Heartland's 20th season is here

Heartland is Canada's longest-running one-hour scripted drama.  It began airing in 2007.  On October 4th, the show's 20th season began airing on CBC.  I've watched the first of this season's 11 episodes.  A Christmas special, airing on December 13, 2026 will serve as the season finale.  Here are a few 

Here are some notes Season 20:

* Georgie Fleming-Morris, played by Alicia Newton, returns to Heartland, marking her first appearance on the show since 2023.  Her return is more than just a cameo and is expected to have a pivotal influence on the Bartlett-Fleming family.

Georgie, an orphan, was first introduced in the 6th season of Heartland.  She had a history of running away from foster homes.  Jack Bartlett discovered her hiding n a barn and she was eventually adopted by Lou and her husband Peter Morris.

Alicia Newton (Georgie)

Alicia Newton was born in Vancouver and is 25 years old.  She is engaged to her longtime boyfriend Trevor.

* Chris Potter portrays Tim Fleming, the father of Lou and Amy.  His future with the show remains unclear.  There is speculation that the Toronto-born actor has health issues.  

Chris Potter (Tim)

* A new character this season is Winn, Becker, played by Brynn Godenir.  She is a brash new horse trainer who comes to the fictional town of Hudson.  Winn's presence challenges Amy professionally. She is an ambitious social media influencer.

* Dex Cashman, played by Dylan Hawco, appears in his second season on Heartland.  Dex is a former hockey goalie who had to give up his career due to an eye injury.  Dex's girlfriend is Katie's friend, River.

Dylan Hawco (Dex)

Dylan Hawco is a graduate of the National Theatre School of Canada.  A native of Cambridge, Ontario, his age has been listed as 23 in recent articles.  He has appeared in five episodes of the CBC comedy Son of a Critch.

Heartland has lasted so long because it is constantly renewing itself with new characters or bring back characters who have left.  The character I miss the most is Ty Borden, played by Graham.Wardle.  Wardle officially left the series in the premiere episode of Season 14.  Instead of replacing him with another actor, the writers killed Ty off, leaving Amy as a widow with a young daughter to raise.  I think that was the correct decision.  Most fans would not have liked a new actor in the role.  

Amy grieved over Ty's death for a long time.  She is now engaged to Nathan Pryce, played by Spencer Lord, a native of Kamloops, British Columbia.  Nathan is a likeable character, but doesn't have the chemistry that Amy had with Ty.

- Joanne