Lori Loughlin’s Triumphant Return to ‘When Calls the Heart’: Abigail Stanton Officially Comes Home in Season 14
In a development that has sent waves of emotion through the devoted fanbase known as the Hearties, Hallmark Channel has officially confirmed the renewal of When Calls the Heart for a landmark 14th season — and with it, the long-awaited return of original cast member Lori Loughlin as the beloved Abigail Stanton.
After nearly seven years of absence, Loughlin’s comeback marks a powerful full-circle moment for the series.
The actress, who helped establish Hope Valley as a place of warmth, resilience, and unbreakable friendships since the show’s 2014 premiere, declared her readiness in poignant terms: “I was ready long before the phone rang.”
Her words capture the deep longing that many fans have shared over the years, turning years of speculation and heartfelt petitions into undeniable reality.
The hiatus that kept Abigail away was never a true farewell — it was an unwelcome pause forced by a storm of personal challenges, including illness, legal proceedings, and the lingering shadows of past controversies.
Those difficult chapters, which once cast doubt over her future with the network, have now been resolved, allowing Hallmark to embrace the return with open arms.
As Michelle Vicary, Hallmark Media’s head of programming, stated, the timing feels perfect: “At its core, the Hallmark brand is about hope, positivity, and connection, which is also the central theme of When Calls the Heart. We felt that Season 14 was the right time to continue Abigail’s story.”
Loughlin will appear in six of the season’s 12 episodes, offering fans a substantial dose of the character who became an instant favorite as Elizabeth Thornton’s (Erin Krakow) first and closest friend in town.
The announcement, dropped dramatically on December 2, 2025, alongside the Season 14 renewal, came just ahead of Season 13’s premiere on January 4, 2026. Production for the new season is slated to begin in 2026, with the episodes expected to air in 2027.
For Hearties who have faithfully followed the series through every twist, every romance, and every moment of community spirit, this news stirs profound feelings.
Abigail’s departure in Season 6 left a void that no one could fully fill — her wisdom, her strength as a widow rebuilding her life, and her unwavering support for those around her were irreplaceable. Questions about leadership changes and the future of the show only deepened the sense of loss. Now, those uncertainties dissolve into certainty: Abigail is coming home.
Co-star Erin Krakow expressed pure joy upon hearing the news, sharing tears of happiness and posting cherished photos with Loughlin from the early days. The reunion promises emotional highs, especially as Abigail reconnects with old friends — and perhaps rekindles meaningful ties, including with Henry Gowen.