Netflix’s cozy drama Virgin River has long prided itself on delivering emotional storylines, small-town charm, and heart-tugging romance. But as Season 6 unfolded, not every character captured the hearts of viewers—and one controversial couple in particular is dividing fans in a big way.
While longtime fans were eager to see Mel Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson) inch closer to their dream wedding—and Mel unravel the mystery of her biological father—others were tuning out certain subplots entirely. The storyline in question? The rocky road of Lizzie (Sarah Dugdale) and Denny (Kai Bradbury), a pairing some fans say they “can’t stand.”
“I’m really not into Denny,” one fan confessed in a Reddit discussion thread that quickly gained traction. “He just doesn’t seem well placed at all and has a lack of emotion. Maybe he’ll grow on me, but I don’t know.”
From Fan-Favorites to Fast-Forwarded
Lizzie was once a scene-stealer, especially in her flirtatious Season 2 dynamic with Ricky (Grayson Gurnsey), the sweet young Marine hopeful. But after Ricky shipped off and Lizzie shifted her affections to the more somber Denny Cutler—Doc Mullins’ surprise grandson battling Huntington’s disease—their story took on a far more serious tone.
That’s when viewer patience started to wear thin.
Despite the weight of Denny’s diagnosis and Lizzie’s Season 6 pregnancy bombshell, fans are struggling to emotionally invest in their arc. Many feel the chemistry between the two just doesn’t measure up to the series’ other beloved couples—and some are outright skipping their scenes altogether.
“Denny is my least favorite. I’ve been skipping a lot of his scenes and Lizzie’s scenes,” one blunt fan admitted. “I’m kinda done with them.”
A Missed Opportunity?
Critics of the Denny-Lizzie pairing aren’t just reacting to their on-screen dynamic—they’re expressing disappointment over what could have been a meaningful and unique storyline. Denny’s struggle with Huntington’s, a terminal genetic disorder, could have offered rare depth and realism. But many argue that the execution has felt flat.
“Feels like wasted potential,” another viewer commented. “He could’ve been such an interesting character representing something that is pretty severe but real for a fair amount of people.”
Some believe the issue lies less in the story and more in the performance. While Virgin River has delivered standout acting from stars like Alexandra Breckenridge, Zibby Allen (Brie), and Benjamin Hollingsworth (Brady), others feel Kai Bradbury hasn’t been given the tools—or moments—to shine.
“I agree,” wrote one vocal viewer. “Denny’s acting makes me cringe, and he’s barely even showing emotion.”
Meanwhile, the Fan-Favorite Couples Thrive
While Denny and Lizzie face backlash, fan loyalty remains strong for other couples. Mel and Jack’s emotional journey, especially Mel’s ongoing relationship with her newfound father Everett Reid (John Allen Nelson), continues to resonate. Similarly, Brie and Brady’s slow-burn relationship keeps fans rooting for redemption and romance in equal measure.
The contrast between these beloved duos and the lukewarm reaction to Denny and Lizzie is hard to ignore. It’s a reminder that Virgin River, at its best, thrives on chemistry, vulnerability, and emotional authenticity. When those elements are missing, viewers aren’t afraid to hit fast-forward.
What This Means for Season 7
With Season 6 wrapped and Season 7 already completed filming in June 2025, it’s unclear whether the Virgin River team will address fan feedback in future episodes. Given that Lizzie’s pregnancy is likely to remain a major subplot—and Denny’s diagnosis isn’t going away—writers may have to dig deeper to give this pair the emotional heft fans are craving.
If the show wants viewers to stop skipping, it might need to retool how it tells one of its most complicated love stories.
Virgin River Season 6 is now streaming on Netflix.
Stay tuned for updates on the Season 7 release date, and everything you need to know about what’s next for Mel, Jack, and the rest of Virgin River’s most talked-about residents.
