Why is When Calls the Heart Important?

BY: Sharon Fitness for GOOD.

With the announcement this week that GOOD. will host the Australian Premiere of the news season of viewer favourite WHEN CALLS THE HEART on April 12, I thought I’d take a little look at why this program is such a favourite. In a rapidly changing media landscape filled with edgy dramas, mind-bending thrillers, and reality TV spectacles, there’s something endearing about a show like WHEN CALLS THE HEART on GOOD. This episodic series, gearing up to premiere its 11th season, is set in the idyllic town of Hope Valley, and may not be the flashiest or the most cutting-edge production, but it serves a significant purpose in the world of television. But why are shows like WHEN CALLS THE HEART important?

Comfort in Familiarity

Life can be chaotic, stressful, unpredictable… and in such times, viewers seek refuge in the familiar. WHEN CALLS THE HEART provides a comforting escape to a simpler, more wholesome world. Its picturesque small-town setting, where everyone knows each other, hearkens back to a time when life felt less complicated. In a rapidly changing world, a weekly visit to Hope Valley becomes a constant, offering a sense of stability and familiarity to its audience.

Nostalgia and Sentimentality

Nostalgia is a powerful emotion, and WHEN CALLS THE HEART taps into it masterfully. Set in the early 20th century, the show evokes a sense of nostalgia for an era long past. It allows viewers to romanticise a time when people wrote letters, rode horses, and life moved at a slower pace. This sentimental journey is a comforting reminder of the past, reminding us of simpler values and the importance of community.

Uplifting and Family-Friendly Content

In an age where explicit content and gritty themes dominate much of television, WHEN CALLS THE HEART stands out as a family-friendly show. It’s a series that families can comfortably watch together without worrying about inappropriate material. Its wholesome storytelling promotes values like kindness, honesty, and community, making it a valuable choice for family viewing.

Strong Moral and Ethical Themes

WHEN CALLS THE HEART doesn’t shy away from addressing important moral and ethical dilemmas. It explores issues like forgiveness, redemption, and personal growth in a way that encourages viewers to reflect on their own lives. The characters’ journeys, trials, and tribulations provide valuable life lessons, making the show not just entertainment, but also a source of inspiration.

Representation of Strong Female Characters

WHEN CALLS THE HEART shines a spotlight on strong, independent female characters, right from the first season when all the newly widowed women decided to save their homes by working in the mines. The show’s central character, Elizabeth Thatcher-Thornton, is a young woman who has defied traditional roles and expectations, pursuing her career and making her own choices. There’s Faith the town Doctor, Rosemary who starts Hope Valley’s first newspaper and Fiona, who rides motorbikes and fixes phones and radios. This representation is not only empowering for women but also sends a positive message to viewers of all ages. Also, the friendships between the women are portrayed as very warm, loving and supportive and never catty or disparaging.

A Sense of Hope and Optimism

In a landscape often saturated with dark and cynical narratives, WHEN CALLS THE HEART offers a refreshing dose of hope and optimism. It reminds viewers that even in the face of adversity, individuals and communities can come together to overcome challenges. This optimistic outlook on life is a welcome respite from the often pessimistic tone of modern television.

In conclusion, shows like WHEN CALLS THE HEART are vital in today’s television landscape. They provide viewers with a comforting distraction from the stress and pressures of daily life. WHEN CALLS THE HEART may not be an entirely realistic representation of 1920, but it taps into the power of nostalgia, offering a wistful and romantic escape from reality. The likeable characters and engaging storylines, peppered with gentle tension offer much needed family-friendly content and promote strong moral themes. Its wholesome and joyful messages instil a sense of hope and optimism. In a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming, these shows serve as a beacon of warmth and goodness, reminding us of the enduring appeal of heartwarming storytelling.

WHEN CALLS THE HEART is free to watch on GOOD. thanks to the generous support of viewers. If you’d like to see more programs like WHEN CALLS THE HEART on GOOD., will you join us in our vision to bring quality, wholesome and positive programs in to the homes of Australian families like yours? You can be a part of helping us grow, secure more content and develop our technology. Donate to GOOD. today. CLICK HERE to head to the donate page.

Watch When Calls the Heart season 9 on Wednesday nights at 7:30pm or When Calls the Heart season 10 on Monday mornings at 9:30am AEDT on GOOD. or stream from the free GOOD app.

When Calls the Heart season 11 will premiere on April 12 at 7:30pm AEST.

About the Author: Sharon Fitness is a staff writer for GOOD. She’s a movie buff, TV fan, foodie and dog lover.

Images: When Calls the Heart promotional content from GOOD.