Heartland Showrunner Reveals Why After 18 Seasons, the Story Isn’t Over Yet

After filming Heartland for 18 seasons, it’s safe to say the cast and crew have faced their fair share of Alberta’s unpredictable weather. But this summer posed a unique irony for the production:

➡️ They were filming a drought storyline… during one of the wettest seasons in memory.

“It was quite a challenge showing characters out there talking about how if we don’t have rain, we’re not going to make it, in this lush green pasture,” said Amber Marshall, who plays Amy Fleming.

Writers had planned the drought arc after Alberta’s severe dryness in 2023, intending to mirror real-world struggles faced by ranchers. But with 2024’s surprising rainfall, production had to creatively shoot around green pastures to sell the story of hardship.

Season 18 Highlights: More Than Just Weather Trouble

While the drought storyline sets the stage, Heartland Season 18 dives deeper into challenges that feel closer to home:

• A powerful new rival, Pryce Beef, is threatening the Bartlett ranch’s livelihood.
• Lou (Michelle Morgan) uses her business savvy to fight back.
• Amy is caught in a romantic tangle involving Nathan Pryce Jr., her competitor, and Caleb, Ty’s best friend who wants more than friendship.

“Amy is becoming very close with Nathan... and it causes some ups and downs in the relationship with him and the family,” Marshall shares.

Love, Loss, and Life at the Ranch

Heartland fans have grown up with Amy—from a grieving teen to a widow and single mother. Season 18 continues her journey of healing and self-discovery.

We also see generational shifts:
Katie, Lou’s daughter, is now nearly the age Amy was when the series began.

These parallel stories keep the show relatable across generations.

Horses Still Steal the Show

A key ingredient of Heartland’s magic remains: the horses.

Now also a producer, Amber Marshall ensures the animal stories remain authentic:

“Can we bring in new horse breeds? Are they comfortable on set? Can they do what’s needed? That’s where a lot of my time goes,” she says.

This dedication helps maintain the show’s strong emotional bond with viewers.

A Heartland Legacy: New Faces, Same Soul

Mark Haroun, showrunner since Season 16, started as a script coordinator in Season 1. He believes the magic lies in the show’s authenticity and connection with underrepresented audiences.

“It’s that combination of the cast and the kinds of stories we were telling. That sort of family drama didn’t exist on television,” Haroun explains.

To maintain freshness, the show brings in younger characters while preserving the essence fans love—family, growth, and resilience.

How Long Can Heartland Keep Going?

That’s the question on many fans’ minds. Haroun hopes the CBC will give the team enough time to craft a meaningful end—when the time comes.

“I feel like we have so many more stories to tell… I’ve never struggled to come up with stories because these characters are so rich,” he says.

Watch Season 18 of Heartland Sundays on CBC.

Fun Fact: CBC just announced a new streaming channel dedicated solely to Heartland, giving fans easy access to all 17 past seasons.