More than two decades after “Love Comes Softly” was first adapted for television, the Janette Oke book series is getting a new incarnation.
TVLine can exclusively reveal that an all-new “Love Comes Softly” series, based on the novels by the author of “When Calls the Heart,” has begun production in Los Angeles. The period Western drama is slated to stream on UP Faith & Family in 2027.
Zak Steiner (“Euphoria”) will star as A.J. Davis, the newly appointed sheriff of Rock Springs, alongside Sophia Paras (“The Bold and the Beautiful”) as his daughter, Emily. Also starring are Ryann Bailey (“Seeking Persephone”) as schoolteacher Sarah Chandler, Maya Herzog as aspiring doctor Jessie Davis, and Leo Howard (“Legacies”) as town physician Richard Bain.
The ensemble also includes Aason Nadjiwon (“Sky Med”) as Clay Stoval, Natalie Ceballos (“Law & Order: Organized Crime”) as Rosa Lopez, Josh Cooke (“Hart of Dixie”) as Mayor Wiggins, Levi Mynatt (“9-1-1”) as Thomas Stoval, Tunisha Hubbard (“Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”) as Josephine Stoval, and Pooch Hall (“The Game”) as Louis Stoval.
What Is Love Comes Softly About?
Set against the backdrop of the American West in the 1880s, “Love Comes Softly” follows the Davis family as they relocate to Rock Springs following the death of A.J.’s wife. As the town’s new sheriff, A.J. is determined to provide a stable, loving home for Emily, while those around them “navigate new beginnings, romance, and the challenges of frontier life,” according to the official logline.
The original “Love Comes Softly” movie, starring Katherine Heigl and Dale Midkiff, premiered on Hallmark Channel in 2003. It spawned 10 additional films: “Love’s Enduring Promise” (2004), “Love’s Long Journey” (2005), “Love’s Abiding Joy” (2006), “Love’s Unending Legacy” (2007), “Love’s Unfolding Dream” (2007), “Love Takes Wing” (2009), “Love Finds a Home” (2009), and prequels “Love Begins” (2011), “Love’s Everlasting Courage” (2011), and “Love’s Christmas Journey” (2011).
2003’s Love Comes Softly (Larry Levinson Productions)
“The heartfelt storytelling and timeless values embodied in ‘Love Comes Softly’ make it a perfect fit for UP Faith & Family,” Angela Cannon, EVP of Networks and Content Strategy at UP Entertainment, said in a statement to TVLine. “The franchise already has a loyal and dedicated fan base through the best-selling books and beloved films, and we’re honored to bring this cherished story to life as an all-new series.”
The series is produced by LCS Productions in association with Larry Levinson Productions. Larry Levinson serves as executive producer, with Libby Beers and Jennifer Jenkins as co-executive producers. Russell Mulcahy and Bradford May direct, while Ali Calamari serves as head writer.
A specific premiere date has not yet been announced — but TVLine will keep you posted as we learn more. In the meantime, scroll down for additional first-look photos of the cast.
Zak Steiner as A.J. Davis & Ryann Bailey as Sarah Chandler (UP Faith & Family)
Maya Herzog as Jessie Davis (UP Faith & Family)
Leo Howard as Richard Bain (UP Faith & Family)
Aason Nadjiwon as Clay Stoval (UP Faith & Family)
Natalie Ceballos as Rosa Lopez (UP Faith & Family)
Josh Cooke as Mayor Wiggins (UP Faith & Family)
Tunisha Hubbard as Josephine Stoval / Levi Mynatt as Thomas Stoval / Pooch Hall as Louis Stoval (UP Faith & Family)