
Charmaine or Hope? Neither! Virgin River Fans Hate These 5 Characters More
If you’ve spent more than five minutes in a Virgin River fan forum or scrolling through Twitter (or should we say X?), you know two names almost always pop up when talking about irritating characters: Charmaine Roberts and Hope McCrea. But here’s the thing — while these two have their fair share of eye-roll-worthy moments, fans are surprisingly united in agreeing that there are other characters they despise more.
So, who are the real offenders? Which characters make people hit pause, groan, or shout at the TV? Let’s break down the five most hated characters in Virgin River — and why they’ve managed to push viewers’ patience to the limit.
1. Brie Sheridan – The Queen of Drama?
When Brie Sheridan arrived in Virgin River, she was meant to be a refreshing, bold new addition. Instead, some fans feel she’s turned into a walking soap opera plotline.
Why fans can’t stand her:
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She often seems to make impulsive decisions that create more problems than they solve.
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Her love life is a tangle of questionable choices, and viewers say she sometimes feels “out of sync” with the rest of the cast’s small-town vibe.
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Certain plotlines around her trauma have been criticized as poorly handled, making her feel more like a drama device than a fully fleshed-out character.
It’s not that Brie doesn’t have her fans — she does. But in the court of public opinion, she’s in the top tier of Virgin River frustration.
2. Dan Brady – The Guy Who Can’t Get It Together
Dan Brady is the classic “bad boy with a heart of gold” — at least, that’s what the writers are going for. The problem? Fans say he never really grows past his reckless ways.
Why fans can’t stand him:
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He keeps making the same mistakes, season after season.
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His loyalty is questionable, and his moral compass seems to shift depending on the scene.
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The constant back-and-forth between being “redeemable” and “trouble” wears viewers thin.
For many fans, Brady’s storylines feel repetitive. They’re waiting for that big redemption arc — or for him to finally face real consequences.
3. Lizzie – The Teenage Tornado
Ah, Lizzie. The rebellious niece who was supposed to bring youthful energy to the show. Instead, she’s often described by fans as more trouble than she’s worth.
Why fans can’t stand her:
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She’s constantly stirring up drama, even when there’s no need.
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Her romantic decisions (especially with Ricky) have caused endless groans online.
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She often comes across as selfish and oblivious to how her actions affect others.
In short, Lizzie feels like the human version of a TikTok trend you wish would end already.
4. Calvin – The Walking Plot Device
Every show needs a villain, but Calvin — the local drug kingpin — has fans divided. Some find him intimidating; others think he’s one-dimensional and overused.
Why fans can’t stand him:
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His appearances often feel random, more like a plot tool than an actual character.
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He rarely changes or develops, making his presence predictable.
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His criminal storylines sometimes overshadow the heartwarming tone fans love about Virgin River.
Sure, you can’t have small-town drama without a little danger, but many believe Calvin is more filler than thrill.
5. Muriel St. Claire – The “Why Is She Even Here?” Character
Muriel is a tough one. She’s not a villain, she’s not family, and she’s not a main love interest. Yet she pops up in all sorts of storylines, leaving fans scratching their heads.
Why fans can’t stand her:
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She often inserts herself into situations where she’s not needed.
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Her banter can feel forced and awkward.
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Many think she serves no real purpose other than filling screen time.
While Muriel’s presence can be lighthearted, she’s also a prime example of a side character who’s overstayed her welcome.
Why Charmaine and Hope Get a Pass This Time
It’s not that Charmaine and Hope have suddenly become fan favorites — far from it. But compared to the five names above, they’ve actually seen moments of growth or had story arcs that redeemed them slightly.
Charmaine, for all her drama, has depth when dealing with her pregnancy storyline. Hope, despite her meddling, often means well and provides comedic relief. They’re flawed, yes — but they also feel integral to the DNA of Virgin River.
The Power of “Love to Hate” Characters
Here’s the thing: sometimes, the characters fans “hate” are the ones they secretly love watching the most. They bring conflict, spice, and unpredictable moments to the show. Without them, Virgin River might risk becoming too picture-perfect.
Think of them like hot sauce: a little goes a long way, and too much can ruin the meal — but without it, things get bland.
Fan Reactions on Social Media
The Virgin River fandom is nothing if not vocal. A quick scroll through Reddit threads, Facebook groups, or TikTok clips reveals:
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Entire debates on whether Brie or Brady is more frustrating.
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Lizzie defenders arguing she’s just “a teenager being a teenager.”
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Muriel memes poking fun at her “magical ability to show up anywhere.”
It’s all part of the fun — and part of what keeps fans engaged between seasons.
How Character Flaws Keep the Show Alive
Small-town dramas thrive on tension. If everyone got along all the time, there’d be nothing to binge. These “most hated” characters are often the gears that keep Virgin River turning — even if they make you yell at the screen.
Looking Ahead: Will These Characters Redeem Themselves?
The real question for fans is whether the writers will take these characters in new directions. Could Brady finally make the right call? Could Lizzie mature? Could Brie get a storyline that feels less like daytime TV?
There’s hope — but until then, the love-hate relationship continues.
Final Thoughts
While Charmaine and Hope may always hold their spots in the Virgin River Hall of Frustration, they’ve been outdone in the annoyance department by Brie, Brady, Lizzie, Calvin, and Muriel. These five are the ones fans really can’t stop talking about — whether it’s to complain, meme, or speculate about their futures.
Love them or hate them, they’re part of what makes Virgin River impossible to look away from. And maybe, just maybe, that’s the whole point.
FAQs
1. Are these characters officially the “most hated” in Virgin River?
No official poll exists, but fan discussions online consistently bring up these five names as the most frustrating.
2. Why do fans dislike Brady so much?
Mostly because of his repetitive bad decisions and lack of personal growth, which can feel exhausting to watch.
3. Is Lizzie supposed to be unlikable?
Not exactly — she’s meant to be a spirited teenager, but her choices and attitude often rub fans the wrong way.
4. Has Calvin’s character changed over the seasons?
Not much. He remains a fairly flat villain, which is a big part of the criticism.
5. Could any of these characters become fan favorites?
Absolutely. All it would take is strong, consistent writing that shows growth and depth beyond their current stereotypes.