Why Fans Are Sticking by 'When Calls the Heart' Even After the Season 5 Shocking Finale

Good writing can draw an audience; excellent writing can keep them. And the writers and producers of When Calls the Heart, the heartwarming family-friendly television series from Hallmark, have gotten real familiar with what it takes to make a successful television series.

For five seasons, the residents of Hope Valley in Canada have undergone trials they have recovered from—the closing of the mine, the closing of the bank, being betrayed by its mayor, the illness of children, and the list goes on. But the town's citizens have also endured trials that aren't so easily overcome—the mine collapse which resulted in the death of dozens of men, the flood which took even more lives, and, most recently, the death of the beloved Mountie Constable Jack Thornton.

Mountie Jack, portrayed by Daniel Lissing, lost his life while saving that of a young Mountie, and his funeral played out on the heartbreaking season finale of When Calls the Heart. To say that Hearties (fans of the show) were devastated is putting it mildly.

The fans had developed a connection with Jack Thornton and his new wife, Elizabeth Thornton (played by Erin Krakow) over the past five years, and were looking forward to many years with the couple. But Daniel Lissing's decision to leave meant writers and producers had to honor the character's memory while setting the stage for future seasons.

With the last minute of season 5 ending with the announcement of Elizabeth Thornton's pregnancy, fans got a taste of hope for the future. And as the days passed into weeks and weeks into months, the pain of losing a favorite character has given way to excitement for the birth of the baby and for the upcoming Christmas movie.

Beyond that, the anticipation for Season 6 has grown with the introduction of two new characters, including a new Mountie, the hope for future romances with Faith and the town's doctor, and the lessons that will take place inside the classroom.

The Hearties will always miss Constable Jack Thornton, but they are looking ahead to Season 6 because this is their show. Executive Producer Brian Bird explained it perfectly to The Christian Post.

I very humbly will say that I believe the hearties are the reason for the show. It's very difficult in today's day and age of 500 different TV shows. So when you have that much content out there, the competition for hearts and minds is extremely tough.

Social media has shown that the Hearties are healing and anticipating the return of the series because it's a show they can watch with their children and grandchildren without the fear of something questionable airing. Children who watch learn lessons from Elizabeth Thornton's classroom while women admire the fortitude and intelligence of Abigail Stanton.

While the show embraces romance, it showcases the strength of a community, the love of family, God, and friends, and power of hope. It's that hope that has Hearties all over the world clamoring for Season 6 to begin. And showing their love for the cast, crew, and all involved behind the scenes!

The social media love for When Calls the Heart is strong, showing how much this series is loved.

Hearties: The Official Home of Fans of When Calls the Heart is the Facebook group dedicated to all things Hope Valley, and it boasts over 61,000 members with separate groups, like Hearties!! Devoted Fans of When Calls the Heart coming in at 9,400 members and When Calls the Heart—Hope Valley Hearties amassing over 19,000 members. And these are active members, many of who post weekly if not daily.

The cast and crew of When Calls the Heart has invited the Hearties into their world through social media, especially live tweeting when new episodes air. Excellent writing, honest interaction, and Emmy-worthy performances by some of the best actors on TV ensure these devoted fans will continue to tune in.