Netflix’s beloved Virgin River has long ruled the cozy-romance genre, but two upcoming book-to-screen adaptations may finally give Mel and Jack a run for their money.
The fan-favorite drama—known for its small-town charm, comfort-food storytelling, and escapist scenery—has become a streaming staple. With Season 6 soaring and a prequel already in the works, Virgin River’s universe is expanding fast. But it’s no longer the only game in town.
Enter Elsie Silver’s Wild Love & Chestnut Springs
Author Elsie Silver has two hit romance series heading to TV:
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Wild Love (coming to Prime Video)
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Chestnut Springs (coming to Netflix)
Both feature scenic small towns, ensemble casts, emotional twists, and a new couple in every story—echoing the structure that made Virgin River and Sullivan’s Crossing so addictive.
Wild Love is set in Rose Hill, a Rocky Mountain haven filled with swoony moments, heartbreak, and plenty of steam.
Chestnut Springs, meanwhile, brings western romance vibes, centering around the Eaton siblings and their circle of friends.
Fans are already calling these books the spiritual successors to Virgin River.
A Cozy TV Show Showdown Is Coming
With Virgin River still going strong—and multiple spinoffs on the way—Silver’s shows will likely debut while the franchise is at its peak. For the first time, the genre could have three major small-town romances airing simultaneously, creating inevitable competition among platforms and fanbases.
Could Silver’s Adaptations Beat Virgin River?
Probably not right away. Virgin River has years of momentum, a massive fanbase, and a growing connected universe. But Silver’s stories have the heart, heat, and emotional depth to become breakout hits—and maybe even pull ahead over time.
Still, many fans believe these shows could strengthen each other rather than fight for the throne. For romance lovers, that means one thing:
Cozy TV season is about to get a whole lot richer.
