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Netflix’s 6-Part Drama Series Keeps Getting Better Ahead Of 2026 Return

Jack and Mel touch foreheads while smiling in Virgin River season 5Image via MovieStillsDB

By Dani Kessel Odom Published Feb 23, 2026, 7:30 PM EST Dani Kessel Odom (they/them) is an autistic lead writer on the New TV team, focusing on writing and content planning for streaming shows. They often assist with Classic TV coverage, as well. They have covered events, such as Denver Fan Expo. Their articles have also been shared by professionals in the field, such as Damien Leone and Lucy Hale. In university, they majored in English Writing with a minor in psychology. They have always had a passion for analyzing TV and movies, even taking filmography and scriptwriting classes in university. They also studied and participated in onstage and onscreen acting extensively from the ages of 7 to 18. Aside from working at Screen Rant, Dani has worked as a freelance editor and writer over the past decade, often in a ghostwriting capacity. Sign in to your ScreenRant account Add Us On follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap

Netflix’s best romantic drama continues to get better and better, with a new season on the horizon. Although Netflix’s mysteries and fantasy shows get more attention, the streamer is absolutely flourishing in the romantic drama genre.

The streamer has certified hits like Bridgerton, the streamer’s best-known romance, and underrated gems like Forever. Despite being fewer in number and generally getting less promotion, Netflix’s romance shows continue to perform well because fans show up season after season.

The best example of this is Virgin River, the adaptation of Robyn Carr’s book series. The romantic drama continues to get better over time with broken records, a growing fanbase, and a Virgin River prequel in development.

Virgin River Is Netflix’s Best Comfort Show

Martin Henderson's Jack embraces Alexandra Breckenridge's Mel against a mountainous backdrop in Virgin River

Virgin River frequently gets mislabeled as a “feel-good show.” This is quite the misnomer. Feel-good shows are filled with optimism and heartwarming moments, with fewer darker storylines. However, the romance show is absolutely a comfort show, equivalent to eating a bowl of soup when you’re sick. Netflix’s best original comfort show is Virgin River, though Ginny and Georgia and Sweet Magnolias come pretty close.

Virgin River presents a world where folks face hardships. The romance show never shies away from the fact that bad things happen, sometimes feeling like a soap opera. However, nothing is insurmountable in Virgin River.

Rather than defaulting to hyper-individualism, the town of Virgin River feels like one big, sometimes dysfunctional family. They come together as a community to support each other through everything, even when it pits one town citizen against another. The sense of togetherness feels like one gigantic warm hug.

Mel and Jack’s relationship feels extremely heartwarming and wholesome. Even with the ups and downs, Virgin River’s lead couple always comes back together stronger. They inspire each other to be the best versions of themselves, and they help each other through the tough parts of life, including miscarriage and PTSD.

On top of that, Virgin River is stunningly gorgeous to the point that it feels unreal. The setting is packed with lush landscapes, clear blue water, and isolation from the outside world. The world of Virgin River has an ethereal ambiance. All these things add up to make Virgin River a comfort show on par with Gilmore Girls.

How Virgin River Became Netflix’s Longest-Running Ongoing Scripted TV Show

Alexandra Breckenridge in Virgin River

Virgin River is currently Netflix’s longest-running ongoing scripted TV show. Black Mirror is close, but technically only six of the eight seasons are Netflix Originals. Additionally, the early renewal of Virgin River season 8 makes it the longest-running Netflix scripted drama of all time, beating out Grace and Frankie and Orange Is the New Black, two of Netflix's formative shows.

The Netflix romance series earned these impressive titles because it has all the components needed to succeed with audiences. Virgin River has a strong cast, consistent release schedule, and cozy escapism. It has all the components needed to succeed with audiences.

When it comes to romance shows, the chemistry is absolutely crucial. Plot-driven shows get a pass because they have a distraction. However, romances are entirely reliant on the relationships. Luckily, the actors have incredible chemistry, and it’s easy to root for each major couple, except Denny and Lizzie.

Additionally, Virgin River has managed to release consistently, putting out one season each year except 2025. Long gaps have become increasingly common for streaming shows. However, Virgin River fans can, generally speaking, watch the show knowing when they will get more episodes. Because of the early renewals, they can invest in the characters without being worried about cancellations.

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The town of Virgin River is also picturesque and idyllic. Its beauty feels almost unreal. The characters face real-world problems, but the romance show presents a world where folks can overcome anything. Plus, the timeline within the city of Virgin River is so wonky that it feels like it exists in a fantasy world.

Ultimately, the show is relatable enough to connect with the audience but fantastical enough to provide an escape. Add to that the fact that it’s easy to digest and doesn’t require much attention, and Virgin River’s incredible success isn’t that surprising.

Netflix’s Virgin River Returns For Season 7 In Mid-March

Whether it’s the first time or the millionth, now is the perfect time to bingewatch Netflix’s Virgin River because a new season is right around the corner. The show has 64 episodes across six seasons. Though it would take commitment, it’s possible to watch them all by the time Virgin River season 7 comes out on March 12th.

What’s more, some exciting storylines are coming up. The trailer for the new season shows Jack and Mel settling into married life. Brie and Brady might reconnect. Plus, Lizzie is in for some hardships as she takes on parenthood. Plus, if they follow the book, a fan-favorite character might return in season 7. It’s already shaping up to be one of the best seasons of Virgin River.

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6/10

Virgin River

10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed TV-14 Drama Romance Release Date December 6, 2019 Network Netflix Showrunner Patrick Sean Smith Directors Martin Wood, Andy Mikita, Gail Harvey, Monika Mitchell, Tim Matheson, Jann Turner, Felipe Rodriguez, Nimisha Mukerji, Jem Garrard Writers Jackson Sinder, Jackson Rock, Richard Keith, Erin Cardillo, Tesia Joy Walker, Talia Gonzalez, Natasha M. Hall, Mary Page Keller, Thomas Ian Griffith, John Lowe