Netflix’s Virgin River has dominated the small-town romance genre for years, but the beloved drama is about to get two major challengers. With its warm storytelling, scenic escapism, and fan-favorite couple Mel and Jack, Virgin River has long been the ultimate comfort show. But now, two buzzy book-to-TV adaptations are gearing up to enter the arena — and they’re built from the same irresistible formula.
Two New Romance Heavyweights Are Coming
Author Elsie Silver’s bestselling romance series Wild Love and Chestnut Springs are officially heading to TV — Wild Love to Prime Video, and Chestnut Springs to Netflix.
Both projects feature:
-
Small-town settings
-
Ensemble casts
-
Emotional love stories
-
Steamy scenes
-
A new main couple each season
Wild Love leans into Rocky Mountain drama and big emotional swings, while Chestnut Springs centers on the Eaton family in a charming Canadian town.
Spiritual Successors to Virgin River
Like Virgin River (and Sullivan’s Crossing), Silver’s books follow different couples across interconnected stories. They share the same DNA: cozy towns, emotional hurdles, and romance that’s tender but not too spicy. It’s no stretch to call them Virgin River’s natural successors — or rivals.
All Three Shows Could Air at the Same Time
With Virgin River heading into Season 7 and a prequel in the works, Netflix isn’t slowing down. Silver’s adaptations are still early in development, but romance dramas have quick turnarounds. The result?
A crowded field — and a cozy TV boom.
Can Silver’s Shows Win?
Probably not at first. Virgin River has a massive head start, with seven seasons, a prequel, and even a spinoff on the way. But if adapted well, Silver’s series could become the genre’s new underdog success stories — especially with Virgin River fans eager for more small-town romance.
Competition is coming, but in this case, everyone might win. There’s plenty of room for more cozy towns, heartwarming love stories, and slow-burn escapism on our screens.
