When a TV show has been on for nearly two decades, it’s more than just a series—it’s a family tradition. That’s exactly what Heartland has become for fans across Canada, who curl up on Sunday nights to watch the Bartlett-Fleming crew laugh, cry, and saddle up in the Alberta Rockies.
And 16-year-old Baye McPherson is right in the middle of it. Since joining the beloved multi-generational ranch drama in Season 15 as Katie Fleming Morris, Baye has quickly become a fan-favorite, bringing youthful energy and relatability to the screen.
Now, with Season 18 airing in the U.S. exclusively on UP Faith & Family and Season 19 currently filming in Alberta, Baye sat down with Celeb Secrets to dish on joining the iconic cast, what makes Heartland so special, and why Season 19 might just be her best yet.
Katie may come from a family of ranchers, but that doesn’t mean she has life all figured out — and Baye loves that about her.
“Katie doesn’t really know what she wants to do, and I think that’s a very real thing for a lot of teenagers,”Baye tells Celeb Secrets host Juliet Schroder exclusively in a virtual interview. “Everyone else has found their passion, but Katie is still searching — and I think that’s so relatable.”
Her journey in Season 18 proved just that: wanting to grow up too fast, sneaking into wine bars, and realizing maybe it’s okay to slow down and still be a kid.
“She realizes while doing that, she’s losing pieces of herself she’s not ready to lose yet,” Baye explains. “It’s such a real moment for so many teens — trying so hard to fit in and then realizing, hey, why wouldn’t I enjoy being a kid while I still can?”
Walking onto a set that’s been running longer than you’ve been alive? Talk about pressure.
“It was very daunting… my first day, I showed up 30 minutes early, my hands were shaking,” Baye laughs. “But Michelle Morgan [Lou] really took me under her wing. She gave me a tour of the house and even showed me Katie’s bedroom, saying, ‘This is where you’ve grown up.’ From that moment, I felt like part of the family.”
It’s a theme Baye comes back to often — Heartland isn’t just about family, it feels like one. Whether she’s learning horse tricks, soaking wet in a drought scene, or sitting around the dinner table with the cast, Baye is constantly reminded how lucky she is.
“I just remember sitting back during one of our family dinner scenes and thinking, ‘I am so lucky to be here with these lovely people doing what I love.’”
Of course, life on a ranch set means a lot of time with four-legged co-stars. Baye’s current favorite? Dodger — played by Rowdy, a horse owned by one of the wranglers. “Riding his horse is such a huge honor. He’s the definition of cowboy,” she gushes.
But when she’s not on horseback, Baye is usually giggling with her on-screen little sisters, Ruby and Emmanuella Spencer (Lyndy).
“They kind of feel like my own little cousins or sisters,” Baye says. “We’ve spent so much time together playing games, pulling pranks, and just having fun on set. Watching them grow up has been so special.”
And yes, the cast knows how to let loose. “Our script supervisor Wayne is the biggest prankster. There are always whoopee cushions, stickers, silly wrap reel moments… things fans don’t see but make every day on set hilarious.”
So what can fans expect from the upcoming season? Baye keeps things vague but teases three words: “Exciting, challenging, and hopeful.”
She hints that Katie may start building a stronger sense of belonging, perhaps finding a group of friends her own age instead of trying to grow up too fast. And with new characters being introduced, there’s plenty to look forward to.
While Heartland has been a household name in Canada for years, Baye says it’s the perfect time for American families to start watching — especially with Season 18 streaming now on UP Faith & Family.
“What’s so great about it — and part of its longevity — is that it really is for any and all audiences,” Baye explains. “When I first booked the show, my brother’s hockey coach, my grandparents, and little girls I danced with were all fans. It just has such a broad outreach.”
It’s rare to find a series that grandparents, parents, and kids can all enjoy together, but Heartland delivers. From heartfelt storylines to sweeping ranch scenery, it’s comfort TV at its finest — the kind of show that feels like home.
At the end of the day, Baye is still a teenager with big dreams. Beyond acting, she hopes to one day write and direct — but for now, she’s savoring every moment as part of a show that’s become such an important part of so many families’ lives.
“Through Katie, I’ve learned how to cherish my own family bonds,” Baye reflects. “It’s been such a gift to play her and to grow alongside her.”
And with Heartland continuing to break records and touch hearts, it’s clear that Baye — and Katie — are only just getting started. Season 18 is streaming now on UP Faith & Family in the U.S., with Season 19 on the horizon. And if you love Virgin River, trust us — you’ll be hooked.
For more on Baye McPherson and Heartland, make sure to watch our full interview below.
Interview quotes have been edited and condensed for clarity.
