Virgin River star Annette O’Toole dies at age 73 md20

Viewers who enjoyed watching Virgin River should turn their attention to a similar drama series released in the 1990s. Based on the novel series by Robyn Carr, Virgin River follows nurse practitioner Melanie “Mel” Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge), who moves to the small town of Virgin River, in northern California, after accepting a job as a midwife.

At the beginning of the series, Mel views Virgin River as a fresh start and an opportunity to move on from her troubled past, and forms a relationship with former U.S. Marine and local bar owner, Jack Sullivan (Martin Henderson). The two face difficulties throughout the series, but they eventually marry in the finale of Virgin River season 6.

The TV show was warmly received by both critics and viewers and was praised for its performances, plots, and setting. Virgin River currently holds a score of 81% on Rotten Tomatoes and is considered one of the most popular drama series on Netflix. It has also since been announced that Virgin River has been renewed for season 7.

While the release date has not yet been confirmed, Martin Henderson stated that Virgin River season 7 was in “day one” and filming had begun. In the meantime, viewers can enjoy a 1990s cult classic that set the path for the release of shows like Virgin River.

Northern Exposure Is A Fantastic Drama Show Similar To Virgin River

Northern Exposure Was Created By Joshua Brand & John Falsey

Premiering in 1990, Northern Exposure stars Rob Morrow as Joel Fleischman, a physician who is contracted to work in Alaska for four years to pay off his student loans. Fleischman unexpectedly finds himself assigned to work in the small town of Cicely, and, throughout the series, he builds his medical practice while trying to fit in among the eccentric residents.

Northern Exposure bears strong similarities to Virgin River. Both shows follow individuals who leave their pasts behind and restart their lives in small towns with sometimes strange residents. Both lead characters learn how to adapt to their new communities and gradually find their place in the small-town environments.

Both Virgin River and Northern Exposure also include themes of drama, romance, and humor while set in a natural and relaxed environment. This highlights the importance of nature and helps provide a calming setting for Northern Exposure that is seen throughout Virgin River.

Northern Exposure Came To Streaming For The Very First Time In 2024 On Prime Video

Northern Exposure Ran From 1990 To 1995

With its original run, Northern Exposure aired for six seasons and 110 episodes between 1990 and 1995 and, among many accolades, won seven Primetime Emmy Awards (including one for Outstanding Drama Series in 1992) and two Golden Globes. Although it was later released on DVD and Blu-ray, it wasn’t until 2024 that Northern Exposure was available on streaming for the first time.

In 2024, it was announced that Prime Video had obtained the rights to stream Northern Exposure on its platform. The series’ availability on Prime allows viewers new and old to experience a sense of ’90s nostalgia and enjoy the drama and humor that originally made Northern Exposure successful.

Although the next release date of Virgin River hasn’t yet been announced, viewers can turn to watching Northern Exposure on Prime Video to experience the familiar themes of nature and drama seen in both shows.