While season 8 likely won’t arrive until 2026 at the earliest, season 7 is rumored to premiere in March 2026. Until then, fans are left dissecting the many cliffhangers from season 6 and wondering which storylines will carry forward — and which might quietly fade away.
One plot twist now seems less likely thanks to the early renewal: the surrogacy storyline involving Mel and Jack. Season 6 ended with Mel being approached by Marley, a client whose intended parents suddenly backed out of adoption, offering Mel and Jack the chance to raise the baby instead. While Mel hasn’t responded yet, the confirmation of season 8 suggests this storyline may not resolve so quickly.
There are two main reasons. First, Virgin River is known for stretching out emotional arcs — remarkably, less than a year has passed in the show’s timeline across six seasons. Second, the original novels reveal that Mel and Jack eventually have two biological children, a journey that naturally takes time to unfold.
It’s possible Marley’s proposal turns out to be a misunderstanding, a moment of panic, or even something more troubling. The twist appeared suddenly in the season 6 finale, with little buildup earlier on, making it feel intentionally ambiguous.
