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.
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Terry Ruth says:
Well said! Thank you for sharing. I feel the same way. The family and Amber, love them all! When Graham left it left a big hole in the show. But again Amber show her strength and character trying to continue Heartland. I love that person Amber. My humble statement,”Graham should not have never left. His broadcasting does not reflect the goodness he depicted on family members love across the world. PawT
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judy timpe says:
There was no better way of putting it than Denny said it so right! Thanks Denny
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mike pridmore says:
I find it interesting how she indicates one difference between her Wardle but nothing said about commonalitie. Their were stark differences in the backgrounds of my wife and I but here we are.....44 yrs strong. I came her way some and she came mine. To this day, she does her things, I support her and I do mine and she supports me and we occasionally participate in each other's interests. Those common things is what binds us. True love will always win if you let it. Sounds like she didn't and that most likely was the root of Wardle's departure. Outside of that, why would they completely cut off (or kill off) the very best of Heartland from the possibility of a reunion? We will never know those truest of feelings from either of them. Those feelings were revealed on the show. It couldn't be that good and not be real. Don't get me wrong, they are good at acting but they couldn't act their way out of what really was there. She made a choice, he was left with no choice. Wardle left.
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Amy says:
As many have said, it was hard when Ty left. For a season or so, sadness is fine. But I felt we lost Amy and her horsemanship too. Starting trying to find another love interest for Amy instead of going backbto her root's..
Lou keeps getting annoying. And we keep losing our other young lady riders. Its hard to stay up to date with seasons the way they've been put on TV. And because its become so confusing, I'm losing interest. One of the very few programs where the star "Amy" could ACTUALLY " really ride. Very refreshing. Sad I rarely get to see anything new anymore. And if I do, I missed enough thatvi don't know who people are.
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duanericks06@gmail.com says:
I love heartland because of the emotions it leaves me with., I think Amy and Nathan should get married and have twin boys, who are completely different. Also Lyndy should be in an accident and end up in a wheelchair and after over come being paralyzed from the waist down, but learning how to walk and ride horses again!
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Phyllis Buell says:
Perhaps I am among your "more seasoned" viewers at the tender age of 94 - but I, too, love animals and if it were ever possible, I would love to visit Canada. The setting of Heartland is breathtaking. Please keep it going. I binge watch when I can get it, Which season is it just after Ty dies? That is where I am at.
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I have never watched a movie that has produced such a warm and family atmosphere, we see enough of the profanity and scanty dressed characters and it is such a treat to watch the staff of Heartland. Heartland and Amy and TY have filled a very big void in my life with the loosing of my beautiful wife to cancer at a young age. The relationship between TY and Amy is so true and the portrayal of true love displayed by Ty and Amy is so natural and true love. I feel that the departure of TY was a very big mistake and I realize it is said that it was his choice but I still feel it done a lot of damage to Heartland. The show has turned into a soap opera with poor Amy having to deal with other male actors who just do not fit with Amy. I would of rather see Amy raise their child as a single mother than damage her beautiful performance with the previous series and episodes.
What do I say is I am so proud to have gotten to know the characters TY and Amy and what they stood for in the episodes prior to TY leaving. The show will never be the same unless TY and Amy reunite as husband and wife and raises their beautiful family. The show where Ty told Amy he could live on his own , but he did not want to do that he wanted to live and be with Amy was a wonderful performance. The other show was when they got married, you will never know how many hearts and lives you touched. I am sorry but I have stopped watching the show since TY has left and not that I don't love Amy , but I just could not see what was happening to Amy. If I could find out if they get back together in series 18 I would be back in a heartbeat, I love you all and especially Amy and TY. God Bless A very loyal fan Denny.