Heartbreaking truth: Actress Jenny Cooper, who played Joey Barnes in ‘Virgin River,’ has died md20

Netflix’s hit romantic drama Virgin River is adding a dash of One Tree Hill nostalgia to its already stacked cast. Austin Nichols, popular for playing charming producer Julian Baker on the CW teen drama series, is confirmed to be joining Virgin River for its highly anticipated seventh season. While Netflix hasn’t released an official announcement, Nichols spilled the beans via a cheeky Instagram caption.

“Hey guys, I just landed in Virgin Riv… I mean, Vancouver. I’m starting a new job and I can’t wait for you guys to see it,” Nichols teased on social media, dropping a not-so-subtle nod to the show’s filming location. The actor didn’t specify his character, which isn’t surprising. Netflix has a notoriously tight lock on Virgin River plot details, usually keeping new character reveals and storyline twists close to the chest until new episodes air. This comes on the heels of news of an early Season 8 renewal at Netflix.

His casting marks another win for the show’s growing roster of talent, and it’s fair to say longtime viewers are already speculating who he might be playing. A new doctor at the clinic? A long-lost cousin? Mel’s estranged brother? An artist who opens a gallery next to Jack’s Bar? The options are endless. The show, which has become one of Netflix’s most reliably successful original dramas, has built a small-town world teeming with love triangles, family secrets, surprise babies, and medical emergencies. Since its debut, it has consistently performed well on Netflix, appearing on the Global Top 10 English TV List numerous times and spending a significant number of weeks on the Nielsen Top 10.

Based on the novels by Robyn Carr, the show follows Melinda “Mel” Monroe, a nurse from Los Angeles who relocates to the remote Northern California town of Virgin River in search of a fresh start after personal tragedy. Season 6 saw Mel tie the knot with local bar owner and retired Marine Jack. But as the two look forward to their future together, the season also transports audiences back to the past, recounting the story of Mel’s parents during their younger years. It will be interesting to see what character arc Nichols will fill.

What Has Austin Nichols Been Up To In Recent Times?

Before landing in Virgin River, Austin Nichols had starred in the 2024 Lifetime true-crime drama Gaslit By My Husband: The Morgan Metzer Story, reuniting with One Tree Hill alum Jana Kramer. He also featured in The Six Triple Eight, Netflix’s historical World War II drama produced and directed by Tyler Perry, and most recently wrapped filming in Australia for the upcoming horror sequel I Know What You Did Last Summer.

Stay tuned to Collider for future updates regarding Virgin River Seasons 7 and 8. The first six seasons are available to stream on Netflix.