Virgin River has made headlines with its record-breaking renewal! The beloved Netflix romantic drama, which premiered in 2019 and is based on Robyn Carr’s novel series, explores the lives of residents in a charming small town in Northern California. The cast includes fan favorites like Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, Colin Lawrence, Annette O’Toole, Tim Matheson, and Ben Hollingsworth.
According to Deadline, Netflix has officially renewed Virgin River for a 10-episode Season 7—an announcement made nearly two months ahead of the highly anticipated Season 6 premiere. This renewal positions the show to tie for the title of longest-running English-language drama on the platform, matching the seven-season runs of Grace and Frankie and Orange is the New Black. The only longer-running series is the Spanish teen drama Elite, which concluded after eight seasons. With this renewal, Virgin River secures its place as Netflix’s longest-running ongoing scripted original.
What This Renewal Means for Netflix
Netflix is known for its tendency to end shows early, often after just a few seasons, despite strong viewership. Reports as early as 2019 indicated that many series faced cancellation due to financial considerations, such as avoiding talent renegotiations. This has led to spinoffs of canceled shows, like the Big Mouth spinoff Human Resources and the Money Heist prequel Berlin.
However, certain popular series manage to defy the odds and achieve longevity. The development of a prequel spinoff focusing on Mel’s parents could have suggested the end of the main series. Yet, the renewal for Season 7 demonstrates Netflix’s confidence in Virgin River‘s continued resonance with its audience.
Our Take on the Renewal
While it’s uncertain if Virgin River will receive additional seasons beyond Season 7, the early renewal suggests Netflix believes in the show’s staying power. With a relatively low budget and minimal visual effects requirements, Virgin River may very well continue to thrive, potentially setting records as Netflix’s longest-running show ever.
