With 18 seasons in the books and its 19th currently airing, “Heartland” is Canada’s longest-running hour-long scripted drama. “Heartland” debuted on CBC Television on Oct. 14, 2007, and airs in syndication in the United States via the UP Faith & Family network. While the first episode of Season 19 aired on Oct. 5, U.S. fans had to wait until Nov. 6 to watch the premiere—though it’s not nearly as long a wait as usual. As Philip Manwaring, head of streaming for UP Entertainment, shared, “Heartland fans in the U.S. have long asked for a shorter wait after the Canadian debut…. We’re excited to bring new episodes to our subscribers just a few weeks after they first air in Canada.”
For those who wish to binge older episodes of the series, you can catch “Heartland” on Netflix or in reruns on Hallmark Channel. This current season will be divided into two installments, with the series taking a four-week mid-season break in the U.S. to accommodate the holiday season. Here’s everything you need to know about this Canadian hit series.
JUMP TO
Based on the “Heartland” book series by Lauren Brooke, the drama follows the Bartlett-Fleming family—sisters Amy and Lou Fleming, grandfather Jack Bartlett, father Tim Fleming, and hired farmhand Ty Borden—as they navigate the ups and downs of running the family ranch in their fictional hometown of Hudson, Alberta, Canada. Amy, the show’s main character, becomes a horse whisperer like her late mom, Marion. At age 15, Amy was injured in a car accident that killed her mother, and with her estranged dad out of the picture, she and her sister, Lou, went to live with their maternal grandfather, Jack. Tim, however, resurfaces and does his best to repair the damage he caused during their time apart. While living on the ranch, Amy develops a relationship with Ty, whom she ultimately falls in love with and marries. Together, with a focus on faith, family, and their Western ways, the Bartlett-Fleming clan finds they can handle any problem life throws their way.
Rhonda Fisekci (“Wynonna Earp”) has been part of the “Heartland” casting team since 2007, serving as CD alongside Sharon and Susan Forrest (“Rookie Blue”) before they completed their run in 2019.
Credit: David Brown/CBC
While we don’t know if “Heartland” will return for a milestone 20th season (it’s likely given the show’s popularity!), we do know these gig roundups feature projects that are casting right now:
“Heartland” films in the countryside of High River, Alberta, Canada, and our casting directory pages offer direct access to the latest listings across the country:
From establishing a career in Canada to understanding what goes into developing a family drama, these guides will help you navigate the next phase of your acting journey:
Casting processes differ from project to project, but these guides will help you prepare for whatever may come as you book auditions: