When Calls the Heart’s Erin Krakow Teases Season 13, Nathan & Elizabeth, and Working with Different Cast

Erin Krakow has become one of the Hallmark Channel’s leading ladies. 

She stars in many movies throughout the year and remains the heart and soul of When Calls the Heart.

When Calls the Heart Season 13 returns Sunday, January 4, with a season that promises heartwarming stories and romance, especially as Elizabeth and Nathan continue to cope with Little Jack’s diabetes diagnosis.

I was excited to chat with Erin to learn what’s ahead this coming season and to get some scoop on who she had worked with lately.

She was a delight to talk to and spoke enthusiastically about the upcoming storylines, her castmates, and the camaraderie between them.

Elizabeth’s Challenging Time With Little Jack’s Diagnosis

Erin stated that only a few months have passed since the When Calls the Heart Season 12 finale.

“We have experienced a summer away in Cape Fullerton, so just a few months, and Elizabeth has had a challenging few months trying to figure out the new normal with Little Jack’s diagnosis. But she’s feeling very optimistic about the future as we’re heading into Season 13.”

Erin lit up at the thought of working with Brooke Shields again and having Charlotte Thornton on-screen again, which would add to this storyline.

“I had wanted Charlotte to return to When Calls the Heart for many years, and I’m thrilled that our schedules aligned and she was able to join us, because her character is incredibly meaningful to the fans.

“Charlotte connects to little Jack and Elizabeth, and sees what this new blended family could look like for her daughter-in-law and grandson. It was wonderful having her back with us, and she’s with us for a few episodes.”

Elizabeth and Nathan’s Growing Relationship

Erin assured us that Elizabeth and Nathan’s relationship continues to evolve during Season 13.

“We see them take steps forward in their relationship. We see how they can lean on one another. There’s a way for Elizabeth to connect with Ali more easily than Nathan, and Nathan with little Jack.”

“We see Elizabeth and Nathan step into new roles that we’ve never seen them take on before. We get to see them a little silly together.

 “We get to see them vulnerable together and decide what the next chapter of their lives will look like.”

The Hallmark Channel Highlights WCTH’s Best Moments

Erin mentioned that Season 13 would continue to highlight the Hope Valley community supporting one another, and loved that I was intrigued by those moments in the promos, especially everyone coming together as Elizabeth and Nathan return.

“I’m glad you mentioned the promos because the Hallmark Channel has an incredible team of people who put together those promos, and it is not easy.

“They have to go through so much footage of an entire season and pick out the parts that seem most interesting as a tease without giving too much away, but they do so in a  skilled way that  draws our viewers in.”

“I look forward to seeing every new promo. It’s a fun reminder of what we’ve shot and what we get to look forward to seeing in the weeks to come. I give a lot of credit to the promo team. I think that they’re amazingly talented.”

Erin added that selecting a favorite scene in Season 13  was challenging because she loves so many.

“I enjoyed some of the sillier scenes. We have some delicious comedy this year. There are some really inventive new shots we’re seeing.

“The camera is seeing Hope Valley and its characters in a really new and exciting way.”

On Interacting with Other Actresses

While we love seeing Erin interact with old-time favorites, fans wanted to know if she had any scenes with anyone new.

I was excited to learn that she’d shared scenes with one of my favorites, Melissa Gilbert.

“I had some great scenes with Melissa Gilbert this season. I was really excited to work with her because I didn’t have that in Season 12. We had a lot of fun together this year.

“That was really lovely. She’s such a pro and an excellent addition to the cast.”

She added that she only worked briefly with Miranda MacDougall (Edie).

“Unfortunately, our characters didn’t cross paths a ton, but Miranda is wonderful and talented, and I would be lucky to get to share a scene with her.

“We hope our characters will have more to do together in season 14.”

On Having Lori Loughlin Re-join the Cast

Erin and I celebrated the early renewal of When Calls the Heart Season 14 and the long-time cast member, Lori Loughlin, rejoining the cast.

When we asked if she had any more details, Erin admitted, “I don’t know the ins and outs of her contract and commitment, but I will take whatever I can get.

“I’m so excited that Lori Loughlin is joining us again. It is going to be so good for the show and so good for my heart because I adore Lori, and I can’t wait to get to spend more time with her.”

Why Fans Will Love WCTH Season 13

Erin thought the fans would enjoy spending time with the characters they’ve grown to love.

“I think the fans are just going to love getting to spend more time with these characters that they’ve grown to know and love.

“We really see them leaning on each other in a new way in Season 13. There’s a lot of drama and a lot of emotion, some really vulnerable storylines.

“But we do have a lot of fun this season. There’s some real silliness and joy, and there’s just a lot to look forward to.”

Over to you, Hearties. What are you looking forward to seeing in When Calls the Heart Season 13?

Let us know in the comments.

To check out our entire interview with Erin, below:

When Calls the Heart Season 13 premieres Sunday, January 4 at 8/7c on the Hallmark Channel and premieres the next day on Hallmark +.

The interview has been edited for length and clarity.