Virgin River Season 7 Production Moves to Mexico and More Clues Revealed on What to Expect from Upcoming Episodes

The Big Production Shift for Season 7

If you’re a fan of Virgin River, get ready for something new. Season 7 is shaking things up — not just story-wise but geolocation-wise. The show is moving part of its production from its usual Canadian base to Mexico, and that gives us some juicy clues about what’s ahead. Let’s dig into what that means, why it matters, and how it could change your favorite town of Virgin River forever.

Why Mexico? Location Matters

Filming in Vancouver from March to June 2025

The production for Season 7 of Virgin River officially started filming in Vancouver, Canada, from March 12, 2025 and wrapped the main block by June 26, 2025. The choice of spring-into-summer avoids the heavy winter weather of Canada, enabling smoother outdoor shoots and more scenic shots.

Surprise: Additional Scenes Filmed in Mexico

Here’s where it gets interesting: for the first time, the show ventured outside Canada. A segment of season 7 filming took place in Mexico—specifically around locations like Hacienda Cenote Oxmán in the Yucatán. The crew and cast were spotted filming what look like vacation or honeymoon-style scenes. Why Mexico? Because the story is likely expanding: more travel, more change, and a new backdrop that signals a shift in tone for the series.

What These Location Changes Hint About the Storyline

Mel & Jack’s New Chapter — Honeymoon or More?

Remember how Season 6 ended? Our main characters, Mel Monroe and Jack Sheridan, finally got married. Well, Season 7 starts right after that, and the Mexico sequences hint at their honeymoon or at least a romantic getaway.  That could mean a fresh setting for their relationship growth—away from the small-town drama, but not devoid of it.

Adoption, Family & Expanded Horizons

The Mexico arc could be more than just a honeymoon. Rumours suggest the story may pick up adoption themes or exploring family ties in a new setting.  For example, Mel and Jack might travel for adoption-related scenes, or the change in scenery could reflect personal growth and external influences coming to Virgin River.

New Characters, New Conflicts

With new filming locations come new faces and new storylines. Season 7 introduces characters like Sara Canning as Victoria (an ex-cop turned investigator) and Cody Kearsley as Clay, a rodeo-trained man with a mysterious past. The Mexico filming could also tie into these arcs—off-town issues, domestic/international threads, or simply a fresh visual palette.

Production Timeline & Release Expectations

Filming Complete — Now the Wait Begins

Main filming is done. As sources confirm, Season 7 wrapped its principal photography in Canada in mid-June 2025, followed by the Mexico shoot. That means post-production is underway, and the team is polishing what could be one of the most ambitious seasons yet.

When Will Season 7 Hit Netflix?

Good question. While no official date is published yet, we do know that insiders expect the drop to be in early to mid-2026. Many articles suggest that a late 2025 release is unlikely since the show wants to avoid competing with other big Netflix titles. So yes—you’ll have to wait a little longer, but it’s building for something bigger.

Key Themes to Watch in Season 7

Growth After the Wedding

Mel and Jack’s marriage is new, so expect growing pains, deeper connection, and the real-life stuff that happens after the “I do”. The Mexico filming likely represents their first big step out of the familiar town comfort zone and into uncharted territory.

Adversity in Paradise?

Just because they’re away doesn’t mean they’ll be stress-free. Producing a show in a new location often signals new conflict. Think: foreign regulations, new locale issues, maybe adoption bureaucracy or medical board investigations crossing international lines.

Town Drama + Expanded Scope

While the heart of Virgin River has always been the small town, Season 7 appears ready to widen its lens. With Mexico scenes and new arrivals, the show may juxtapose the cozy town-world with something larger. Imagine the familiarity of Hope McCrea’s Inn mixed with tropical vistas and travel edge. That’s growth—and storytelling gold.

What This Means for the Fan Experience

Visual Upgrade

The move to Mexico offers fresh visuals: turquoise waters, open skies, maybe couture resort wear instead of winter coats. In other words, a new mood. It’s not just plot-change; it’s aesthetic-change.

Emotional Stakes Elevated

When the setting changes, the characters show different sides of themselves. Expect vulnerability, maybe risk, and definitely growth. If Mel and Jack step into unfamiliar terrain, so will we as viewers. That emotional investment is what makes romance dramas resonate.

It’s Not Just “More of the Same”

One of the best news bits: the creators are signaling that Season 7 is not a repeat of earlier seasons. The location shift, new characters, and broadening storylines all point to a reinvigorated show. That matters for long-time fans craving freshness.

Behind the Scenes – What Production Did Differently

Avoiding Harsh Winters by Filming in Spring/Summer

The decision to shift filming away from Canadian winter was smart: better weather, fewer weather delays, and the tone changes accordingly.

On-Location Mexico Filming

Capturing scenes in Mexico isn’t just scenic—it involves logistics, planning, travel, new crew resources, and a scaled-up approach. It signals Netflix and the production are investing in this season.

Scriptwriter and Director Line-Up

Season 7 brings back veteran directors and welcomes new ones. This mix allows continuity with past seasons while injecting fresh perspectives.

Fan Theories and What to Speculate On

Will Mel and Jack Have a Baby?

Long-time watchers know Mel’s past — miscarriage, adoption considerations, heartbreak. The Mexico filming could hint at adoption proceedings abroad or even a surrogacy subplot. The show hasn’t confirmed, but the breadcrumbs are there.

Will the Town Face a New Threat?

With a new location and a new investigator character in Victoria, maybe forces are coming to challenge Hope’s clinic, Jack’s bar, or the town’s serenity. This could expand the show beyond romance into community survival mode.

How Will the Mexico Plot Tie Back to Virgin River?

Is the Mexico segment a standalone arc (honeymoon sequence) or integrated into the town’s storyline? My guess: both. The story will likely weave Mexico back into Virgin River, enriching the world rather than detaching from it.

Release Strategy — Why Netflix Might Wait Until 2026

Strategic Scheduling

The streaming calendar is crowded. With other big Netflix titles looming, dropping Season 7 in early 2026 gives the show room to breathe, find its audience, and avoid being overshadowed.

Post-Production Complexity

With new locations, new plot threads, and elevated visuals, post-production takes longer. That means more editing, color grading, visual effects, and marketing build-up – all reasons to delay release.

Building Anticipation

Sometimes waiting builds excitement. By teasing location changes and bigger arcs, the show is generating buzz. That can pay off when it finally premieres.

What to Re-Watch Before Season 7 Arrives

Seasons 5 & 6 — The Transition Era

To fully appreciate what’s coming, go back and watch Seasons 5 and 6. Those seasons set up Mel and Jack’s wedding, identity shifts, and adoption storylines.

Character Arcs — Where People Are Now

• Mel’s journey from city nurse to community resident

• Jack’s complex past and move into domestic stability

• The supporting cast (Hope, Doc, Preacher, etc.) and how they’ll react to change

Key Plot Threads to Refresh

• The miscarriage and adoption talk

• Charmaine’s subplot and its unresolved thread

• The clinic’s status and Doc’s licensing issues

Why Season 7 Could Be the Most Impactful Yet

• Change of scenery (Mexico scenes) adds novelty

• Emotional maturity: married life, family focus, big stakes

• New characters and bigger world: expands the show’s universe

• Strong momentum: Season 7 arrives with filming done and buzz high

What You Should Expect (Without Spoiling Too Much)

• A fresh honeymoon or getaway arc that feels earned

• Tough conversations around family, identity, and community

• Visual treats: new landscapes, possibly beach or cenote scenes

• A balance between old-town charm and bigger horizons

• Storylines that bridge Virgin River’s roots with new terrain

Conclusion

Season 7 of Virgin River is shaping up to be a turning point — a moment where the heart of the show meets new landscapes, new conflicts, and deeper emotional stakes. The Mexico filming? That’s a loud signal: this isn’t just another season. It’s a step forward. If you’re ready for Mel and Jack’s next chapter, fresh arcs for the town, and a show that refuses to stay in its comfort zone — you’re in for something exciting. Mark your calendars for early to mid-2026 and get ready to dive into a Virgin River that feels both familiar and new.

FAQs
Q1: Where was ‘Virgin River’ Season 7 filmed?
A1: The core filming took place in Vancouver, Canada from March to June 2025. In addition, some scenes were filmed in Mexico—marking the first time the show filmed outside Canada.

Q2: Why did the show move to Mexico for part of Season 7?
A2: The Mexico location likely ties into story developments (such as a honeymoon or adoption journey for Mel and Jack), and also serves as a visual and narrative refresh for the series.

Q3: When will Season 7 of ‘Virgin River’ be released on Netflix?
A3: While no official date has been announced, experts expect it to premiere in early to mid-2026, given the filming schedule and strategic considerations.

Q4: Will the move to Mexico mean the show changes tone?
A4: Probably yes. A new setting often means new challenges and character development. Expect more travel, possibly international elements, and certainly a shift in vibe while retaining the core small-town heart.

Q5: What major storylines are expected in Season 7?
A5: Some of the big arcs include Mel and Jack settling into married life, possibilities around adoption, new town conflicts (including investigations), and the arrival of new characters that broaden the universe. The Mexico scenes hint at bigger horizons.