Parents' Guide to

When Calls the Heart

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Faith-based period drama has stellar female role models.

TV Hallmark Channel Drama 2014
When Calls the Heart Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

See all
age 7+

Based on 36 parent reviews

DaughteroftheKing
DaughteroftheKing Adult
January 6, 2023
age 2+

As good in Season 9 as it was in Season 1!

This show is honestly really good! As someone who is always looking out for hidden messaging, ect, I have been extremely impressed with When Calls The Heart. I especially appreciated the prominent Faith shown in the earlier Seasons. For a while, I was afraid that the show may have been losing those elements but much to my delight, Faith is now an even more important part of the show in S9 than it was maybe ever. While there are those who criticize Elizabeth's new Fiance, as a Christian myself, I have no objections to him. He treats with gentleness, shows her unconditional love and respects her boundaries. Not to mention, he's just a really good man, regardless of what some may say. If you enjoy rom coms & aren't super bothered by inaccurate costuming, you should definitely give this show a try!

This title has:

Great messages
1 person found this helpful.
OkDaisyMae
OkDaisyMae Adult
June 2, 2021
age 8+

A wonderful series through Season Seven

This was a wonderful family oriented show for 7 seasons. Season 8 was awful. It was incredibly sad to witness the self-destruction of what was a great series. S8 took a dramatic turn in writing and in the high moral standards of main character who becomes self-absorbed and unlikable. Don’t waste your time watching past season 7.
1 person found this helpful.
See all 36 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (36 ):
Kids say (25 ):

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

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 suggesting a diversity update.

See all recommended tv lists

Related Topics

Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations

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