When Calls the Heart Producers Confirm Extended Hiatus
Paul Dailly
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When Calls the Heart has not been canceled at Hallmark, but it will remain off television for some time to allow for a creative overhaul in the wake of Lori Loughlin's firing.
Loughlin was fired from all of her projects at Hallmark after her alleged involvement in a college admissions scandal came to light early last week.
When Calls the Heart was just three episodes into its sixth season when Loughlin got fired, and the network was quick to put the show on hold.
“#Hearties, thank you for your love, support, and patience these last several days as we have all been preoccupied with the news about Lori Loughlin and her family, and the decisions our colleagues at the Hallmark Channel USA needed to make,” the statement began.
Related: When Calls the Heart: Upcoming Episode Pulled
“As you can imagine, everyone involved with When Calls the Heart was surprised by these developments, so we hope you can forgive us for initially staying silent while we sorted through how to respond.”
The statement continued: “As for the show itself, we know millions of fans are on pins and needles wondering what will happen now."
It then went on to confirm the show had assuredly not gotten canceled.
Related: Lori Loughlin Dropped from Hallmark After Arrest
"Let us reassure you, When Calls the Heart has always been bigger than the sum of its parts, and it HAS NOT BEEN CANCELED."
Hallmark has allowed the producers time to figure out a game plan.
"With the full support of the network, we have gone on a creative hiatus to do some retooling on the remaining Season 6 episodes."
"That process has already begun. Hope Valley will return to your TV screens as soon as we can bring the episodes to you.”
The statement closed with a thank you to fans for their support through what the producers called a “challenging transition.”
Related: Lori Loughlin Among Dozens Indicted in College Bribery Scandal
It's no surprise that the show is off the schedule for now. Loughlin getting arrested for allegedly paying $500k to get her two daughters into a highly coveted university does not exactly sit well with Hallmark's wholesome family values.
In addition to When Calls the Heart, Lori has also been dropped from Garage Sale Mysteries, a movie series which was slated to return later this year.
The bad news for that series is that the plug has been pulled and there are no plans to continue it, meaning the hundreds of people who worked on it are now out of a job.
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Paul Dailly was an Associate Editor for TV Fanatic.Follow him on X.
