Hallmark Renews ‘When Calls the Heart’

Hallmark Channel has renewed its popular drama When Calls The Heart for a third season, the network said Tuesday.

The series, which stars Lori Loughlin, Erin Krakow and Jack Wagner, will return in February 2016 with 10 new episodes, although the network will offer a two-hour sneak peek of the new series later this year, according to network officials.

When Calls The Heart has a passionate loyal fan base in the television landscape and their devotion to the captivating storylines and characters has made this series grow with outstanding ratings and top social media engagement,” said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming, Crown Media Family Networks in a statement.  “We are incredibly proud of the series’ success and look forward to bringing families back together on Sunday nights in its new day and time period.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.