As they prepare for their wedding, Virgin River fans are also planning their honeymoon. Netflix has renewed the popular romance drama for Season 7 ahead of the December 19th release of Season 6, which will culminate in Jack and Mel’s long-awaited wedding. Like Season 6 (same as Seasons 1-3), it will consist of a total of 10 episodes.
The early renewal makes Virgin River currently Netflix’s longest-running original scripted series and the streamer’s longest-running English-language drama series in history. Its seven-season run to date is consistent with comedy-drama Grace and Frankie and comedy-drama Orange Is the New Black, which were designated as comedies for the first few seasons before switching to drama. . “Virgin River” currently has surpassed Netflix classics such as “House of Cards” and “The Crown,” which each aired for six seasons, and has surpassed Spanish teen drama “Elite” in terms of number of seasons (eight). ” but not in episodes (64 to 74 for Virgin River over seven seasons)
Virgin River’s longevity is no surprise. The series, adapted from Robin Carr’s novel, has a sustainable premise and revolves around a group of characters living in a small town. Starring Alexandra Breckenridge (Mel) and Martin Henderson (Jack), with an attractive cast anchored by veterans Tim Matheson and Annette O’Toole, it’s also financially attractive.
With streamers trying to keep their budgets in check, Virgin River’s prices are very reasonable. Filmed in Canada, most of the action takes place in a bar, a small clinic, and a few houses. Virtually no stunts or special effects are involved (with the exception of last season’s wildfire storyline).
Meanwhile, Virgin River remains popular, with its first five seasons ranking in Netflix’s global top 10 English series 25 times, and season 5 ranking in the top 10 in 77 countries. Streamers make renewal decisions based on viewership and cost, so it’s clear why they keep ordering more Virgin River. (Early renewal could shorten the gap between seasons and keep this romantic drama a holiday staple even after the release of the season 5 finale special and season 6 in December.)
Ahead of Season 5, Netflix’s Head of Drama Ginny Howe said, “This is a really rich world of characters, and we understand that people, myself included, can’t seem to get enough of them.” As long as that continues,” he added. If so, and we’re very hopeful of it, rest assured there will be more Virgin River. ”
Creating the world of Virgin River by expanding the world through derivative works was a top priority for Netflix. The streamer has given it its first crack at it with season 6, which introduces Mel’s parents and their 1970s love story, with the idea of possibly spinning it off as a prequel series.
During its run, Virgin River underwent some creative changes, including a change in showrunner after season four. Patrick Sean Smith, who took over the reins from series developer Sue Tenney, will return as showrunner and executive producer for season seven. Executive producers are Tenney, Amy Palmer Robertson, Roman Roth, Christopher E. Perry, Carr, Erin Cardillo, and Richard Keith, with Jennifer Monroe also contributing to the new EP. Co-executive producers include Ian Hay, Thomas Ian Griffiths, Mary Page Keller and Jackson Synder.
Virgin River begins when nurse Melinda (Mel) Monroe (Breckenridge) moves to the remote California town of Virgin River in search of a new start. There she finds community and love with local bar owner Jack Sheridan (Henderson). Season 6 chronicles the preparations and big day of Mel and Jack’s romantic spring wedding season, with new developments, fresh drama, and more love triangles.
In addition to Breckenridge, Henderson, Matheson, and O’Toole, season 6 series regulars include Colin Lawrence, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Zibby Allen, Sarah Dugdale, Marco Grazzini, Kai Bradbury, and Candace McClure. , including Mark Ghanim.
Here’s a video where the cast announces the Season 7 renewal, while also teasing an “epic” Season 6.
