For over a decade, Heartland has captured hearts worldwide with its heartfelt family drama, scenic Alberta landscapes, and of course—its deep bond between humans and horses. But even if you’re a die-hard fan of Amy Fleming and the Bartlett-Fleming clan, there’s still a lot you may not know about the series behind the scenes.
Here are 10 surprising facts you probably didn’t know about Heartland:
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1. It’s the Longest-Running One-Hour Drama in Canadian History 🇨🇦
As of 2025, Heartland has aired 17+ seasons, making it the longest-running scripted one-hour drama ever produced in Canada. It first aired in October 2007 and has gained an international cult following since.
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2. It’s Based on a Book Series 📚
Heartland is inspired by a series of 25 novels by Lauren Brooke, originally targeted at teens. The show took creative liberties to age the characters and deepen the storyline for a broader audience.
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3. The Real Heartland Ranch Exists (Kinda!) 🏡
The famous Heartland ranch you see on screen is a real working ranch located in Millarville, Alberta, just outside Calgary. The house and barn are private property and not open to the public, but the surrounding area is often used in other productions.
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4. Amber Marshall (Amy) Is a Real-Life Horse Whisperer 🐎
Amber Marshall isn’t just acting when she’s riding horses. She’s a trained equestrian and owns a ranch of her own in Alberta where she raises animals and lives a life similar to Amy’s.
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5. Shaun Johnston (Jack Bartlett) Almost Quit Acting Before Heartland 🎭
Shaun Johnston was considering retiring from acting before landing the role of Jack. Now, he’s one of the most beloved characters on the show—and a key reason many fans stay hooked.
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6. The Cast Does a Lot of Their Own Riding 🐎
Most of the actors, especially Amber Marshall and Alisha Newton (Georgie), perform their own riding scenes. This brings a more authentic feel to the show and minimizes the use of stunt doubles.
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7. The Series Has a Huge Global Following 🌍
While it’s a Canadian show, Heartland has been translated into dozens of languages and is popular in countries like the United States, Germany, France, the UK, and Brazil. It also performs incredibly well on streaming platforms like Netflix and UP Faith & Family.
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8. Graham Wardle (Ty Borden) Left on His Own Terms 🕊️
Graham Wardle, who played Ty, decided to leave the show after 14 seasons to pursue creative writing, filmmaking, and spiritual exploration. His departure was heartbreaking for fans but was entirely his decision.
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9. The Filming Season is Only a Few Months Long 🎬
Despite the long seasons, Heartland typically films between May and December, depending on weather and daylight. The rest of the year is spent in editing and pre-production.
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10. Real-Life Tragedy Shaped the Show’s Direction 💔
Chris Potter, who plays Tim, lost his father while filming early seasons. This real-life event influenced the way he portrayed grief on-screen, especially in scenes dealing with family loss.
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❤️ Why Heartland Still Matters
What makes Heartland special isn’t just the horses or the sweeping ranch views—it’s the family-first values, emotional growth, and healing that touch people across generations. Whether you’re a horse lover, drama fan, or just looking for wholesome television, Heartland offers a little something for everyone.
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