It’s no secret that Netflix is expanding Virgin River into a full-fledged franchise. Earlier this year, the streamer announced a prequel series tied to Season 6, set to explore the emotional origins of Mel Monroe’s (Alexandra Breckenridge) family. Fans have already met the younger versions of her parents — Everett (Callum Kerr) and Sarah (Jessica Rothe) — whose complicated, enduring romance will take center stage in the upcoming project.
While details remain scarce, Virgin River showrunner Patrick Sean Smith recently offered an exciting update to Swooon, confirming that the prequel is “still in development” and teasing what’s next for the couple. According to Smith, viewers haven’t seen the last of Everett and Sarah — the pair will return in Virgin River Season 7, which currently has no premiere date.
“I think there’s more opportunity to fill out their story dramatically,” Smith explained. “There’s so much that was presumed, and some things that have been referenced, but the more we can expand on this love that spans nearly 40 years, the better. There are so many big events and milestones to explore along the way.”
Hope’s Past and Family Secrets Will Take Center Stage in Upcoming Virgin River Episodes
As Virgin River prepares to expand its universe with a prequel series, showrunner Patrick Sean Smith is already hinting that the past will play a huge role in the show’s future — especially when it comes to one of the town’s most beloved figures, Hope McCrea (Annette O’Toole).
Speaking with Swooon, Smith revealed that fans can expect a deeper dive into Hope’s personal history and family legacy in Virgin River Season 7, which will directly tie into the upcoming prequel.
“The intent in the prequel — and we get a hint of it in Season 7 through Hope’s character — is to fill out more of Hope’s family history and her relationship to the area,” Smith shared. “In the pilot, she says the McRae cabin is a place that everybody within 50 miles knows, but we’ve never really explored what that means for her. In Season 7, we’re taking a much deeper look into Hope’s past, which will connect to many of the events we’re setting up in the prequel.”
Hope’s emotional journey won’t be the only link to the past. The love story between young Everett and Sarah — Mel’s parents — will continue to shape the series’ emotional foundation. Still, fans shouldn’t expect full flashback episodes. Smith clarified that these scenes will appear only when they serve a deeper purpose.
“They were most effective when they helped connect Mel and Everett through her mom,” Smith explained. “I wouldn’t want it to feel like we’re just doing flashbacks for the sake of it.”
Between Hope’s untold legacy and Everett and Sarah’s timeless romance, the Virgin River universe is about to weave the past and present together in its most heartfelt way yet.
