As fans eagerly anticipate a wedding, Virgin River is also set for a honeymoon! Ahead of the December 19 release of Season 6, which culminates in the long-awaited nuptials of Jack and Mel, Netflix has officially renewed the beloved romantic drama for a seventh season. Like Season 6, it will consist of 10 episodes.
With this early renewal, Virgin River becomes Netflix’s longest-running original scripted series and the longest-running English-language drama in the platform’s history. Its seven-season run now matches that of Grace and Frankie and Orange Is the New Black, which also had seven seasons, while surpassing other Netflix staples like House of Cards and The Crown, both of which ran for six seasons. Only the Spanish teen drama Elite has more seasons, but Virgin River edges it out in total episode count (74 vs. 64).
The show’s longevity isn’t surprising. Based on Robyn Carr’s novels, Virgin River revolves around a tight-knit community, featuring a captivating cast led by Alexandra Breckenridge (Mel) and Martin Henderson (Jack), alongside veteran actors Tim Matheson and Annette O’Toole. Its production also benefits from cost-effective filming in Canada, with most scenes taking place in a bar, a small clinic, and a few homes, minimizing the need for expensive stunts or special effects.
Virgin River has maintained its popularity, with the first five seasons appearing in Netflix’s Global Top 10 English series list 25 times since 2021, and Season 5 ranking in the Top 10 in 77 countries. Given the streamer’s focus on balancing viewership with production costs, it’s clear why Virgin River continues to receive renewals. The early renewal also suggests a shorter wait between seasons, potentially solidifying its status as a holiday favorite following the December releases of Season 5’s finale special and Season 6.
