If you’re a Virgin River devotee, you already know the cozy rhythm of the show — the rustic mountain town, the tangled romances, the medical emergencies that tug at the heartstrings,

and the lingering sense of hope that hangs over every episode. But now, one of Virgin River’s standout stars is making waves far beyond the town limits of the fictional California haven.

Thanks to a surprise streaming hit, this fan-favorite actor has gone from small-town drama heartthrob to global Netflix sensation — and the reason might just redefine what makes a modern romance story soar.

A Familiar Face Finds a New Stage

The actor behind this streaming explosion is Ben Hollingsworth, the man fans know best as the rugged yet conflicted Dan Brady from Virgin River. Over several seasons, Hollingsworth’s performance has helped shape Brady into one of the series’ most complex figures — a man haunted by his past but desperate to build a better future. His layered portrayal has earned him a loyal following, one that has now followed him straight into a brand-new romantic phenomenon: the film Romance in Style, which recently set Netflix ablaze.

Originally released with Hallmark-like sensibilities — wholesome, heartfelt, and steeped in the comforting simplicity of love stories — Romance in Style was quietly added to Netflix’s library. But what happened next stunned even industry insiders: the movie exploded in popularity, climbing Netflix’s regional “Top 10” charts across multiple countries and sparking a surge in online chatter.

The Movie That Captured Hearts Worldwide

In Romance in Style, Hollingsworth plays Derek, a charming but guarded publishing executive who finds himself drawn to an unexpected love interest — a woman whose creativity and authenticity challenge his carefully curated world. The story may sound familiar on paper, but on screen, it delivers a potent mix of emotional sincerity, chemistry, and escapism.

The appeal lies in its blend of old-fashioned Hallmark warmth with Netflix’s sleek, binge-worthy polish. The narrative balances small-town heart with big-city tension, giving viewers a story that feels both aspirational and relatable. For audiences already charmed by the idyllic tone of Virgin River, Romance in Style feels like a natural extension — another world where love, redemption, and self-discovery intertwine.

Why Audiences Can’t Look Away

So what makes Romance in Style such a breakout hit?

1. The Familiar Comfort of Hallmark Magic – The film taps into a proven formula: cozy settings, moral clarity, and the power of connection. But on Netflix, that formula suddenly feels fresher, amplified by the platform’s production values and broader reach.
2. Crossover Star Power – Virgin River fans instantly recognized Hollingsworth, and their collective curiosity helped fuel the film’s early momentum. Viewers who fell for Brady’s brooding sensitivity were eager to see Hollingsworth in a romantic lead role — and he delivered.
3. The Algorithm Effect – Once the movie gained traction with fans, Netflix’s algorithm kicked in. More recommendations, more visibility, and more global streams — a digital snowball that turned a quiet release into a viral success.
4. Emotional Escapism – In a time when audiences crave comfort, Romance in Style offers a safe haven. It’s light, hopeful, and deeply human — the cinematic equivalent of a warm blanket and a mug of hot cocoa.

A Ripple Effect That Reaches Back to “Virgin River”

Interestingly, Hollingsworth’s unexpected Netflix takeover has also sent viewers back to Virgin River. Fans who discovered him through Romance in Style are now diving into the series for more of his work — creating a cross-platform boost that benefits both the actor and the show.

This kind of synergy is gold for streaming platforms. A hit on one title lifts the visibility of another, creating an ecosystem of shared success. It’s the ultimate win-win: Romance in Style thrives, Virgin River gains new viewers, and Hollingsworth becomes a household name in both the drama and romance categories.

The Actor’s Career Evolution

Ben Hollingsworth’s journey to this moment has been one of steady ascent. A graduate of the National Theatre School of Canada, he began with smaller TV roles and built his résumé with Hallmark-style romantic films like A Godwink Christmas: Meant for Love and Love Under the Olive Tree. But it was Virgin River that changed everything — giving him a complex role that showcased his emotional depth and screen presence.

Now, with Romance in Style, he’s stepped into the coveted position of leading man status — a transition that’s often elusive in Hollywood. No longer just the handsome supporting player, Hollingsworth has proven his range and earned recognition as a top-tier romantic lead.

The Hallmark-to-Netflix Revolution

There’s also a broader trend at play here — one that entertainment insiders are calling the “Hallmark-to-Streaming Effect.” As audiences crave authenticity and heart over high-stakes spectacle, films that once belonged exclusively to cable channels like Hallmark or Lifetime are finding second lives — and massive audiences — on platforms like Netflix.

Why? Because these stories promise something today’s viewers need: hope. Amid endless true-crime series and dark dramas, a heartfelt love story feels like a deep breath. And with recognizable faces from established streaming hits leading the way, these films come pre-packaged with built-in fanbases.

What Fans Are Saying Online

Social media has been buzzing with reactions. On X (formerly Twitter), one fan wrote, “Wait — that’s Dan Brady from Virgin River? I didn’t expect him to be this charming in a rom-com!” Another commented, “Watched Romance in Style on Netflix last night and now I’m starting Virgin River from episode one. Obsessed!”

These viral moments matter. Every shared clip, meme, or tweet drives engagement, pushing the film higher in Netflix’s algorithmic rankings and drawing in new audiences daily.

A Win for Romance — and for Streaming

Romance in Style has not only elevated Hollingsworth’s career but also highlighted the staying power of the romance genre itself. In a world dominated by superheroes and dystopian thrillers, viewers are reminding studios that there’s still enormous demand for stories about connection, love, and human warmth.

For Netflix, the success of the film signals a strategic opportunity: the merging of comfort storytelling with global streaming appeal. For actors like Hollingsworth, it opens new creative lanes — proving that it’s possible to move seamlessly between drama, romance, and beyond.

What’s Next

With Virgin River set to return for Season 7, fans can expect Hollingsworth’s role as Dan Brady to deepen, particularly as his character continues to grapple with redemption, love, and personal growth. Meanwhile, the buzz around Romance in Style has industry watchers predicting more romantic leads for the actor — perhaps even Netflix originals crafted specifically around his growing appeal.

The Takeaway — The Power of Love Stories Lives On

At its core, this success story is about more than a single film or one actor’s career breakthrough. It’s about the enduring pull of romance — the idea that in a world full of chaos, audiences will always flock to stories that promise warmth, connection, and a happily ever after.

Ben Hollingsworth’s journey from Virgin River to Romance in Style is proof that love stories still reign supreme — not just on cable channels, but on the world’s biggest streaming platforms. It’s a testament to the timeless magic of heartfelt storytelling, and a reminder that sometimes, the quietest films can make the loudest impact.

So if you’ve ever curled up with Virgin River and wished for just a little more of that small-town romance charm — look no further. Romance in Style is streaming now, and like the best love stories, it’s impossible to watch just once.