Netflix’s dramatic romance series, Virgin River, has been a huge hit on the streaming service
since it premiered in 2019. The first five seasons have brought viewers along through
the twists and turns of nurse practitioner and midwife Mel Monroe’s life,
as well as her budding relationships with the people in her small California town.
On Sept. 7, the series, which is based on the Virgin River books by Robyn Carr, dropped the first part of its fifth season, and another two episodes are set to drop on November 30.
A lot happened during season 5: Mel was pregnant, she finds out who her dad might have been, Doc Mullins joins a risky medication trial, and a wildfire sweeps through the town. But if you were left with a lot more questions than answers after the finale, it’s understandable to wonder about what happens next and whether there will even be a sixth season dropping sometime in the future.
Here’s everything you need to know about what’s ahead for Mel, Jack, and all the other characters you know and love.
Will there be a Virgin River season 6?
Yup, there’s more Virgin River coming. Deadline shared in May that the series will be back for a sixth season—and there may be more to come beyond that, too! People are seriously invested in Mel’s life, and I don’t think the fervor will subside any time soon.
Last August, Jinny Howe, the head of drama and development at Netflix, talked to Deadline about future seasons. “I think what’s going to be interesting is to see this universe continue to grow and expand and to see new characters, other characters return. A lot of that was set up in the Season 4 finale but it’s going to be really exciting to see all of that come to a head in Season 5,” she said.
Who is returning from the cast?
All the big names should be returning. The cast will include:
Alexandra Breckenridge
Martin Henderson
Tim Matheson
Annette O’Toole
Colin Lawrence
Benjamin Hollingsworth
Sarah Dugdale
Jenny Cooper
Zibby Allen
Marco Grazzini
Lauren Hammersley
Mark Ghanimé
Kai Bradbury
Teryl Rothery
Nicola Cavendish
Stacey Farber
Gwynyth Walsh
Chase Petriw
Barbara Pollard
Kandyse McClure
David Cubitt
Colin, who plays John “Preacher” Middleton, shared on Instagram in May that he will be back for season 6. “Just got word that we have been picked up for a season 6!… Wanna thank y’all for so much love. Gonna bring some great stories your way. Oh, I’m excited!” he said.
Is there a release date?
Not yet. The ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA strikes have put production in Hollywood at a standstill, so it’s pretty likely season 6 is delayed. Actors are currently negotiating with production studios for fair pay and other contractual issues. So, until each group reaches a resolution, things are pretty much on pause.
There are no current release dates for new episodes floating around on the Internet, but you can be sure Women’s Health will update you as soon as something is confirmed.
Annette, who plays Hope McCrea, said on Instagram in May that production should start after the strikes reach a resolution with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
“Some roses to celebrate the good news,” she captioned a photo of flowers. “#VirginRiver season 5 will air in the fall and we’re going to film season 6 as soon as the strike is settled. #WGAStrong!”
There’s a season 5 part 2 coming in November.
Season 5 left everyone with some serious cliffhangers, especially after Mel’s miscarriage and her discovery that her mom had an affair with another man in town (who could be her real dad).
Thankfully, there’s a second part to the season you can enjoy soon, which should tide you over before season 6 comes out. The two new episodes will drop on November 30. Sounds like the perfect way to relax after filling up on a big Thanksgiving meal, if you ask me!
Are there any spoilers?
Nope, not yet! However, there *are* ways to figure out what could go down. It might involve a little reading though. Which brings me to my next point…
You can see what happens in the sixth book in the series ahead of time.
Where can I watch or stream Virgin River?
You can check out the show on Netflix—season 5 is streaming now! You can also watch the first four season in case you need a refresher before diving into the newest dramatic episodes.
