For loyal Virgin River fans, Martin Henderson will always be synonymous with Jack Sheridan — the steadfast, ruggedly handsome bartender whose heart is as big as the Northern California forests he calls home.

Jack’s moral compass, loyalty, and unwavering devotion to Mel Monroe turned Henderson into a fan favorite and a symbol of romantic reliability. But now, Henderson is rewriting his narrative completely,

stepping into a world that is chaotic, irreverent, and downright scandalous. Netflix UK’s latest import, Madam, marks a bold departure from the comforting serenity of Virgin River. The New Zealand-made comedy

has taken audiences by storm, blending outrageous humor, sharp social commentary, and surprisingly heartfelt storytelling. Henderson stars as Rob Leigh — a role that exposes a side of him fans have never seen: charming yet deeply flawed, reckless yet magnetically compelling.

A Scandalous New Chapter for Martin Henderson

In Madam, Henderson trades the small-town warmth and emotional steadiness of Jack Sheridan for the messy, morally ambiguous life of Rob Leigh. Rob is a man whose charm hides dangerous flaws: infidelity, financial irresponsibility, and a complete inability to meet the expectations of his fiercely independent wife, Mackenzie “Mack” Leigh (Golden Globe winner Rachel Griffiths). Henderson’s Rob is neither heroic nor likable in the traditional sense — he’s a cautionary tale of privilege and irresponsibility, whose actions catalyze the central chaos of the series.

Mack’s response to her husband’s betrayal is both bold and unconventional. Rather than quietly endure Rob’s misdeeds, she seizes control of her own destiny, launching a progressive, female-run brothel in their small New Zealand town. The premise alone—grounded in real-life events—blends scandal, humor, and feminist empowerment, creating a setting that is equal parts outrageous and surprisingly poignant.

“It’s wild seeing Martin Henderson play a morally questionable character after years of watching him as Jack,” one viewer commented online, capturing the shock and fascination of fans witnessing the actor’s radical reinvention.

From Heartthrob to Heartbreak: Henderson’s Wild Transformation

Henderson’s performance is a masterclass in transformation. As Jack Sheridan, he exudes reliability, warmth, and quiet heroism. As Rob Leigh, he embodies the reckless, selfish tendencies that drive the comedy and conflict of Madam. The contrast is stark: gone are the tender smiles and soft-spoken reassurances of Virgin River, replaced with a character whose charm is as dangerous as it is seductive.

Critics have praised Henderson’s daring pivot. Freed from the emotional restraint of his former roles, he delivers a nuanced performance that balances comedic timing with dramatic weight. His Rob is infuriating, captivating, and uncomfortably human — a character who forces the audience to grapple with the messiness of personal failure and the consequences it has on those around him.

“Martin Henderson is unrecognizable here,” a critic wrote. “He’s not the man who fixes hearts behind a bar; he’s the man whose flaws fuel the story, and it’s mesmerizing to watch.”

A True Kiwi Comedy With Bite

Madam premiered on New Zealand’s Three network in 2024, quickly capturing audiences with its daring premise and sharp writing. The series blends outrageous humor with feminist themes, creating a comedy that is as socially provocative as it is entertaining. Inspired by real events, the show gives Henderson the perfect canvas to explore complex masculinity while highlighting female resilience and ingenuity.

Rachel Griffiths delivers a tour-de-force performance as Mack, seamlessly balancing despair, empowerment, and deadpan wit. She rallies a group of women to reclaim agency in the wake of betrayal, turning the narrative from scandal to empowerment. Henderson’s Rob is both the catalyst and the foil, providing the chaos that allows the show’s humor and heart to flourish.

Critics have noted that Madam balances sharp satire with genuine emotional stakes. The series doesn’t shy away from the absurd, but it also gives audiences moments of real tenderness, illustrating how humor and heartbreak can coexist in unexpected ways.

Fans Can’t Get Enough

Since its Netflix UK release, Madam has sparked instant word-of-mouth buzz. Viewers describe it as “refreshingly bold,” “unexpectedly heartfelt,” and “totally addictive.” Social media has been ablaze with reactions ranging from shock to admiration:

• “It’s weird seeing Jack Sheridan cheat, but wow, Martin Henderson can act. I’m hooked.”
• “A steamy, feel-good Kiwi gem — NZ doesn’t make enough shows like this.”
• “By the end of episode two, I was well and truly hooked. It’s outrageous, but it has a lot of heart.”

Fans have also embraced the show’s distinctly Kiwi flavor, drawing comparisons to beloved local dramedies like Outrageous Fortune. The combination of local color, scandalous storytelling, and standout performances has made Madam a must-watch, both as comedy and cultural commentary.

Martin Henderson Like You’ve Never Seen Him Before

For Henderson, Madam represents an exciting pivot in a career that has already spanned drama, romance, and suspense. From Grey’s Anatomy to The Gloaming and Virgin River, Henderson has consistently demonstrated his ability to inhabit diverse characters. Yet Rob Leigh offers something entirely new: a role that allows Henderson to explore the darker, more humorous side of human behavior, while also highlighting his capacity for dramatic tension and comedic timing.

Unlike the stoic Jack Sheridan, Rob’s flaws serve as narrative fuel, making Henderson’s performance both unsettling and entertaining. The actor’s return to his New Zealand roots adds authenticity, grounding the outrageous plot in a lived-in reality that feels both vibrant and relatable.

A Must-Watch for Virgin River Fans — With a Twist

On the surface, Madam and Virgin River couldn’t be more different. One is a gentle, romantic drama nestled in a picturesque Californian town; the other is a sharp, cheeky New Zealand comedy that dives headfirst into scandal, humor, and female empowerment. Yet both share one thing: heart. Each series thrives on community, character-driven storytelling, and a cast capable of balancing emotion with entertainment.

For fans who have adored Henderson as Jack Sheridan, the shift is electrifying. It’s a chance to witness the actor’s range, from tender romantic lead to provocatively flawed scoundrel, and to experience the unexpected joy of seeing familiar talent reinvented in bold, daring ways.

“It’s wild to see Jack Sheridan in this light, but Martin Henderson makes it work,” a fan wrote, summarizing the mix of shock, admiration, and engagement that Madam inspires.

Where to Watch

Madam is now streaming on Netflix UK, with a wider international release anticipated soon. Whether viewers are drawn to Henderson’s astonishing transformation, Griffiths’ commanding presence, or the show’s witty, scandalous storytelling, Madam proves that New Zealand comedy can surprise, delight, and captivate audiences across the globe.

From heartthrob to heartbreak, from Virgin River’s moral compass to Rob Leigh’s chaotic charm, Martin Henderson has once again proven that he is an actor unafraid to challenge expectations. For fans seeking scandal, humor, and a fresh take on familiar talent, Madam delivers — and then some.