Netflix’s beloved romantic drama Virgin River is officially making history. The streamer has renewed the series for Season 8, just days after wrapping production on its upcoming seventh season — marking another early renewal and setting a new record as Netflix’s longest-running live-action scripted series.
The milestone eighth season will again feature 10 episodes, continuing the story of Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack (Martin Henderson) and their small-town adventures in the idyllic yet drama-filled community of Virgin River.
With this renewal, Virgin River surpasses both Grace and Frankie and Orange Is the New Black in longevity. Though Grace and Frankie still holds the record for total episodes (94 half-hours), Virgin River’s one-hour format means it has now delivered more total hours of storytelling — more than 70 hours to date, compared to roughly 45 for the comedy series.
The show’s staying power comes down to several key factors: its devoted fanbase, heartwarming tone, and efficient production model. Filmed primarily in and around Vancouver, Canada, Virgin River remains one of Netflix’s most cost-effective series, relying on strong character relationships rather than expensive stunts or effects. Season 7 even includes a brief shoot in Mexico, likely tied to Mel and Jack’s long-awaited honeymoon.
Since debuting in 2019, Virgin River has become one of Netflix’s most consistently popular “comfort” shows. It has appeared 30 times on the streamer’s Global Top 10 English TV list, amassing more than 140 million views worldwide. The show has also landed in Nielsen’s Top 10 a remarkable 38 weeks since its launch.
Netflix’s decision to renew early reflects a broader strategy to reduce long gaps between seasons — an issue that frustrated fans during the pandemic and 2023 strikes. The streamer hopes that quicker renewals will keep production moving smoothly and maintain audience momentum.
Though Netflix hasn’t confirmed a release date for Season 7, it’s expected to premiere in late 2025 or early 2026.
Based on Robyn Carr’s bestselling novels, Virgin River follows nurse practitioner Melinda Monroe, who moves to a remote California town for a fresh start and soon learns that healing others often begins with healing herself.
The ensemble cast returning for Season 7 includes Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, Tim Matheson, Annette O’Toole, Colin Lawrence, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Zibby Allen, Sarah Dugdale, Markian Tarasiuk, Kai Bradbury, and Kandyse McClure.
Executive producers for Season 7 are Patrick Sean Smith (showrunner), Sue Tenney, Amy Palmer Robertson, Roma Roth, Christopher E. Perry, Robyn Carr, Erin Cardillo, Richard Keith, and Jennifer Monroe, with co-executive producers Ian Hay, Thomas Ian Griffith, Mary Page Keller, and Jackson Sinder.
In a heartfelt farewell message as filming wrapped, Colin Lawrence (Preacher) reflected, “I’ve been so blessed to have been a part of this for the last seven seasons. Fingers crossed — more to come.”
