TV Shows
‘When Calls the Heart’ Fans Say New Season 14 Casting Is ‘Perfect’
A beloved ’70s sitcom star joins ‘When Calls the Heart’ season 14, and fans cannot wait to see her episodes.
The Hallmark Channel will air season 14 of When Calls the Heart in 2027, and big casting news just emerged. A handful of WCTH cast changes have already had fans buzzing, and this latest news will certainly spark even more.
According to People on September 21, Taxi alum Marilu Henner will appear in at least two episodes of When Calls the Heart.
Henner has already become a familiar face on Hallmark, starring in dozens of projects. She’s been in numerous Aurora Teagarden Mysteries movies, as well as the 2023 holiday film A Kismet Christmas.
In her upcoming Hallmark role, Henner will play Bernice “Birdie” Grant, the mom of Nathan Grant (Kevin McGarry).
The Taxi alum told People, “I’ve been a proud member of the Hallmark family for many years, and now I’m even more thrilled to be a part of its crown jewel, When Calls the Heart!”
Henner added, “This role is particularly special to me, because I get to play Nathan’s mother, the fabulous and feisty Birdie! And I’m very lucky that Elizabeth is going to be my daughter-in-law!”
As When Calls the Heart fans know, Nathan proposed to Elizabeth (Erin Krakow) in the season 13 finale.
The latest casting news was shared via the When Calls the Heart Instagram page, and everybody went wild.
Lori Loughlin commented, “We love you @therealmarilu.”
One fan gushed, “Love her! Can’t wait for this season.”
Another raved, “Grand idea. Perfect choice. Love every single show that you are on.”
Fans are in for a wild ride with Henner’s upcoming role. Birdie is “free-spirited and colorful” and shows up in Hope Valley riding a horse. She immediately adores Elizabeth, and it seems likely that the residents in town will likely be a bit thrown by Birdie’s mischievious nature.
Filming is already under way, and Henner said it’s been a fantastic experience. She quipped, “I want to move to Hope Valley!”
A few other casting tidbits have emerged as the cast and crew film season 14. As viewers have already seen, Loughlin is back for a few episodes as Abigail Stanton. However, viewers should not expect to see Melissa Gilbert‘s Georgie McCall or Samantha Ferris‘ Maisie Hickam. Both actresses have revealed they have been dropped from the show.
So far, there is also no sign that Brooke Shields will return as Charlotte Thornton in season 14 of When Calls the Heart. However, the door seems to still be cracked open on that front.
Hallmark has previously confirmed that season 14 of When Calls the Heart will air in 2027, but a specific premiere date has not been announced yet.
