Introduction

Virgin River, Netflix’s beloved romantic drama based on Robyn Carr’s novels, has captivated audiences with its heartwarming tales of love, community, and small-town charm. Following the emotional rollercoaster of Season 6, which premiered on December 19, 2024, fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter. With Season 7 officially in production as of March 2025, Netflix has already teased exciting developments, including new characters, budding romances, and dramatic cliffhangers to be resolved. This article provides a comprehensive first look at Virgin River Season 7, exploring the cast, plot, new additions, and what lies ahead for Mel, Jack, and the residents of this picturesque Northern California town.

Production and Release Timeline

Filming for Virgin River Season 7 began on March 12, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia, with an expected wrap date of June 26, 2025. Lead actor Martin Henderson, who plays Jack Sheridan, shared the news with fans via Instagram, expressing gratitude and enthusiasm for the new season. “Day 1 – here we go! So stoked to be back at it doing what I love for all of you who love the show,” he wrote, hinting at his goal to make Season 7 the best yet.

Based on the production timeline for Season 6, which filmed from February to May 2024 and premiered in December, Season 7 is likely to debut in late 2025 or early 2026. The season will consist of 10 episodes, continuing the show’s tradition of delivering binge-worthy content. Netflix’s early renewal in October 2024, before Season 6’s premiere, underscores the series’ status as the longest-running English-language drama on the platform, surpassing staples like The Crown and House of Cards.

Returning Cast and Core Characters

Season 7 will see the return of Virgin River’s core ensemble, led by Alexandra Breckenridge as Melinda “Mel” Monroe and Martin Henderson as Jack Sheridan. The newlyweds, who tied the knot in Season 6’s finale, will navigate the joys and challenges of married life. Other returning series regulars include:

Tim Matheson as Doc Mullins, the town’s physician facing scrutiny over his medical license.

Annette O’Toole as Hope McCrea, Virgin River’s mayor and Doc’s wife.

Colin Lawrence as John “Preacher” Middleton, Jack’s friend and the chef at Jack’s Bar.

Benjamin Hollingsworth as Dan Brady, a former Marine with lingering feelings for Brie.

Zibby Allen as Brie Sheridan, Jack’s sister, caught in a love triangle.

Sarah Dugdale as Lizzie, expecting a child with Denny.

Marco Grazzini as Mike Valenzuela, Brie’s boyfriend with a complicated past.

Kai Bradbury as Denny, Lizzie’s partner and Doc’s grandson.

Kandyse McClure as Kaia Bryant, Preacher’s love interest and the fire chief.

Notably, Mark Ghanimé’s character, Dr. Cameron Hayek, will not return as a series regular, though showrunner Patrick Sean Smith expressed hope for his future involvement. Lauren Hammersley’s Charmaine Roberts, whose fate was left uncertain after Season 6’s cliffhanger, is expected to return, given her recurring role in recent seasons.

New Characters Stirring Up the Town

Season 7 introduces two intriguing new characters, played by familiar faces from The CW. Sara Canning (The Vampire Diaries) joins as Victoria, an ex-cop turned investigator for the state medical board. After being shot in the line of duty, Victoria arrives in Virgin River to probe Doc’s suspended medical license, a plot point stemming from Season 6’s clinic drama. Her official description hints at a romantic subplot, noting she “runs into a friend whom she wouldn’t mind catching up with… or maybe more.” Fans are already speculating about her potential love interest—could it be Preacher, Mike, or someone unexpected?

Cody Kearsley (Riverdale) will recur as Clay, a rugged rodeo worker with a mysterious past. Described as a commanding presence with “tough, athletic” qualities, Clay grew up in foster care and has been searching for his younger sister, whom he hasn’t seen since his teenage years. This family mystery suggests Clay’s sister could be a known character, sparking theories among fans. Is she Brie, Lizzie, or perhaps a new face tied to Virgin River’s past?

New Romances and Love Triangles

Romance is the heartbeat of Virgin River, and Season 7 promises to deliver. Showrunner Patrick Sean Smith emphasized that Mel and Jack’s “honeymoon phase” will be a focal point as they settle into married life on Lilly’s farm, now their dream home. However, building their future won’t be without obstacles, such as financial strains or external pressures. Smith assured fans that a breakup is off the table, focusing instead on deeper emotional stakes to keep their romance compelling.

Elsewhere, the Brie-Mike-Brady love triangle will take center stage. Season 6 ended with Mike proposing to Brie, only for her to confess her affair with Brady, to which Mike shockingly replied, “I know.” Season 7 will “unpack” this drama, exploring whether Mike can forgive Brie or if her lingering feelings for Brady will reignite. Actor Benjamin Hollingsworth suggested an intriguing twist: Brady, betrayed by his girlfriend Lark, who stole his money, might need Mike’s help to recover it, creating a tense dynamic.

Victoria’s arrival hints at a new romantic arc, potentially shaking up existing relationships. Her connection to an unnamed “friend” could spark jealousy or rekindle old flames, adding to the town’s web of love stories. Meanwhile, Preacher and Kaia, as well as Lizzie and Denny, will navigate their relationships amid new responsibilities, with the latter preparing for parenthood.

Major Plot Points and Cliffhangers

Season 7 picks up two hours after Season 6’s finale, diving into the fallout of several cliffhangers. A key storyline is Mel and Jack’s potential adoption of Marley’s unborn baby, offered after her original adoptive parents backed out. Breckenridge expressed excitement about portraying Mel’s journey to motherhood, a dream long deferred by past tragedies. This arc will explore the emotional and logistical challenges of adoption, strengthening Mel and Jack’s bond.

Charmaine’s uncertain fate is another focal point. After missing Mel and Jack’s wedding, Jack discovered her home ransacked, suggesting foul play linked to her ex, Calvin, the father of her twins. Showrunner Smith noted that “Charmaine has found herself in the middle of a mess again,” fueling speculation about her survival.

Doc’s clinic faces external threats, with Victoria’s investigation potentially tied to larger issues in healthcare, such as corporate takeovers of small practices. Annette O’Toole praised the show’s integration of real-world issues, suggesting Season 7 will delve into these themes while maintaining its cozy appeal.

A Prequel and Virgin River’s Legacy

In addition to Season 7, Netflix is developing a prequel series focusing on Mel’s parents, Sarah and Everett, portrayed in flashbacks by Jessica Rothe and Callum Kerr. Set in the 1970s, the spinoff will explore their love story and Virgin River’s origins, offering a fresh perspective akin to Queen Charlotte’s relation to Bridgerton.

With 74 episodes across seven seasons, Virgin River has solidified its place as a Netflix powerhouse, blending romance, drama, and community spirit. Its consistent yearly releases and devoted fanbase ensure its enduring popularity.

Conclusion

Virgin River Season 7 promises to deepen the show’s signature mix of romance, mystery, and small-town charm. With new characters like Victoria and Clay stirring up intrigue, unresolved cliffhangers, and Mel and Jack’s evolving journey as a married couple, fans have much to anticipate. As production unfolds, Virgin River continues to flow strong, delivering the cozy, heartfelt storytelling that has made it a global favorite. Stay tuned for more updates, and prepare to return to Virgin River in 2026.