Netflix Orders Two Shows Perfect For ‘When Calls The Heart’ Fans

Hallmark fans flock to the network for its heartwarming movies and shows, but soon they’ll be able to find similar content elsewhere, as well. Netflix started dipping into the world of original holiday romances movies last year, and now they’re diving headfirst into the world of touching TV shows, much like Hallmark Channel’s “When Calls the Heart” and “Chesapeake Shores.”

The streaming service is working on two new shows based on romance novels by popular authors. One is “Sweet Magnolias,” based on Sherryl Woods’ book series, and the other is “Virgin River,” which is being adapted from Robyn Carr’s novels. Both have been given 10-episode orders, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Woods’ name is likely very familiar to Hallmark lovers because her “Chesapeake Shores” series was adapted into a show on the network, which is currently airing its third season. While that show focuses on family at its heart, “Sweet Magnolias” has three South Carolina best friends at its center. This new show will follow their friendship, as well as their individual dramas within the realms of romantic relationships, families and careers. Sheryl J. Anderson, who’s worked on Hallmark’s “A Summer to Remember,” “Good Witch” and “When Calls The Heart,” is the showrunner. She’ll also executive produce alongside Daniel L. Paulson, who’s also an EP on “Chesapeake Shores.”

Although none of Carr’s books have been adapted by Hallmark, with 20 books in her “Virgin River” series alone, romance fans are likely very familiar with her work. The Netflix adaptation will follow Melinda Monroe, who picks up and moves to the small California town of Virgin River when she sees an ad for a nurse practitioner job. She’s hoping this will be the fresh start she needs to leave behind a past she’d like to forget. Working as the showrunner on this series is Sue Tenney, who’s been an EP on both Hallmark’s “Good Witch” and “Cedar Cove.” She’ll also serve as an exec producer on this project with Reel World Management’s Roma Roth and Chris Perry.

Between the authors and showrunners involved, both of these new Netflix shows have ties to all four of Hallmark Channel’s original series. This was likely done to ensure the streaming service starts off on the right foot as it expands into Hallmark-esque content, which is what sources tell THR it’s trying to do.

Premiere dates for the two shows have not yet been set, but, in the meantime, Netflix subscribers can watch past seasons of “Good Witch” and “When Calls the Heart” on the platform.