After months of anticipation, Virgin River season 7 has officially revealed its release month. The hit Netflix drama—one of the streamer’s longest-running originals—returned in December 2024 with its sixth season, once again dominating the charts and reaffirming its place as a fan favorite. With several major storylines left hanging, viewers have been eager for any hint of when the next chapter will arrive.
Based on Robyn Carr’s bestselling novels, Season 6 closed with one of the show’s most shocking cliffhangers to date: the suggestion that Charmaine (Lauren Hammersley) might be dead. While the truth behind that twist remains tightly under wraps, fans won’t be waiting too long for answers.
During an interview on Good Day New York to promote his new film The Christmas Ring (now available on VOD), series star Ben Hollingsworth confirmed that Virgin River season 7 will debut in March 2026. One of the morning show hosts first mentioned the month, with Hollingsworth later affirming the news. He also reflected on the show’s record-breaking Season 8 renewal and his emotional journey portraying Dan Brady:
“That is still just hitting home. For me, it’s surreal. Netflix is the largest streaming platform in the world, and to be the longest-running show is such a blessing. I love my character. I have such an attachment to Brady. I fight for him. Everything bad happens to this guy—I always say if he had an address, it would be between a rock and a hard place. You just can’t catch a break. And when I’m reading these scripts, I’m like, come on, guys, give him a chance to have happiness.”
What to Expect From Season 8’s New Faces
Season 8—now officially the longest-running live-action scripted show in Netflix history—wrapped filming in June. It will introduce several new characters, including Sara Canning (The Vampire Diaries), who plays an ex-cop injured in the line of duty. She now works as an investigator for the state medical board, arriving in town to look into Doc’s practice.
Cody Kearsley, known from Riverdale, also joins the cast as Clay, a foster child trying to find his missing sister.
The returning ensemble includes:
| Returning Cast Member | Character |
|---|---|
| Alexandra Breckenridge | Melinda “Mel” Monroe |
| Martin Henderson | Jack Sheridan |
| Tim Matheson | Dr. Vernon “Doc” Mullins |
| Annette O’Toole | Hope McCrea |
| Colin Lawrence | John “Preacher” Middleton |
| Benjamin Hollingsworth | Dan Brady |
| Zibby Allen | Brie Sheridan |
| Sarah Dugdale | Lizzie |
| Marco Grazzini | Mike Valenzuela |
| Kai Bradbury | Denny Cutler |
| Kandyse McClure | Kaia Bryant |
One notable absence is Mark Ghanimé, who will not return as Dr. Cameron Hayek after joining the series in Season 4.
What’s Coming Next
Showrunner Patrick Sean Smith has teased that the clinic will play a major role in the upcoming episodes. Meanwhile, Brady’s ongoing financial and emotional turmoil—after being repeatedly dealt devastating blows—will continue to be a central focus.
With Season 7 arriving in March and more news (including a trailer and first-look photos) expected in the coming months, Virgin River fans won’t have to wait much longer for their next visit to the charming California town.
