Hallmark Channel announced today that it is doubling down on its commitment to developing new original scripted series for primetime, greenlighting the 10-episode serial, WHEN CALLS THE HEART, based on the book series by best-selling author, Janette Oke. The movie pilot for WHEN CALLS THE HEART debuts on the channel on October 5, 2013, while the series will premiere in January 2014.WHEN CALLS THE HEART is the network’s second original scripted series, following DEBBIE MACOMBER'S CEDAR COVE, which premieres on July 20 with a two-hour movie event, followed by new one hour episodes every Saturday beginning July 27.
In addition, Hallmark Channel is in development on two more pilot-to-series projects, including MY GAL SUNDAY, based on a book of short stories by best-selling author Mary Higgins Clark, and DEAD LETTERS, developed by Martha Williamson, creator of TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL.