Fans were shocked when their beloved Virgin River finally dropped out of Netflix’s Top 10—only to realize it wasn’t a sign of decline, but part of Netflix’s strategic shift. The series that replaced Virgin River and climbed the streaming charts has now determined its future. Read on to find out what’s next for Mel, Jack, and the town.
Viewership Shifts Signal Netflix’s New Direction
Reddit discussions revealed a clear trend: Virgin River enjoyed prolonged Top 10 status in its early seasons—but Season 6 lingered far less ([turn0search4]).
Recently, Netflix’s most-watched shows list was topped by Sullivan’s Crossing, a new romance series also adapted from Robyn Carr’s novels. The show skyrocketed to #1, knocking Squid Game Season 3 from the chart ([turn0news16], [turn0news23]).
This isn’t just a nostalgia hit—it’s an indicator that Netflix’s viewership appetite has evolved, and other titles are eating into Virgin River’s dominance.
But Netflix Made Its Decision Long Before the Rankings Shifted
As early as October 2024, after needing just a few more seasons to break records, Netflix renewed Virgin River for Season 7, making it the longest-running English-language scripted drama on the platform ([turn0search25], [turn0search5]).
That decision came well before the streaming rankings shifted—Netflix wasn’t making choices based on weekly chart position. They proactively greenlit Season 8 as well, in July 2025, signaling commitment beyond the bumps in viewership ([turn0search7], [turn0search0]).
What the Shift Really Means
| Change | Meaning for Virgin River |
|---|---|
| Removed from Top 10 | Normal lifecycle in streaming |
| New series trending | Netflix promoting Carb-authored content (Sullivan’s Crossing) |
| Early renewals for S7 & S8 | Confidence in fan loyalty and slow-burn character development |
Simply put: Netflix changed the content mix, not its viewership faith in Virgin River.
What’s Next for the Show—and the Town
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Season 7 filmed earlier in 2025 and is set for release in late 2025 or early 2026 ([turn0search8], [turn0search3]).
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Season 8 is officially confirmed, bringing the show’s episode count to 84 and cementing its record-holding status ([turn0search0], [turn0search7]).
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Virgin River’s future is secured—not threatened—by shifting chart rankings.
Why the Rankings Change Doesn’t Mean the End
Virgin River was never driven by instant streaming spikes—it thrived on emotional loyalty and community resonance. Netflix recognized this and supported future seasons based on consistent engagement, not momentary views.
The success of Sullivan’s Crossing shows Netflix’s desire to diversify its “comfort drama” offerings, but Virgin River remains the original. With Season 8 confirmed, the town isn’t going anywhere.
Yes, Virgin River may have faded from the weekly Top 10—but that’s only because newer titles are taking the spotlight. Netflix’s decision to renew it early anyway speaks volumes: they still believe in Mel, Jack, Doc, and the legacy of the community.
As Season 7 prepares to release and Season 8 gears up for production, the outlook remains clear:
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Viewership may ebb—but loyalty doesn’t fade.
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New shows come; Virgin River stays.
The story is far from over. In fact, with Season 8 on the horizon, it’s just getting started.
