Hope Valley 1874 Teaser Reveals Lenz and Ayres Romance
Hallmark’s at it again—expanding one of its most beloved franchises. If the first teaser is any hint, fans are about to fall in love all over again.
Hope Valley: 1874, a much-anticipated prequel to When Calls the Heart, lands on Hallmark+ this March. It promises sweeping romance, frontier grit, and that heart-tugging drama that’s become the network’s calling card.
Find the best accommodations and airfares
Check availability at 5* hotels, guest houses and apartments rated "superb" or "exceptional" by visitors just like you.
NO RESERVATION FEES
CHECK AVAILABILITY FOR YOUR DATES HERE
Bethany Joy Lenz and Benjamin Ayres are front and center, leading this Pioneer Era drama. Get ready for new beginnings, emotional journeys, and more than a few sparks on the western frontier.
Table of Contents
A New Chapter Begins Before Hope Valley Even Existed
For years, When Calls the Heart has been Hallmark Channel’s crown jewel. It’s built a fiercely loyal fanbase and turned Hope Valley into a kind of second home for viewers.
This time, we’re heading back in time to see how it all began. Hope Valley: 1874 dives into the early days of the settlement, back when settlers came together during the rough but hopeful Pioneer Era.
This prequel isn’t just a nostalgia play. It shares executive producers with the original, including Michael Landon Jr.—a name that carries some serious frontier storytelling clout.
With that kind of creative team, there’s already a buzz about getting an authentic, emotionally rich take on life in the 1870s.
The first teaser is brief but packs an emotional punch. There’s heart. There’s faith. You can feel the romance simmering just beneath the surface.
And, of course, that familiar Hallmark warmth is all over it. Even in tough times, hope lingers.
From wagon mishaps on dusty trails to those meaningful glances between strangers, the footage hints at a sweeping story about resilience and reinvention.
It feels both intimate and epic, grounded but still cinematic.
Bethany Joy Lenz Steps Into a Fierce Frontier Role
At the center is Rebecca Clarke, played by Hallmark favorite Bethany Joy Lenz. She’s known for bringing strong, layered women to life, and here she’s diving into a role that balances maternal devotion with her own rediscovery.
Rebecca travels from Chicago to the Canadian frontier with her young daughter, Sarah. She calls it an adventure, putting on a brave face even when their wagon literally falls apart.
It’s the kind of quiet resilience that defined pioneer women, and you feel the character’s emotional weight right away.
A Mother-Daughter Bond at the Heart of the Story
Sure, the romantic tension is there, but the teaser makes one thing clear: the relationship between Rebecca and Sarah could be the real anchor.
Mila Morgan, who plays Sarah, is a scene-stealer. There’s a natural spark and chemistry between her and Lenz that gives the series a grounded feel.
Sarah isn’t just along for the ride—she’s spunky, observant, and clearly set on forging her own way in this rugged new world.
- Rebecca Clarke: Determined mother seeking a fresh start
- Sarah: Spirited daughter adjusting to frontier life
- Their journey: Uncertain, but full of possibility
Benjamin Ayres Brings Romance to the Frontier
No Hallmark drama is complete without a compelling leading man. Benjamin Ayres steps up as bachelor Tom Moore.
When Rebecca’s wagon breaks down, Tom’s the one who helps, setting up what already feels like an inevitable (but satisfying) romantic arc.
The chemistry between Lenz and Ayres? It’s there right away. Subtle, layered, and more about the glances than grand gestures.
If the teaser’s any clue, we’re in for a slow-burn romance built on mutual respect and shared hardship.
Love in a Land of Uncertainty
There’s something about a frontier romance—the stakes feel higher. Survival isn’t a given, and community means everything.
Tom and Rebecca’s relationship will play out alongside building homes, forging alliances, and facing the wild realities of pioneer life.
Romance won’t come easy, but that only makes it sweeter, right?
A Community Filled With Secrets and Love Triangles
The teaser focuses on Rebecca’s journey, but it only scratches the surface of the ensemble cast. Hallmark knows how to make secondary storylines shine.
Jill Hennessy plays Hattie, who becomes a key friend to Rebecca. Hattie’s daughter Olivia, played by Roan Curtis, is right in the middle of a love triangle that’s bound to stir things up.
The Mountie, The Suitor, and The Complication
Olivia’s torn between Constable Alexander and Clayton. Alexander (Lachlan Quarmby) brings that Mountie authority and quiet intensity we all expect. Clayton (Jedidiah Goodacre) adds another layer of romantic complication.
Love triangles are Hallmark gold, and putting one in the unpredictable 1870s just ups the ante. Expect longing looks, divided loyalties, and tough choices that ripple through the whole community.
- Olivia: Young woman navigating matters of the heart
- Constable Alexander: Duty-bound, quietly compelling
- Clayton: Rival suitor with his own appeal
The Pioneer Era as a Character of Its Own
What really makes Hope Valley: 1874 stand out is its historical setting. The Pioneer Era was all about risk, ambition, and trying to build something out of nothing.
That atmosphere will shape every storyline, no doubt. Fans of classic frontier dramas will notice the nods to shows like Little House on the Prairie, especially with Michael Landon Jr. in the mix.
There’s a real chance the show won’t shy away from the rough realities of 1870s life, but it’ll still keep that uplifting Hallmark tone.
Faith, Perseverance, and Hope
If the teaser tells us anything, it’s that the core themes of the original are still here. Faith binds the settlers. Perseverance keeps them going. Hope, well, that’s what defines them.
Even when things look bleak, there’s a sense that community will pull through. That promise of light in the darkness is what made When Calls the Heart a hit—and why this prequel could be just as special.
When and Where to Watch
Hope Valley: 1874 premieres Saturday, March 21, exclusively on Hallmark+. After that, new episodes drop every Thursday, so fans can really savor each chapter.
The streaming platform keeps growing its original programming, and launching a prequel to its biggest franchise shows they’re betting big on this story and cast.
Will This Be Hallmark’s Next Big Obsession
All signs point to yes. With a beloved franchise foundation and a stellar cast of Hallmark favorites, this series feels engineered for emotional investment.
Layered romantic arcs and a richly textured historical backdrop add even more reason to tune in.
The teaser has already sparked anticipation among devoted fans. If the full season delivers on its promise, Hope Valley: 1874 could become required viewing for anyone craving heartfelt storytelling with frontier flair.
For longtime Hearties and newcomers alike, this is more than a prequel. It’s an invitation to witness the fragile, beautiful beginnings of a community that would one day become iconic.
And judging by that first glimpse, the journey back to 1874 might be just as unforgettable as everything that followed. Honestly, who doesn’t love a bit of frontier drama?
Christmas Market Closures
Due to econonic conditions and tariffs, some Christmas Markets may cancel their events due to lack of vendors. If you are aware of a closed market,or find errors on a listing or an image, please reach out on our Contact Us page so that we may update this post.