For Virgin River fans, Martin Henderson will forever be Jack Sheridan — the loyal, steady, small-town bartender who wears his heart (and flannel shirts) on his sleeve. But Netflix’s latest import from New Zealand proves there’s a completely different side to the actor — and viewers can’t stop talking about it.
Henderson trades the picturesque serenity of Virgin River for the messy, hilarious chaos of Madam — a bold, female-led comedy now streaming on Netflix UK. The outrageous series has quickly become a surprise hit, leaving audiences both scandalized and utterly hooked.
A Scandalous New Chapter for Martin Henderson
In Madam, Henderson stars as Rob Leigh — a far cry from the devoted Jack Sheridan. Rob is a deeply flawed husband who’s been hiding more than just secrets from his wife. His infidelity, combined with a mountain of financial debt, pushes his wife, Mackenzie “Mack” Leigh (Golden Globe winner Rachel Griffiths), to take drastic — and wildly unconventional — action.
When Mack discovers that her charming but deceitful husband has blown through their savings and been unfaithful, she decides to take control of her own destiny. Her solution? Opening a progressive, female-run brothel in her small New Zealand town.
Yes, you read that right.
From Heartthrob to Heartbreak: Henderson’s Wild Transformation
Henderson’s portrayal of Rob Leigh couldn’t be further from his Virgin River persona. As Jack Sheridan, he’s the ultimate romantic — loyal, grounded, and self-sacrificing. As Rob, however, he’s a cautionary tale of charm gone sour: reckless, self-absorbed, and deeply flawed.
The contrast has left fans stunned — and fascinated. “Martin Henderson is completely unrecognizable here,” one viewer wrote on social media. “It’s wild seeing him play such a morally questionable character after years of watching him as Jack.”
Critics agree that the change suits him. Freed from the emotional restraint of Virgin River’s wholesome world, Henderson flexes his comedic timing and dramatic range in a way audiences haven’t seen before.
A True Kiwi Comedy With Bite
Originally airing on New Zealand’s Three network in 2024, Madam was inspired by real events — making it all the more jaw-dropping. The show takes the bones of a true story and infuses it with outrageous humor, feminist themes, and a surprising amount of heart.
Rachel Griffiths delivers a powerhouse performance as Mack, balancing despair, determination, and deadpan wit as she rallies a group of women to take charge of their lives — and their livelihoods — in the most unconventional way imaginable.
The series’ blend of cheeky humor and emotional depth has resonated with viewers across Australia and New Zealand. Now, with its global debut on Netflix, Madam is poised to find an even wider audience.
Fans Can’t Get Enough
Since its arrival on Netflix UK, Madam has quickly sparked word-of-mouth buzz. Viewers describe it as “refreshingly bold,” “unexpectedly heartfelt,” and “totally addictive.”
One IMDb reviewer raved, “This one hooked me from the first episode and didn’t disappoint till the end. The cast did a great job — it deserves a season 2 after that ending.” Another added, “By the end of episode two, I was well and truly hooked. It’s outrageous, but it has a lot of heart.”
Others praised its local flavor, calling it “a steamy, feel-good Kiwi gem” and comparing it to beloved New Zealand dramedies like Outrageous Fortune. “It’s a breath of fresh air,” one fan wrote. “NZ doesn’t make enough homegrown shows like this — it’s so good to see one that nails the humor and humanity.”
Martin Henderson Like You’ve Never Seen Him Before
For Henderson, Madam marks an exciting new chapter in an already impressive career. Best known for his roles in Grey’s Anatomy, The Gloaming, and of course Virgin River, the New Zealand-born actor now returns to his homeland roots — but with a daring twist.
While Virgin River fans are used to seeing him play the stoic protector, Madam lets Henderson explore the darker side of masculinity — the kind that forces the women around him to rise above his mistakes. And audiences are eating it up.
A Must-Watch for Virgin River Fans — With a Twist
At first glance, Madam and Virgin River couldn’t be more different. One is a cozy romantic drama nestled in a fictional Californian mountain town; the other is a sharp, cheeky Kiwi comedy that dives headfirst into scandal and female empowerment.
But what both share is a sense of community — and a cast that knows how to bring heart to even the most unconventional of stories. Fans who’ve loved Henderson as the soulful Jack Sheridan will be shocked — and perhaps delighted — to see him turn the tables in Madam.
As one viewer summed it up: “It’s weird seeing Jack Sheridan cheat, but wow, Martin Henderson can act. I’m hooked.”
Where to Watch
Madam is now streaming on Netflix UK, with international rollout expected soon. Whether you’re in it for Martin Henderson’s jaw-dropping transformation, Rachel Griffiths’ fierce performance, or the wild, witty writing, this Kiwi hit is worth every minute.
