Heartland world and characters explored in new web series

CBC TV's long-running drama series Heartland has spawned a new companion web series, which delivers bite-sized episodes.

Set in the same fictional Alberta town as Heartland, the web series, Hudson, follows new characters along with familiar faces and locations.

Hudson's Madison Cheeatow stars as Jade, a bronc rider and recurring character on Heartland.

"She was one of the characters we've always really loved, so we felt that she would do great on her own and really shine," said Scott Lepp, the executive producer of the new series. He was on The Homestretch Friday to talk about the show.

Lepp said because the show has been running for so long — Heartland is coming up to its 13th season — it's important to find new and innovative ways to reach the show's audience, and attract new people to the brand.

Episodes are seven to 11 minutes long for a total of 50 minutes, and are meant to appeal to a younger, digitally minded audience who are looking for interactive content, Lepp said.

"You can breeze through them quite quickly. It's just over the length of a Heartland episode," Lepp said.

"It's faster, pace-wise, it picks it up a little bit. It's funny, the music is quite a bit different."

Calgary band Miesha and The Spanks, and local singer-songwriter Michael Bernard Fitzgerald have had their music featured on the show.

Though the web series has just premiered, Lepp said some fans are eagerly awaiting to see if there will be a second season.

Potential for a season 2, Lepp said, rests upon viewership and response.

"I really hope there is a season 2. I hope people will go and check it out. That will really help our cause."

You can watch Hudson online for free on CBC Gem.