Netflix has launched the seventh season of Virgin River, its longest-running original scripted series, with all 10 episodes available to stream immediately. The series, based on Robyn Carr's novels, follows nurse practitioner Melinda Monroe as she navigates life and romance in a fictional Northern California town. This season explores the newly married Mel and her partner Jack pursuing adoption.
On March 12, 2026, Netflix released Season 7 of Virgin River, marking a significant milestone for the streaming service. The show, starring Alexandra Breckenridge as Melinda “Mel” Monroe Sheridan, became Netflix's longest-running current original scripted series and English-language drama series following its renewal for Season 7 in October 2024. This surpassed previous records held by series such as House of Cards and The Crown.
Virgin River centers on Mel, a nurse practitioner from the city who relocates to the small town of Virgin River for a new beginning and develops a romance with local bar owner Jack. In this latest season, the storyline focuses on the couple's marriage and their efforts to adopt a baby. The series draws from Robyn Carr’s novels and has built a loyal audience through its cozy, small-town atmosphere, often compared to an extended Hallmark movie. It features slow-burn romance, predictable yet wholesome plots, and a visually comforting setting that appeals to fans of comfort television.
Critically, Virgin River has received mixed reviews, with seasons varying between fresh and rotten ratings on Rotten Tomatoes and an overall audience score of 67%. For Season 7, some critics found it underwhelming. ScreenRant’s Dani Kessel Odom noted that it feels like “the writers threw spaghetti at the wall to see what would stick rather than carefully planning things out,” with most storylines falling flat. However, she highlighted a “few shining moments” that capture the show's strengths and make the season worth watching, particularly in its portrayal of Mel and Jack's relationship as they approach parenthood.
Looking ahead, Netflix renewed Virgin River for an eighth season in July 2025, expected to premiere in early to mid-2027 with another 10 episodes. Notably, actors Marco Grazzini and Lauren Hammersley will not return as Mike Valenzuela and Charmaine Roberts, respectively, according to Deadline.
