Exciting Shifts Ahead in ‘When Calls the Heart’ Season 13: Big Surprises for Rosemary & Lee, and a Major Lucas Arc Unfolds
Fans of When Calls the Heart have a lot to look forward to when the beloved Hallmark series returns for its 13th season in 2026. Show insiders are teasing major developments that will impact some of Hope Valley’s most cherished characters, particularly Rosemary and Lee Coulter, and fan-favorite Lucas Bouchard. With new challenges, emotional growth, and unexpected paths ahead, Season 13 is shaping up to be a season full of heartfelt twists and fresh storylines.
Rosemary & Lee’s Family Faces a New Chapter
One of the most intriguing reveals came from the new showrunner, Joy Gregory, during an appearance on The Official Hearties Aftershow. She hinted at both personal and professional changes for Rosemary, a fan-favorite known for her charm, ambition, and flair for drama.
“Rosemary will continue her business ventures, but there will also be a small change in her family,” Gregory shared, sparking speculation among fans. “And we’ll see how that challenges her and Lee. Intrigue, intrigue.”
While Gregory stopped short of providing exact details, her comments suggest that the couple may be in for a significant shift in their family dynamic. Viewers last saw Rosemary and Lee embracing parenthood, a journey they had long dreamed of. Could Season 13 introduce another child into their lives? Or perhaps an unexpected twist related to their current family? Whatever the case may be, the Coulters’ storyline promises to bring both emotional depth and new development.
Lucas’s Future in Hope Valley Looks Brighter Than Ever
Lucas Bouchard, played by Chris McNally, remains a central character whose journey continues to evolve in captivating ways. While fans are still divided over his breakup with Elizabeth in Season 10, the writers seem to be steering him toward a bold new direction that further cements his importance in Hope Valley.
Writer Allie Deveraux, also speaking on The Official Hearties Aftershow, expressed her excitement about what’s next for Lucas.
“I love what we’re planning for him,” Deveraux said. “He’s not going anywhere. He’s an essential part of Hope Valley and we’re going to bring him back and weave him into the life of the town in personal and professional ways that are going to be really satisfying.”
Deveraux added that she didn’t want to spoil too much but promised “great fun” ahead for the character. Her enthusiastic tone reassured longtime fans that Lucas will be more than just a background figure—he’ll be fully embedded in the life and heartbeat of the community.
Romance on the Horizon?
At the end of Season 12, viewers began to notice a growing bond between Lucas and Edie, a strong-willed attorney who was introduced as something of a foil to Lucas. While they started off on opposite sides of a case, their interactions evolved into a budding partnership as they joined forces to solve a key mystery in the town.
This evolving relationship has led to plenty of speculation. Is Lucas moving on from Elizabeth for good? Could Edie be his new romantic interest? While no one on the production team has confirmed anything official, the chemistry between the two has been undeniable, and it seems this storyline will continue to develop in Season 13.
Behind the Scenes: The Breakup That Shook the Valley
Lucas and Elizabeth’s breakup in Season 10 was one of the most talked-about moments in the show’s recent history. It was a bold decision that sparked intense debate among the fanbase. Screenwriter Derek Thompson, who penned that emotional scene, opened up about the pressure involved in getting it just right.
“I think I wrote that scene 30 times,” Thompson revealed during the Official Hearties Podcast. “It was one of those moments where everyone had input, and it kept evolving right up until filming.”
Thompson emphasized the difficulty of honoring both characters in such a pivotal moment. “It was a difficult situation. There was good reasoning behind everything, but it was still hard to do. Just like a real breakup, there’s no perfect way.”
The emotional split was carefully crafted to reflect the characters’ diverging paths, rather than painting either party in a negative light. It wasn’t about failure—it was about growth and moving forward.
Creative Choices & Character Evolution
Then-showrunner Lindsay Sturman and executive producer Brian Brid also addressed the controversial breakup in a candid interview on The Edify After Show. Sturman explained that the writers ultimately chose to lean into what the story was revealing to them.
“Sometimes the stories really reveal themselves,” she explained. “Elizabeth and Lucas were on different journeys. They had different destinies. And the challenge was figuring out how to honor that and move forward.”
This focus on character evolution rather than predictable romance has helped When Calls the Heart maintain its emotional authenticity. Season 13 appears to be continuing that tradition by focusing on meaningful growth, both for individuals and relationships.
A Season Filled with Promise
As Season 13 approaches, it’s clear the writers are focused on crafting compelling arcs that reflect the show’s themes of love, community, and transformation. Rosemary and Lee’s evolving family life, Lucas’s new chapter, and the possibility of unexpected romance or personal fulfillment offer plenty for viewers to anticipate.
Whether you’ve been watching since the beginning or just recently joined the Hearties fandom, this upcoming season looks ready to deliver a mix of warmth, change, and hopeful storytelling. With beloved characters facing new crossroads, Season 13 may just be one of the most emotionally rich and surprising chapters yet in the When Calls the Heart legacy.
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