Hearties are getting another Christmas present. When Calls the Heart stars Erin Krakow and Melissa Gilbert shared a shocking announcement. Brooke Shields is returning to the ever-popular series.
Key Takeaways
- Hallmark announced the premiere date for Season 13 of WCTH.
- Returning guest stars Brooke Shields and Melissa Gilbert joined Erin Krakow for a special announcement.
- There will also be an event “that kind of shatters Hope Valley.”
First, The Good News
Erin Krakow posted a festive Christmas video, which was shared on Hallmark’s official Instagram page. “Merry Christmas!” she said. “Guess who’s coming back to Hope Valley?” guest star Melissa Gilbert shared. (Find out how Jack Wagner became a good luck charm for Melissa Gilbert.)
“It’s me! I’m so excited to be returning to When Calls the Heart,” Brooke Shields then appeared and said. “You don’t want to miss the all-new season,” Krakow concluded their message before the premiere date popped up on the screen.
Season 13 of When Calls the Heart premieres on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET on the Hallmark Channel. This is Shields’ first-ever return since her departure in 2016.
Earlier this year, Shields explained the reason behind her shocking exit from WCTH and the Hallmark network. The former child star wanted to explore other projects and to spend more time with her family.
Shields couldn’t keep up with Hallmark’s fast-paced and demanding schedule. “I definitely surprised some people, and in plenty of ways, I surprised myself. I certainly would never have done that in my 20s,” she said, referring to her decision.
However, she harbored no ill will towards the network. It just wasn’t the right fit at the time. Shields has agreed to appear in three episodes.
Now, For The Bad News…
Filming for WTCH wrapped up on October 28. While there’s some good news, there’s also some shocking events that will rattle the residents of Hope Valley. According to PEOPLE, McGarry teased what Hearties could expect in Season 13 at the Hallmark Christmas Cruise earlier this month.
“There’s an event that happens at the beginning of season 13 that kind of shatters Hope Valley and the surrounding area and sets off a journey for every character that’ll run the entire season,” McGarry said during the panel.
In the Season 12 finale, Elizabeth (Krakow) and Nathan (McGarry) left town with Little Jack (Hyland Goodrich) and Allie (Jaeda Lily Miller). They headed to Cape Fullerton, where they stayed with Charlotte (Shields), so they could be closer to an insulin lab that provides medication for Little Jack, who was diagnosed with diabetes.
