Here we are, winding down another year and --as I always do this week before Christmas-- making note of the fact that half of the season has aired and there is still half to go! I have tons of IMPORTANT information for you though, so click on through!
A lot of you have commented that it is a long wait between Episode 509 (which aired December 4) and Episode 510 (which is coming up on January 8) and that's true. Because CBC is Canada's Home for the Holidays, all of the network's regular programming gets delayed while great Christmas and Holiday classics --both past and present-- get aired during this Yuletide part of the year.
But reading all of your comments made me realize that this period with no new Heartland episode is the second longest wait fans of the series have to endure each year. The longest of course (by far!!!) is the break between the end of March's last episode of one season and the late September or early October season premiere of the following season. That's like six months!!!
By comparison these 5 weeks are nothing, but for all us Heartland fans these 35 days are still tough to endure!
Fortunately we have the holidays to help us get over the pain of waiting. And this year CBC is going to rebroadcast "A Heartland Christmas" on Sunday --Christmas Day-- at 8:30pm. And it's going to run commercial free!
A Heartland Christmas
"A Heartland Christmas" first aired on December 12, 2010, and was the most watched Heartland ever. Everyone is hoping it'll become a regular part of family viewing and that families everywhere find the time to wind down from the excitement of the day and the enjoyment of the holiday dinner by gathering round and enjoying Heartland's first ever television movie.
The photos on this page are all from "A Heartland Christmas."
There've also been a few comments asking why a new Heartland Christmas movie isn't being shown this year. There are a few answers to that one, but I'll give you two -
1) Last year it took a lot out of the cast and crew to film 18 full episodes of Season 4 and "A Heartland Christmas." It was a really big, exhausting project and really kept everyone going non-stop, with hardly a break - although the results, as I'm sure you'll agree, were AWESOME. To try to pull something like this off alongside a full season takes lot of pre-planning and scheduling, especially since when they aren't working on Heartland, many of the cast have other projects going on as well - plus, pretty much none of them actually live in the Calgary area, so filming all year round takes them away from their families for, well... almost a year, instead of 7 or 8 months away as usual. Not to say that there will never be another Heartland movie of some sort, but it's not in the immediate plans.
2) But more importantly (and more relevantly), as I've written before, everyone is hoping "A Heartland Christmas" becomes an annual classic, like "It's a Wonderful Life," "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" or "The Polar Express." Did those Jimmy Stewart, Chevy Chase or Tom Hanks classics have multiple versions? Nope, nope and nope!
Presents!
Last week I gave you an early present of a song from this season, sung by Shaun and Amber.
This week (TOMORROW) my present to you is... well, just check out the video below.
Before you go making your guess, STOP and read the following!
As you can see, the Official Facebook page just nosed above 91,000, and by figuring out when nine more thousand are going to "Like" the page, one of you is going to win the coolest prize ever. Details here on what that prize is. But don't post your guess here - wait for the entry form to go up here on the site tomorrow. I was going to launch the contest today, but we had a few technical difficulties - So MAKE SURE you come back tomorrow! I PROMISE the entry form will be up! UPDATE: The contest entry form is up here at cbc.ca/heartland/contest So enter away!
And... a hint. For the past year, the Heartland Facebook page has never gained more than 1400 fans in a week, and never gained fewer than about 450 fans in a week. What the future holds... well, who knows! But that's the historical data.
Just a little present for Heartland fans everywhere... Good luck!
Past Winners!
Speaking of contest winners, here are the names of the lucky fans who won Heartland Season 4 and "A Heartland Christmas" DVD sets, which were recently released in Canada by eOne Films - Susan V. from Preeceville SK, Kerri-Lyn C. from Smiths Falls ON, Marie-Pier B. from Valleyfield QC, Kate P. from Guelph, ON, and Christine F. from Brockville, ON. Congratulations to all of you!
And Finally...
Now before I sign off I want to point out that the calendar on the home page of this site has been updated so now you can all see on which Sundays the remaining Season 5 episodes of Heartland will be on. That ends the surprises and the guesswork!
In closing I want to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year. If you are reading this you are probably a follower and a fan of Heartland, and it's your continued devotion to the series that has kept it on the air for half a decade. Thank you for that, from everyone responsible for Heartland - from the cast and crew and from the CBC.
Next week I'll start to get you up to speed on what the first new episode in 2012 will bring (and let me tell you, it's intense), but for now here's hoping you have a great week. Make sure you catch or PVR "A Heartland Christmas" Sunday night at 8:30pm (9:00pm in Newfoundland) if you can! And it will be back up here on the site between December 26 and January 2nd, I've been told!
Heading off to do my annual baking extravaganza... Blog Whisperer out!
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Letícia wrote:
Posted December 22, 2011 1:55 PM
Hi BW I loved this photos I've already watched the Heartland two times Happy Christmas and Happy New Year for everyone
:D
Ruth wrote:
Posted December 22, 2011 1:56 PM
Loved this show last year cannot wait to see it this year. What a way to end Christmas Day watching Heartland Christmas.Love you guys Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year.
Iris wrote:
Posted December 22, 2011 1:59 PM
Can't wait until the contest ! But will it be open for everybody (not only canadians) ?
Thank you BW !
StuckonaCloud wrote:
Posted December 22, 2011 2:09 PM
Hey BW, Is this contest open to people outside of Canada? I would love to participate if it is. Thanks!!
chapo chavez wrote:
Posted December 22, 2011 2:16 PM
Hi I just wanna say marry christmas to you guy'y Love the show all the Best to you
Feliz Navidad Amy Eres una mujer muy Hermosa :)
Kat wrote:
Posted December 22, 2011 2:19 PM
Thank you Blog Whisperer and thank you to all the cast and crew for being apart of one of the best television shows ever. Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year to everyone at Heartland.
Tina wrote:
Posted December 22, 2011 2:25 PM
BW, just wanted to wish you a very Merry Christmas and thank you so much for all your hard work. You truly are a one-of-a-kind.
Thanks for keeping us up-to-date. I know I would be lost without your updates.
Trishia wrote:
Posted December 22, 2011 2:43 PM
I live outside of Canada, so I haven't seen A Heartland Christmas yet. I also haven't been able to find it online to watch recently. Can someone tell me where to watch it online? Also, I know it aired between episodes 9 and 10 of season 4. Does it fit into the show's story between those episodes or is it separate?
Tiffanie wrote:
Posted December 22, 2011 3:07 PM
BW: I'm just curious. That first picture of Amy & Ty in the wagon only shows half the horse. Is there anyway we can get a full sized complete picture of it? It's one of my favorite pictures of all time & I'd love to be able to use it as a screen saver on my computer. Thanks i advance.
[Blog Whisperer: Let me see what I can dig up, Tiffanie! ]
nath wrote:
Posted December 22, 2011 3:27 PM
BW, thanks for all!!! Merry christmas and happy new year!!!! I like the blog. I live in France. sorry,my english is bad!!!!
Nikki S wrote:
Posted December 22, 2011 3:49 PM
Hmm, interesting contest concept. I will definitely be making my guess! I can't wait to see the Christmas movie again! I like what you said there, BW, about Jimmy Stewart, Chevy Chase, and Tom Hanks. I love all 3 of those movies! It's A Wonderful Life always makes me tear up! And Johnny Galecki in Christmas Vacation is such a cutie! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year BW! You deserve a break from all the hard work you do!
Dawn~ wrote:
Posted December 22, 2011 5:09 PM
What a wonderful show and so full of life. We live outside of Canada so we watch it when it becomes available to us. It is always worth the wait. We wish you all Peace and Blessings for the Holiday Season and Always!
Martha Robertson wrote:
Posted December 22, 2011 5:48 PM
I love your show it is great to have a show that is Canadian based...always love the scenery and of course the folks that make up the show...keep it coming...Merry Christmas to you all.
Tricia A. wrote:
Posted December 22, 2011 6:07 PM
I have come to LOVE this show but can only get it in certain places on the web here in the states. Will the Christmas episode make its way to my neck of the woods. Hayden, ID. USA
True Talker wrote:
Posted December 22, 2011 6:15 PM
Blog Whisperer thank you again and as always you did a fantastic job on this Blog. You really know how to catch your readers attention and they always come back wanting more.
There is no denying that for all that work on this show that we call Heartland, the filming of all 18 episodes and also A Heartland Christmas movie was more exhausting than any of us can even imagine. I do honestly thank you for all for what you have done and put into everything because the episodes of Heartland and the movie; A Heartland Christmas turned out perfectly. It proves that all of you have great commitment and dedication to this show. We are ever so lucky to be the receiver of this gift that we call Heartland, seriously.
Yes, it would also be great for A Heartland Christmas to be an annual classic and especially considering that it is Canadian. Yes the other movies that are annual classics are very good as well.
This new contest is a great idea and I really do like the hidden spin on it. No offense to anyone as it is not ever my intent to offend or insult anyone ever. I hope that this time the winner is someone that lives outside of Canada, whether they are from the US or from another Country. Why? Everyone deserves a chance and what better way to make other fans more loyal to this show. Of course it does depend on who answers correctly, and only time will tell.
Congradulations to all of the winners of the last contest that had won Heartland Season 4 and A Heartland Christmas. I'm certain that all of you will enjoy watching those DVD's. Also Kate I hope that you have a white Christmas, maybe with more people hoping for it, it will then happen.
Blog Whisperer thank you for updating the calendar regarding the episodes, it is always appreciated.
Blog Whisperer I also wish you, all of the cast, crew, the CBC, everyone that has a hand in this show, and all of the fans out there absolutely everyone; May you all have a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year. May this season and the New Year bring you all happy times and fill your lives with joy.
BW I thank you for your Blogs, and everything that you do so well.
Also I thank everyone that is involved in allowing A Heartland Christmas to play on television especially on the evening of Christmas, and on this site after that.
Again, thank you all.
Becky wrote:
Posted December 22, 2011 6:27 PM
Finally a contest I can actually enter!!! xD
Thanks, BW. I definitely can't wait for the new year...Merry Christmas, everyone!
Tricia - USA wrote:
Posted December 22, 2011 7:00 PM
I would like to wish all the "Heartland" cast and crew a "Merry Christmas" and a "Happy New Year. I have watched "A Heartland Christmas" two times, and I love it. I love "Heartland." Keep up the good work, and hope their will be a season 6. May God bless each of you in a very special way.
mags wrote:
Posted December 22, 2011 7:37 PM
i love the heartland christmas movie. iv seen it severel times already :)
merry christmas everyone and happy new year!
amber lambell wrote:
Posted December 22, 2011 8:59 PM
i love heartland ive watched it three times over i just want to see season 5
Eric lutz wrote:
Posted December 22, 2011 9:15 PM
Hi there Heartland folks. its great that we the fans can communicate with you guys. I'm an old guy myself, I can relate to Jack and sometimes how he feels. I too have grandchildren.
Question: when you guys set down to a full course meal. do you get to really eat it, or what becomes of it once that scene is a take? if you the answer is not permissibable i understand.
I love the show keep it family . Thank you
Lou
PS by the way i don't live too far from the suppose to be father of the young lady. Mr. George Canyon
I'm an old East coast guy.
[Blog Whisperer: Hi Eric! That is SUCH a great question I'm going to answer it in next Thursday's blog post! ]
Teri wrote:
Posted December 22, 2011 10:20 PM
Just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas, BW, and all the people at Heartland! Just a question... what if more than one person guess the correct date? Will they BOTH win the prize?? Thanks, and have a great holiday season!
michelle resch wrote:
Posted December 22, 2011 10:56 PM
if u would only let the u.s. in, you could have more fans, way surpassing what u could imagine!!u no a wonderful life was made in the u.s.!! u get to watch it!! so why not heartland , all the recent in the u.s.a. its freewill!!
Val wrote:
Posted December 23, 2011 3:57 AM
Thanks for this Blog Post, BW :)
Congrats to the winners and I am looking forward to the upcoming contest.
Please forgive me but I have to ask this, why is Tim cut off in the first family picture?
Wishing all the Fans, Cast, Crew and of course you BW, a Merry Christmas and a wonderful time with family and friends.
[Blog Whisperer: Ha! He's certainly not cut off deliberately! I just grabbed a version of the picture that I hadn't used yet, as I don't like repeating myself! Merry Christmas to you too Val! ]
Rose Mackie wrote:
Posted December 23, 2011 9:27 AM
Merry Christmas to all Heartland crew and staff have safe healthly one and a Very Happy New year sure hope this heartland Christmas becomes a Classic really enjoyed watching it with grandchildren
babouverha wrote:
Posted December 23, 2011 9:59 AM
Heartland!!!! C'est l'émission qui fait rever je suis belge donc je n'ai pas la chaine CBC et je parle francais ET je ne sais pas voir la saison 5 ET je ne suis qu'a la saison 4 qui passe sur la UNE rtbf en belgique!!! Mais moi j'ai envie d'aller au CANADA!!!!!
Joyeux Noël à vous tous et Bonne année!!!!!!!!!
lucy wrote:
Posted December 23, 2011 4:45 PM
hahaha remember when lou killed frosty...... best heartland moment ever!!!!!!
Sarah wrote:
Posted December 23, 2011 4:49 PM
omg idk what date to guess! Merry Christmas to all the heartland communitie and fellow heartland fans!
Kate wrote:
Posted December 23, 2011 5:19 PM
Thanks True Talker!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all! Have an amazing weekend!
Teri wrote:
Posted December 23, 2011 5:30 PM
Hello BW! what will happen if two people get the correct date? will they both win the prize?? :D
[Blog Whisperer: this is answered on the contest entry form! ]
Becky wrote:
Posted December 23, 2011 7:36 PM
Is the contest entry form only on facebook? Because I, unfortunately, do not have a facebook and am not allowed to get a one...Can I still enter the contest?
[Blog Whisperer: The contest is here on the site. Look for the "100,000 FANS" banners as well as the word "contest" on the nav bar above. As for not being on Facebook, I guess technically that's not a requirement, so go ahead!]
Megan wrote:
Posted December 23, 2011 10:12 PM
Merry Christmas everyone! I can't wait for the next episodes!
Bronc Buster wrote:
Posted December 24, 2011 12:14 AM
Thanks BW ! Enjoy your blogs for keeping us in the groove. Have a Very Merry Christmas and Holiday season!! You all deserve the time with family as we also enjoy this Special Time of the Year. Its bin a GEERReaaattt saeson 5 !
Irina wrote:
Posted December 24, 2011 5:56 AM
Great contest idea and I love the prize!
Happy Holidays Heartland cast and crew and BW!! :)
Susan Boyle wrote:
Posted December 24, 2011 9:11 PM
To Blog Whisper
Will there be a season 6?????????????
PLEASE ANS!!!!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!
Isabelle wrote:
Posted December 25, 2011 3:20 PM
merry christmas every one!!! you guys are amazing...can't wait for season 5 to come out on dvd
Horselover wrote:
Posted December 26, 2011 1:47 PM
I'm so jealous to you! I don't have a web-camera, so i can't take part for competition :( And this was open competition. Maybe next time :)
Happy christmas everybody! (yes, this came little bit late...)i hope that you got great gifts!
If you want see finnish guys, go and see the u20 ice hockey championships. Maybe finland's lion -team win that(yes, the team have the granlund's boys, you know mikael's lacrosse from spring?).
oh, this is a horse site and i only talking something about my home country's ice hockey team...however, have a great day with your horse friend and remember watch heartland's episodes!
Jim Baxter wrote:
Posted December 26, 2011 4:15 PM
Please Please tell me that there is a season 6 coming soon i live in the uk and have to hunt for it
Many thanks jim Baxter (extruckerjim)
The Mcleods wrote:
Posted December 26, 2011 6:25 PM
Just picked up season 3. We just 2 weeks ago discovered the show. Last night we watch the 2nd season special features and excatly the note from the executive producers a family show for TV was much needed. Our Daughter Mandi 10 years is a horse lover and rider. We love Heartland and our family time together watching Heartland. Thanks to all the casts crew for making a wonderful show!. Looking forward to our Heartland Marathons to complete up to Season 4 this Christmas Vacation!
New Fans The Mcleods, Victoria BC
Elisabeth wrote:
Posted December 26, 2011 7:09 PM
Wishing all fans and cast and crew of Heartland a very Merry Christmas and an awesome 2012!!
So excited to see how the next episode will play out!!!
Irina wrote:
Posted December 27, 2011 7:15 AM
Hey BW!
Well, I'm outside of Canada but I (and I'm sure other fans too) would love to see some of the Disney Parade footage with Amber! Is there a chance that we get to see it? That'd be great!! ;)
Hope you had wonderful Christmas weekend! :-)
Madie wrote:
Posted December 27, 2011 10:35 AM
Yes i love the prize also!
I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!!!! :D
Carolyn Chapman wrote:
Posted December 28, 2011 9:12 AM
There is no tv show I enjoy more than heartland. I love the horses, scenery, and people.I hope there are more seasons and it is Canadian!
Maria wrote:
Posted December 28, 2011 11:47 AM
Hey.
I was wondering if you know where I can watch A Heartland Christmas. I live in Canada, but missed it and was disappointed to see that is was not listed with the episodes or a link.
Thanks.
K Pointer wrote:
Posted December 28, 2011 11:53 AM
Thanks so much BW! I started watching Heartland on Netflix this summer and once I started with season 1 I HAD to finish the whole series because I loved the show! Unfortunately they didn't have a Heartland Christmas on Netflix and i was so dissapointed. Is the movie on the website? I tried to find it, but couldnt, I would love to know if its on here! Thanks!
Jamie wrote:
Posted December 28, 2011 4:21 PM
Hi BW. Thanks for keeping us up to date. I'm the biggest Heartland Fan! I follow the official Twitter as well. I understand filming for season 5 is over. When will filming for season 6 begin? Happy holidays everyone!
Tina wrote:
Posted December 29, 2011 10:22 AM
Hi, BW. You said that "A heartland christmas" would be posted here on the site between Dec. 26 and Jan. 2. Maybe its just my computer, but I can't seem to find it anywhere?? I would love to watch it again, but its now the 29th and I just dont want to miss my chance!! Thanks alot :)
[Blog Whisperer: Hi Tina! You can find it in the CBC video player at http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/Shows/1221254309/ID=2180922210 I will also post the link in todays blog post! ]
Ashley wrote:
Posted December 30, 2011 12:05 AM
aww i wish i could see this! is it possible to watch it in the usa? any websites or video? i usually watch the show in youtube but they have been delteing the people who post them =( now im all out of options. is there someother way to watch it??
Jennifer wrote:
Posted December 30, 2011 11:23 AM
Graham is so cute!(: Can't wait till the next Episode comes out.
Kim wrote:
Posted December 31, 2011 4:39 AM
I love Heartland.. :D i want to get the whole series but i gather it will be a while if you guys are still on television.. You guys have put on an awesome family tv show. Keep it going.. Love it..
Lisa Ericson wrote:
Posted January 1, 2012 8:35 PM
Any tips for non-Canadians who have to wait a couple years to buy past seasons? We would LOVE to see last year's Christmas show. iTunes Canada store keeps redirecting us to the USA store that does not carry episodes :>((
[Blog Whisperer: Until the U.S. networks catch up (and they're working on it!), your only option is DVDs from Amazon - they'll ship it to you anywhere! ]
Lisa Ericson wrote:
Posted January 1, 2012 8:35 PM
Any tips for non-Canadians who have to wait a couple years to buy past seasons? We would LOVE to see last year's Christmas show. iTunes Canada store keeps redirecting us to the USA store that does not carry episodes :>((
arianna wrote:
Posted January 2, 2012 1:26 AM
thanks for the show its amazing.. i was just wondering are the characters ty and amy dating in real life,, sorry i am not quite sure your real names but love the show.
John Nicholas Eddleston wrote:
Posted January 4, 2012 9:11 AM
We love Heartland and cannot wait until we in the UK get series 5 as we just keep replaying our DVD`s over and over until then
Ruth.C wrote:
Posted January 4, 2012 4:37 PM
Is there any possible way for people outside Canada to watch recent Heartland episodes either online or on television. I know E4 show episodes but, is there anyway of finding out when they are next going to be shown? I love the programme and really wish I could keep up with the series! Very jealous of Canadian fans who can!
Thanks
Gery Helensberg wrote:
Posted January 12, 2012 11:32 AM
Is ther any way you could watch Heartlands christmas episode online outside of canada?
[Blog Whisperer: Unfortunately not - it's hasn't aired on television yet in the U.S. (I believe it will next year though) and the CBC is unable to stream episodes outside of Canada ]
youth wrote:
Posted February 5, 2012 5:16 PM
i am a big fan but live in usa. i wish i could watch them on tv but I'm unable. can somebody help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ryleigh wrote:
Posted February 5, 2012 6:56 PM
your show is awsome its the best
Lynn Simard wrote:
Posted February 6, 2012 4:55 PM
Est-il possible d'avoir le dvd en français j'ai les 4 saisons sauf le Noël d'Heartland? parce qu'il a passé à la télé en français dans le temps des fêtes je vous remerci veiller me donner des information svp et quand sort la saison 5 ?