Heartland (II) (2007– ) User Reviews (343)

I'm a 32 year old man and I love it

[justinpparkway · 9/10 · 1 September 2015]

First off, I'm a 32 year old man living in Upstate New York. I drive a truck and have seen a horse up close maybe 3 times. I love this show. The acting is great and the script is written very well. Every now and then, you can predict something, but very rarely can you be specific. Everyone talks about the horses and the heartwarming tales. I agree with all of that. I'm writing this as of the completion of the 8th season. Ty's character was my favorite. I loved Amy as well, but Ty is the kid with the troubled past. I enjoyed how his past became relevant more than once. It's not like he moved and everyone back home forgot about him. He grew as a person and a man. Great things were portrayed in this show.

Also the message Heartland and nature portrays. There is more to live than city living. There's more out there. And it's a richer life.

I strongly recommend this show.

Family western series from Canada

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 25 May 2016]

Living where I am in Buffalo, New York I'm fortunate to get a few Canadian television shows from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation which is on my cable package. If I didn't I wouldn't be seeing Heartland which I'm informed is Canada's longest running television series.

Family patriarch is Shaun Johnston who is a man of the land and in his way of living land means you grow things and or you feed animals off the things you grow. He's a cowboy and still a working one at that. But he's smart enough to bend with the times and part of his land is now a dude ranch for dudes who want to pretend. Not thrilled with the idea, but it's an income and the family works at it as a family enterprise.

My favorite of the characters is Chris Potter who is best known for the role of Peter Caine in Kung Fu - The Legend Continues. He's Johnston's errant son-in-law, a former rodeo star who can't forget the roar of the crowd and hasn't quite matured. As this series is almost a decade old Potter and the rest have really honed their characters pretty good.

Heartland is a really nice product from Canada and we Americans who can see it should be grateful.

even for a non horse person, this is good story telling

[bengleson · 8/10 · 1 November 2009]

I confess this show is one of my clearly-no-longer secret pleasures. The stories of Heartland resonate with me in quite a different way then most of the pablum I watch on television. The travails of a multi-generational country family, the mix of urban experience and back to the horse-manure land operation, the western motif and the youthful tales of love, of coming of age, of environmental concern, well I find some comfort and a strong sense of just about lost values in the telling. Above all else, the story of the young horse whisperer is almost mystical. If it borders on trite from time to time, it is easy to forgive this creative slight. A very pleasant TV experience.

Truly love it

[dkl5664 · 10/10 · 22 August 2014]

Love watching the show. My daughter and grand daughter love it too. Grand daughter is 2 and says horsey show mama. She would have it on all the time. Too cute. Wish we had more heart warming shows like this. I like the values it teaches. Family is so very important, and this shows a family's struggles and victories. Sleepless nights I turn on Heartland and have a marathon till morning. Wishing episodes 6-8 were available here. I will just have to wait. The story line and cast are excellent. Awesome family show. Makes me want to get baby girl a pony. Would love to see Calgary someday. It truly is beautiful. Would recommend watching this series, it will fill your heart with joy. Grew up with horses at grandfathers. So the story falls right in with all I remember growing up.

Good Old-Fashioned Entertainment

[tradewinds68 · 10/10 · 9 July 2013]

Heartland is a true family show grounded in the values of times past but in a present context, leaving the viewer with a light and happy feeling at the end of each episode. It is a true delight to watch and the characters are incredibly genuine, making it easy to empathise with their lives and dilemmas. My son is 15 years old and as with other children his age, addicted to modern technology, yet since I discovered Heartland, we enjoy nothing more than sitting down in the evening and watching a few episodes as a family, something that I doubt no other PG-rated show could have achieved. I would recommend Heartland to everyone of all ages who wants to watch a heartwarming television show that brings its stories to life.

a small bit addictive

[JiffyB · 9/10 · 24 February 2014]

I read the books when I was little and never knew they had been made into a TV series until this year so I had some major catching up to do! I can't really remember too much of the books just the basic bits which is probably a good thing.

I found this show totally addictive. The characters were brilliant, there was not a single one I didn't like, which adds to its watchability. Jack what a man; so well acted and such a great character. I would say my one problem with the series so far is that they have not used Caleb as well as they could of. Especially in the last few series where he was pretty much forgotten about.

I am a horse person but I could quite easily watch the series without the horses, they are an added bonus. The plots, although at times very predictable, are incredibly heart warming and I challenge you to watch some episodes without crying.

My only niggles (apart from the Caleb thing) would be just general stuff you know from having horses... your finger nails never stay lovely and manicured for more than 5 minutes and if you manage to stay clean you obviously haven't done things properly!Other than that its a brilliant show and I look forward to the next series!

Love this show but two annoying characters

[oldyfan · 30 December 2017]

I love Heartland as a feel-good show to watch. I love the horses and the scenery and most of the characters, particularly Jack. But I want to smack Lou and her dad, Tim. Both are selfish and don't really think about anyone but themselves. I guess that's just part of the show but Tim especially has no real redeeming characteristics and should just be ran off the ranch!

Heartland - love the horses, love the show

[debbry · 10/10 · 25 February 2008]

Heartland is a heartwarming, and exciting family series. My daughters and I love the show - it has become a real mother - daughters time for us. We love horses and the "Healing Horses / Healing Hearts" theme is really inviting and enduring to us. We have a large number of friends and family that share our feelings and interest in the show - which makes watching it even more exciting because my daughters love going to school the next day to talk with all of their friends about what happened on the last episode. We just finished watching the season finale and my daughters begged me to go online to find out if the first season will be coming out on DVD and when the second season will possibly start. We find the show very well acted, and extremely well written - the story line is infuriatingly enticing (we can hardly wait to see what will happen to the characters next). The fact that it is based in the Canadian Rockies is just a bonus and certainly must make filming the beautiful landscapes easier. The camera angles and lighting certainly create the right mood for the moment and really make the characters and setting believable. It is hard to believe that a story based on such a tragedy can bring such feelings of love and happiness to the surface, but this show really pulls it off. There is just the right combination of action, drama, romance and comedy to make it enjoyable for everyone watching. We look forward to the next season (we are saddened that the first season is over already). We surely hope that the first season will be brought out on DVD very soon as it is the type of show that one can watch over and over again.

True Gem!

[terikki-66742 · 10/10 · 16 October 2019]

I have watched every episode more than once. It's the one show that leaves one with a sense of family and community with both people and animals. It's a slice of heaven. My girls love working with horses. The peaceful outdoors and focus on prioritizing family/finding healthy balance is SO necessary, especially in this day and age. I know there is an immense amount of work and dedication that goes into creating each scene, episode, and season. I know the actors have been at this for years, over a decade. We are growing up with these characters. They take us to our happy place that leaves us grateful and hopeful. As much as I know that it is difficult, I am massively grateful that it continues. I pray it can be like the soap operas that never end...this kind of show has the goodness the SHOULDN'T end and the appeal/principles that NEVER GET OLD. I support this show with every thing in me. Thank you for continuing to put goodness into the world. Please, PLEASE, PLEEEASE don't stop. We are extraordinarily appreciative of the new seasons being available online in the US. THANK YOU! Please keep in mind the big picture and continue providing such awesome family content. We love you and are true and forever fans of the magic of HEARTLAND 💖🐎

In the Land Where the Heart Rules

[lightheartedbeing · 9/10 · 17 December 2018]

Great story-telling in this series and every aspect is well produced: acting, writing, and the incredible scenery. I'm about halfway through the 12-season show, and am simply enjoying the heck out of it. The horses are great actors, too, and should win awards. It does seem everyone is doing most of their own riding, they make it all so very realistic. The lead Amy played by Amber is incredible, who knew one person could do so many different types of riding and do it well? Horse dancing, to dressage, to jumping, to rodeo, to racing, to communicating deeply with horses in a genuine heart-felt way gets conveyed incredibly well. There's lots of topics that reveal ranch life in today's world that is interesting as well. From wild horses to oil, class war, business vs. family life, addiction, native people's oppression and resilience, death and loss, relationship dysfunction, craziness and creative solutions (no sex). Then there's the whole healing aspect that comes from living in and/or visiting the land where the heart rules. The therapeutic work with the horses affects the people and vice versa in sometimes amazingly touching and profoundly metaphorical ways. The show goes deep and is lighthearted too. It cannot be an easy show for the actors to do because it is quite physically demanding. There's violence, though not too bad, fires, explosions, shooting, avalanches, rescues, fights, lots of action. The characters, including repeating characters and are so well-drawn and acted, you end up taking them to heart. There are a few places where what they do doesn't quite fit with them, what they know or would do in just a few situations, but otherwise the character arcs, their growth and development over the years is an incredible journey of the heart. Totally enjoyable for the whole family, too. If you don't love horses when you start this series, you will.

So many annoying characters

[jleeharris-36991 · 6/10 · 13 April 2022]

The main story with Amy and Ty is pretty good, but some of the supporting characters are unwatchable. I have to fast forward through any scenes with Mallory, Lou and Georgie. Either they are a control freak or a bratty kid or both. Georgie is the worst. If she isn't putting someone else in danger with her antics, she is maiming herself or destroying someone's property. She is a constant drama queen, sobbing and saying "I'm sorry". Its so unrealistic that she would not suffer any consequences for her sometimes dangerous behavior in a ranch setting.

Wholesome Family Drama

[elaine_byrne · 10/10 · 31 July 2015]

I discovered this series by accident on UP TV. The saga revolves around the multi-generational Fleming family on their Heartland ranch in Alberta. Grandfather Jack is a somewhat crusty individual who is the one everyone else turns to for advice and help in times of trouble. Amy is the central character, one of Jack's two granddaughters, who is, if you will excuse the expression, a horse whisperer. Lou is the other granddaughter, a good-hearted but often too aggressive take-charge person. Chris Potter plays Amy's and Lou's father, an x-rodeo cowboy always looking for a make-money scheme. His wife was killed in an accident, which plays heavily in the first seasons episodes. Ty Borden comes to Heartland on a temporary visit and stays on as his character grows in importance. These cast members, and all the other permanent or temporary cast members are fine actors. The scripts are well written and directed. Once you see a few episodes you will be hooked and look forward to the next and the next.

Fun show BUT

[winginsue · 6/10 · 21 January 2022]

We are currently in season 3. We are enjoying the show but good heavens, I've never seen so many self-centered inconsiderate people in my life. How these people stay in any relationship is beyond me. Amy gets upset about the dumbest things. It can get SO frustrating watching it at times. I want to slap some of them on a regular basis.

Family?

[mjwood-41-152434 · 5/10 · 3 May 2020]

Because I love horses and beautiful mountain scenery, I have enjoyed the show. The writing is good just looking at the arc of the story, but I have a bit of a problem with the dialog between characters. They are rude to one another. All of them are with the exception of maybe Jack, Amy, and Ty. In addition, no child in the show is made to suffer the logical consequences of their behavior. This is especially true for Tim's and Georgie's character. Georgie will blatantly not do what she was asked and when a consequence is given to her, the adults rarely follow through. As a matter of fact she gets her way because she acted out. No child in real life would grow into the well rounded adult we see her moving towards. They would have simply been taught that I can do what I want when I want and still get to trick ride! I find it so unrealistic! Also, Tim is really rude, but everyone just puts up with what he does and says and so his behavior is tolerated as though it is normal. And it may be, with some people in real life, but someone who acts like he does would have few friends and be barely tolerated by family. It isn't normal in my world. If I talked to people at school where I work the way Tim Fleming talks to people, I would not hold a job for long. And Lou is so neurotic it is horrible. The world must revolve around her. So what if Jack and Lisa were married in a way that they wished to. Nothing wrong with that in my book. But to Lou, everything and everyone must meet her expectations or you are wrong! So, I don't think the give and take between characters is realistic. And worse than that, I think this show teaches kids that nothing is wrong with being rude, petty, and selfish. You get what you want anyway! Not a way to raise responsible people. Thank goodness for the horses and scenery!!!

Good show!

[bw-50712 · 9/10 · 8 June 2021]

I am late to the party on this show (I'm in season 5) and it's been really enjoyable. My only complaint is with Mallory and Lou. Mallory is way too annoying, and makes me want to hit "mute" when she's on. Lou often comes across as a diva. I know it seems like a negative review, but I love the other characters, the photography, scenery and of course, the horses. Will stick with it.

Can we please kill off Lou?

[samba53211 · 10/10 · 1 April 2021]

Sorry, that headline might make you think I hate the show, but actually I'm loving it, for all the same reasons others have mentioned. Heartwarming, wonderful acting, good stories. But honestly, Lou and Tim and just plain insufferable. They're both self-centered, passive-aggressive, and frequently bullies.

That said, the real reason I watch the show is the horses. I can't get enough of those beautiful horses. And the horsemanship. At first I thought there was some camera trickery going on or a stunt double for sure. So I looked up Amber Marshall's (Amy) bio and learned she's a bona fide equestrian. I love watching her ride.

Great show

[killionriot · 9/10 · 7 February 2021]

I really love this show it's very addicting good old-fashioned TV but I hate Mallory she's so annoying never let a kid like that in my house

good show..but..

[backworld · 9/10 · 9 February 2021]

Like many other people, I have been watching this show since the beginning. I also really detest the characters of Lou & Tim...I am now on season 13 & whenever either of them are in the story line, I fast forward past the whining & me me me attitudes of both characters...both could be removed without hurting this good series..

Wow!! This is the best family movie we have watched

[posserider1996 · 10/10 · 19 September 2019]

We have watched this series from the beginning and bought all the dvds available to date . I am a former horse(many horses) owner and can relate to many of the situations seen on the series, Amber Marshall has grown up on the show and has a real compassion for horses onset and in her private life, so what you seen on screen is for the most part real feelings and emotions. All the actors on this show have great chemistry and a lot of fun to watch interact. if you live in the USA and want to watch current episodes of this show you can subscribe to UpTV and stream it. If you love horses or just a good down to earth family show to relax and watch you should give this a try, I do not think you will be disappointed. Have Fun

Hollywood has lost their ability to make quality shows like this.

[davidsarti · 10/10 · 3 August 2013]

Hollywood has gone so high-tech and their salaries are so exorbitant that they cannot make shows like this. The United States has beautiful scenery just like Canada, in fact here in Tennessee on the Cumberland plateau we have vistas very similar except the mountain peaks are not as sharp. If I ever won the lottery I would love to produce a show like this in Tennessee in a rural area or even maybe Kentucky. The film crews would not have to worry with as much snow so that part would be a little bit easier.

Amber Marshall is one of those magical finds for a leading role. Amber plays Amy exceedingly well because she is in real life a horse owner, rider, trainer and animal lover in real life. Anyone that does not like this show would not like me, because I grew up around horses long ago. Now the area where I am at has few stables and my parents are gone and I am disabled so this brings back many fond memories. Kind of sad when I look back I keep hoping my health would improve and allow me to go and purchase another horse for my farm, I may not be able to ride it but I could still train it to pull a cart and do tricks.

Another thing the ASPCA in the United States has got out of control as to where they have ruined many of horse farms. They have created such a glut that horse desertion in Tennessee was at an all-time high 10 years ago.

The selfish Flemings

[tivamartin · 6/10 · 11 April 2018]

I like the show but I'm only in season 4 and I have to wonder if the writers know how annoying Lou, Tim, and Amy are. I can't stand Lou. She is a whiny selfish brat who only thinks of herself. There's not one single episode where I don't want to smack her. Tim is quite the selfish swindling jerk himself. Like father, like daughter. And Amy is slightly better, but her holier than thou attitude is hard to swallow sometimes. Just had to get that off my chest.

Have tissues ready

[tonckawa18 · 10/10 · 26 January 2021]

7 seasons in and IMO...

Most liked character: Jack (Jake runner-up) Most disliked character: Tim (Lou runner-up) Most annoying character: Mallory (Chase runner-up)

Enjoyed this feel-good show. Annoyed how long Amy and Ty took to finally get engaged. Oh yeah, have tissues ready cause every other episode, tears are going to flow.

I hate Lou and Mallory

[kls1295 · 7/10 · 19 February 2021]

How controlling and stupid two people can be is beyond me...plus Tim is a duck too. The show would be so much better without Lou, Mallory's shinning arrogant and ignorant characters. Seriously, they all three could die in a sheep heading accident. Totally, hate all three of them!

Lou. It's all about Me!

[ironbridges · 2/10 · 25 May 2020]

I hate crybaby Lou! This show has terrible repeat themes! "Oh I'm in love! Oh I need me time! Oh yuk!" Peter and Lou, divorced, and everyone seems to be ok easily with it! This show needs more Jack, more grit, more toughness and less soap opera!

True, Sincere and Worth Viewing

[reggie-at-random · 8/10 · 11 July 2019]

The well cast ensemble actors portray a multi-generational family (who, as a quibble seem to be a tad too close in age for my comfort level: they ALL married right out of puberty??) that supports each other and (usually) respects each others' autonomy with a common thread of shared humane ethics and respect for the land that is so lost today in the too-smart urban TV series that are simply so artificial or self-conscious that I find them repellent. If a Pollyanna moment threatens, the writers seem to be able to pull it back into a realistic scenario efficiently and so avoid the cloying (and disastrously anachronistically 'historical' When Calls the Heart) trap and viewer nausea. Congrats to all production crew as well.