It’s been a long time coming, but the holidays finally came to Virgin River in the two-episode Christmas event that double as the season 5 finale. In the last two episodes of Virgin River season 5, Mel searches for her biological father, while others in town grapple with their own personal relationships, major reveals, and a moment we’ve been waiting for since season 1.
All of the holiday festivities tee up a handful Virgin River season 6 teases, including the cliffhanger moment that finds a certain someone having news for Mel and a pair of bombshells that will surely send shockwaves through town. It’s all leading up to the highly anticipated sixth season, which has been said to begin filming in early 2024.
Before fans can dig into season 6 and learn the answers to all of our lingering burning questions, the show’s new showunner Patrick Sean Smith dropped some huge spoilers about the upcoming season, and we’re sharing six of the biggest tidbits about what’s coming next. Warning: Spoilers ahead from the Virgin River season 5 Christmas episodes!
Doc’s clinical trial will be successful
In the final episode of season 5 part 1, Doc comes to Hope with the news that he’s decided to take part in the risky clinical trial for his macular degeneration. He made the choice because either way, whether the trial is successful or not, he will likely lose his eyesight. Hope supports his decision, and he’s set to take part in the trial after the holidays, possibly after their vow renewal.
When speaking to both Deadline and TV Line, Smith confirmed that Doc’s procedure will be successful. The show’s new showrunner has promised that season 6 will find both Doc and Hope in a better place health-wise, considering both have spent much of the series struggling with different health battles, whether it’s heart problems, a brain injury, or declining eyesight.
Here’s what Smith shared with TV Line:
““We will find out early on [in Season 6] that Doc’s clinical trial was successful. We’ll actually have a season where they’re both in good health, as opposed to coping with TB and a possible loss of eyesight. We’re giving them a new lease on life as we head into the new season.””
Brady and Brie could be getting back together
Even though Brady and Brie officially broke up in the first part of season 5 and they each moved on — Brie with Mike and Brady with Lark — the Christmas episodes had an almost kiss under the mistletoe between the former couple and some awkward run-ins. There appears to be unfinished business between them now that the drug storyline dust has settled.
Going into season 6, Brady and Brie very much remain in their new relationships, though it seems Brady’s relationship with Lark could implode at any second. She takes a phone call from Jimmy in jail, and he’s revealed to be her daughter Hazel’s father. Smith teased that Jimmy will play a role in season 6 on a personal level and hinted that it might not be over for Brady and Brie. When asked if there’s a possibility of Brady and Brie getting back together, Smith flat-out said “Yes.”
Here’s more what the showrunner told Deadline about the fan-favorite couple:
““For me, I love them as a couple, and I think that spark will always be there. It’s just a question of given how, in ways, Brady is broken and what Brie has to work through on a personal level that it’s more of seeing them both grow as people to hopefully get to the place where they can be together as a couple.””
