When Wednesday season two stormed back onto Netflix, fans were focused on Jenna Ortega’s return as the delightfully morbid Addams heir and the show’s chilling new storyline. But for many, a recent Instagram post from a Virgin River favorite revealed an unexpected link between two of Netflix’s biggest series — and it’s sending fans into a frenzy.
Ben Hollingsworth, beloved as the complicated and brooding Brady in Virgin River, just reminded everyone that before life in the small town of Virgin River, he was sharing screen time with none other than Luis Guzmán, who now plays Gomez Addams in Wednesday.
The pair worked together years ago on CBS’s medical drama Code Black, and Hollingsworth’s nostalgic tribute to Guzmán has ignited waves of fan nostalgia — and some serious binge-watching plans.
The Instagram Post That Started It All
Hollingsworth took to Instagram to share a throwback clip of himself alongside Guzmán in a heartfelt ER scene. His caption was a love letter to acting lessons and lasting friendships:
“Humility, kindness, patience, charity… you know, the big ones. Newcomer @loueyfromthehood everyone! On @codeblack_cbs I learned a lot watching @mgh_8, Luis, @roblowe + a plethora of ridiculously talented actors. Biggest lesson? Listening. Not just hearing lines, but really being present — letting it change you. Sounds simple, but it’s one of the hardest things to nail as an actor. Still working on it — ask my wife. Helps when you’re opposite a legend though.”
The actor ended his post with a playful plug for Guzmán’s current success:
“Luis’ little show ‘Wednesday’ just dropped S2 on @Netflix — go binge!”
Within hours, fans flooded the comments, some confessing they had no idea Hollingsworth and Guzmán once shared the screen. Others immediately began searching for Code Black episodes to revisit the duo’s chemistry.
Flashback to Code Black
For those who missed the series during its original run (2015–2018), Code Black was an intense, fast-paced medical drama set in one of the busiest ERs in Los Angeles. The show captured the chaotic reality of medicine when resources are scarce and every second counts.
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Ben Hollingsworth starred as Dr. Mario Savetti, a brash but talented junior doctor with a troubled past and a chip on his shoulder.
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Luis Guzmán played Jesse Salander, the experienced and compassionate senior nurse who often served as the emotional anchor of the ER.
Their dynamic on the show was electric — particularly in the clip Hollingsworth shared, which features a tense exchange that transforms into a heartfelt teaching moment. Jesse reminds Mario that medicine isn’t just about speed or ego; it’s about humanity. Fans who watched the scene back in the day still remember it as one of Code Black’s standout moments.
The series also boasted a star-studded ensemble including Marcia Gay Harden, Rob Lowe, and Raza Jaffrey, making it a drama with serious pedigree.
Why This Connection Matters to Fans
Both Hollingsworth and Guzmán have gone on to major success with Netflix juggernauts. For Virgin River devotees, Brady remains one of the show’s most complicated and compelling characters — a man torn between love, loyalty, and his own demons. Meanwhile, Guzmán’s turn as the suave yet devoted Gomez Addams in Wednesday has earned him widespread acclaim, bringing a warm Latin flair to the iconic patriarch.
Seeing these two actors connected through their past work gives fans a fresh reason to dive into old episodes while awaiting new seasons. As one Instagram comment perfectly put it:
“I loved Code Black so much. Wish they didn’t cancel it! This just made me want to binge it again AND watch Wednesday!”
Wednesday’s Record-Breaking Return
Of course, the timing of Hollingsworth’s post couldn’t be better. Wednesday season two has already broken records, pulling in 50 million views in its first four days and reclaiming its spot as one of Netflix’s most-watched series. The season introduces new mysteries centered around Willow Hill Asylum and the enigmatic Aunt Ophelia while bringing back fan favorites like Morticia (Catherine Zeta-Jones), Pugsley (Isaac Ordonez), and Gomez himself.
The season is packed with guest stars, too: Billie Piper, Thandiwe Newton, Steven Buscemi, Christopher Lloyd, and more — adding even more star power to a show that was already a cultural phenomenon.
With part one currently streaming and part two set to land on September 3, Hollingsworth’s call to “go binge” couldn’t be more fitting.
The Nostalgia Factor: Why We Love These Crossovers
There’s something magical about unexpected Hollywood connections. For fans of Virgin River, discovering Brady once shared the screen with Gomez Addams feels like a hidden Easter egg — a reminder that every actor’s journey is filled with surprising intersections. And in a world where Netflix dominates our screens with sprawling universes, these real-life links make the streaming experience feel all the more interconnected.
So, whether you’re team Virgin River, obsessed with Wednesday, or simply craving a dose of medical drama nostalgia, consider this your sign: stream Code Black for the past, binge Wednesday for the present, and keep your eye on Virgin River for the future.
Because sometimes the best Christmas in August gift is realizing your favorite Netflix worlds aren’t so far apart after all
