handyman at the orphanage. The role was recast for Season 2 to continue his ongoing presence.[48][60][61]
Eleanor acts as the orphanage's housemother, overseeing household operations and offering guidance on social issues like child welfare and education, drawing from her long-standing knowledge of Brookfield to influence community reforms. Her recurring appearances help sustain the orphanage's stability alongside main characters like Lillian.[59][48][62]
Hannah returns to Brookfield after years away to manage her family's ranch, navigating inheritance challenges and forming key relationships in the community, including tensions with the foreman Wyatt Parker.[63][64][6]
Nick Bateman
Wyatt Parker
Seasons 2–3 (announced)
Wyatt serves as the foreman on the Lawrence ranch, a lifelong Brookfield resident who clashes with new ownership while contributing to local ranching operations and romantic subplots.[63][52][6]
Guest stars
The series has featured several notable guest appearances, particularly crossovers from the parent show When Calls the Heart, which strengthen ties to the shared Hope Valley universe and introduce inspirational or supportive figures to the orphanage storyline.[65]Lori Loughlin reprised her role as Abigail Stanton, a wise mentor and former saloon owner from Hope Valley, in the 2021 Christmas specials "A Country Christmas, Parts 1 & 2." In these episodes, Stanton visits Brookfield to offer guidance and holiday support to the orphanage amid community challenges.[66] Her appearance marked a significant crossover, drawing on her established character to bridge the two series.Accompanying Loughlin was Carter Ryan as Cody Stanton, Abigail's adopted son, who joins the visit to the orphanage and participates in festive activities, providing a familial dynamic to the specials.In the Season 1 episode "From the Ashes," Pascale Hutton guest-starred as Rosemary "Rosie" LeVeaux Coulter, an old acquaintance of Grace Bennett from Hope Valley, arriving with her husband to aid in rebuilding efforts after a fire at the orphanage. Kavan Smith appeared alongside her as Leland "Lee" Coulter, the couple's pragmatic engineer husband, contributing technical expertise and emotional support during the crisis. This dual crossover highlighted interpersonal connections across the franchise.Season 2 included Trevor Donovan in a two-episode guest arc as Constable Jim Reynolds, a steadfast Mountie who arrives in Brookfield to investigate local matters while inspiring the residents with his sense of duty and faith.[67] His role added tension and resolution to subplots involving community security.[3]
Episodes
Series overview
When Hope Calls is an American family drama television series with western elements, serving as a spin-off of When Calls the Heart. The show follows the story of sisters Lillian and Grace as they establish an orphanage in the early 20th-century town of Brookfield. Episodes typically run 39–44 minutes and have aired in weekly installments or as complete seasons on streaming platforms.[68][2]The series premiered with its first season of 10 episodes on August 30, 2019, via Hallmark Movies Now, with preview episodes airing on September 21, 2019, and the full season broadcast starting February 23, 2020, on the Hallmark Channel. Two one-hour Christmas specials aired on Great American Family in December 2021. After a production hiatus from 2022 to 2024, the second season consisting of 6 episodes debuted on Pure Flix on April 3, 2025, and on Great American Family three days later on April 6, 2025, airing weekly through May. In October 2025, the series was renewed for a third season, slated to premiere in 2026 exclusively on Great American Pure Flix, Great American Family, and GFAM+, though the episode count has not been announced.[69][3][6][70][71][65]Created by Alfonso H. Moreno, the series is executive produced by Michael Landon Jr., Brian Bird, Brad Krevoy, and Susie Belzberg Krevoy, among others. The original score is composed by Angelo Oddi. Season 1 averaged 1.66 million viewers during its Hallmark Channel run, while Season 2's premiere marked a significant ratings boost for Great American Family, described as a "smashing success" by the network.[20][56][69][72]
Season 1 (2019–2020)
The first season of When Hope Calls premiered on August 30, 2019, on Hallmark Movies Now, consisting of 10 episodes released in back-to-back pairs on Fridays through October 25, 2019. Set in the early 1900s town of Brookfield, the season introduces the founding of an orphanage by reunited orphan sisters Lillian Walsh and Grace Turner, who navigate local resistance, community integration, and personal challenges including sibling bonds and town crises like fires and robberies.[73] Key arcs revolve around the orphanage's establishment amid financial strains and inspections, initial tensions with townsfolk, and themes of family reunion and resilience.[73] The episodes were directed by a rotating team including Neill Fearnley, Don McBrearty, Megan Follows, and Mike Rohl, with writing led by Alfonso H. Moreno alongside Sara Snow, Larry Bambrick, and David W. Barker.[74]The season later received a linear television broadcast on Hallmark Channel starting February 23, 2020, airing Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT, where it averaged 2 million total viewers and a 2.0 household rating across episodes.[75][76]
No.
Title
Directed by
Written by
Original air date
Summary
1
New Hope
Don McBrearty
Alfonso H. Moreno
August 30, 2019
Sisters Lillian and Grace face town resistance to their new orphanage; Constable Gabriel reconnects with neighbors; the town unites during a disaster.[73]
2
From the Ashes
Don McBrearty
Sara Snow
August 30, 2019
Grace and Lillian welcome visitors; Nurse Maggie arrives; Tess’s past complicates relationships and a livestock feud.[73]
3
Out of the Past
Mike Rohl
Larry Bambrick
September 6, 2019
Gabriel investigates a town fire suspect; Grace takes a second job; Lillian mends ties with Tess; Maggie settles in.[73]
4
Lost and Found
Mike Rohl
David W. Barker
September 13, 2019
Lillian searches for an orphan’s family; Gabriel confronts a bank robber; Tess disrupts Grace and Chuck’s bond.[73]
5
A House United
Neill Fearnley
Alfonso H. Moreno
September 20, 2019
A government worker inspects the orphanage; Tess helps Ronnie instead of buying a truck.[73]
6
The Search
Neill Fearnley
Sara Snow
September 27, 2019
Lillian and Grace protect orphans from a train robber; Nathan Grant visits; Tess interviews foreman candidates.[73]
7
Surprise
Megan Follows
Larry Bambrick
October 4, 2019
Lillian plans a birthday surprise for Grace; Chuck mentors an orphan; Gabriel pursues a robbery witness.[73]
8
About a Girl
Megan Follows
David W. Barker
October 11, 2019
Grace faces a choice between New York and staying; Lillian finds Helen’s grandfather; Gabriel probes fraud.[73]
9
House in Order
Don McBrearty
Alfonso H. Moreno
October 18, 2019
Lillian clears her father’s name; Grace and Chuck’s relationship struggles; Gabriel enlists Nathan’s help.[73]
10
Where Hope Goes
Don McBrearty
Sara Snow
October 25, 2019
Criminals target Brookfield, endangering innocents; the season ends on a tense note with threats to the orphanage's future.[73][77]
Christmas specials (2021)
The Christmas specials for When Hope Calls consist of two one-hour episodes titled "A Country Christmas, Part 1" and "A Country Christmas, Part 2", which aired back-to-back on Great American Family on December 18, 2021, marking the series' debut on the network following its departure from Hallmark Movies Now.[3][78]These episodes center on the residents of Brookfield preparing the orphanage for the holidays after being selected for a magazine feature on country Christmas traditions, bringing the community together in festive activities and heartfelt gatherings.[79] A key highlight is the return of Abigail Stanton, portrayed by Lori Loughlin, who reprises her role from the parent series When Calls the Heart, facilitating emotional reunions and emphasizing themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the importance of family bonds during the season.[3] The narratives weave in crossover guest appearances from the original series, enhancing the sense of shared history among the characters.[80]Production for the specials took place from late September to mid-October 2021 in North Bay, Ontario, Canada, under the direction of Bradley Walsh, who helmed both parts.[81][82] Written by Alfonso H. Moreno, the episodes were produced as a bridge to Season 2, capturing the show's signature wholesome tone amid the winter setting.[80]
Season 2 (2025)
The second season of When Hope Calls consists of six episodes that premiered on Pure Flix on April 3, 2025, and on Great American Family three days later on April 6, 2025, airing weekly on Sundays thereafter until the finale on May 11, 2025. Filming for the season resumed on September 30, 2024, and wrapped by late November 2024, following a lengthy production delay.[3][83][84][77]The season incorporates a multi-year time jump from the first season, shifting focus to the ongoing expansion of Hope Valley's orphanage amid growing community demands and external pressures. Key developments include heightened town rivalries, such as conflicts over land and resources that threaten the orphanage's stability, alongside personal threats like natural disasters and interpersonal betrayals. Romantic arcs reach resolutions, with opening episodes paying homage to the longstanding relationship between Lillian Walsh and Mountie Gabriel Coulter, while introducing new tensions and pairings, including the budding romance between lawyer Nora Anderson and the newly arrived Mountie Fletcher. The narrative emphasizes themes of faith, family, and resilience, as characters navigate orphanage growth—now housing more children and requiring structural upgrades—and forge bonds in the face of adversity.[3][85][48]
Episode
Title
Air Date (GAF)
Summary
1
A New Beginning
April 6, 2025
Nora Anderson, a lawyer with family ties to Brookfield, arrives at the orphanage to settle an estate; the town welcomes her alongside new Mountie Fletcher, while Sam returns and encounters Maggie's visiting parents, sparking reflections on past relationships.[86]
2
So Long, Not Goodbye
April 13, 2025
The community bids farewell to a departing resident; Nora and Charlotte search for Tess's lost foal amid rising tensions, as Ronnie schemes to honor the Mountie in a heartfelt gesture.[87]
3
Finding Our Way
April 20, 2025
Nora and Mountie Fletcher embark on a joint mission that encounters unexpected trouble; Hannah Lawrence returns to town, clashing with foreman Wyatt over orphanage operations and resource allocation.[88]
4
The Truth Shall Set You Free
April 27, 2025
Deepening rivalries strain community ties as the orphanage faces a funding crisis; personal revelations test loyalties, with Lillian contemplating her future amid calls for expansion.[83]
5
Bringing to Light
May 4, 2025
A literal and figurative storm hits Brookfield, forcing characters to confront threats to the orphanage's growth; romantic tensions escalate as Nora and Fletcher navigate mutual vulnerabilities.[83][89]
6
Season of Change
May 11, 2025
The finale brings resolutions to ongoing rivalries and romantic arcs; celebrations mark the orphanage's successful expansion, while characters reflect on hope amid evolving town dynamics.[83][89]
The season's impact was significant for Great American Family, marking it as a smashing success and the network's top-rated premiere of the year, with episodes drawing enthusiastic fan responses and strong streaming engagement on Pure Flix. It averaged over 200,000 linear viewers per episode, culminating in 202,000 for the finale—a 4% increase from the prior week—and contributing to robust overall viewership growth for the network. This performance prompted a quick renewal for a third season, announced on October 1, 2025, with production already underway for a 2026 premiere.[90][91][6]
Season 3 (2026–)
On October 1, 2025, Great American Media announced the renewal of When Hope Calls for a third season, subtitled Brookfield, following the success of Season 2.[7][6] The season is slated to premiere in 2026 on Great American Pure Flix, Great American Family, and GFAM+, with Canadian broadcasts on Super Channel.[7][92]Filming for Season 3 began in early October 2025 in Powassan, Ontario, Canada, with production scheduled through November 20, 2025, weather permitting.[10][93] The season is executive produced by Brad Krevoy, Don McDonald, Alfonso H. Moreno, and David Anselmo, in association with All Canadian Entertainment and Hideaway Pictures; direction is handled by Don McCutcheon, Melanie Orr, and Jerry Ciccoritti, with writing by Alfonso H. Moreno, Sara Snow, and Kirsten Hansen.[7]The core cast returns, including Cindy Busby as Nora Anderson, Christopher Russell as Mountie Michael Fletcher, and Nick Bateman as Wyatt Parker, alongside recurring performers such as Wendy Crewson as Tess Stewart, Hanneke Talbot, Simon Arblaster, and Jon McLaren.[7][92] New additions include Sarah Fisher and Trevor Donovan, expanding the ensemble for stories centered on the Hope Valley orphanage and the Brookfield community.[7][94]Season 3 will continue exploring themes of family, friendship, faith, love, and resilience within the orphanage setting and broader town dynamics, building on the series' inspiration from Janette Oke's works that also underpin When Calls the Heart.[7][6] The subtitle Brookfield, introduced in Season 2, underscores the season's emphasis on community growth and the town's role in the narrative universe.[7]
Release
Broadcast history
When Hope Calls premiered exclusively on the streaming service Hallmark Movies Now on August 30, 2019, marking the platform's first original scripted series.[95] The initial two episodes aired on linear television as a special presentation on the Hallmark Channel on September 21, 2019, from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m. ET/PT.[96] The full first season of 10 episodes then debuted on the Hallmark Channel on February 23, 2020, airing weekly on Sundays at 9:00 p.m. ET following When Calls the Heart.[97]The series transitioned to Great American Family (formerly GAC Family) for its holiday content in late 2021. The one-hour special When Hope Calls: Hearties Christmas Present aired on December 12, 2021, at 8:00 p.m. ET.[65] This was followed by the two-part premiere of When Hope Calls: A Country Christmas on December 18, 2021, also at 8:00 p.m. ET.[98]Season 2 production began in late 2024, with the continuation of the series premiering on Great American Family on April 6, 2025, airing weekly on Sundays at 8:00 p.m. ET.[90] Episodes became available for streaming on Pure Flix starting April 3, 2025, three days prior to the television debut, and were also accessible via Frndly TV.[12]The series premiered in Canada on Super Channel Heart & Home in August 2019. Season 2 premiered on Super Channel Heart & Home on April 6, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. ET, aligned with the U.S. broadcast schedule. Season 1 episodes are available on demand via Super Channel+.[99][100][101]Great American Media renewed the series for a third season, titled When Hope Calls: Brookfield, set to premiere exclusively on Great American Family, Great American Pure Flix, and GFAM+ in 2026.[7] The move to Great American Family platforms has emphasized family-oriented programming, contributing to strong viewer engagement across its demographic.[90]
Home media
The home media for When Hope Calls primarily consists of DVD releases for the first season and select specials, alongside widespread digital streaming options across multiple platforms. No Blu-ray editions have been produced for the series.[102][103]Season 1 became available on DVD through Hallmark Home Entertainment on November 3, 2020, as a 2-disc set containing all 10 episodes.[102][104] The release focuses on the core narrative of sisters Lillian and Grace establishing an orphanage in the frontier town of Brookfield, with no additional bonus features documented in official packaging.[105]Digitally, Season 1 is accessible via subscription on Hallmark+ (formerly Hallmark Movies Now), Amazon Prime Video, and other channels like the Hallmark+ Amazon Channel.[106][103] Seasons 2 and beyond, including the 2025 episodes, stream on Pure Flix, Great American Pure Flix Amazon Channel, Philo, and fuboTV, with video-on-demand (VOD) availability starting April 3, 2025, for Season 2 ahead of its linear broadcast.[103][107][31]The 2021 Christmas specials, comprising a two-part holiday storyline and the companion Hearties Christmas Present, were issued on DVD by Great American Family (GAF) as part of their holiday collections.[108][109] These releases highlight Brookfield's festive transformations and community bonds, often bundled in themed sets without specific ties to the parent series When Calls the Heart.[79]As of late 2025, a physical DVD for Season 2 has not been officially released, though digital VOD options remain the primary format post its April 2025 premiere.[107] Internationally, physical availability is limited, with no major releases beyond North America; in Canada, the series airs via Super Channel but lacks dedicated DVD distributions.[110][111]
Reception
Critical reception
When Hope Calls has received generally positive feedback from critics, particularly those specializing in family and faith-based media, for its heartwarming tone and uplifting narratives. The series holds an average rating of 7.7/10 on IMDb, reflecting appreciation for its cozy, inspirational storytelling that extends the charm of similar Hallmark productions.[2]Season 1 earned praise for the ensemble cast's chemistry in portraying the orphanage's residents and their community bonds.[2]When Hope Calls has been praised by family media critics for its wholesome content and faith-based messages, with Season 2 receiving stronger notices for renewed energy and deeper thematic exploration following its 2025 premiere on Great American Family. Movieguide awarded Season 2 episodes top ratings, describing them as "very engaging" and highlighting their emphasis on prayer, community, and moral growth.[112][113]The show's shift to Great American Family has been noted as successful, with the network reporting Season 2 as a "smashing hit" that resonated with viewers through its hopeful, family-centered stories.[90]Overall, critics have appreciated the series' consistent delivery of positive, faith-infused entertainment, though professional reviews remain limited compared to mainstream dramas.
Audience response
The audience response to When Hope Calls has been characterized by steady viewership among family-oriented demographics and enthusiastic engagement from fans of its parent series, When Calls the Heart. The first season, which had its cable debut on Hallmark Channel in 2020, averaged 2 million total viewers per episode, reflecting solid interest in its wholesome, period-drama storytelling.[114] Season 2 on Great American Family in 2025 was hailed as a "smashing success," building on this foundation with increased buzz around its premiere, though later episodes drew more modest audiences of around 200,000 viewers.[90][91]Fan communities have flourished online, particularly on Facebook, where dedicated groups like "When Hope Calls" and broader Great American Family forums with over 157,000 members actively discuss episodes, crossovers with When Calls the Heart, and the show's appeal as uplifting escapism.[115] Following the 2021 hiatus after the Christmas specials, supporters launched petitions and campaigns urging renewal, contributing to the high loyalty that carried over into Season 2's reception.[116] Social media engagement peaked during the 2025 premiere, with the hashtag #WhenHopeCalls generating discussions on platforms like Instagram, where cast interviews and behind-the-scenes reels from Great American Family amplified fan excitement.[117]The series resonates strongly with family viewers and women aged 35 and older, drawn to its clean, inspirational narratives that emphasize community and resilience—traits shared with When Calls the Heart's established fanbase.[118] This demographic overlap has sustained overall loyalty, evidenced by the October 2025 renewal for Season 3, attributed to the positive momentum from Season 2's performance.[92] While some fans expressed frustrations over pacing inconsistencies and timeline discrepancies with the parent series, these critiques were outnumbered by praise for the comforting, feel-good elements that keep viewers returning.[119][120]
Accolades
When Hope Calls has garnered recognition primarily through nominations highlighting its faith-based storytelling and performances by its young cast members.The series received a nomination for Television Series of the Year at the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards in 2025, an honor that underscores its contributions to inspirational television.[121] This nomination was announced in July 2025 and featured in subsequent press coverage celebrating the show's alignment with faith-based excellence.[29]Young performer Ava Weiss earned two nominations at The Joey Awards, Vancouver, for her portrayal of Mary Louise: Best Actress in a Series Regular or Recurring Television Role (ages 9-10) in 2020 and Best Recurring Actress in a TV Series (age 10) in 2022.[122] Additionally, Weiss was nominated for Best Performance in a TV Series - Recurring Young Actress at the 43rd Annual Young Artist Awards in 2022.[122]Simon Webster received a nomination for Best Recurring Young Actor in a Television Series at the 2020 Young Entertainer Awards for his role in the series.[122]As of November 2025, When Hope Calls has not achieved major award wins, though its Dove nomination reflects growing industry acknowledgment for its ensemble and narrative focus.