For six seasons — and soon a seventh — Virgin River has whisked Netflix audiences into a world of romance, drama, and small-town charm. At the heart of it all is Vernon “Doc” Mullins, played with gruff tenderness by veteran actor Tim Matheson. But while Doc is one of Virgin River’s most recognizable faces, Matheson himself has become just as beloved off-screen, thanks to his candid updates, fan interactions, and behind-the-scenes reveals.
Recently, Matheson took to social media to address something that’s been on fans’ minds: what really happens when the cast films Netflix’s mountain-town hit. And in doing so, he shattered one of the biggest myths about Virgin River.
Myth vs. Reality: The Cast Isn’t Always Together
“If you think the entire Virgin River cast is hanging out together every day during filming — I hate to break it to you, but that’s not how it works,” Matheson shared in a video filmed outdoors, coffee mug in hand.
Instead, he explained, the show runs on what he calls “pods.” Each actor tends to work within a small cluster of co-stars, depending on the storylines. For Matheson, that means most of his days are spent alongside Annette O’Toole (Hope) and Alexandra Breckenridge (Mel).
“Mostly, I’m in a small sort of circle of actors,” Matheson said. “When we’re on location or on soundstages, sometimes I get to bump into others, and that’s when it feels like a reunion.”
The result? Despite appearing in the same series, many of the show’s biggest stars rarely see each other in person. It’s a surprising truth for fans who imagine the cast living in one big Virgin River-style community.
“It’s Like a Family Reunion”
Matheson was quick to reassure fans that distance doesn’t diminish the bond between the actors.
“One of the biggest myths about filming Virgin River? That we’re all hanging out together every day! Most of the time it’s just me and my little pod…. @annetteotoole4152, @alexandrabreck, and a few other characters here and there. So when I do bump into another castmate on set, it’s like a family reunion!” he wrote in the caption accompanying his post.
Fans flooded the comments with support, delighted to hear more about the rhythms of life on set. But it wasn’t just fans who responded — a familiar co-star jumped in with a playful request.
Benjamin Hollingsworth Wants a Doc-Brady Crossover
Benjamin Hollingsworth, who plays bad boy-turned-softened Brady, chimed in with his reaction:
“I love bumping into @tim_matheson_official – now they gotta write something for us! So we can do it on 🎥 ⚡️ @theerincardillo @richkeith 📝 👀 😜,” Hollingsworth teased, tagging the show’s producers.
It was a comment that set fans buzzing — after all, Doc and Brady have rarely, if ever, crossed paths in meaningful ways. Matheson himself replied warmly:
“@hollingsworthb aww shucks! Not a bad idea though 🤔,” he wrote, leaving fans hopeful for a future storyline that could bring the two characters together.
Could Season 7 or Season 8 finally deliver a Doc-Brady moment? In the Virgin River universe, stranger things have happened.
Why Fans Love These Reveals
The Netflix hit thrives on mystery and cliffhangers, but part of its cultural magic lies in how connected the cast remains with fans between seasons. Matheson, in particular, has taken on the role of unofficial ambassador for the show.
Whether he’s teasing his final Season 7 scene as Doc Mullins or busting myths about filming, Matheson brings viewers closer to the heart of Virgin River. And in a series so rooted in the idea of community, it feels fitting that the actors treat their audience like family, too.
Virgin River’s Future
With Season 7 already wrapped and Season 8 confirmed, fans can rest assured that more Doc moments are coming — even if he’s mostly hanging out in his “pod.” And with Hollingsworth’s playful nudge, perhaps new character pairings will finally appear on-screen.
Until then, Matheson’s myth-busting serves as a reminder: while Virgin River may look like one big family on screen, the reality is smaller, more intimate — and maybe even sweeter. After all, every reunion feels that much more special.
✨ Virgin River Seasons 1–6 are streaming now on Netflix. Season 7 arrives later this year.
