Heartland
Heartland (2007) is a long-running Canadian family drama television series, distinct from a similarly titled American film, that centers on the Fleming-Bartlett family's life on their Alberta ranch, a haven for abused and neglected horses. The show explores themes of family bonds, perseverance, healing, and overcoming adversity through the experiences of Amy Fleming, who inherited her mother's gift of 'horse whispering,' and her older sister Lou. The series is known for its generally wholesome and inspiring tone, balancing moments of hardship and loss with those of love, friendship, and personal growth. It targets a broad audience, from tweens and teens to adults, often highlighting valuable life lessons and positive messages. While generally family-friendly, it tackles mature themes such as death, divorce, and personal struggles, particularly in its later seasons, which introduce more complex and occasionally intense content.
Concerns
Violence
HighWhile largely a family drama, 'Heartland' features instances of animal cruelty, physical altercations, and the significant death of a main character resulting from violence. Later seasons introduce more explicit physical assaults.
In an unspecified early season, a character named Mac locks a horse named Challenge in a stall and terrorizes him with bang snaps, depicting 'full-blown animal cruelty.' In Season 6, Episode 14, Jeremy intentionally causes his horse, Buckingham, to overdose for insurance money, leading to the horse's death. Ty Borden is shot by a poacher in the Season 13 finale and later dies from a blood clot in the Season 14 opener. In Season 19, Episode 9, Wes physically attacks Jack, pushing and hitting him to the ground.
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe series, while a drama, includes highly intense and emotionally impactful scenes involving life-threatening situations, serious accidents, and the death of a main character, creating significant dramatic tension and distress for viewers.
Ty Borden and Scott Cardinal are involved in a plane crash and are stranded in the wilderness, facing severe injuries and uncertain rescue in Season 3. Amy and Ty are shot by a poacher in the Season 13 finale, and Ty subsequently dies from a blood clot in the Season 14 opener, a central and heartbreaking plot point. In Season 19, Episode 9, Wes's violent attack on Jack is described as an 'intense moment' and a 'violent outburst' that leaves the family shaken. Georgie confronts the drunk driver responsible for her parents' death, leading to a tense and potentially dangerous encounter in Season 11, Episode 2.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe Canadian TV series 'Heartland' introduces its first openly gay character, Rick Adderly, in Season 14. Rick, Lou Fleming's Chief Administrative Officer and assistant, is shown to have a partner, and they have adopted a child. This representation is integrated into the ongoing narrative.
Rick Adderly, introduced in Season 14, is established as Lou Fleming's openly gay Chief Administrative Officer. Rick later has a partner and they adopt a child, which is mentioned as part of his character's life.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumRomance is a consistent theme, generally depicted through kissing and mild innuendo. However, there are instances of implied sexual activity, discussions of adult relationships, and brief partial nudity for romantic tension in later seasons.
Amy and Ty share kisses, often in intimate settings like Ty's trailer, as their long-term relationship develops. In Season 18, Episode 2, a male character is partially nude (in his underwear) in a scene contributing to romantic tension. There is a reference to newlyweds getting 'romantic' in a Las Vegas hotel, which Amy describes as 'too much information.' Additionally, in Season 18's 'True Grit,' adultery is mentioned and appears to be justified by a character.
Substance Use
MediumSubstance use is present, particularly through the depiction of characters with a history of alcohol and prescription drug abuse, which are significant to their character arcs. Casual adult drinking and occasional underage drinking are also shown.
Tim Fleming, Amy and Lou's father, has a history of alcohol and prescription drug abuse, which profoundly impacts his relationships and character development. Ty Borden's estranged father also struggled with alcohol abuse, a plot point that affects Ty. There are mentions of 'underage drinking/partying' and scenes where characters 'talk about and serve beer, and someone has a glass of wine.'
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe series includes instances of characters displaying disrespect and engaging in rebellious behavior, particularly in younger characters or those with troubled pasts. These actions often serve as catalysts for character growth and plot development.
Ty Borden begins the series as a troubled teen on probation for attacking his stepfather, demonstrating a significant history of rebellious behavior and anger. In Season 18, Episode 1, a female character exhibits 'light disrespect' by raising her voice and repeatedly arguing with her father and grandfather about family business. Georgie, upon joining the family as a foster child, occasionally displays defiance and rebellious tendencies, such as when she makes a 'stupid move' in confronting her parents' killer.
Profanity
LowThe series generally contains very mild profanity, such as 'damn' and 'hell,' which are occasionally present but not frequent. Some broadcast versions, like UP Faith & Family, reportedly expunge these words.
Some episodes include 'coarse, harsh words' between characters. Three instances of mild profanity, specifically 'd--n' and 'h--l,' were noted to be expunged from the UP version of an episode.
Witchcraft & Occult
Low'Heartland (2007)' the TV series does not feature explicit witchcraft or occult themes. A Season 3 episode, 'The Haunting of Hanley Barn,' explores a spooky premise involving a 'haunted barn' and spooked horses, but this is presented as a mystery rather than actual supernatural or occult practice.
The episode 'The Haunting of Hanley Barn' (Season 3, Episode 4) involves Amy being called to a farm where horses are 'spooked' and the barn is rumored to be haunted, creating a suspenseful atmosphere that ultimately resolves without actual occult involvement. No other explicit instances of witchcraft, sorcery, or occult rituals are present in the TV series.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe 'Heartland' TV series does not contain anti-Christian themes. Its core messages of family, forgiveness, and perseverance often align with Christian values, even if specific religious practices are not overtly depicted. Dove.org, a Christian review site, approves the series for ages 12+.
Dove.org rates the series with 'Faith: None' but gives it an overall approval for Ages 12+ due to its positive messages of love, self-empowerment, and family values. Movieguide notes that the series maintains a 'strong moral or Biblical worldview' emphasizing loyalty, perseverance, and doing the right thing.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Ages 12+. While generally family-friendly, later seasons and specific plotlines introduce mature themes, violence, and emotional intensity that may be too complex for younger viewers. Dove.org recommends Ages 12+, and Netflix rates it TV-14 due to mild violence, occasional scary scenes, and some mature themes.
Additional Notes
It is important for parents to differentiate the Canadian TV series 'Heartland (2007)' from other media with the same title, specifically an American film 'Heartland (2007)' and another lesbian romance film 'Heartland,' which feature explicit LGBTQ+ content and themes not present in the Canadian TV series. The TV series has evolved significantly over its many seasons, introducing more mature and intense storylines, particularly in later installments.
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