Amber Marshall on 17 Seasons of Heartland: “It’s Been Home for Me Too”

Can you believe Heartland has been on air for 17 seasons — and counting? That’s a rare feat in television, especially for a family drama set against the rugged beauty of rural Alberta. But for fans, it’s not just a show about horses — it’s about home, healing, and heart. And at the center of it all is Amy Fleming, played by the ever-authentic Amber Marshall.

“People can escape their crazy, busy lives and come and sit down as a family and watch a show that makes them feel good.” — Amber Marshall

From On-Screen Love to Real-Life Change

In a recent interview, Amber Marshall opened up about her journey with Heartland, reflecting on the emotional highs and lows, both scripted and real.

One of the biggest turning points? The death of Ty Borden, Amy’s husband on the show, in Season 14.

“Yeah, a lot of people were upset,” she laughed. “And they let me know!”

Marshall said she knew it was coming — actor Graham Wardle had made the decision to move on — but it didn’t make it easier.

“It felt like saying goodbye to a part of my life,” she recalled telling him.

And while their chemistry lit up the screen, their real lives couldn’t be more different.

“I live and breathe animals,” she said. “And Graham, well, he’s never had that.”

Life Imitates Art in the Foothills of Alberta

The parallels between Amber and Amy aren’t just coincidence. Marshall didn’t just play a country girl — she became one.

“When we got picked up for Season 3, I was hooked on Alberta,” she said. “I rented a place out in the country, and it was the best thing I ever did.”

Over the years, her real life began to mirror Amy’s — filled with horses, wide-open spaces, and a deep love for the land.

“Alberta is Heartland, and Heartland is Alberta. It’s home.”

Why Heartland Still Matters

After 17 seasons, the show’s longevity speaks volumes. According to Marshall, it’s the simplicity that keeps people coming back.

“It’s about finding those moments of peace, those connections that remind us we’re not alone.”

And in a world of high-speed streaming and chaotic headlines, that’s no small thing. The show’s grounding in themes of family, resilience, and healing is part of its magic.

“Heartland started after Amy's mom passed. It’s like it's come full circle.”

More Than a Show — A Way of Life

For Amber Marshall, Heartland is more than a role — it’s been a life-changing experience. And for millions of fans, it's become a place of comfort, nostalgia, and warmth.

“As long as people want stories that warm the heart,” she said, “Heartland will keep going.”

And honestly? We hope it does.