Kristin Cavallari is returning to acting as the lead in Cowboy Hearts, a new romantic comedy for The Roku Channel, alongside Tanner Novlan.
The 39-year-old, known for reality shows including Laguna Beach and The Hills, will play a reality television producer sent to Georgia to oversee the reboot of a dating programme called Cowboy Hearts.
Her character expects problems behind the cameras but finds herself developing feelings for the cowboy at the centre of the show, played by Novlan. With production under way and her job at risk, she must decide whether to put romance before the script.
Cavallari announced the project on Instagram, writing: “Back in my acting era! Just wrapped romcom Cowboy Hearts for @therokuchannel. I play a reality TV executive producing a dating show..so I’ve been training for this role my entire career.”
Kristin Cavallari returns to acting
The film will mark Cavallari’s first leading feature-film role in more than 17 years. It follows her work with Roku on The Reunion: Laguna Beach, described as a reunion special for the reality series.
“I’m so excited to be stepping back into acting and getting to do something completely different with a rom-com!” Cavallari said in a statement. “After such a great experience working with Roku on The Reunion: Laguna Beach, it feels especially exciting to be working with their team again — but this time for a scripted film! I can’t wait for everyone to see it.”
Brian Tannenbaum, Roku Media’s head of originals, said the company wanted to continue working with Cavallari after the success of the reunion special.
“Casting one of reality TV’s most iconic stars as a reality TV producer was too good to resist — and she absolutely delivers in the role,” he said. “Kristin and Tanner are fantastic together, the movie is a blast, and we can’t wait for audiences to fall for Cowboy Hearts next year.”
Cavallari appeared as herself earlier this year in an episode of 9-1-1: Nashville. Her previous acting credits include The Middle, Van Wilder: Freshman Year, Wild Cherry, CSI: NY, Cheerleader Camp and Veronica Mars.
Novlan is best known for playing Dr John Finnegan on The Bold and the Beautiful. His other credits include Hallmark films Debbie Macomber’s Joyful Mrs Miracle and Christmas Class Reunion, as well as a recurring role in Roswell, New Mexico.
Cowboy Hearts is scheduled to debut on The Roku Channel in early 2027.
