Netflix provides a positive update about Virgin River. The show, which

stars Alexandra Breckenridge and Martin Henderson, is based on the novels of

the same name by Robyn Carr. The story begins by focusing on Melinda “Mel” Monroe

(Breckenridge) as she responds to an ad to work as a midwife and nurse in the titular Northern California town. More than 40 episodes later, the romantic drama has solidified itself as a reliable show for Netflix.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Netflix has renewed Virgin River for season 6 well before its season 5’s premiere. The announcement was made during the streaming service’s first-ever upfront presentation, and it was also shared that Virgin River season 5 would debut in the fall.

Virgin River Is Quietly A Big Hit For Netflix

Though it has not garnered the headlines of hits like Wednesday, The Night Agent, and Queen Charlotte, all of which debuted for Netflix in recent months, the romantic drama is a secret success story. Virgin River season 4, for instance, beat out titles like Stranger Things for the top spot on Netflix’s charts. The accomplishment becomes more impressive when taking into account that Virgin River gets a smaller marketing push.

Digging deeper into Virgin River’s success, the show’s first three installments have generated 2.1 billion minutes. These stats, which have been revealed by Nielsen’s tracking, reinforces that there’s an audience enjoying the sweet, soapy elements that Virgin River provides. It’s old-school TV and a proven genre, delivered in a streaming format.

Netflix has not often underlined that the series resonates with subscribers. But this renewal, paired with the news about Ginny & Georgia seasons 3 and 4, is an indicator that the adaptation has been delivering all along. With this announcement, it’s ensured that Mel and the rest of Virgin River’s characters will have more twists and turns ahead.