Why Americans can't get enough of CBC's 'Heartland'

In a world of fast-paced drama and constant content, a gentle Canadian show about horses and family is quietly conquering American hearts.

A Canadian Series Winning Over the U.S.—Quietly and Completely

It’s not Yellowstone. It’s not flashy. And it’s certainly not what anyone would expect to top the charts in the United States.

But CBC’s Heartland—a low-key, deeply emotional family drama set on a horse ranch in Alberta—was the 13th most-watched show of any kind in America in 2022, according to Nielsen. That’s more than The Simpsons. More than Friends. In total? 18 billion minutes streamed.

That’s not a typo. That’s nearly 360 million episodes watched.

And it’s not a one-time fluke. In 2021, Nielsen ranked Heartland as the 5th most popular acquired show on U.S. streaming, ahead of American favorites like Seinfeld and The Walking Dead.

What’s Driving the Obsession?

The show isn’t new. Heartland debuted back in 2007 and just wrapped its 16th season with 249 episodes and counting. In Canada, it’s a staple—so familiar that many take it for granted. But in the U.S., it’s something fresh: a wholesome, emotional, slow-burn family drama that doesn’t chase shock value.

“It’s probably a hunger for family shows,” said longtime Canadian TV columnist Bill Brioux. “And that’s just not really served these days—even by streaming platforms.”

A Horse Ranch, A Family, and Zero Irony

Set in the picturesque foothills of the Canadian Rockies, Heartland follows Amy Fleming (Amber Marshall), who starts as a teen grieving her mother’s death and becomes a strong young woman, a mother, and a horse whisperer. She lives with her grandfather Jack, her once-estranged father Tim, and a growing multigenerational family that runs a ranch and heals troubled horses.

One fan described it best: “There’s not an ironic bone in this show’s DNA.”

American blogger Anthony Del Vecchio, who first tuned in because his girlfriend insisted, said he stuck around because of its sincerity. “It’s about healing through love and compassion,” he wrote—calling it a rare tone in today’s TV landscape.

U.S. Fans Explain the Appeal

Denise Cornelius, a 44-year-old marketing director in Virginia, says she was hooked by the horse angle and the strong family ties. “It’s a multigenerational story—just like how I grew up with my grandparents. And I have a horse of my own, so that sealed it.”

For 28-year-old Andrew Bjork in Florida, it started while doing dishes. Netflix’s algorithm served up Heartland, and the stunning visuals pulled him in. “Then I started noticing how well the cast gelled. They just seem to get along.”

The Strategy Behind Its Streaming Success

Executive producer Jordy Randall says the U.S. growth didn’t happen by accident. The team made Heartland available across multiple U.S. platforms—Netflix, Hulu, UPtv, and ad-supported channels like FilmRise.

“It was a conscious choice,” Randall said. “It doesn’t make tons of money—but it builds loyalty.”

And with 200+ episodes, the show is ideal for bingeing. A young girl might stumble across it for the horses. Soon her mom’s watching with her. “We can build a brand new audience every year,” Randall said.

Binge-Watching Builds Emotional Investment

Watching seasons in a compressed time frame makes character arcs feel more powerful. Bjork said watching Tim evolve “from absentee dad to earning Jack’s trust” was one of the most satisfying parts of the series.

Cornelius agreed: “To see Jack eventually take Tim’s advice? That was wild. That would’ve been unthinkable in the early seasons.”

A Nostalgic Alternative in a Loud TV Landscape

In a content world full of chaos, murder, and irony, Heartland offers a deeply human—and rare—alternative.

“It’s kind of like Little House on the Prairie,” Brioux said. “But in 4K.”

While shows like Poker Face echo retro storytelling under the radar, Heartland is leaning into it—and quietly thriving.

It’s not trying to be edgy. It’s not chasing trends. It’s simply telling honest stories about love, loss, growth, and horses.

And in today’s streaming landscape, that just might be the most surprising hit of all.