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There Won't Be a New 'When Calls the Heart' Christmas Movie This Year

From Good Housekeeping

  • To hold fans over between seasons, Hallmark typically airs a When Calls the Heart movie on Christmas day.

  • Upon releasing their "Countdown to Christmas" 2020 movie lineup, Hallmark subtly announced that the new When Calls the Heart Christmas movie is no longer happening.

  • Instead, Hallmark Channel will air last year's movie on Christmas day, along with a "special surprise" from the cast.


For many Hallmark fans, watching the When Calls the Heart Christmas movie has become a beloved holiday tradition shared with family, friends, and fellow Hearties. But as many of us are adjusting our Christmas plans to meet the moment, Hallmark is having to do the same, as heartbreaking as it may be for Hearties. As a result, Hallmark is shelving the When Calls the Heart Christmas movie for 2020.

Initially, the WCTH Christmas movie was the grand finale — as expected — for this year's Hallmark Channel's "Countdown to Christmas" movie lineup. But when Hallmark confirmed the schedule a few months later, there was no mention of WCTH.

Photo credit: Ricardo Hubbs
Photo credit: Ricardo Hubbs

Some Hearties went to Twitter looking for answers, to which Hallmark Channel replied, "While we weren’t able to complete a Christmas movie this year, we heard you and have added 2 new episodes this coming season and a special surprise on Christmas Day!" While this is a disappointment to diehard WCTH fans, it isn't too surprising: The coronavirus forced many TV networks to stop production of their shows and movies back in March, and many have had to adjust their returns to keep the cast and crew safe.

Fans are understandably upset about the news, especially since it marks the first time in five years where fans won't spend the holidays in Hope Valley. (Following the success of When Calls the Heart: New Year's Wish, which aired on December 26, 2015, Hallmark Channel has aired a two-hour WCTH special on Christmas day since 2016.)

At first, fans started placing bets on what the "special surprise" might be. The first episode of season 8, perhaps?

Photo credit: Twitter
Photo credit: Twitter

Or even an announcement that season 8 will start sooner than expected — wishful thinking?

Photo credit: Twitter
Photo credit: Twitter

But when Hearties asked, Hallmark delivered: The network announced that they will air last year's When Calls the Heart: Home for Christmas on Christmas day at 8 p.m. The two-hour presentation will be hosted by Hope Valley's best: Erin Krakow, Pascale Hutton, Jack Wagner, Chris McNally, Kavan Smith, and Kevin McGarry. At some point during the broadcast, they will share "a never-before-seen clip from season 8" — talk about a "special surprise!"

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Although fans will have to wait until 2021 to get their top question answered — Who does Elizabeth choose? — at least the sneak peek will hold them over until season 8, which the show's creator confirms starts with a "boom." Season 8 will definitely be worth the wait, but if you want to get in the holly, jolly spirit before heading back to Hope Valley, watch Hallmark's 40 brand-new Christmas movies from October through December.


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