Ariel Winter is returning to live-action television. She is joining the cast of Hallmark Media’s upcoming original drama series Change of Heart. Best known for her long-running role as Alex Dunphy on ABC’s hit sitcom Modern Family and for voicing the title character in Disney’s Sofia the First, Winter will star alongside Sam Jaeger in the six-episode first season.
Hallmark Media announced that the scripted series will stream exclusively on Hallmark+ in 2027. Production officially began in September. This project expands the streaming platform’s growing roster of premium dramatic original programming, following the success of series like Hope Valley: 1874 and Paris Is Always a Good Idea.
The Premise: From Divorce Attorney to Accidental Matchmaker
Change of Heart centers on Charlie Wyatt, played by Sam Jaeger. Known for his roles in Parenthood and The Handmaid’s Tale, Jaeger portrays a ruthless, successful divorce attorney. He has built his career around winning legal cases, regardless of the cost to families.
Charlie’s life changes after he receives a life-altering heart transplant. Left with an emotional pull toward a hopeful worldview, he feels compelled to help estranged couples reconcile instead of tearing them apart in a courtroom.
Ariel Winter plays Brit, Charlie’s younger sister. Serving as his emotional anchor and partner-in-crime, Brit supports him through his matchmaking journey, showing that love is a choice rather than something to win or lose.
An Ensemble Cast of Hallmark Favorites
In addition to Jaeger and Winter, Change of Heart features a strong supporting ensemble. Regular cast members include Rachel Boston (The More the Merrier), Julie Gonzalo (Supergirl, Dallas), and Kevin Vidal (Workin’ Moms, Culprits). Hallmark Media has not yet released specific character details for Boston, Gonzalo, or Vidal.
Michelle Vicary, Head of Programming at Hallmark Media, highlighted the casting announcement. She stated, “Great television starts with exceptional storytelling, and finding the right cast to bring those stories to the screen is just as important. We are beyond excited about the talented, seasoned actors bringing Change of Heart to life.”
Behind the Scenes and Production Team
The creative team behind Change of Heart includes series creator and executive producer Jonny Umansky. Erin Gibson, who served as showrunner on Hallmark’s The Chicken Sisters, takes on the role of showrunner and executive producer.
Keshet Studios developed the series. Liz Cohen, Keren Shahar, Peter Traugott, and Heather Brewster serve as executive producers alongside Umansky and Gibson. FOX Entertainment Studios produces the series, building on an existing partnership with Hallmark following collaborations such as The Way Home. FOX Entertainment Global handles international distribution.
Hannah Pillemer, Head of Scripted at FOX Entertainment Studios, noted, “We’re excited to build on our longstanding Hallmark partnership with Change of Heart, following the success of The Way Home. We look forward to bringing audiences a fresh, character-driven series with humor, heart, and a distinct point of view.”
Streaming Details and Release Window
Change of Heart is slated to premiere exclusively on the Hallmark+ streaming service in 2027. Consisting of six episodes for its first season, the series marks a creative pivot for Ariel Winter into serialized romantic drama, while continuing Hallmark+’s transition into character-driven narrative programming.
