Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Faith-based period drama has stellar female role models.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
When Calls the Heart
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 40 parent reviews
Parents say that the show has gone through significant changes over its seasons, with many expressing disappointment in the direction of the storyline, particularly regarding the romantic plotlines involving the character Elizabeth. While some reviewers appreciate its family-friendly content and the strong messages it promotes, others criticize the show's execution, suggesting it has devolved into cliché soap-opera territory with uneven writing and character development, leading several fans to consider discontinuing their viewership.
- family-friendly
- mixed execution
- disappointing storylines
- strong messages
- emotional content
- character criticism
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 27 kid reviews
Kids say this show is a heartwarming and wholesome experience that fosters family bonding through its uplifting themes of love, friendship, and teamwork, even amidst some cheesiness. Although there are occasional moments of drama and romance, the content is generally considered appropriate for families, making it a favorite among viewers who appreciate its moral lessons and nostalgic feel, though some note that its historical accuracy leaves room for improvement.
- wholesome family show
- romantic drama
- positive messages
- appropriate content
- historical inaccuracies
- cheesy moments
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
WHEN CALLS THE HEART is the story of Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow), a well-to-do member of an upper-crust Canadian family who leaves privilege behind for an uncertain future as a teacher in a western mining town called Coal Valley. The town's residents are recovering from a recent mine tragedy that killed many of the men and left families without husbands and fathers, threatening their very survival. Elizabeth finds fast friends in widows Abigail Stanton (Lori Loughlin) and Cat Montgomery (Chelah Horsdal), who resort to working the mines themselves to safeguard their families' futures. But her relationship with Constable Jack Thornton (Daniel Lissing) is less idyllic, given that he suspects Elizabeth's father had a hand in his assignment to Coal Valley. As changes come to this small community, the townsfolk rely on their faith and their neighbors to carry them through the difficult times.
Is It Any Good?
This Hallmark series touches on some serious issues, which adds to its credibility as a historical drama, but it explores them with such care that their positive messages leap off the screen. Your kids may have questions about the characters' physical and emotional struggles -- particularly as they relate to the miners' recent deaths, which are referenced often -- but the show is a testament to human perseverance and faith in a higher power.
Based on Janette Oke's book series, When Calls the Heart picks up Elizabeth's story where the previous movie left it, but it does so with an almost entirely different cast (only Loughlin reprises her movie role). Nonetheless, it's easy to make the jump if you've seen the movie, but the series' plot works fine as its own entity as well. This is a beautifully crafted period drama set against the lovely backdrop of western Canada, and it's rich in historically situated content; positive messages about faith, family, and courage; and strong female role models, with Elizabeth leading the charge.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the female roles in When Calls the Heart. What qualities about these women enable them to carry on after tragedy? How do they challenge the gender expectations of the time? To what degree is modern society still rooted in traditional gender roles?
Kids: In what ways was life simpler during this story's time period? How did their problems compare to ours of today? How has technology changed how we communicate and spend our free time? What are the pros and cons of this evolution?
The show's main characters demonstrate impressive emotional strength. What do you call on for inspiration when you face a tough challenge? Do you have a favorite saying or prayer that encourages you?
How do the characters in When Calls the Heart demonstrate compassion and perseverance? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 11, 2014
- Cast : Lori Loughlin , Erin Krakow , Daniel Lissing
- Network : Hallmark Channel
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Book Characters , History
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Perseverance
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate