After four years of mystery, Virgin River finally reveals the true identity of Mel Monroe’s father, known only as “Champ.”
The Netflix drama has long centered on Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge), a nurse who moves to the small town of Virgin River to start over. Throughout her journey, one question has haunted her — who was her real father? Mel always believed both her parents had died when she was young, a loss that deeply shaped her life and relationships.
That changes in Virgin River season 5, part 1, when she discovers love letters her mother once received from a man signing off as “Champ.” The letters, sent from Virgin River, suggest her father once lived there.
In season 5, part 2, Mel sets out to find him — finally uncovering the truth behind one of the show’s biggest mysteries.
Virgin River Season 5 Finally Reveals Mel’s Father: Everett “Champ” Reid
Mel Learns The Truth In The Two-Part Christmas Special
After a long search, Virgin River season 5, part 2 finally confirms that Mel’s biological father is Everett “Champ” Reid. Their first encounter is anything but heartwarming — Everett denies knowing her, leaving Mel devastated and questioning whether finding him was a mistake. But by the finale, Everett has a change of heart. Swallowing his fear, he shows up at Mel and Jack’s doorstep to apologize and properly introduce himself. Though still hesitant, Everett’s actions reveal his true desire — to finally be part of his daughter’s life.
Who Plays Mel’s Father In Virgin River (& Will He Return In Season 6?)
John Allen Nelson Brings Depth To Everett “Champ” Reid — And He’s Not Done Yet
Mel’s long-lost father, Everett “Champ” Reid, is played by veteran actor John Allen Nelson, who appears in Virgin River season 5’s Christmas special, “Father Christmas.” A familiar face to TV fans, Nelson is best known for roles in Baywatch, 24, Crisis, and Sheena. Interestingly, this isn’t his first time playing an estranged dad — he previously portrayed Rebecca Bunch’s absentee father, Silas, in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.
Unlike Silas, however, Everett’s distance from Mel comes from pain rather than neglect, making him a more sympathetic figure. After season 5’s emotional cliffhanger — when Everett hints he has a life-changing secret to tell Mel — his return in Virgin River season 6 is already confirmed.
Showrunner Patrick Sean Smith has teased that season 6 will dive deeper into Everett’s story, even hinting at a possible “paternity triangle” involving Everett, Doc, and Mel. That means Nelson will likely be back in at least a recurring — if not central — role in the new season.
Everett Reid’s Backstory In Virgin River Explained
A Local Legend Surrounded By Mystery
Although Everett “Champ” Reid appears for only a few minutes in Virgin River season 5, the show reveals just enough to make him one of the series’ most intriguing new characters. Through old letters and small-town gossip, Mel learns that her mother exchanged heartfelt notes with Everett every week for years.
Around Virgin River, Everett was seen as somewhat of a mystery — a man who kept to himself despite his charm and wit. According to Chip, Everett was “as kind as they come,” though he was also known to brag about his biggest claim to fame: winning the 1976 Lumberjack Games, which earned him the nickname “Champ.”
At some point, Everett withdrew completely from public life. He stopped paying for his P.O. box, removed his name from local records, and vanished without a trace. While never confirmed, it’s implied his self-imposed isolation stemmed from heartbreak over losing the love of his life — Mel’s mother. In the end, it’s only thanks to Preacher’s private investigator that Mel is finally able to track down her elusive father and uncover the truth about his past.
