When Calls the Heart Season 13: Brooke Shields Teases a Big Surprise for Hearties

After nearly a decade away from Hope Valley, Brooke Shields is stepping back onto the When Calls the Heart set as Charlotte Thornton in the highly anticipated Season 13.

For longtime fans, the return of Shields feels like a reunion with an old friend, and for the story, it promises a storyline that hits close to home—especially for Little Jack, whose struggle with Type 1 diabetes is central this season.

“Is he going to be able to get the insulin necessary to survive? How much could Charlotte help?” These questions loom over viewers as the season opens. Yet, there’s a sense of hopefulness, one Shields herself embraces. Speaking to Parade, she reflected on the unique place the series holds:

“The show has such a special place in the zeitgeist … The fans are incredibly generous, and it’s been fascinating to see how the series has matured over the years.”

A Personal Connection to Little Jack’s Story

Shields’ connection to Little Jack’s storyline runs deep. As a mother to a daughter diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 14, Shields says this season resonated with her personally.

“This is the first major television series script that came across my desk that had a legitimate Type-1 diabetes storyline, and that definitely hit home for me.”

Her return isn’t just about medical drama. Shields sees Charlotte as a quietly revolutionary figure, embodying resilience and independence in a time when women’s roles were often constrained.

“Charlotte does things on her own. She opened her own boarding house with her own money and did things that women weren’t often doing in that time period. She’s not relying on a man, and it’s an interestingly modern feminist approach in the best of ways,” Shields said.

Life Off Set: Family, Entrepreneurship, and Pets

For Shields, Charlotte represents a kind of modern woman she’s passionate about empowering in real life.

Through her company Commence, Shields has created hair care products specifically for women over 40—a demographic she says is often overlooked in the beauty industry.

“We are doing six products in the hair care sector, and we will grow into other categories in the future.”

Her entrepreneurial energy doesn’t stop with humans. Shields also works with Prospect Pet, inspired by the loss of her beloved dog. The company, founded on a Maine farm, aims to improve the quality of life for pets.

“With my daughters off in college, that unconditional love of a pet is nice to have around the house … Prospect Pet is about giving people a new understanding of how to keep their pets healthier and give them a better quality of life, potentially for a longer time.”

Back on set, Shields says the experience of returning to Hope Valley felt like coming home. She reunited with Erin Krakow and the cast in a spirit of joy and collaboration. Krakow, who plays Elizabeth, praised Shields’ professionalism and generosity:

“It was wonderful welcoming Brooke back to our cast. She’s such a pro, and so funny and present, and completely invested in, and caring about the stories that we were telling together. We laughed a lot together.”

Shields also noted the positive energy Krakow brings to the set.

“Erin is the perfect example of a leader … She sets the tone. You see it trickle down from the very top through all the departments; they all feel respected and appreciated. That’s a lot on one woman, on one star, and she’s just a really good human being who really respects the fans.”

Season 13 also gave Shields a rare chance to share the screen with her own daughter, Rowan.

“I get to have a scene with my daughter, who has never done anything like that before. I’m just sitting there thinking that at 60 years old it has culminated into this really feel-good, positive goodwill that I’m being invited to still play in and do, and share it with my daughter.”

For Shields, the experience has been affirming both personally and professionally. The warmth of the cast, the dedication of the fans, and the chance to tell meaningful stories continue to make When Calls the Heart a project she treasures.

“I often hear, ‘Thank you, I watched it with my mom or my daughter,’ or ‘We look forward to it because we know you’re going to make us laugh.’ Still having the opportunity to do that kind of work has been beautifully revelatory to me. I am more than grateful.”

With Shields back in Hope Valley, fans can expect a season that blends heartfelt drama, historical authenticity, and the kind of warmth that has kept audiences tuning in for years.

Be sure to catch up on everything happening on When Calls the Heart now. Come back here often for all When Calls the Heart spoilers, news, and updates.