Why is Heartland leaving Netflix? Where to watch Seasons 17 & 18

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For over a decade, Heartland has been a staple on Netflix in the U.S., but recently, a notification was posted stating it will be leaving the streaming platform, causing distress among fans. Now that this cherished series is preparing to leave, one might wonder what’s next for its virtual ranch?

If you enjoy the small-town drama depicted in Virgin River, then Heartland might be just right for you. This captivating TV series is based on Lauren Brooke’s book series of the same name and chronicles the lives of the Fleming-Bartlett family as they deal with various aspects of life, love, and grief on their ranch in Alberta.

Heartland, boasting over 260 episodes so far, holds the record as Canada’s longest-running scripted television series. This remarkable show stands out as an exception, offering a compelling family drama that maintains its popularity due to its heartwarming and authentic narratives.

Over a long period, American Netflix fans have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of new seasons. To their surprise, season 16 was released in June 2024, but subsequent seasons 17 and 18 were not as planned; instead, a notification about removal has appeared.

Why is Heartland leaving Netflix?

The departure of Heartland from Netflix is due to licensing issues. In the United States, distribution rights for Heartland are managed by separate entities, and Netflix’s contract for the series is coming to an end.

A representative from Netflix’s customer support informed us that Netflix acquires TV series and films from various international studios. While they aim to maintain your favorite shows, some of them might no longer be available on Netflix as a result of licensing contracts.

When a TV show or movie’s licensing period is about to end, I ponder over several factors. Firstly, I check if the rights for the title are still up for grabs. Secondly, I gauge its popularity in different regions. Lastly, I take into account the cost of obtaining the license.

That means unless a new deal is reached, the platform can no longer legally host it. 

When is Heartland leaving Netflix?

The “we’re departing soon” message indicates that the 250 episodes of Heartland that are currently available on Netflix US will no longer be there starting on August 1, 2025.

Although it may change, the banner typically comes up just a month prior to its departure. Unfortunately, the news that Seasons 17 and 18 would soon be available on the streaming platform has been disappointing for fans who were anticipating an imminent arrival.

On Reddit, someone shared, “For the last 4-5 months, Heartland on Netflix has turned into my daily haven of joy. It’s quite disheartening to learn that it’s been taken off.

Another concurred, “It resonates with me too… I’ve watched every episode not once but thrice, and each time, it transports me to a more blissful era. Alberta, generally speaking, is a marvelous destination, save for its chilly winters.

A third person exclaimed, “I can’t believe it! This is my go-to series,” as another commented, “It’s disappointing because Netflix was our favorite streaming platform.

Some people continued discussing the reason behind Heartland’s departure, with one suggesting, “It seems that CBC was asking for a substantial fee for licensing rights, and Netflix opted for other options. To fill the gap, they acquired Sullivan’s Crossing, another Canadian series instead.

It’s plausible that when they mention ‘we take into account items like’, they might also ponder whether the program continues to attract a substantial viewership to warrant any expenses or fees. However, it remains uncertain.”

“I speculate that there could be other business deals with greater returns instead,” adds another.

Another person chimed in, “Absolutely, they take viewership into account. Notably, Heartland consistently ranks within the top 10 when a new season premieres. It’s plausible that they may have reservations about the upcoming seasons or the series’ trajectory.

Netflix executives reviewed seasons 17 and 18 and their viewership ratings before reaching this conclusion. It’s possible that they believe the show may not sustain its success at a level warranting the increased licensing cost.

Many viewers noted that the fresh episodes tend to surface unofficially on YouTube, which complicates efforts to attract a large audience.

As a dedicated gamer, I wasn’t shocked when Season 18 of UP Faith & Family was quickly released. The show has been running for quite some time now, and luckily, a significant chunk of it is available to watch for free on platforms like YouTube and various other sites.

Someone remarked, “Absolutely, you can find many of its parts on YouTube with a quick search. It’s truly unfortunate for all of us!

Where to watch Heartland Seasons 17 & 18

It appears that seasons 17 and 18 of Heartland may not be coming to Netflix in the near future, but don’t worry! You can still enjoy a marathon of Heartland at your leisure through UP Faith & Family.

This platform provides “commercial-free, family-oriented, and suitable” content, and it has served as Heartland’s main streaming destination for quite a while, implying that new seasons premiere here first. The cost for the fundamental service is either $5.99 each month or $59.99 annually.

Although it may seem excessive, the platform provides a complimentary trial for new users, and you’ll find content similar to Hallmark movies. To top it off, it will broadcast Heartland Season 19, which is now being filmed and set to premiere later this year.

Until then, make sure you get your binge-watching in before the show leaves Netflix US for good. 

If you’re craving more small-town drama like Virgin River, don’t miss the upcoming series joining your favorite streaming service this month! Additionally, here’s a guide on how to catch up with Sullivan’s Crossing in its third season.

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2025-07-03 14:18