Virgin River Season 7 Release Date: When Will the New Season Drop? Here’s Filming Schedule, Locations, & Storyline

If you’re a die-hard Virgin River fan, you’re probably counting down the days (or months) until Season 7 returns. So let’s break down everything we know — from the confirmed filming schedule to casting, plot twists, and when you can realistically expect to binge the next installment on Netflix.

Overview — Why Season 7 Is Already a Big Deal

Virgin River has quietly become one of Netflix’s longest-running original dramas, blending romance, small-town drama, and deeply personal stories. With Season 7, the stakes feel higher than ever: Jack and Mel are married, past secrets are bubbling up, and new faces are coming into town to shake things up.

Netflix doesn’t just seem to be treading water — they’re doubling down.

Confirmed Renewal & Episode Count

• Netflix officially renewed Virgin River for a seventh season.

• As with previous seasons, Season 7 will feature 10 episodes.

• The fact that it’s returning again signals that Netflix still sees strong value in the small-town drama model.

Filming Schedule — When & Where Season 7 Was Shot

Production Timeline

• Filming began on March 12, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia.

• The Vancouver shoot wrapped on June 26, 2025.

• According to reports, they avoided starting in winter to reduce the typical weather-related challenges of filming.

International Shoot — Mexico

• Season 7 also includes some overseas filming: cast and crew shot in Mexico, specifically at Hacienda Cenote Oxman on the Yucatán Peninsula.

• Fan reports suggest these scenes might tie into Mel and Jack’s honeymoon.

Expected Release Date

• While Netflix hasn’t given an official drop date, multiple credible outlets predict a 2026 release, with “early to mid-2026” being the most likely window.

• The absence of Season 7 from Netflix’s 2025 slate supports this timing.

• Some insiders even speculate a March 2026 release, though this is not officially confirmed.

Storyline — What to Expect in Season 7

Picking Up Right After Season 6

• Season 7 is expected to pick up “just hours” after the events of Season 6.

• With Mel and Jack now married, the new season may explore their early married life — building a home, navigating new roles, and possibly expanding their family.

Adoption Drama

• One of the biggest threads: Marley, who is pregnant, has offered her baby to Mel and Jack.

• Given Mel’s past miscarriage (a key emotional beat in previous seasons), this plotline is loaded with tension and hope.

New Faces, New Conflict

• Two new recurring cast members are confirmed:

  • Sara Canning (from The Vampire Diaries) plays Victoria, an ex-cop turned state medical board investigator.

  • Cody Kearsley (from Riverdale) plays Clay, a character with a backstory tied to foster care.

• Victoria’s role suggests she might investigate Doc Mullins, while Clay’s arrival could stir up family drama or reconnect long-lost relationships.

Spin-Off Potential & Bigger World

• There are early discussions of spin-off projects in the Virgin River universe.

• Showrunner Patrick Sean Smith has expressed that the world Robyn Carr created is “rich” and still ripe for more stories.

• A prequel centering on Mel’s parents is reportedly in development.

Returning Cast — Fan Favorites Still Here

• Alexandra Breckenridge returns as Melinda “Mel” Monroe.

• Martin Henderson is back as Jack Sheridan.

• Tim Matheson reprising his role as Doc Mullins, adding depth to the small-town medical and moral dilemmas.

• Longtime characters like Hope, Preacher, Brady, Lizzie, and Denny are also expected to figure more prominently.

Behind-the-Scenes — Directors & Creative Team

• Andy Mikita, a longtime Virgin River director, will helm the first two episodes.

• Audrey Cummings is making her Virgin River directing debut this season; she’s previously worked on Ginny & Georgia and My Life with the Walter Boys.

• Other returning directors include Monika Mitchell, Ruba Nadda, and Felipe Rodriguez.

Why the Delay (Compared to Previous Seasons)?

• Filming pushed to spring 2025 intentionally, to avoid harsh Canadian winters.

• Post-production on a 10-episode season, especially with cross-country shoots (Canada + Mexico), likely takes longer than usual.

• The gap might also allow Netflix to strategically place the release in 2026 to maximize viewership amidst other big releases.

What Fans Are Speculating (and Hoping)

Baby on the Way — But Whose?

• Some fans believe Mel could be pregnant, not just adopting — potentially juggling both an adoption and a biological child.

• Others think her and Jack might adopt, but Charmaine’s twins could also play a part.

A Spring or Valentine’s Day Release?

• Based on some cast/crew slip-ups, there’s talk about a March 2026 release date.

• Others speculate a Valentine’s Day release, playing into the romantic heart of the show.

The Bigger Picture — Why Season 7 Matters

• This season feels like a turning point: married life, grown stakes, and deeper emotional arcs.

• With new characters coming in, Virgin River is expanding beyond its traditional small-town boundaries, both in story and geography.

• The potential spin-offs mean this might not just be a “new season” — it could be a gateway to a larger Virgin River universe.

Risks & Challenges

• Will the show maintain the intimate, heartfelt tone it’s known for, or will new drama dilute that core vibe?

• Adding more characters always risks overcrowding—can the writers balance legacy characters with fresh faces?

• A long delay could impact viewer momentum: will fans be willing to wait until 2026 without losing interest?

Why You (as a Fan) Should Be Hyped

1. Emotional Payoff: The aftermath of Mel and Jack’s wedding opens up rich, heartfelt storylines.

2. New Mystery: With Victoria investigating Doc, there’s potential for secrets to be exposed.

3. Expanded World: Filming in Mexico and possible spin-offs show that Virgin River’s world is growing.

4. Fan Favorites Return: Key characters come back, ensuring we don’t lose the essence of what made us fall in love with the show.

5. Long-Term Commitment: With talk of Season 8 and more, Netflix seems serious about keeping Virgin River alive.

Conclusion

Virgin River Season 7 is shaping up to be a major chapter in this beloved small-town saga. With filming now complete in both Vancouver and Mexico, a core cast returning, and new faces stepping into the mix, the upcoming season promises to deepen the emotional stakes. The likely release window of early to mid-2026 may feel like a long wait — but for fans of Mel, Jack, and the entire Virgin River community, it’s shaping up to be more than worth it.

If you’ve loved the show for its heartfelt romance and gentle drama, get ready: Season 7 could take everything to a new level. Whether it’s adoption, family secrets, or new investigations, there’s a lot to unpack — and a whole lot to look forward to.

FAQs

1. When exactly will Virgin River Season 7 premiere on Netflix?
While there’s no confirmed date yet, most credible sources — including What’s on Netflix — point to a release in early to mid-2026.

2. How many episodes will Season 7 have?
Season 7 is expected to consist of 10 episodes, consistent with past seasons.

3. Where did they film Season 7?
Filming took place in Vancouver, Canada, from March to June 2025, with additional scenes shot in Mexico (Hacienda Cenote Oxman) for what’s believed to be Mel and Jack’s honeymoon.

4. Who are the new cast members in Season 7?
Two confirmed new recurring actors:

• Sara Canning as Victoria, an ex-cop turned medical board investigator.

• Cody Kearsley as Clay, a character with ties to foster care.

5. What major storylines can we expect?
Key story arcs likely include:

• Mel and Jack navigating married life

• A possible adoption of Marley’s baby (and maybe something more)

• An investigation into Doc’s medical practice by Victoria

• Deeper community drama and possibly a springboard for spin-off stories.