When Calls the Heart Season 13: What to Expect in the Next Season?

‘When Calls the Heart’ season 12 concludes with the storyline finding our beloved leads, Elizabeth and Nathan, in some uncharted territory. While their relationship promises to remain stronger than ever, circumstances have challenged the couple and their kids’ future in Hope Valley. As such, the ending of the grand season—ripe with riveting mysteries, new character dynamics, and developing relationships—inevitably leaves a bittersweet feeling in the hearts of the devoted fans. Yet, a thrum of excitement persists since the show’s immense popularity promises great things in season 13. If we look at past patterns, the show has come out with a new season after a gap of 10-15 months. This means if it is greenlit, WCTH season 13 will likely hit the screens in the summer of 2025.

Fans Can Expect Most Cast Members to Return in Season 13

Despite Elizabeth and Nathan’s unexpected departure from Hope Valley in the season 12 finale, fans can remain confident in their return for a possible next season. Erin Krakow’s Elizabeth has been steering the narrative as the central protagonist from day one and has yet to establish any proper successor who could take over the mantel in her absence. Therefore, the likelihood of Krakow’s return to the show stays strong, alongside lead love interest Kevin McGarry and the young Jaeda Lily Miller (Allie) and Hyland Goodrich (Little Jack). Aside from the Thornton Grants, we can also expect Pascale Hutton’s Rosemary and Kavan Smith’s Leland Coulter—two pillars of the Hope Valley community—to continue their long-standing roles in the project.

Other series regulars who have either been with the show from season 1—Jack Wagner’s Bill Avery—or those who have established themselves as staples since their first appearance—Chris McNally (Lucas Bouchard), Amanda Wong (Mei Sou), Ben Rosenbaum (Mike Hickam), and Viv Leacock (Pastor Joseph), are also almost certainly bound to return for the next season. As such, fans can look forward to these characters’ ever-expanding storylines. However, the same can’t be confidently said for some of the recent additions to the cast. While Tiera Skovbye certainly made a splash as Ava, the character’s narrative came to a natural end halfway through season 12. Therefore, it’s unlikely that she will return to the show in any substantial capacity.

Likewise, some of the younger cast members, Gracyn Shinyei, Vienna Leacock, and Christian Michael Cooper, may also not return as their characters—Emily, Angela, and Timmy—are graduating from high school. On the other hand, Miranda MacDougall’s Edie Martell—another season 12 addition—seems to steadily be on her way to becoming a recurring character thanks to her budding romance with Governor Lucas. Jacob Shoemay’s Oliver Garrett also falls under a similar category since his friendship with Allie promises to cement him as another Hope Valley staple. Likewise, Georgie McGill, though introduced to the narrative in doses, has also ignited a notable storyline in Bill Avery. Thus, it’s possible that Melissa Gilbert will continue her guest star streak on the show in the next season(s).

Season 13 Could Bring Hope Valley to the Heart of the Story

Since the conclusion of Season 12 focuses on Elizabeth’s tortured disposition over the idea of leaving Hope Valley, it’s only fair to assume the coming season will emphasize the town’s home-like importance in the lives of its residents. Even Elizabeth and Nathan’s likely tumultuous future aside, we can expect Lucas and Edie to continue fighting for the town’s future through their political storylines. Inversely, Mei and Hickam’s fairly new status as a married couple can also lead to discussions about expanding their family.

In fact, there’s a wide range of potential new plotlines that can unfold for the other residents of Hope Valley that will bring the town to the narrative center. Rosemary will likely continue her Valley Voice radio show, which has a habit of leading to fun episodic narratives. A transformation for the local clinic run by Faith might also be in the cards, especially if the town strives to become a hotbed for diabetes treatment. Similarly, if the show continues with Bill and Georgie’s lost-love plotline, then there’s a chance that the Judge’s connections to the town might come to the forefront if he chooses to convince the Forensics agent to start a life with him. Ultimately, this past season has effectively set up a number of ways for Hope Valley to become the narrative’s focus in a future season.

Elizabeth and Nathan’s Blended Family Arc Could Define Season 13

As the ending of ‘When Calls the Heart’ Season 12 proves, Elizabeth and Nathan have a daunting journey ahead of them. Little Jack’s diabetes treatment has compelled the couple to evaluate their continued residence in Hope Valley, where the medical services are admittedly lackluster. Therefore, the idea of moving to Fullerton, where Jack’s grandmother lives, remains a sound option. While the conclusion of this decision remains ambiguous, one thing has become evident: whatever future Elizabeth decides on, Nathan and Allie will support her and remain by her and Little Jack’s side as a family.

Therefore, we can expect a heightened focus on the Thronton Grants’ road to becoming a family in season 13. Furthermore, actor Kevin McGarry has floated the idea of introducing Nathan’s side of the family, including his mother—which can also lead to intriguing storylines. As such, at large, there’s a possibility that the next potential season will focus on the assimilation of Elizabeth and Nathan’s families, which is bound to bring fun eccentricities of its own. As for their kids, Little Jack’s storyline will likely continue revolving around his uphill battle against diabetes. On the other hand, Allie’s future remains ripe with possibilities as her wildlife hobby grows alongside her budding relationship with young Oliver. Therefore, big changes are bound to be on the horizon for the Thornton Grants.