‘Virgin River’ Season 6: Everything to Know About Netflix’s Romantic Drama
From returning castmembers to what’s next for Mel and Jack’s relationship, here’s what we know (so far) about the next season of the small-town series.
Coming off the intensity of Virgin River season five, fans have been wondering where the hit Netflix series would go next — given that it’s covered a wildfire, pregnancy struggles, a tragic death, an illegal drug business showdown, a sexual assault court trial and more.
Showrunner Patrick Sean Smith previously acknowledged the weight of season five when he told The Hollywood Reporter in an interview last year that he never intended to “have subsequent seasons match the intensity.”
So, where will that leave the forthcoming next season? Smith explained, “My intention is to have it feel lighter, but that doesn’t mean it’s not going to be complicated with the signature Virgin River twists and turns. And I think leaning more into the romance of the series is something that we’re excited to do as well, and just keep giving the fans what they want.”
Alexandra Breckenridge, who stars as Mel, even called the past season “very draining” between her character’s miscarriage and learning that her biological father, whom she had never met, also resides in Virgin River. And while most of those storylines will likely continue, Breckenridge said she’s particularly excited to see where Mel’s journey with Jack (Martin Henderson) goes since they left off in a “really beautiful place.” She teased, “I feel that they have good days ahead of them and they’ll just continue to become a stronger couple as we move ahead and move forward.”
Now that Netflix has announced a return daten for the 10-episode sixth season, THR is breaking down everything there is to know about Virgin River season six so far, including some first look photos. Meanwhile, ahead of the season six premiere, Virgin River has nabbed an early seventh season renewal. (This list will be updated as more is revealed about the upcoming season.)
When Will Season 6 Be Released?
The show’s season six renewal was announced in May 2023, months before season five even premiered in the fall of 2023. Production began in February and now Netflix has finally revealed a premiere date: Thursday, Dec. 19.
The 10-episode season will drop all at once, following an experimental season. Season five, which had 12 episodes total, released the first 10 together, followed by the final two episodes, which were billed as holiday episodes, nearly three months later.
Who Will We See in Season 6?
The main castmembers are all returning and that includes: Alexandra Breckenridge as Mel, Martin Henderson as Jack, Tim Matheson as Dr. Vernon “Doc” Mullins, Annette O’Toole as Hope McCrea, Colin Lawrence as John “Preacher” Middleton, Benjamin Hollingsworth as Dan Brady, Sarah Dugdale as Lizzie, Zibby Allen as Brie Sheridan, Marco Grazzini as Mike Valenzuela, Kandyse McClure as Kaia Bryant, Mark Ghanime as Dr. Cameron Hayek and Kai Bradbury as Denny Cutler.
Virgin River‘s holiday episodes also revealed a new character — Mel’s birth father Everett Reid (played by John Allen Nelson). Smith has said Everett will be at least one new face around the small town, so fans can expect to see him again. The showrunner told THR last year that it was a “nice reveal at the end of the first episode to know that he was actually right in our backyard.”
And Jessica Rothe (Happy Death Day) and Callum Kerr (One Piece) are joining the show as a young Sarah and Everett, Mel’s parents, who will meet and fall in love in flashback in the 1970s.
Smith also revealed earlier this year that viewers can expect some “new directions” for fan-favorite characters Preacher, Brady and Kaia. “Brady will be volunteering at the Virgin River fire station under Fire Chief Kaia, who is pulled into Preacher’s past sins,” he said. “Also this season we’ll be surprised by some returning favorites from the past.”
What Do We Know About the Plot of Season 6?
Expect some storylines from the holiday episodes to continue into the new season, including Mel navigating a new relationship with her biological father, as well as her pregnancy struggles with Jack.
Smith shared plenty of teasers for fans while they wait, revealing earlier this year, “Mel and Jack will advance on their path to parenthood while also turning Lilly’s farm into their ultimate dream home.” He also previously told THR that “there’s opportunity with the land they bought with the farm that I think will find other dream projects for Jack.”
He noted that the new season will take place several months after Christmas, “deeper into springtime” — and promised that “babies and wedding bells are never off the table on Virgin River.”
