Fans of Virgin River have long been waiting for concrete news about the return of Netflix’s beloved small-town drama, and now there’s a tantalizing clue: Season 7 is reportedly targeting

an early 2026 premiere, with sources pointing toward March as the most likely month. This revelation comes from none other than Benjamin Hollingsworth, the actor who portrays Dan Brady,

during a surprise on-air mention while promoting his new holiday film The Christmas Ring on Good Day New York.

Hollingsworth, appearing alongside Kelsey Grammer to discuss the festive movie, effortlessly transitioned from discussing his film to reflecting on his time in Virgin River, revealing the potential March 2026 premiere to the interview hosts. Though Netflix has yet to confirm an exact date, the hint is enough to ignite excitement among the series’ devoted fanbase, who have been eagerly counting down the days since the news that Season 7 would be delayed into 2026.

During the interview, Hollingsworth described the milestone of Virgin River reaching its eighth season as “surreal,” emphasizing the unique connection the cast shares with both the show and its audience. His portrayal of Brady—a character often caught “between a rock and a hard place,” as Hollingsworth described—has become a fan favorite, balancing moments of humor, romance, and heartfelt struggle. Fans have come to love Brady’s enduring resilience, even when life seems determined to knock him down.

Hollingsworth also teased several key storylines that will dominate Season 7. After a tumultuous Season 6, Brady finds himself facing familiar challenges: financial instability after his bank account was drained, romantic uncertainty with Brie, and the added complication of Mike’s sudden, bottle-cap proposal. These developments suggest that Brady will be navigating a web of personal and financial dilemmas, attempting to reconcile past relationships while searching for a path forward. Audiences can expect to see him confront old adversaries, chase down stolen funds, and attempt to reclaim a romantic connection that has been in flux.

Beyond Brady, Season 7 promises to explore the broader dynamics of Virgin River itself, the Northern California town that has captivated viewers with its mixture of idyllic charm and complex interpersonal drama. Relationships will continue to evolve, secrets will be revealed, and the characters’ intertwined lives will offer a mixture of heartwarming moments and emotional tension. Longtime viewers can anticipate the return of the show’s signature combination of romance, small-town suspense, and personal triumphs, making the upcoming season a highly anticipated event in the world of streaming television.

The March 2026 window, while unofficial, aligns with Netflix’s broader programming strategy. The streaming giant’s Q3 earnings call included confirmation from Ted Sarandos that Season 7 would premiere sometime in 2026, but with the timing of major releases like Stranger Things in late 2025 and other high-profile series early in 2026, a March release provides a strategic gap that allows Virgin River to shine without direct competition. Alexandra Breckenridge, who plays Mel Monroe, previously hinted that the series would avoid overlapping with major Q4 releases, ensuring the show maintains its audience without distraction from other Netflix heavyweights.

Industry watchers note that the early March release would also coincide with Netflix’s approach to staggering content across the calendar year, giving each series its own breathing room to attract attention. For Virgin River, a March debut would allow the romance, drama, and suspense that define the series to capture viewers’ focus during a quieter window in the streaming calendar. The timing is ideal for fans who have been waiting for a narrative continuation that delves deeper into the characters’ lives and the town’s evolving dynamics.

Meanwhile, work on Season 8 is already underway. Reports from charity listings and early production notes indicate a preliminary filming window beginning in April 2026, consistent with Netflix’s pattern of resuming production shortly after a season’s release. This suggests that the franchise is not only committed to continuing the storylines viewers have grown to love but also planning strategically to maintain momentum and engagement. Fans can reasonably expect Season 8 to follow soon after Season 7, ensuring the world of Virgin River remains vibrant and continuously evolving.

The hints shared by Hollingsworth also underscore the show’s ongoing investment in character development. Brady’s challenges—romantic uncertainty, financial woes, and personal growth—mirror the show’s ability to tackle both relatable and dramatic storytelling in ways that resonate with its audience. Likewise, the ongoing arcs of Mel, Muriel, Jack, and other key characters ensure that Season 7 will not just continue existing storylines but expand upon them, offering new twists, emotional depth, and small-town intrigue that have become the hallmarks of Virgin River.

Social media reaction to the potential March release has been immediate and fervent. Fans have flooded Twitter, Instagram, and fan forums with speculation about plotlines, character arcs, and the potential resolution of lingering storylines. Hashtags such as #VirginRiverSeason7 and #VirginRiverMarch2026 have begun trending, signaling the excitement and anticipation surrounding the series’ return. The unexpected nature of Hollingsworth’s revelation has only amplified the buzz, with audiences eager for Netflix’s official confirmation.

It’s also worth noting that the timing of the reveal is significant. The on-air mention came during a segment that was primarily about Hollingsworth’s holiday film, not Virgin River, highlighting the casual spontaneity of the leak. Unlike previous controlled announcements, this moment was organic, and the rapid spread of clips online demonstrates the passionate and engaged fanbase that has sustained the show’s popularity for years. The blend of surprise and excitement reflects the very essence of Virgin River itself—a mix of unexpected events, heartfelt drama, and deep character connections that keep audiences returning season after season.

In conclusion, while Netflix has not yet issued a formal announcement, the early 2026 release window, particularly the hinted March premiere, offers fans reason to celebrate. Virgin River Season 7 promises to deliver a blend of romance, suspense, and personal drama, exploring the evolving relationships and challenges of Brady, Mel, and the town’s inhabitants. With the backdrop of the Northern California town providing a perfect mix of charm and intrigue, the upcoming season is set to captivate viewers once more.

As audiences await official confirmation from Netflix, one thing is clear: the countdown to Virgin River Season 7 has unofficially begun. March 2026 could very well mark the return of the series that has become a cornerstone of Netflix’s drama offerings, promising new storylines, complex character developments, and the emotional resonance that fans have come to expect. With production on Season 8 already planned, the future of Virgin River looks bright, ensuring that the series’ blend of small-town romance, suspense, and heartfelt storytelling will continue to enchant audiences for years to come.