‘Virgin River’ Season 7 Adds Two Mysterious New Characters as Production Officially Begins
Netflix’s beloved small-town drama Virgin River is officially back in production for Season 7 — and fans couldn’t be more excited. But things in this peaceful mountain town are about to change, because two intriguing newcomers are stepping in, ready to stir up hearts, secrets, and maybe even a little trouble.
Cameras Are Rolling Once Again
Filming for Virgin River Season 7 began in early 2025 in Vancouver, Canada — the scenic setting that’s become synonymous with the show’s cozy charm. The misty mornings, forested hills, and wooden cabins are all back, setting the stage for another season filled with romance, heartache, and healing.
Season 7 picks up right after the explosive Season 6 finale, promising to answer lingering questions and deliver the emotional closure (and shocking twists) fans have been waiting for.
Meet the New Faces of Virgin River
Victoria — The Ex-Cop With a Past
Sara Canning joins the cast as Victoria, a former police officer looking for a new start in Virgin River. She’s smart, observant, and carries the kind of quiet strength that suggests a past full of untold stories.
Rumor has it her arrival might tie into suspicious activity around Doc’s clinic — and Victoria’s instincts won’t let her ignore what others prefer to forget. Whether she’s here to solve a mystery or escape one of her own remains to be seen.
Clay — The Brooding Outsider
Cody Kearsley (Riverdale) plays Clay, a rugged drifter with a mysterious edge. Searching for his missing sister, he rides into Virgin River with more questions than answers — and a past that’s not as distant as he’d like.
Clay’s arrival could bring unexpected connections, emotional entanglements, and perhaps even a few enemies. In a town where everyone knows everyone, his presence won’t go unnoticed for long.
Mel and Jack: Love, Marriage, and New Challenges
After the ups and downs of Season 6, Mel Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson) are finally embracing married life. But peace doesn’t last long in Virgin River. Between balancing love, work, and future family plans, the couple will face new tests that could redefine what happiness really means for them.
Expect plenty of tender moments — and at least one twist that’ll leave fans breathless.
Doc and Hope: A Legacy of Love
Doc (Tim Matheson) and Hope (Annette O’Toole) continue their heartfelt journey, facing aging and health struggles together. Their relationship remains one of the show’s emotional anchors, filled with humor, compassion, and resilience. Season 7 will explore what legacy means for them — and what they’ll leave behind for the town they’ve nurtured for so long.
Preacher’s Dilemma
Preacher (Colin Lawrence) has always been the moral compass of Virgin River — but this season could test his limits. With Kaia’s return and lingering conflicts from his past, he’s torn between loyalty, love, and duty. For a man who always puts others first, Season 7 might finally force him to choose himself.
Will Ricky Return?
Fans have been asking one big question: Will Ricky come back?
While Netflix hasn’t confirmed anything, whispers suggest a potential return for Grayson Gurnsey’s character. And given Clay’s search for his sister, some fans speculate their storylines could intertwine in surprising ways.
The Heart of Season 7: Growth, Forgiveness, and Finding Home
This season dives deeper than ever into the show’s central themes — renewal, forgiveness, and community. Every resident, old and new, is searching for healing in their own way.
Virgin River remains a story about second chances — where family is chosen, not just born, and where even the quietest places hold the loudest emotions.
Why the New Additions Matter
The introduction of Victoria and Clay feels intentional — a fresh mix of mystery and emotional depth that breathes new life into the show. Their stories promise to connect with core characters while adding tension, intrigue, and heart.
Victoria’s investigative nature may reawaken the crime-and-secrets energy of early seasons, while Clay’s search for family adds another emotional thread to the series’ ever-expanding tapestry.
Behind the Scenes: Where the Magic Happens
Vancouver once again serves as the soul of Virgin River, its lush forests and misty lakes giving life to the show’s signature warmth. Cast members often describe filming as “serene but alive” — a reflection of the series itself.
When Will Season 7 Premiere?
The wait might be a long one. With production ongoing and post-production still ahead, Virgin River Season 7 is expected to premiere on Netflix in early or mid-2026.
But if the series’ track record is any indication, the longer the wait, the richer the reward.
Fan Buzz and Possible Spin-Offs
From Reddit threads to fan pages, excitement is already building. Many fans believe these new characters could open the door for a Virgin River spin-off — perhaps a prequel exploring the town’s early days or a story focusing on younger versions of beloved residents.
Nothing’s official yet, but the idea is on the table.
The Heartbeat of Virgin River
What makes Virgin River endure is simple: it’s about people finding hope in unlikely places. Season 7 may bring new mysteries and new faces, but at its core, it’s still the same heartfelt, comforting story fans fell in love with — one where love, loss, and redemption are always just around the corner.

Quick FAQs
1. Who are the new characters in Season 7?
Sara Canning plays Victoria, a former cop with secrets, and Cody Kearsley joins as Clay, a drifter searching for his sister.
2. Has filming begun?
Yes, production kicked off in early 2025 in Vancouver.
3. When will Season 7 release?
It’s expected in early to mid-2026 on Netflix.
4. Will Mel and Jack’s story continue?
Yes — their marriage and emotional journey are central to the new season.
5. Is a Season 8 happening?
Netflix has hinted that development for Season 8 is already underway.