Virgin Rivermust be doing something right. Reaching the dizzy heights of six seasons on Netflix, it’s built a loyal fan base. Its popularity is akin toEmily in Paris:after a long day in reality, people are looking for pure escapism. Instead of a hectic, urban existence,Virgin River presents a slice of rural life in a picturesque mountain town with a community that cares. It’s a perfect, by-the-fire, snuggle-vision series, although that’s not to say the town is free from its fair share of dramas.
The show, based on Robyn Carr’s books, was brought to our screens in December 2019 and became a big hit with viewers, naturallyin America and Canada where it’s filmed, but also in Australia, the UK, and Nordic countries that shared an affinity with its small town atmosphere. In December 2024, it was time for the latest installment of River life to make its mark, but what are the fans saying about Season 6?
Mel Monroe Enters a Town We’d All Like to Live In
Virgin River
A television adaptation of the romantic novel series from Robyn Carr, Virgin River sees nurse practitioner Melinda Monroe accepting a new job in the titular northern California town to escape her past. But Melinda’s small-town expectations are checked when she realizes that adjusting to this new and straightforward way of life is a tricky balancing act - with the possibility of new love on the horizon.
Upon its release, viewers rooted for Los Angeles outsider Melinda ‘Mel’ Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge), a nurse practitioner and midwife, who moves north for a fresh start. The town of Virgin River holds all the charm of rural life for Mel: community spirit, local, independent businesses, and a possible romance with bar owner Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson). It also has some weightier issues running throughout. The show has tackled serious topics like PTSD, pregnancy loss, domestic violence, drug addiction, and medical emergencies, so it’s not all fresh cookies and warm milk.
The meld of comforting views and meaningful drama isVirgin River’ssignature stamp. Side by side with the heartwarming scenes are intense personal struggles, all set against the backdrop of those beautiful mountains, reminding us that our place and problems in the world are sometimes smaller than we think. And for viewers who live in the hustle and bustle of big cities, a million miles away from Virgin River, it’s a chance for them to feel part of a close-knit community or at least allow themselves to become engrossed in the characters' lives.
The Best Character in Netflix’s ‘Virgin River’ Is Not Who You Think It Is
Whether you like it or not, this emotionally mature character is clearly the best the show has to offer.
What do Fans Think of ‘Virgin’s River’ Season 6?
Fans counted down the days until the release of Season 6, eager to haveVirgin Riverback in their homes. But a subtle casting change disappointed some. Charmaine Roberts (Lauren Hammersley) is fighting for custody of her twins from Calvin, who was played by David Cubitt since the beginning of the show. Cubitt was swapped with actor Josh Blacker, making Calvin seem unfamiliar. Viewers had invested time getting to know Calvin, even if they didn’t favor the character, but now he felt alien.Reddit’s Loose-Garlic-3461 asked, “Anyone else bummed out that Calvin’s actor changed in season 6? I felt like the previous actor portrayed him perfectly.” K_Click_D replied, “This new fella just isn’t the same, he’s not threatening and intimidating enough.”
With Season 5 featuring traumatic moments, including Mel’s miscarriage, fans longed for some romance in season 6, and romance is what they got with Mel and Jack tying the knot. Although some fans noted the new approach was ‘cringe’ and claimed the scenes could have been written by a ‘horny teenager’.Sad-Yak288 on Redditshared their honest view, “While this season is a little more cheesy, I am loving it.” Ambitiis_Dot2854 responded," This was the best season yet for me. I think they did a great job, making it lighter and happier."
Fans Are Missing the Point of Netflix’s ‘Virgin River
The criticism is often justified, but after six seasons, it feels like the fans are missing the point.
Is the Future Rosy for ‘Virgin River?’
Despite the divided opinions,Virgin Riverhas been renewed for its seventh series, with attention still focused on Mel and Jack’s relationship.Tudum by Netflix reported, “There’s a lot more to go here with these characters.” There are even whispers on the grapevine of more seasons ofVirgin Riverto come. Last month,Benjamin Hollingsworth, who plays Dan Brady, shared a chathe’d had withVirgin River’s showrunner, Patrick Sean Smith: “…obviously, we need to be renewed for Season 8, but he’s already thinking toward that.” Looks like we may have anotherGrey’s Anatomyon our hands. You can watch it on Netflix through the link below:
Watch Virgin River
