‘Virgin River’ sets Netflix record following confirmation of new season
The Netflix drama series Virgin River has been renewed for a seventh season, breaking a record on the streaming service in the process.
Borrowing its story from the Robyn Carr novels of the same name, Virgin River was first adapted to screen in 2019 by series creator Sue Tenney. The show follows Alexandra Breckenridge as Mel, who moves from her life in Los Angeles to the title town in search of a new start. Martin Henderson, Jenny Cooper and Colin Lawrence star in supporting roles.
After season one received a positive reaction, Netflix renewed the show for a second sseries which arrived in 2020. Since then, the show has returned once each year with a new instalment. The sixth instalment of Virgin River is set to arrive on Netflix this December.
Ahead of the premiere of the new season, Netflix have already renewed Virgin River for a seventh instalment comprised of ten new episodes. This makes Virgin River a record-breaking series on the platform, taking its place as the longest-running scripted show in production.
This record was previously held by two huge shows that ran for six seasons each: House of Cards and The Crown with the latter coming to an end last December.
Although it is the longest-running scripted show in production, Virgin River is yet to surpass the record set by Spanish teen series Elite, which reached eight seasons on the streaming service before reaching its end earlier this year.
Earlier this year, Netflix announced plans to expand the story of Virgin River beyond one series and into a spin-off. The new series will act as a prequel to the show, focusing on the story of Mel’s parents. Season five gave audiences the reveal that Everett, a man from Virgin River, was Mel’s father.
During a conversation with Entertainment Weekly, showrunner Patrick Sean Smith spoke about the importance of this arc in Mel’s story, suggesting it will play a “good sized part” in season six.
The spin-off series will focus on Everett’s relationship with Sarah, Mel’s mother. Younger versions of Mel’s parents have already been cast for flashbacks in season six, and will reprise their roles in the new show. A title or schedule for the spin-off series is yet to be revealed.
Season six of Virgin River is set to arrive on Netflix on December 19th, 2024, just ahead of Christmas. The trailer is out now.