The "Breath of Fresh Air" We Crave: Amber Marshall Gets Real About Heartland's Success

Let's face it, sometimes scrolling through TV options feels... overwhelming. High stakes, intense drama, cliffhangers that leave your stomach in knots. It's brilliant television, a lot of it, but sometimes, don't you just crave something that feels like a warm hug? A place you can visit where things feel a little more grounded, a little more... real?

For millions of us, that place is Heartland. And if you've ever wondered why this show, season after season (after season!), continues to hold such a special place in our hearts, star Amber Marshall (our beloved Amy Fleming) has some beautiful insights to share. She recently chatted with Trailblazher Co., and her words really capture the magic.

Finding Comfort on the Ranch: Why Heartland Feels Different

Amber puts it perfectly: she believes Heartland is simply "a breath of fresh air" in today's television landscape. Isn't that the truth?

Think about it. So many shows are designed to keep us hooked with constant tension. Amber acknowledges this, saying:

"...There’s a lot of scripted television shows out there that keep you on the edge of your seat, but sometimes in a way that gives you anxiety…the thing I love about HEARTLAND, and that so many people have shared with me over the years, is that it’s just comfortable…you don’t feel that anxiety.”

Comfortable. That’s the key word. Heartland doesn't shy away from life's challenges – the Fleming-Bartlett family has certainly faced their share of ups and downs – but it tackles them with a sense of resilience, connection, and, well, heart. It's about family, healing (both human and animal!), and those "wholesome values" Amber mentions, which seem to resonate more deeply than ever these days.

READ MORE: HEARTLAND’s Amber Marshall Praises Show’s ‘Wholesome, Family’ Themes

"It Makes Me Feel Good": The Power of Positive Storytelling

Why do we keep coming back, year after year? For many viewers, Amber shared, the answer is simple yet profound:

"...‘it makes me feel good, and it makes me feel inspired and positive and that I can really get through anything,’ and I think that’s really what the show is about.”

In a world that often feels chaotic, Heartland offers a sense of stability and hope. It reminds us of the importance of connection – to family, to nature, to our communities. "I believe that watching HEARTLAND, seeing those connections…really helps ground you," Amber reflected. "That’s something that you don’t feel a lot when you’re watching television." It’s that grounding quality, that feeling of coming home, that makes the show so special.

More Than Just Scenery: The Warmth of the Alberta Landscape

And let's not forget the stunning backdrop! The rolling hills, the wide-open skies, the cozy ranch house – the Alberta landscape is practically a character in itself. Amber feels it too, noting the stunning outdoor sets have "a warmth" that perfectly mirrors the show's themes. "The whole idea of HEARTLAND is this nice, family contentment," she said, "and it’s found right here."

From Vet Dreams to the Heartland Ranch: Amber's Own Journey West

What makes Amber's perspective even more genuine is how her own life journey has intertwined with the show. You might be surprised to learn that acting wasn't her original plan. "I never really thought of [acting] as a career," she admitted. "I thought I was going to be a veterinarian." (Can't you just picture Amy Fleming saying that?)

But landing the role of Amy changed everything. As the show found its footing, Amber found herself drawn not just to the character, but to the place where Heartland comes to life.

A Real-Life Connection: Finding Home in Alberta

During the show's second season, Amber decided to make the leap and move full-time to Alberta. "I rented an acreage, and it just felt right," she recalled. "I had some chickens and a dog and, you know, it just felt like home right away."

Talk about life imitating art! It turns out, the sense of community and connection we see on screen is something Amber found in her own life there.

"I love where I’m living, I love the people that I work with, and fortunately, people love the show. There’s just this neighborly sense of community and family and friendship that’s out there…After being here, I’m like, I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

She truly built her own heartland. On her blog, she shared more about settling into farm life, meeting her husband Shawn, and getting married right there on their property in 2013, surrounded by loved ones and their many animals. It adds such a beautiful layer of authenticity to know that the values the show portrays are ones the lead actress genuinely lives and breathes.

Good News for Fans: Get Ready for Season 18!

And the best news for all of us who find comfort in the rolling hills of Alberta? Heartland isn't going anywhere! The show was officially renewed for its eighteenth season back in May 2024.

While we don't have an exact date pinned down yet, the folks at Decider suggest that, based on past schedules, filming is underway, and we can likely expect Season 18 to premiere in Canada this fall (2024) and potentially arrive for US viewers on Up Faith & Family around mid-2025, maybe April or May. Something wonderful to look forward to!

So, the secret to Heartland's success? Maybe it's not really a secret at all. It's the comfort, the connection, the quiet strength, and the genuine heart – both on screen and behind the scenes. It’s a show that, as Amber says, just makes you feel good. And in today's world, that's not just refreshing – it's essential.