Hope Valley stops the scroll right away because the town we love is finally getting its own beginning story, as it is heading back in time with a brand new prequel set to arrive on Hallmark+ in March 2026.The prequel will take fans to the year 1874 and show how this quiet place first came together, and since the fans have been asking for this kind of story for years, now it is officially happening with familiar heart and fresh faces.A brand new beginning for Hope Valley that fans have waited years to seeHope Valley is going all the way back to where it all started. This new series is called Hope Valley: 1874, and it is set decades before the events of When Calls the Heart.The new series will show us the early settlers who turned rough land into a real community. The eight-episode series begins production next week in Vancouver and will premiere in March 2026 on Hallmark+. View this post on Instagram Instagram PostThe show will be centered on Rebecca Clarke, played by Bethany Joy Lenz. She travels from Chicago to the Western Canadian frontier with her 11-year-old daughter, hoping for a better life. According to the official press release:“But when her wagon breaks down, she has no choice but to accept help from local rancher and confirmed bachelor, Tom Moore.”That rancher is Tom Moore, played by Benjamin Ayres. The prequel puts these two strangers together at a turning point. The press release also explains Rebecca’s journey clearly and with heart. It says:“Despite Rebecca’s best intentions to remain unattached, the future she dreams of for her and her daughter, along with the people she meets in this fledgling town, ultimately compel her to put down roots and make a fresh start.”Hope Valley also introduces Jill Hennessy as Hattie Quinn, a strong pioneer woman, Roan Curtis as Hattie’s daughter, and Lachlan Quarmby as Constable Alexander Vaughn from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.Inside the bigger picture behind the When Calls the Heart prequel on Hallmark+Hope Valley is not just another spin off. It is deeply tied to the heart of When Calls the Heart. The series was created by Alfonso Moreno, who previously served as showrunner on the original show. The prequel also marks one of the first greenlights by Michelle Vicary since returning as Head of Programming at Hallmark Media.Hallmark Channel's "Countdown To Christmas" Kick-Off Event At Category 10 In Nashville - Source: GettyIn a statement shared with the press, Michelle Vicary explained why this story matters. She said to the media in an official statement released by Hallmark Media:“Hope Valley: 1874 gives us a wonderful opportunity to further explore the universe of When Calls the Heart and build a deeper world around this show for our devoted fans, who have helped make it one of the most successful and enduring series on television today.”Which only means that the prequel now clearly exists because of the fans who never stopped watching. She also added in the same statement:“We’re excited for the Hearties to join us as we tell this rich origin story filled with the kind of heart, community and hope they know and love.”The prequel fits perfectly alongside the original show, which was recently renewed for another season and continues to be a major part of Hallmark’s schedule. Hope Valley does not replace the main series. It adds roots to it and gives meaning to the town name fans already cherish.Hope Valley is shaping up to be a warm and thoughtful look at how everything began. The Hallmark+ prequel series to When Calls the Heart will bring in new characters, familiar values, and a setting full of promise.With a March 2026 release date, the prequel gives fans something real to look forward to.Stay tuned to Soap Central for more.