‘When Calls The Heart’ And The 5 Best Hallmark Shows
Hallmark shows aren't for everybody, and at times, they can even be too much for those of us who can typically handle the schmaltzy and saccharine content. As important as joy is in television, the network knows exactly how to deliver it, but a lot of its hits ultimately rely on its cast members having great chemistry as well as organic writing to ensure that we can have believable conflict, character growth, and more.
For thirteen seasons now, When Calls the Heart (2014) is one of Hallmark’s longest-running series, but it's not the only one that's worth checking out. Here are the best Hallmark shows worth your time, as well as where you can stream them on Prime Video, Netflix, and more.
If period dramas aren't your cup of tea, then When Calls the Heart won't work for you. But if you want something outside of Regency or Victorian romances, the series deep dives into a small town in a way that's quiet, cozy, and away from grand balls. Erin Krakow is an excellent lead as Elizabeth Thornton, and her ability to command a scene is one of the most worthy reasons to check out the show.
Full of romance, deeply moving friendships, and redemption, When Calls the Heart has everything. The series is wholesome and genuinely kind in a way that feels especially relevant today. It can be too much at times, but the characters are so lovely that they make it worth it.
Of all the Hallmark shows, The Way Home is the one worth diving into (pun intended, given well...you'll see.) The premise is riveting, the cast is perfect, the relationships are compelling, and, more importantly, there's an end in sight. Its fourth and final season will be released on April 19, and the fact that there's a confirmed end is comforting. Because really, series that feature time travel can lose their plot too quickly if they go on longer. Or, they're often prematurely canceled, leaving us at a complete loss.
If you love the romance and familial elements of Outlander (2014), but have a deep nostalgia for the '90s, look no further. Present-day magical realism content like The Way Home doesn't always work, but the show is a genuine treat in every way, music included. It's also a delightful escape that feels like a series that might've been around at the time when we had shows like One Tree Hill (2003).
Also similar to shows like One Tree Hill and Dawson's Creek (1998), with strong familial bonds like in The Way Home, Chesapeake Shores is a dreamy, small-town escape. It's the ideal show to watch around the spring and summer time, and it feels exactly like reading a romance novel. While it's worth warning people not to get too attached to Jesse Metcalfe's character, don't worry, because we get Robert Buckley later.
The O'Brien siblings are each so well-written and brought to life with a solid amount of care from their respective actors, ensuring that each of their arcs is always engaging. Each one of them also gets their own love story, which is incredible to see because we're usually lucky if we get one romance, let alone multiple. So, really, this is a major, cozy win.
If you're obsessed with murder mysteries and Christmas, then Mistletoe Murders is the show for you. The show scratches a very specific itch that's so niche, but if you have it, then there's nothing quite like it. Sarah Drew is the most flawless lead, and the mystery element is not only well-written, but the character arcs are even more captivating.
And then there's the romance. Single dad, forced proximity, banter? Need I say more? The series features some incredible tropes, continuing to improve itself as it strengthens the romance with every episode. Season 2 is even better than its debut, and if we keep going down this pattern, I'm sure Season 3 will be just as delightful. It's the best type of show to watch around the holidays if you need a break from the usual small-town narratives to break into something a little more edgy.
Like When Calls the Heart, Good Witch is also one of Hallmark's longest-running productions, gaining an audience that's also specifically niche. This one might just be suited for everyone who grew up loving Marnie in Halloweentown (1998). With generational stories, romance, and quirky low-stakes, the series is a delight to watch for people wanting an escape.
It also features a few movies and spin-offs, making it so that fans don't have to abandon the characters too quickly. With the movies coming before the TV show, you can get a whole treat before you dive right in. At the same time, it's always comforting to have a little TV-based franchise that's full of cozy stories people can invest in without worrying too much about dark narratives.
While Hallmark is known for holiday movie franchises and shows that span across years, it's also recently started diving into limited series, with the three-part event of Providence Falls proving to be a success. Perfect for anyone who loves time travel, fated mates, and the idea of "it's you in every timeline," this one is sure to tug on all those heartstrings.
There are moments throughout that are a bit far-fetched and hard to believe, but if you're in the mood to escape into something wholesome with a sprinkle of mystery, it's delightful. The chemistry not only works well, but it's the angst that delivers something extra thrilling in Providence Falls.
