After the shocking revelation at the end of Virgin River Season 5 that Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) has a different biological father, Everett (John Allen Nelson), who has been nearby all along, Season 6 will dive into the unexpected love story between Mel’s mother, Sarah, and Everett.
As first reported by Deadline, Jessica Rothe (Happy Death Day) and Callum Kerr (Monarch) will portray Sarah and Everett in flashbacks set predominantly in 1972.
This new season will illuminate Sarah, a character who has been mostly absent from the story until now, showcasing her ambition to pursue a life as an activist, distancing herself from the conventional paths expected of women in her era. When the free-spirited Sarah encounters the charming musician Everett, an undeniable spark ignites, leading her to wonder if she has finally found her soulmate.
Their first meeting is serendipitous: Everett picks up Sarah while she’s hitchhiking, offering her a ride in his VW van. Early images of Rothe and Kerr capture the couple inside Everett’s van and in what looks like a bustling garage or workspace.
Earlier this year, Netflix announced plans for a prequel series centered on Mel’s parents, introducing the younger versions of these characters through flashbacks in Season 6. Current showrunner Patrick Sean Smith is working on the prequel, although details about the potential spinoff remain under wraps.
Following the Season 5 Christmas special, Smith hinted that the older Everett would return in Season 6, noting, “He will definitely play a significant role in Mel’s storyline.”
The decision to reveal Everett’s identity early on was intentional, aimed at exploring the depth of their relationship rather than dragging out the mystery. “We were focused on how to tell the stories in Season 6,” Smith explained. “We were more interested in exploring their relationship than making it a season-long scavenger hunt.”
While Season 6 does not yet have a premiere date, Netflix has shared a logline: “Set against the backdrop of Mel and Jack’s romantic spring wedding season, this sixth installment promises fresh twists, escalating love triangles, delightful wedding drama, and secrets from Mel’s father’s past that will transport us to the magic and mystique of Virgin River in the 1970s.”
