Although Virgin River season 5 picks up right where season 4 left off, the series still manages to surprise audiences with fresh twists — including the introduction of a new character, Ava. The romantic drama, now streaming its fifth season on Netflix, follows Melinda “Mel” Monroe, a nurse practitioner who moves to the picturesque town of Virgin River to start over, only to find her life complicated by new relationships, secrets, and emotional challenges.
Part 1 of Virgin River season 5 premiered in September 2023, with Part 2 set to release in November. While the show continues to center on familiar faces like Mel, her partner Jack, Mayor Hope, and Doc, season 5 shakes things up with Ava’s arrival. For a town as close-knit as Virgin River, Ava’s presence brings both curiosity and change — leaving fans wondering: who exactly is Ava, and what does she want?
Libby Osler Joins Virgin River Season 5 as Lilly’s Daughter Ava
Netflix’s Virgin River welcomes a fresh face in season 5 with Libby Osler stepping into the role of Ava, Lilly’s daughter and sister to Chloe and Tara. Osler, 28, began her acting career in 2007 with a guest role on Supernatural as Little Red Riding Hood and has since built a steady résumé across film and television, including Seventh Son (2014). Virgin River marks her most prominent role to date, appearing in seven episodes with room for future appearances.
In the series, Ava returns home to Virgin River from Portland to care for her younger sister Chloe after their mother’s passing. Initially, Ava struggles to adjust to the town’s slower pace, missing her city life, but things begin to change when she starts falling ill and forms a bond with Mel. Through this connection, Ava gradually opens her heart to Virgin River — and perhaps to a new chapter in her life.
Why Ava Returns to Virgin River in Season 5 — And How Mel Becomes Her Biggest Support
In Virgin River season 5, Ava returns to town to reconnect with her younger sister, Chloe, who was born back in season 1. Though she’s not fond of Virgin River’s small-town life, her plans to leave are derailed when she falls ill. Mel steps in to help, rushing her to the hospital, where it’s revealed that Ava’s endometriosis has returned despite a previous surgery. Faced with the possibility of a hysterectomy, Ava struggles with what this means for her future.
As the season unfolds, Mel and Ava develop a genuine friendship rooted in empathy and understanding. Mel encourages Ava to confront her fears and think about her options — including freezing her eggs before surgery. Through their bond, Ava begins to see Virgin River in a new light, ultimately choosing to stay, take care of her health, and embrace a more grounded, hopeful path forward.
Will Ava Stay in Virgin River’s Future?
By the end of Virgin River season 5, part 1, Ava decides to remain in town even as her sisters move to San Francisco. She sells her family’s farm to Mel and Jack, choosing to leave it in caring hands — a decision that signals her growing attachment to Virgin River. Given how her story ends, Ava’s return in Virgin River season 5, part 2 or future seasons feels very likely. Whether she explores a new romance, continues her friendship with Mel, or even starts a family of her own, it’s clear that Ava’s journey in Virgin River is far from over.
