For Benjamin Hollingsworth, who has played a central role in the series, the show’s longevity is still something of a pleasant surprise. In an era where shows

are often canceled before they have a chance to develop, Hollingsworth attributes Virgin River’s enduring appeal to something far more elemental than plot twists

or romantic entanglements: community. “People are craving connection,” Hollingsworth shared in a recent interview. “There’s something about seeing neighbors, friends,

even strangers, show up for one another in a genuine way that resonates. That’s what Virgin River has always captured — the heart of a small town where people matter, and where relationships are more than just drama on screen.”

Hollingsworth’s character arc mirrors this theme. Over the course of the series, he has navigated intense personal challenges, complex relationships, and the often-overlapping tensions of love, friendship, and loyalty. “I think my character has really grown season after season,” Hollingsworth said. “He’s faced loss, made mistakes, but he’s also learned, forgiven, and loved. There’s a depth there that I hope audiences relate to.”

As the production of Virgin River’s seventh season wrapped, the anticipation for season eight is already building. For Hollingsworth, however, the excitement is balanced with a deeply personal commitment: family. The actor, a father of three, often brings his children and spouse on location, blending the worlds of work and home in a way few can manage in Hollywood’s demanding environment.

“It’s important to me that my kids see what I do, but also that I stay present in their lives,” Hollingsworth explained. “Filming is intense — long days, emotional scenes — but having my family around reminds me why I do this. It keeps me grounded.” His approach reflects a philosophy that has influenced his performance: bringing real emotion and authenticity to every scene. “When you’re acting in a story about community and connection, it helps if you’re living those truths yourself.”

Off-screen, Hollingsworth’s career has continued to flourish. Beyond Virgin River, he has become known for his roles in heartwarming holiday films such as The Christmas Ring, where he brings the same warmth and emotional honesty that fans have come to love on Netflix. These seasonal projects, he says, allow him to explore different facets of storytelling while maintaining the intimacy and relatability that audiences respond to.

“I’ve always been drawn to characters who feel real,” Hollingsworth noted. “Whether it’s a small-town nurse, a father figuring things out, or someone facing unexpected challenges, I want to inhabit roles that audiences can see themselves in. That’s what draws me to projects like Virgin River and these holiday films. It’s about sincerity.”

Hollingsworth’s commitment to authenticity extends to his preparation for roles. He spends time understanding the nuances of his characters’ lives, often drawing inspiration from his own experiences as a parent, spouse, and member of a community. “It’s easy to play someone superficially,” he said. “But if you dig into their motivations, fears, joys, and heartbreaks, that’s where the magic happens. That’s what makes a story resonate beyond the screen.”

Season seven of Virgin River marks a turning point for both Hollingsworth and his character. Having endured dramatic arcs of love, heartbreak, and personal growth, viewers will see him navigate new challenges that blend the professional with the deeply personal. “This season, there’s a lot of introspection,” Hollingsworth revealed. “Relationships shift, priorities are tested, and there’s a sense of hope threading through it all. It’s both a continuation and a fresh start.”

For fans, this season promises surprises and emotional depth. Hollingsworth’s character will encounter opportunities for reconciliation, moments of unexpected joy, and the inevitable trials that test his moral compass and emotional resilience. “He’s at a crossroads,” Hollingsworth said, “and it’s fascinating to explore how someone balances love, duty, and personal growth at the same time.”

Behind the scenes, Hollingsworth credits the show’s ensemble cast with creating a family-like atmosphere on set. “Everyone is committed not just to their own character, but to making sure the story as a whole feels alive and honest,” he said. From Alexandra Breckenridge’s portrayal of Mel to Martin Henderson’s Jack and Annette O’Toole’s Hope, Hollingsworth describes the collaboration as both professional and profoundly human. “We support each other, we challenge each other, and we celebrate each other’s successes. That’s rare, and it shows on screen.”

Hollingsworth’s personal life also reflects the themes explored in Virgin River. Married and deeply invested in fatherhood, he emphasizes the importance of family connection. “My children teach me more than any script ever could,” he said. “Their perspective, their curiosity, their honesty — it reminds me why stories about community and love matter so much. And it reminds me to bring that truth to every scene.”

Looking forward, Hollingsworth is focused on both professional and personal growth. He is eager to explore new roles while continuing to honor the character arcs that have made him a household name. “I’m always searching for stories that challenge me,” he said. “Characters who are flawed, complicated, and yet hopeful. That’s what I respond to, both as an actor and as a human being.”

Fans can also expect Hollingsworth to remain active in holiday storytelling, a niche he has grown passionate about over the years. These projects allow him to connect with audiences in a more intimate way, weaving together the magic of seasonal storytelling with themes of family, love, and resilience. “There’s something timeless about these stories,” he said. “They remind us that no matter the challenges, connection and warmth are always worth pursuing.”

As Virgin River continues into its seventh season and beyond, Hollingsworth remains grateful for the journey. “It’s been a privilege to tell these stories,” he said. “To grow with the character, to explore the highs and lows of human connection, and to do it alongside such talented colleagues. And of course, to share it with audiences who care as deeply about these characters as we do.”

With season eight already on the horizon, Benjamin Hollingsworth’s career and personal life are poised for continued growth. The blend of on-screen storytelling and real-life authenticity that he embodies makes him not just a central figure in Virgin River, but a reflection of the very themes that make the series resonate: love, resilience, and the power of community.

For viewers, Hollingsworth’s reflections offer a rare glimpse into the life of an actor whose art mirrors his life. Whether navigating the drama of Virgin River, the joy of fatherhood, or the pursuit of new creative opportunities, he remains committed to authenticity, emotional honesty, and the belief that stories — and the connections they inspire — have the power to endure.

In a world where streaming shows come and go, Benjamin Hollingsworth and Virgin River continue to prove that compelling storytelling, grounded in human connection, will always find an audience. As fans eagerly await the next chapter, both on-screen and in his career, one thing is certain: Hollingsworth’s journey is far from over, and the heart of Virgin River beats as strongly as ever.