For many When Calls the Heart fans, the biggest question right now has to be how production will be able to start up again. Well, wait no more. One of the Hallmark Channel series’ stars has revealed the new safety precautions going into effect as filming on Season 8 resumes. Like many shows, the drama had gotten impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, and it has now figured out a way to return safely.
Erin Krakow, who plays Elizabeth Thornton on When Calls the Heart, offered an optimistic update on how production on Season 8 has been able to resume. It sounds like the Hallmark Channel series has a great plan in store as it transitions away from its former filming structure. On how the fan-favorite is proceeding, Krakow told ET:
We’re operating in pods, [meaning] teams of people generally in the same department, and will be working to avoid crossover between them as much as possible. We’re aiming to film scenes outdoors as much as possible. And yes, masks for everyone but the actors in scenes.
It looks like masks, a lot of outdoor activity, and avoidance of crossover between departments are the methods by which When Calls the Heart is moving forward with Season 8. You have to imagine some social distancing will be in the recipe as well. And unlike many of TV’s set-centric dramas, When Calls the Heart does have its knack for outdoor filming as a massive bonus.
When Calls the Heart joins ABC’s The Bachelorette in as one of the shows figuring out ways to restart filming in a post-coronavirus world. And in the case of the Hallmark Channel series, it doesn't appear that the show needed to get a machine that zaps COVID-19 to resume as CBS’ Blue Bloods has reportedly considered for its return.
While When Calls the Heart has found a way to return with safety precautions in place, one of its former stars has dealt with an off-screen delay, as his wedding has gotten postponed. Daniel Lissing, who played Elizabeth’s husband Jack, got engaged late last year but, due to the coronavirus outbreak, he and his fiancé opted to put their nuptials on hold until May or June of next year.
Interestingly, 2021 will be the same year that When Calls the Heart Season 8 is supposed to begin airing. Until then, there will be plenty of time to debate the love triangle continuing to emerge between Nathan, Elizabeth, and Lucas. It was a development that drew the ire of some fans last season, and showrunner Brian Bird promptly shared his thoughts on the matter.
In the past, When Calls the Heart has been resilient when it comes to having to stop and restart filming, so the show managing to ready itself for Season 8 is yet another notch it can add to its belt.
When Calls the Heart Season 8 is set to arrive at a still-undisclosed date in 2021 on Hallmark Channel, long after this summer’s premieres. While you wait for your favorite characters to return, you can binge past seasons on Netflix along with new 2020 content arriving on the streamer.
