Brooke Shields returning to Hallmark’s long-running drama When Calls the Heart
In a move that will delight fans, actress Brooke Shields is returning to Hallmark’s long-running drama When Calls the Heart.
Brooke Shields is returning to Hallmark’s long-running drama When Calls the Heart.
The actress, 60, is reprising her role as Charlotte Thornton for three episodes in the show’s upcoming 13th season.
Brooke first appeared in the series during its third season in 2016, and will once again play the mother of Jack Thornton, a character portrayed by Daniel Lissing until his off-screen death during season five. Her return will form part of a storyline centered on Charlotte’s bond with her grandson, Little Jack, played by Hyland Goodrich.
The new season will debut in 2026 on Hallmark Channel, with episodes available the following day on Hallmark+.
Hallmark Media’s head of programming Michelle Vicary confirmed the news.
She said: “We’re thrilled to welcome back Brooke Shields to the When Calls the Heart family. Her first appearance on the series was memorable for our fans, and we know the Hearties will be delighted to see Charlotte’s emotional and heartwarming reunion.”
The ensemble cast of the period drama includes Erin Krakow, Kevin McGarry, Jack Wagner, Chris McNally, Pascale Hutton and Kavan Smith.
The series, based on the novel by Janette Oke, has built a devoted following since its 2014 debut.
Season 12 concluded in March with Elizabeth, played by Krakow, and Nathan, portrayed by McGarry, heading to stay at Charlotte’s boarding house – setting up Brooke’s reappearance.
Producers said the season would showcase Charlotte helping Little Jack connect with memories of his father.
The production remains under the banner of All Canadian Entertainment, in association with Brad Krevoy Television and Believe Pictures.
Brad Krevoy, Brian Bird, Michael Landon Jr., Joy Gregory, Mike Rohl, Jimmy Townsend, Amy Hartwick, Erin Krakow, Susie Belzberg and Michael Shepard serve as executive producers, with Vicki Sotheran and Greg Malcolm as producers.
Brooke, who has a career spanning more than four decades across film, last appeared in When Calls the Heart nearly a decade ago, portraying Charlotte as a fiercely protective mother clashing with her son’s fiancée, Elizabeth.
The upcoming season marks a new chapter for the actress within the franchise, as her character returns not only as a mother-in-law but also as a grandmother.
When Calls the Heart has been one of Hallmark’s flagship dramas, running longer than any other original scripted series in the channel’s history.
Its dedicated fan base, known as the Hearties, has championed the show’s mix of frontier romance, family values and faith-based storytelling.
Season 13 is scheduled to begin filming later this year, with production taking place in Canada.
