The quaint town of Virgin River is gearing up for another season of drama, romance, and small-town charm as Netflix’s beloved series Virgin River prepares to launch production for its seventh season. In a surprising revelation, Tim Matheson, who plays the gruff yet lovable Doc Mullins, recently announced that filming for Season 7 began earlier than anticipated, sending fans into a frenzy of excitement. As of May 2025, with filming well underway, this article explores the latest updates on Virgin River Season 7, including its production timeline, cast changes, plot teases, and what this early start means for the show’s release schedule.
A Surprise Announcement from Tim Matheson
Tim Matheson, a veteran actor and director who has been a cornerstone of Virgin River since its debut in 2019, dropped a major bombshell in November 2024 during an interview with Anna Daly. He revealed that the cast and crew were set to begin filming Season 7 in March 2025, earlier than the typical summer schedule the show had followed in previous years. “We’re heading back to Canada in the spring,” Matheson stated, explaining that the production team aimed to avoid the harsh Vancouver winters that had posed challenges in the past. This early start caught fans off guard, as many expected a later timeline given the release of Season 6 in December 2024.
Matheson’s announcement was confirmed when filming officially kicked off on March 12, 2025, as reported by various sources, including a post on Netflix’s official X account on March 14, 2025, stating, “Virgin River is back in production for Season 7!!!” Martin Henderson, who plays Jack Sheridan, also shared the news in an Instagram video on the first day of filming, calling it “a very auspicious moment” and expressing gratitude to fans for their continued support. Alexandra Breckenridge, the show’s leading lady as Mel Monroe, further confirmed the timeline in a March 25 Instagram Stories update, noting that she had been working that day and was preparing for bed after a long shoot.
Production Timeline: Why the Early Start Matters
The decision to start filming in March 2025 marks a shift from previous seasons, which often began production in the summer months. For instance, Season 6 filmed from February to June 2024, while Season 5 shot during the summer of 2022. According to What’s on Netflix, the early start was a strategic move to avoid Vancouver’s harsh winter conditions, which can complicate outdoor shoots in the show’s picturesque British Columbia locations. This adjustment suggests that Netflix is prioritizing a smoother production process, potentially allowing for a faster turnaround in post-production.
Filming is expected to wrap by June 26, 2025, based on reports from The Times of India. Given Virgin River’s history of releasing one season per year—Season 5 dropped in September 2023, and Season 6 in December 2024—this early filming schedule raises hopes for a late 2025 release. However, What’s on Netflix and Daily Record estimate an early 2026 premiere, citing the typical post-production timeline for a show of this scale. Benjamin Hollingsworth, who plays Dan Brady, expressed optimism in a USA Today interview, hoping for a Christmas 2025 release to align with the holiday season, a tradition for the series. “I think it’s a great watch over the holidays,” he said, though he noted that no official date had been confirmed by Netflix.
Cast Updates: New Faces and Departures
Season 7 brings both familiar faces and fresh talent to Virgin River. The core cast is set to return, including Alexandra Breckenridge as Mel Monroe, Martin Henderson as Jack Sheridan, Tim Matheson as Doc Mullins, Annette O’Toole as Hope, Colin Lawrence as Preacher, Benjamin Hollingsworth as Brady, Zibby Allen as Brie, Sarah Dugdale as Lizzie, Marco Grazzini as Mike, Kai Bradbury as Denny, and Kandyse McClure as Kaia. John Allen Nelson is also expected to reprise his role as Everett, Mel’s biological father, despite his health scare in Season 6.
However, the season comes with a bittersweet casting shakeup. Mark Ghanimé, who plays Dr. Cameron Hayek, will not return as a series regular, as confirmed by showrunner Patrick Sean Smith in a December 2024 TVLine interview. “Cameron will always be part of our world, and I would love to see him come back, but he won’t be a series regular in Season 7,” Smith said, leaving the door open for future appearances. This departure disappointed some fans, as Cameron had become a fan favorite for his romance with Muriel and his role in Doc’s clinic.
On the brighter side, Netflix announced two new recurring characters on March 14, 2025, adding intrigue to the season. Sara Canning, known for The Vampire Diaries, joins as Victoria, an ex-cop turned state medical board investigator who arrives in Virgin River to investigate Doc’s practice after his medical license was suspended at the end of Season 6. According to Tudum, Victoria’s investigation takes an unexpected turn when she encounters a friend she’s eager to reconnect with, hinting at potential romantic or personal drama. Cody Kearsley, a Riverdale alum, will play Clay, a tough man searching for his younger sister, a mystery that could tie into the town’s hidden secrets—like Mel’s biological father living in Virgin River unbeknownst to her for years.
Plot Teases: What’s Next for Virgin River?
Season 6 ended on a high note with Mel and Jack’s long-awaited wedding, a moment fans had been anticipating for two seasons. However, the finale left several cliffhangers that Season 7 is poised to address. Showrunner Patrick Sean Smith told Deadline that the fight for Virgin River’s clinic will be a central plotline, following Doc’s license suspension. Victoria’s investigation into the clinic could create tension for Doc and Mel, who are now navigating their roles as a married couple running a farm while facing new challenges.
The finale’s final moments also hinted at darker developments. Smith confirmed to TVLine that Jack saw something troubling in the twins’ room during the wedding reception, describing it as “bad news” without revealing specifics. Martin Henderson shared in a What’s on Netflix interview that he sought direction for that scene to better express Jack’s reaction, suggesting a significant revelation that will carry into Season 7. Fans speculate this could involve the twins’ biological mother, Charmaine, whose storyline was left unresolved after her absence in Season 6.
Another focus will be the “honeymoon phase” for Mel and Jack, as Smith described to Tudum. “We’ve only just begun to see Mel and Jack function as a married couple, which is exciting,” he said, noting that their life on the farm will bring its own obstacles. Alexandra Breckenridge echoed this sentiment in a Deadline interview, expressing hope that her character wouldn’t face too many emotional hardships. “I just hope I don’t have to cry about too many things because that’s always difficult,” she said, hinting at a lighter tone for Mel’s arc.
Other relationships will also take center stage. Smith highlighted Muriel’s cancer storyline, which began in Season 6, as a chance to explore a “more positive outlook” in Season 7, focusing on her treatment and resilience. The romances of Preacher and Kaia, Hope and Doc, and Lizzie and Denny—who are expecting their first child—will continue to evolve. Meanwhile, the love triangle between Brie, Brady, and Mike remains unresolved after Brie’s confession of infidelity with Brady, and Clay’s arrival might shake things up further, especially if he’s connected to an existing character.
A Bright Future: Spin-Offs and Beyond
Virgin River’s longevity is a testament to its enduring appeal. As Netflix’s longest-running English-language scripted series, it has consistently ranked in the Global Top 10 TV list, appearing for 25 weeks since 2021, according to TV Insider. The show’s popularity has sparked discussions about its future beyond Season 7. Benjamin Hollingsworth revealed that showrunner Smith is already discussing ideas for an eighth season, and Alexandra Breckenridge shared on a podcast with Katee Sackhoff that she’s contracted for eight seasons, with Netflix expressing interest in continuing the series for years to come.
There’s also buzz about potential spin-offs. The Times of India reported that the Virgin River universe might expand, with Netflix exploring new stories within the small-town setting. While no concrete details have been confirmed, the introduction of new characters like Victoria and Clay could set the stage for standalone narratives, much like how Grey’s Anatomy spawned Private Practice.
What the Early Filming Means for Fans
The early start to filming has raised hopes for a quicker release, but fans may still need to temper expectations. While a late 2025 release is possible if post-production moves swiftly—Season 6 managed a six-month turnaround from filming to release—an early 2026 premiere seems more likely, aligning with Daily Record’s estimate. This timeline would maintain the show’s tradition of holiday-season drops, a period when viewers flock to cozy dramas like Virgin River.
The early filming also reflects Netflix’s confidence in the series, ensuring that production stays on track despite external factors like weather or scheduling conflicts. For fans, it means more behind-the-scenes updates from the cast, who have been active on social media, sharing glimpses of their time on set in Vancouver. Martin Henderson even showcased a Netflix gift box with items like mittens and lip balm to keep the cast warm during chilly shoots, a nod to the tight-knit bond that has made the show a fan favorite.
Conclusion: A New Chapter Awaits
Tim Matheson’s announcement that Virgin River Season 7 would begin filming in March 2025 has set the stage for an exciting new chapter in the series’ journey. With production underway as of May 2025, the early start promises a smoother filming process and potentially a faster release, though fans may need to wait until early 2026 to return to Virgin River. The season’s blend of new characters, unresolved mysteries, and evolving relationships ensures that the show will continue to captivate its dedicated audience.
As Virgin River heads into its seventh season, its enduring popularity underscores the universal appeal of its heartfelt storytelling. Whether it’s Mel and Jack navigating married life, Doc fighting for his clinic, or new faces like Victoria and Clay stirring up drama, the small town’s tales are far from over. For now, fans can catch up on the first six seasons on Netflix and brace themselves for another dose of romance and intrigue in the not-so-distant future.
