As Virgin River continues to cement its status as one of Netflix’s longest-running and most beloved original dramas, Benjamin Hollingsworth remains both grateful

and quietly astonished by the show’s enduring impact. Now heading into its seventh season, with an eighth already confirmed, the series has evolved from

a gentle romantic drama into a multi-generational phenomenon — and Hollingsworth has grown right alongside it.

For the actor, the secret to Virgin River’s longevity isn’t flashy twists or spectacle. It’s something far more intimate. “People are hungry for connection,” Hollingsworth has shared in recent reflections. “They want to believe in community again — that neighbors show up, that people matter, that kindness isn’t outdated.” In a television landscape crowded with high-stakes thrillers and dark antiheroes, Virgin River offers a quieter, emotionally grounded alternative, one that audiences continue to return to year after year.

A Series That Grew Into a Cultural Comfort

When Virgin River premiered, few could have predicted its staying power. Adapted from Robyn Carr’s novels, the show arrived with modest expectations, positioned as a romantic drama with scenic appeal. What it became, however, was something deeper — a comfort series that viewers turn to during times of uncertainty.

Hollingsworth believes that emotional honesty is at the heart of that connection. The show doesn’t shy away from grief, trauma, or complicated relationships, but it always balances pain with hope. “There’s heartbreak in Virgin River, but there’s also healing,” he explains. “And that combination feels real to people.”

As season seven wraps filming, the tone of the series continues to evolve. Longtime fans can expect familiar emotional beats — love tested by circumstance, friendships strained by secrets, and characters forced to confront their pasts — but Hollingsworth hints that the upcoming chapter leans heavily into transformation. “These characters are not the same people they were in season one,” he says. “They’ve been shaped by loss, by mistakes, by forgiveness. That growth matters.”

Balancing Stardom and Fatherhood

Off-screen, Hollingsworth’s life has changed just as dramatically. A father of three, he openly acknowledges that family now defines every professional decision he makes. Despite the demanding production schedule of Virgin River, he has worked to keep his personal and professional worlds intertwined rather than competing.

During filming, Hollingsworth often brings his family along, turning work trips into shared experiences. “I don’t want my kids to feel like my job takes me away from them,” he explains. “I want them to feel like they’re part of the journey.” That approach, while not always easy, reflects the same values that Virgin River champions — presence, connection, and emotional availability.

It’s a balancing act many working parents understand, and Hollingsworth doesn’t pretend he has perfected it. Still, he credits fatherhood with reshaping his priorities and deepening his performances. “Becoming a parent changes how you understand love and fear,” he says. “Those emotions bleed into your work whether you want them to or not.”

Life Beyond Virgin River

While Virgin River remains a central pillar of his career, Hollingsworth has carefully expanded his résumé beyond the small-town drama. Fans have seen him embrace holiday storytelling in projects like The Christmas Ring, where warmth and sentiment take center stage. These films, often dismissed as lightweight, hold special meaning for him.

“There’s something powerful about comfort viewing,” he says. “Especially around the holidays, people want stories that make them feel safe, hopeful, and seen.” Much like Virgin River, these films prioritize emotional sincerity over cynicism — a creative throughline that defines Hollingsworth’s career choices.

Rather than chasing dramatically different roles simply to avoid typecasting, he has leaned into stories that align with his values. “I’m drawn to characters who are flawed but trying,” he explains. “People who want to do better, even when they mess up.”

The Emotional Weight of Longevity

One of the challenges of staying with a series for so many seasons is maintaining emotional truth. Hollingsworth acknowledges that long-running shows risk repetition if characters stop evolving. That concern has shaped how he approaches each new season.

“You have to keep asking yourself, ‘What has this character learned?’” he says. “And just as importantly, ‘What haven’t they learned yet?’” Season seven, he hints, explores the consequences of unresolved wounds — the kind that don’t disappear simply because time has passed.

The upcoming episodes will challenge relationships fans thought they understood, forcing characters to confront uncomfortable truths. While Hollingsworth remains careful not to reveal spoilers, he describes the season as emotionally demanding. “There were scenes that stayed with me long after filming,” he admits. “Moments where the weight of history really hit.”

Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond

With Virgin River set to return in early 2026, anticipation is already building. The announcement of season eight before season seven even airs speaks volumes about Netflix’s confidence in the series — and about the loyalty of its audience.

For Hollingsworth, the future feels both exciting and grounding. He’s aware that few actors get the chance to grow alongside a character for this long, and he doesn’t take that for granted. “It’s rare,” he says simply. “And it’s a privilege.”

At the same time, he remains open to whatever comes next. Whether that means new film projects, different genres, or eventually stepping away from Virgin River, his focus stays the same: telling stories rooted in empathy and truth.

As the series moves forward, both actor and character find themselves at a crossroads — shaped by love, marked by loss, and guided by the hope that something better still lies ahead. In a world that often feels fragmented, Virgin River continues to offer a reminder that healing begins with connection — and Benjamin Hollingsworth remains one of its most compelling messengers.