In a move that delighted fans around the globe, Netflix officially renewed its beloved romantic drama Virgin River for a seventh season, signaling that the small-town magic

and heartfelt storytelling fans adore is far from over. The announcement came via the show’s official Instagram in October, even before the premiere of Season 6,

reaffirming the streamer’s confidence in one of its most enduring original series.

Now gearing up for its record-breaking seventh outing, Virgin River not only cements itself as Netflix’s longest-running scripted original — surpassing even fan favorites like Orange Is the New Black and Grace and Frankie — but continues to evolve in ways both surprising and emotionally satisfying.

Jack and Mel: A Love Story That Keeps Giving

Season 6 delivered a long-awaited moment that had been building since the very first episode: Melinda Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson) finally said “I do.” After years of navigating tragedy, trauma, and countless will-they-won’t-they detours, the couple’s wedding felt like a reward to loyal viewers who had rooted for them through thick and thin.

But don’t expect their story to fade into a sunset romance. According to showrunner Patrick Sean Smith, Season 7 will dive deep into what he calls their “honeymoon phase”, complete with all the joys and complications of starting a new chapter together — particularly as they continue their life on Jack’s farm.

“We’ve only just scratched the surface of Jack and Mel functioning as a married couple,” Smith told Netflix’s fan outlet Tudum. “There’s so much more to explore, especially with the challenges of building a life together outside the drama they’ve faced so far.”

Smith also made it clear that fans need not worry about a breakup looming. “I can’t imagine creating a scenario where you think Mel and Jack are going to break up,” he said. “It’s more interesting to explore their evolving relationship and the emotional stakes that come with it — rather than playing the same romantic tension beats over again.”

New Beginnings and Bigger Stakes

While Jack and Mel finally tied the knot, the rest of Virgin River’s colorful ensemble is also heading into transformative territory. Lizzie (Sarah Dugdale) and Denny (Kai Bradbury) are preparing to become first-time parents, a development that is sure to shake up their youthful, at-times impulsive dynamic. Season 6 saw them grow closer as they faced the reality of impending parenthood, but with a baby on the way, expect Season 7 to test their maturity and commitment like never before.

Meanwhile, longtime town stalwarts Hope (Annette O’Toole) and Doc (Tim Matheson) encountered a new, ominous threat. Though details remain scarce, fans are speculating that the couple may face serious health complications or outside forces that could rock their already fragile peace. Given Hope’s recent journey of recovery and Doc’s steadfast devotion, their storyline promises to deliver both emotional weight and high drama.

The Past Comes Back to Life

One of the most unexpected — and emotionally resonant — additions to Season 6 was the use of flashbacks to tell the story of Mel’s parents: Sarah (Jessica Rothe) and Everett (Callum Kerr). These glimpses into the past not only added rich backstory to Mel’s emotional journey but also laid the groundwork for a potential spinoff series, giving Virgin River its first official expansion into a broader universe.

The spinoff would focus on Sarah and Everett’s own love story — one filled with its own brand of heartbreak, hope, and small-town romance — and promises to explore generational parallels between their journey and Mel’s present-day path. For longtime fans, it offers a chance to deepen their understanding of the characters they’ve come to love, while also giving newcomers a fresh entry point into the Virgin River world.

When Will Season 7 Arrive?

Though fans are eagerly anticipating more cozy drama from their favorite Northern Californian town, Season 7 won’t be arriving on Netflix anytime soon. With Season 6 having just dropped, production for the new season is not slated to begin until Spring 2025, with filming set once again in the breathtaking landscapes of British Columbia.

That timeline suggests a likely release in late 2025 or early 2026, depending on filming and post-production schedules. The long wait may be painful, but judging by the show’s consistent quality and ever-deepening storylines, it will likely be well worth it.