For years, Virgin River has been Netflix’s golden gem—a series that quietly captured millions of hearts until it exploded into one of the streaming giant’s most-watched shows worldwide.

Now, after months of speculation, anticipation, and questions from fans desperate for updates, the good news is finally here: Virgin River is officially returning for Season 7,

and the premiere is much closer than many expected. Netflix has confirmed that Season 7 is targeting a March 2026 release, ensuring that the small, scenic, emotionally stormy town of

Virgin River will once again grace screens with new drama, new love, and new secrets. But that’s only the beginning. With Season 7 already wrapped and Season 8 officially greenlit, the next era of the beloved romantic drama is shaping up to be one of its most ambitious yet.

Filming Wrapped: A Season Built With Scale, Emotion, and Exotic New Locales

Production for Season 7 kicked off in March 2025, continuing through June in Vancouver—the natural backdrop fans now instantly associate with the show’s rustic beauty. But this season added a surprise twist: part of the filming also took place in Mexico, hinting at tropical romance, scenic beaches, and a major milestone for one of the show’s central couples.

Insiders have confirmed that these scenes are most likely tied to Mel and Jack’s honeymoon, marking a rare shift away from the cozy forests of British Columbia and offering viewers a fresh visual palette.

The entire season will once again consist of 10 tightly woven episodes, packed with major story reveals, deepening relationships, and the emotional tension fans have come to expect.

A Strong Cast Grows Stronger: New Faces Arrive in Virgin River

Every new Virgin River chapter seems to introduce characters who seamlessly blend into the town’s intricate web of secrets and relationships. Season 7 continues that tradition with an impressive slate of newcomers whose roles promise to shake up the established order.

Sara Canning Joins as a Former Cop Turned Medical Investigator

Known for her commanding presence and grounded performances, Sara Canning is stepping into the role of a former police officer who has transitioned into medical investigations. Her character is expected to tie deeply into the season’s legal and medical storylines, possibly intersecting with Doc’s licensing battle or uncovering hidden dangers lurking beneath the town’s calm surface.

Cody Kearsley as Clay — A Rodeo Hand with a Mission

Cody Kearsley, best known for his roles in Riverdale and Daybreak, joins the cast as Clay, a rugged former rodeo competitor searching for his long-lost sister. His arrival brings a dose of mystery, grit, and emotional weight. Clay’s story may intersect with existing characters in surprising ways, particularly those dealing with family estrangement and unresolved trauma.

Austin Nichols in a Mysterious New Role

Perhaps the most intriguing addition is Austin Nichols, whose role remains tightly under wraps. Nichols has a track record of playing charismatic yet enigmatic characters, leaving fans speculating whether he’ll enter as an ally, an enemy, or something far more complicated.

Picking Up Hours After the Finale — Season 7 Begins With a Surge of Momentum

Unlike earlier seasons that include a time jump, Season 7 starts just hours after the explosive Season 6 finale, meaning viewers will be dropped directly into the emotional fallout and major revelations that closed out the previous chapter.

Mel and Jack: Newlyweds Facing New Beginnings

Fresh off their wedding, Mel and Jack settle into their married life while tackling the challenges of finishing renovations on their farm home. Their next chapter promises both joy and emotional turbulence—especially with the unexpected possibility of expanding their family through Marley, whose shocking offer in Season 6 left fans in disbelief.

Season 7 will explore whether Mel and Jack are ready to accept such a life-changing gift—and what obstacles stand in their way.

Love Triangles, Danger, and Deepening Conflicts — The Big Story Arcs of Season 7

True to Virgin River tradition, Season 7 is loaded with complex emotional journeys and high-stakes drama. Several major arcs are poised to dominate the season:

🔥 The Brie–Brady–Mike Triangle

The love triangle intensifies more than ever before. Brie’s acceptance of Mike’s proposal in Season 6 created a rift that Brady may not recover from easily. Expect heartbreak, difficult choices, and emotional confrontations as the three navigate their tangled feelings.

👶 Charmaine, the Twins & Calvin — A Dark New Threat

Just when Charmaine thought she could finally begin her journey into motherhood, danger returns in a terrifying new way. Season 7 includes a possible kidnapping storyline involving her twins and the ever-menacing Calvin, whose reentry into the narrative sets off a chain reaction of fear and conflict.

🩺 Doc’s Fight to Reclaim His Medical License

Doc’s health struggles and legal challenges continue as he fights to regain his medical license. His recovery journey—and his desperation to return to the clinic he built—is expected to be one of the season’s most emotional storylines.

🌸 Lizzie & Denny Prepare for Parenthood

Lizzie and Denny step into an entirely new chapter as they prepare to welcome their daughter. Their storyline promises heartwarming moments, personal growth, and the challenges of becoming young parents in a tight-knit but unpredictable town.

❤️ Preacher & Kaia — A Rare Calm in the Storm

In a show filled with chaos, heartbreak, and dramatic twists, Season 7 offers at least one stable romance: Preacher and Kaia. Their relationship is expected to blossom smoothly, giving fans a refreshing break from the emotional turmoil elsewhere.

The Return of Flashbacks — And the End of Spin-Off Rumors

Season 7 will delve deeper into the pasts of several key characters through an increased use of flashbacks. These scenes promise to reveal motivations, secrets, and long-buried truths that will reshape present-day storylines.

At the same time, Netflix has officially shut down long-standing speculation about a Virgin River spin-off. With Seasons 7 and 8 now confirmed, the streaming giant is fully focused on the main series, ensuring its momentum continues.

Season 8: Already Underway and Bigger Than Ever

Even before Season 7 lands on Netflix, the team is moving full speed into Season 8. The next installment is set to film from April to July 2026, with Alexandra Breckenridge already contracted through the eighth season—solidifying her as the emotional core of the series.

Season 8 is rumored to be even larger in scope, potentially tying together years of character arcs and setting the stage for what could be the show’s most transformative era.

The Countdown Begins

With Season 7 now officially on the horizon and Season 8 already in active development, Virgin River is entering a bold new chapter—one filled with newlyweds, new mysteries, new characters, and the kind of heart-stirring storytelling that has made the show a global sensation.