Virgin River first arrived on Netflixin 2019, and it's been going strong since. Six seasons in, and Virgin River has introduced us with some wholesome characters, from Mel Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge), the nurse practitioner and birthing specialist who comes to Virgin River from Los Angeles, to Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson), an ex-Marine and now a bar owner in Virgin River who falls head over heels for Mel. There's an array of other lovable characters that represent the residents of the fictional Northern Californian town of Virgin River, but they're not the only reason this show is so great.
With a lot of content nowadays being fast-paced, violent, and dark, it's normal to have days when we want to watch something lighter, even soapy. While Virgin River is often melodramatic, has some plot holes, and indulges in unusual timelines, these are things that make it perfect, regardless of its imperfections. The reasons why Virgin River is Netflix's best drama at the moment prove that imperfections are also OK.
Writers
Sue Tenney, Jackson Rock, Jackson Sinder, Amy Palmer Robertson, Tesia Joy Walker, Natasha M. Hall, Patrick Moss
10
It Doesn't Claim to Be Perfect
But Comfort Shows Can't Always Be
Image via Netflix
As mentioned, Virgin River does have an unusual timeline, which is best seen by Charmaine's (Lauren Hammersley) pregnancy. She announces her pregnancy at the end of season one, and gives birth to twins in season five, which realistically have three or four years between them; however, in the show, it seems only five months have passed. Even Charmaine says at one point: "I feel like I've been pregnant for years." This shows that even the showrunners and writers have some sense of humor about their potential timeline conundrum.
Without wondering about the timeline or its events, Virgin River makes viewers forget about such problems. People have rarely opened up about its imperfections, and everyone who has, has likely given up watching the show altogether. To fans who've stuck around, the show may have a timeline issue, but it's not so big that it'd make them give up watching it. Virgin River doesn't claim perfection, and it doesn't have to; it's comforting enough for everyone to overlook it - at least for now.
9
It Covers More Than Just Romance
Friendship Is Often at the Heart of the Show
Image via Netflix
While Mel and Jack's romance is the main plot point of most seasons, their relationships with other people are also emphasized and developed. Mel and her sister Joey (Jenny Cooper) become even closer through conflict in a couple of seasons; Jack and his sister Brie (Zibby Allen) establish a better and closer relationship after she moves to Virgin River. Beyond Mel and Jack, there's the "Sewing Circle," a group of women who have been best friends for decades and their friendship is often put to the test, especially when Hope (Annette O'Toole) starts arguing.
There are many characters, and they're all intertwined, connected by this beautiful small town. Each season shows the various friendships in the Virgin River community and how much those people care for each other on the level of the entire town. From the Sewing Circle supporting their friend Muriel with her illness diagnosis to Mel and Brie becoming best friends over time, the show is a lot more than just Jack and Mel's whirlwind romance.
8
It Showcases Characters of All Ages
Though There's an Emphasis on Older Characters
Image via Netflix
A small town in Northern California will naturally have people of all ages living there, and Virgin River actually shows that. Its characters range from their childhood years to the late sixties, with the majority being older town residents; this can be rare for a romantic series, which often puts people in their mid or late twenties as the protagonists. Even the romances are varied and between people of all ages, with Doc Mullins (Tim Matheson) and mayor Hope McCrea being the second most represented couple in the series.
Women like Connie and Lydia, who are part of the Sewing Circle and Hope's best friends, are also frequently represented; another member of the Sewing Circle, Muriel (Teryl Rothery), engages in a romance with a younger man, Doc's clinic coworker Cameron (Mark Ghanimé), giving her some necessary screen time as one of the most likable characters on the show. Beyond Virgin River being an "old" town, people like Lizzy (Sarah Dugdale) and Denny (Kai Bradbury) are in their early twenties and their development is frequently shown in the later seasons. Virgin River gives attention to people of all ages, and a chance to learn from a situation, grow, and become better after it.
7
It Has Realistic Romances
Well, Fairly Realistic, Anyway
Another reason the aforementioned Virgin River timeline feels illogical is the development of Mel and Jack's relationship. They get engaged in season four, meaning they were together only several months before deciding to tie the knot. This makes the show's main romance a little bit unrealistic, though not impossible. However, the best part is how everyone in a relationship in Virgin River decides to go about it. Mel has a hard time moving on after her husband's death, and she often considers herself a burden with all her "ghosts"; Jack has PTSD from his time in the war, and refuses to address it, but drowns in alcohol instead.
When the two avoid each other, their relationship suffers; when they agree to listen and make decisions together, they flourish. Similar things happen with Hope and Doc, who are equally stubborn; Lizzie and Denny fight about raising their unborn daughter; Brie seemingly settles for Mike (Marco Grazzini) while having unresolved, uncommunicated issues with her ex, Brady (Benjamin Hollingsworth), and so forth. All these romances have one thing in common - real-life problems. Communication issues, learning how to trust, opening up to new ideas, all these things happen to real-life couples. Many of these arguments are resolved in the show, but could also inspire viewers to resolve things themselves.
6
Its Side Characters Make the Series Feel Wholesome
And, Most of All, They Make It Feel Complete
Despite Jack and Mel being the main romance, and "It" couple, Virgin River isn't all about them. It most often revolves around brilliant side characters with developed lore and histories; from the Sewing Circle ladies all having their own problems and Preacher (Colin Lawrence) aspiring to become a professional chef, to Doc running his clinic and Lizzie and Denny learning more about themselves and each other. All of this doesn't even include the smaller appearances that make each episode unique, proving that Virgin River is a show about finding a loving and supportive community.
Some of the best episodes of Virgin River don't revolve around Mel and Jack specifically; the season five finale is a mix of everyone's Christmastime adventures, while Mel's bachelorette and Jack's bachelor party episode in season six follows other characters, their bonding, frustrations, and resolutions as much as it does the two leads. Without these side characters, Virgin River wouldn't be all it is.
5
It's A Romance Between Two People In Their 30s and 40s
This Is a Rare Occurrence In Many Shows
Image via Netflix
In the books, it's said that Mel is 32 when she arrives to Virgin River, and Jack is 40. In the series, it seems that doesn't change. As mentioned, the most commonly shown romances in these Hallmark-like series (and many others) are between people in their mid to late twenties (sometimes in their early thirties), and they often lament about turning 30 and not having a significant other or a family. Virgin River shows people of different ages and romantic histories falling in love, and it's more than realistic for Jack and Mel to be in their 30s and 40s and still be open to romance without emphasizing or complaining about their age.
Though Alexandra Breckenridge and Martin Henderson are around eight years older than their series counterparts (41 and 48, respectively), they both look youthful enough to play slightly younger people. Besides that, Mel and Jack have previously been married, too; depicting people's second marriages is another rare occurrence on TV, but the situation itself is quite realistic. People can be happy and find love again after a divorce or a loss; this just shows Virgin River loves love and emphasizes its importance and impact on people of all ages.
A Quality That's Comforting and Desirable At Times
Image via Netflix
All seasons of Virgin River have exceptional examples of the townfolk working together, but none depicts it as well as seasons five and six. In season five, a lot happens, from Mike and Brady investigating a drug ring to wildfires catching Northern California, but these events have one thing in common - people working together. The wildfire spreading to Virgin River is a difficult event in the show, but it displays an incredible strength within the community itself. When people's confidence crumbles, or they become stranded, others run to their aid or rescue.
In season six, the community comes together to give Mel and Jack the perfect wedding; the Sewing Circle ladies go into emergency mode when Mel can't find the perfect wedding dress; Hope organizes the entire event (including ice sculpture carving); Preacher does the cooking, and so forth. The entire community steps up for the two and their wedding is the main event in season six. Whether it's a life-threatening emergency or a celebratory life event, the Virgin River residents come together, making the show feel wholesome.
3
The Show Is Visually Stunning
We Have Canadian Landscapes to Thank for That
Fans have mentioned that they love watching Virgin Riverbecause of its stunning visuals (among other things). Though the series is set in Northern California, Virgin River is a fictional town, and the show is entirely shot in Vancouver, Canada. Of course, many movies and shows use Canadian landscapes as sets, but Virgin River takes those landscapes to another level. How? Well, Mel's journey in season one begins by her spending a lot more time in nature, and her emotional and physical healing comes from that; compared to busy and crowded LA, Virgin River is slow-paced and restorative.
The show is cozy because of the lovely establishing shots and events that take place in nature, like the Lumberjack games in season three or when Doc and Denny go fishing (or when Denny does literally anything because he's very outdoorsy). Even if many viewers can't be in such natural landscapes all the time, they can at least enjoy the serene and soothing images of it throughout (currently) 74 visually stunning Virgin River episodes.
2
It's a Comfort Show
That's Why Its Plot Holes Can Be Forgiven
Image via Netflix
More than anything, Virgin River is a comfort show. All its characters are kind people who enjoy spending time with each other; the cozy environment makes the show and its events feel healing and comforting; the gentle resolutions of numerous events, no matter how stressful, provide the general feeling that things are going to be alright. Fans like the feeling of co-living with a gentle community and Virgin River provides them with the necessary cozy feelings they're looking for.
Despite some unusual plot points and storylines, the series remains popular because it provides a necessary escape from the real world. Sure, it's nice to watch realistic things and explore different genres, but coming home after a long day and turning on a show like Virgin River provides the necessary fix to make life feel better; that's why many fans still stick with it (while others make up unusual theories). Combined with the beautiful landscapes the show takes place in, the coziness and appeal of Virgin River will keep the show at a number one spot for a long time (and hopefully, keep it running as long as the cast is up for it).
1
Netflix Thinks So, Too
That's Why It's Their Longest-Running Series
Image via Netflix
Netflix is known for canceling shows after three to four seasons. More recently, they've canceled a bunch of shows after one season only, potentially seeking a fast turnaround in different kinds of content; this has been going on for a while. Virgin River defies all odds because of that - it's been renewed for season seven just ahead of its season six premiere in December 2024, becoming Netflix's longest-running original series, and most watched for the fifth year in a row.
Virgin River first aired in 2019, just before the COVID-19 outbreak. While people were quarantined, Virgin River kept them company by being wholesome and shot in beautiful natural landscapes. While the pandemic is over, people's lifestyles are significantly different since it happened. Most now choose to spend time cozied up with their favorite shows, books, or movies, and Virgin River has the perfect formula to help them endure all sorts of troubles. Virgin River is truly the best drama and one of the best Netflix shows ever - and it's more than certain Netflix knows it, too.
Image via Federico Napoli
Image via Netflix
Image via Netflix
Image via Netflix
Image via Netflix
Image via Netflix
Image via Netflix
Image via Netflix
English (US) ·