I’m probably way behind the viewing curve here, but I just discovered the series When Calls the Heart on Netflix. It was inspired by the classic books by Janette Oke. As far as I can tell there have been two seasons that have aired on the Hallmark Channel. Netflix has access to season one. I watched the first episode this week, and I’m already in love. Period dramas are right up my alley, especially when there is a feisty heroine clashing with a strong male lead. Elizabeth and Jack have that chemistry in spades.
Seeing the bright red Mountie coat, put me in mind of a couple other shows featuring the Royal Canadian Mounted Police from years past. See if you remember either of these shows:
From 1989 – (the year I graduated from high school) – Bordertown.
This show took place in the 1880s, in a frontier town that straddled the 49th Parallel. Half the town was in US jurisdiction, and half was under Canadian law. So there were naturally two lawmen – one a Mountie, who was the classic clean cut straight arrow, the other a US Marshal who was the grittier of the two. Not only do the two lawmen share an office, but they share feelings for the same woman. Plenty of conflict going around in this one!
Then there is Due South, a series that ran for 4 seasons in the mid-1990s. Benton Fraser is a constable attached to the Canadian embassy in Chicago who teams up with a cynical police detective to help fight crime. Fraser was such an hysterically innocent man when it came to the ways of the world, but so morally incorruptible and so incredibly skilled at tracking (even if it meant tasting things left behind – ick!) that you couldn’t help but love him. He was my first Mountie crush.
So what about you?
- Have you ever had a Mountie crush?
- Are there other great Mountie shows out there I should watch?
- Anybody besides me remember these shows?
Latest posts by Karen Witemeyer (see all)
- Wedding Joy - November 21, 2024
- How Faith Meets Dreams - November 7, 2024
- Giveaways Gallore! - October 17, 2024
My youngest daughter and I just found this show on Netflix too! We have watched a few episodes now and are really enjoying it! It’s been a long while since I’ve read the books, but I’m thinking that the show is way different. Even so, it’s so nice to have a wholesome show like this available! 🙂
I couldn’t agree more, Jody. I’m two episodes in now and loving it!
The only show with a Mountie that I ever saw was the cartoon Dudley Do-Right. 🙂 I’ve been hearing about When Calls the Heart and need to find time to watch it.
Ha! Good old Dudley. 🙂 I bet you would really enjoy the show, Barbara. Maybe you can carve out some time to try it over the weekend. 🙂
Thanks for the recommendation, Karen. I’m always on the lookout for wholesome shows.
They are harder and harder to find these day, aren’t they? That’s why finding one like this makes me stand up and cheer. 🙂
Due South was a great show, and I loved the name of his wolfdog (Diefenbaker). Before Due South, though, the only Mountie I knew about was Dudley Do-right. Thanks for the info about Bordertown. I’lll look that up since historicals are my first love.
Fun post!
I’m a sucker for a fun historical setting too, Nancy. Love that escape into the past. 🙂
I’m with you on Jack in the Hallmark series. What a heart-throb! My first Mountie crush was when I read the old classic, Mrs. Mike, by the Freedmans. Love that story.
Fun, Davalynn. I hadn’t heard of Mrs. Mike. Sounds interesting!
I just started watching When Calls the Heart in the last week too! And I totally binged and finished season 1 last night! I love it! It’s so nice to see a good, fun, cute, clean, (sometimes a little cheesy), Christian show that you can feel good about watching! And I certainly have a Mountie crush now! I love Jack’s character. And that uniform certainly doesn’t hurt! 🙂 Some of my friends and I were JUST talking about the show and (gushing about) Daniel Lissing (Jack) last night! Did you know that the actor is Australian? 🙂
No. I didn’t know Daniel is an Aussie. How cool! And he does look mighty nice in that uniform. 😉
I loved Due South!! And yes, I remember the tasting of various things too!! It was a very good show and I quickly developed a love of Mounties!
Yay! There is just something about that Mountie image. So clean and upstanding. Chivalrous and uncorruptible. I’m sure there have been a few Mounties that were scallywags, but all the ones I remember seeing on TV or reading about were true gentlemen while still being warriors on the inside. Lots to love there! 🙂
I love this show! Even though it really doesn’t go by the book, the series is very enjoyable and clean. I saw on the Hallmark channel that Daniel is Australian, on one of the behind the scenes clips you can listen to him speaking with his accent. I had forgotten about Bordertown but I remember watching it. I can’t wait for the new season of When calls the Heart, for they left quite a few cliff hangers but don’t worry I won’t share just in case you haven’t watched it.
Thanks, Karen. I’m only on episode 3, so I still have several more to go. I hope Netflix will get the rights to season 2 as well.
I’m so glad to know Season 1 of “When Calls the Heart” is on Netflix – thanks Karen! I also recently discovered the show and watched the introductory movie on YouTube.
Cool, Valerie! I don’t think I saw the movie, but I’m having a lot of fun with the series so far. 🙂
The movie sets up the series very well, as the series does not follow the books. Loved the first season, jury still out on the second, very different flavour! Enjoy watching!
Love that series! Jack is such a good guy. Did you see the pilot? It ties together the original book series with the new one Janette Oke is writing with her daughter. The Canadian West series was my favorite series of her; fell in love with Wynn. 🙂
How cool, Karen. No, I don’t think I saw the pilot. I’ll have to look for that. Thanks!
My mom pointed out this show to me…. I may have watched the entire first season in one weekend 😀 Thoroughly enjoyable!
I showed it to my daughter as well. She added it to her overstuffed queue. Not sure when she’ll get around to trying it. Hopefully soon!
I too am a newbie to “When Calls the Heart” I watched this season’s episodes on The Hallmark Channel. I too remember “Due South” and fell in love with Brendan Frasier. There is a show that is about a Canadian City Constable called either “The Murdock Mysteries” or “The Artful Detective”. This one reminds me of “Wild, Wild West” the series. He has some modern day tools in late 1890’s-early 1900’s. It is wonderful.
I have the Murdoch Mysteries in my queue, too, but haven’t watched it yet. I’ll try that one out next! Haven’t heard of the Artful Detective. Will check that one out too. Thanks!
I’m glad to know that When Calls The Heart is on Netflix! I’m a big fan of period dramas, too. 🙂
I usually watch it on my phone when I’m exercising at the gym on the treadmill. I find myself grinning at the show, and I often wonder how goofy I must look grinning like a besotted ninny while jogging in place. Oh well. 🙂
As someone both in Canada *and* Alberta…where When Calls the Heart is SUPPOSED to take place, I have to say its been a huge disappointment here. The movie/series does not actually follow the original book series, instead, picking up on her second ‘sequel’ series, of which, I believe there are only two out. Still doesn’t match the books, but its a closer match than if you’re expecting the original series. At least the characters are named correctly. 🙂
I will say we enjoyed season 1 immensely.
But season 2 had us all ready to quit entirely. Historical inadequacies hitting you in the face (we don’t mind some, obviously, but blaring ones you can hardly ignore? No thanks!), blatant location errors (seriously, we’re in Canada NOT the US. Its Prime Minister NOT president. Its the crown, not the state! Why put a story in one location, then pretend its somewhere else?) Having the characters pop from one side of the country to the other as casually as if they have teleporters. We don’t mind a little bit of travel, or cutting out the travel time, but at least make it look like the ordeal it would be! This is a huge continent to have to cross *now*days, never mind then! -sigh-
So, enjoy Season 1, Ladies. It only gets worse. 😛
I think the only ‘mountie crush’ I had growing up was the books. Silver Chief. The mounties in James Oliver Curwood books, etc. But then, growing up in the middle of it. . .modernized versions of them are just not as appealing. The only time you see the red coats is for the Musical Ride, or some touristy thing. Unless you get in on some formal event. But then, I always did prefer romanticized versions of things. 🙂 Modern ideas just intrude on the romanticized daydreams. lol
Well, I’m bummed that Season 2 goes downhill. It’s a shame when Hollywood takes over where go old fashioned story should be enough. I’ll remember to take it with a grain of salt and enjoy Season 1 while I can. 🙂 Thanks for the warning!
I couldn’t agree with you more, Elentarien! The first season was wonderful, but in order to get renewed for a second season, Hallmark apparently required them to turn the show into more of a soap opera like “Cedar Cove,” with the result that the whole second season feels like a major sellout. Neither season is anything close to the original Canadian West or the new Return to the Canadian West book series by Janette Oke, but I could cope with that given the great chemistry the lead characters had on the show (which is nonexistent in season 2, given the poorly written scripts they have to work with) and the strong family values (also nonexistent in season 2). I envy all of you just being introduced to this show via Netflix, because I once felt as excited as you do now! But be warned…. you’ll be better off in the long run just reading the books. 🙁
Great insight, Amy. It makes me sad that they were forced to make changes that hurt the integrity of the show. I’ll enjoy season 1 while I can and maybe just leave it at that so I don’t have to be disappointed. Sigh.
Karen, watch season 2 for yourself and make your own decision on it. Yes its a bit different, but I don’t think its not enjoyable. I have loved the show from the beginning and while S2 has a bit of a different feel, the characters are what makes the show and they haven’t changed. Give it a shot and keep an open mind about S2, you may just love it!
I agree. Season 1 didn’t match the books hardly at all, but given the connection between the characters. . .you could easily toss the book aside and enjoy the show as a ‘new’ story and enjoy it for what it was. (At least, Once I got over the confusion of why it wasn’t even REMOTELY resembling the original book series. lol Made more sense when I realized there was a second series going and it was, at least pretending, to take after that one.)
Thanks for the info on the renewal terms. I wondered why it was such a drastic switch in tone from what they had done in Season 1. You say it exactly that there was a complete lack of that chemistry we had in the first. I think, for my family, we spent more time wishing people would just shut up and go away, and that he would buck up and DO something and she would grab a brain and make up her mind, etc, than we actually did any enjoying of the thing. We still have the final episode to watch. . .no one’s hugely motivated to do so. lol If they DO renew for a season 3. . .I’m not sure this family will even bother to start it. You pinpointed it with the ‘soap opera’ comparison. 🙁
Good luck at leaving it at Season 1, Karen. (knowing that I probably wouldn’t be able to. lol Curiosity would make me at least try season 2 to see if I agreed, then wish I hadn’t afterwards. rotfloL)
Ha! I might very well have that same problem. 🙂 If I have to wait for Netflix to get it, some of the urgency might dissipate. But it sounds like there are a lot of people who still enjoyed Season 2 even with the changes, so who knows?
Watch the finale!! Its wonderful and many of the interactions will make you think you were back in S1 again!
It shocks me to hear people say there was no chemistry between the leads of WCTH in Season 2? Did you see the finale? If you hung in there through Season 2, believe me when I say that it is worth the wait! There are many of us who still loved the show through Season 2, so please don’t make your decision to watch based on a few negative comments. Watch and decide for yourself. 🙂
though I don’t have cable I bought all of season one and two from Amazon and it is downloaded on to my iPad. Season One is the better of the two seasons though I’m hoping now for a third to much was left unsaid at the end of the second season. When I first started watch the series last year I really didn’t think that Daniel (Jack) was all that good looking. Then when I was taking to my cousin about the show she said that he was a true hottie, I took a closer look and have changed my point of view and he is totally HOT!!! Plus he is a nice guy to boot.
I like it when the nice guys win. We have so many books and stories that glorify the “bad boys” that I worry our young men will get a skewed idea of what women want and that our young girls will be looking in the wrong places for love. So, I’m cheering on the true heroes – go nice guys!
Huge fan of When Calls the Heart!!! I loved season one. I have season two recorded but I am waiting to watch all of it because I cheated a little and found out what happens at the last episode so I’m waiting till they come out with season 3 so I can end all the drama on what hopefully will be a good note 😉 and yes my oh my is Mountie Jack Handsome!!!
And his character enhances those smooth good looks. At first glance, he wasn’t my ideal man. But the more I saw of his character, the more attractive he became.
Hi Karen! I LOVE “When Calls the Heart”! Have watched it from day one and I actually own Season 1 on DVD. You’re right, it’s very difficult to find a good clean show nowadays, and when one comes along, I really want to stand up and cheer! I remember both Due South and Bordertown. In fact, I just purchased all three seasons of Bordertown on DVD (back when it was airing on TV, I had a big crush on Mountie Clive Bennett). Thank for bringing up these fun memories and I’m glad to know you are enjoying WCTH. 🙂
Ha! I had a thing for the marshal. Guess I’ve always had a soft spot for American cowboys. 🙂
I loved season one of WCTH, and I can actually say I’ve been “on set”. But not at the same time!
The Vancouver mansion used in season two as Elizabeth’s home is Hycroft Manor, the home of the University of British Columbia’s Women’s Club. It was one option for our wedding reception. And we did got o a reception there in 1990. OH MY WORD, stunning!
I LOVED Due South and Bordertown! Due South was shot in Toronto, my husband’s hometown. Paul Gross is a very highly respected Canadian actor. He endured wearing The Red Serge in the heat of summer, to shoot the series. The Red Serge is 100% wool!
Mounties only wear The Red Serge on formal occasions, but wear a regular police uniform in their day to day duties.
Does anyone know what that white cord is for? Oh, and the Bordertown Mountie Serge is all wrong!
How wonderful to see some of those historic sites! I bet Hycroft Manor was gorgeous! Paul Gross did such a great job with his Mountie character. I fell a little in love with him, too. 🙂
Jennifer, the white cord is a lanyard for their firearm. I guess so they don’t drop it if they get butterfingers? lol
Season 1 was better, but Season 2 ended well. Of course it’s a cliff hanger, so hoping Season 3 is greenlighted. Gotta love that smile and those dimples on Mountie Jack.
He is certainly easy on the eyes, isn’t he? On the heart, too. 🙂
As much as I like When Calls the Heart and, of course, Jack the Mountie, I must say that my first Mountie crush was Hunter Stone from Alan Morris’ series Guardians of the North. I can’t believe someone hasn’t mentioned this yet. I have recommended this Christian fiction series to friends for years! It’s a five book series and worth every minute of time spent reading. I goes into lots of historical details about the Canadian West, how the Mounties were formed, the Indian nations in that area, etc. Excellent series and highly recommended. Especially if you love Mounties!!
I also just wanted to say how much I love your books and that they are some of the most frequently checked out in our church library. I should know since I’m the librarian!
Five books? Could I have missed one? I’m hoping so! I loved this series, too!
Hi, Amy.
I’m so excited that your church members are enjoying my books! That makes me smile. 🙂
I don’t think I’ve ever read the Guardians of the North series. It sounds fabulous! Thanks for the recommendation.
No I’m sorry but I don’t. They sound like good shows but at that time in my life I worked long hours at a factory in Cincinnati and had little time for TV.
Nothing to be sorry about there, Shirley. You were probably better off spending less time in front of the television. 🙂
I’m Canadian so of course I have a Mountie crush. ha! I just bought season 1 of this series and can’t wait to start watching it! My hero in book one of my trilogy is an RCMP officer. 😉
There’s just something about those red coats, isn’t there?
Perfect, Darlene! I bet your hero looks smashing in his dress “reds”. 🙂
I LOVE “When Calls The Heart!” My mom, sisters, and I watched it on the hallmark channel! It was so good, and we were all so sad when the second season ended! Can’t wait til the next season comes up! It is a really awesome series! Enjoy it! Love it!
It’s great to have something clean (and historical!) on TV to get excited about! Love it!
I loved both Bordertown & Due South. Janette Oakes’ When Calls the Heart books were the first time I read about Mounties & have been in love with them ever since. The film at Canada in Epcot at WDW was a scene where the Mounties are riding in formation & it is breathtaking.
You know . . . I think I might have seen that. I’ve been to Epcot a couple of times with my kids. Now I want to go back and watch that! 🙂
I remember Bordertown! My favorite Mountie, though, is Hunter Stone from the Guardians of the North series written by Alan Morris, Gilbert Morris’s son. Great series! I always wished he had continued writing, bit the four books in this series are his only books, as far as I know.
Another reader mentioned him, too. Hunter Stone is a fabulous character name. So strong and rugged. I bet I would like that series. Thanks for the recommendation, Kerri. 🙂
I loved the show Due South especially loved the dogs!
In the town of Carcross, located in the Yukon Territory, is a museum dedicated to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
The Mounties always get their man.
There’s a museum for them here in Alberta, in Fort McCleod, as well. They also do performances of the Musical Ride at the Fort there during the summer. Interesting stuff.
I bet the one up in the Yukon would be interesting too! The histories in the two locales would be different. Same eras, obviously, but different locales would call for different developments. 🙂
haha it’s so funny how many people are just discovering this series! Me included 🙂
I found it on Netflix a week ago and watched the first and second seasons in two days 🙂 Now I’m going through withdrawals… :p
Someone mentioned Dudly Do Right, and I have to admit that was my first impression of Mounties as well.
After meeting Jack, though, my impressions have changed for the better 🙂 And to think that Daniel Lissing is actually Australian!
Hi Karen,
It’s about Canadians and we are just going to start getting it here on June 28! I can’t wait!!
Cheers,
Sue
I discovered WTHC through Netflix and now I am proud to call myself a #Heartie. I love this season. It’s difficult to find family friendly viewing these days. I love the dynamic of the show and it’s cast. I have to admit I have a soft spot for period dramas and especially this one cause like you my first mountie crush was Const. Benton Fraser. Bring on season 3.
I absolutely love ” When Calls the Heart “. Both Seasons 1 and 2 were wonderful. A lot of new characters were added for Season 2 and they add a whole new dimension to the show. Wonderful actors and great stories that are based in real life, not fairy tales. The show has a huge fan group page on Facebook called the “Fans of Hallmarks When Calls the Heart”. We call ourselves the #Hearties and we have a lot of fun. We also have the privilege of interacting with the shows executive producer Brian Bird and some of the actors on the show. So if you like “When Calls the Heart” please come and join us!
I am really showing my age but when I was young it was Sergeant Preston of the Yukon! My sisters and I crushed on him. Lol
But now it is definitely Jack! I love the relationship between him and Elizabeth but the entire cast makes this one of the most enjoyable shows on TV. Can’t wait till they announce that a third season will be happening. Which I am sure it’s coming!