Warning: Spoilers for Season 6 ahead.

The sixth season of Netflix’s emotional romance series “Virgin River” premiered on Thursday, serving fans with a roller coaster of feelings and concluding with a series of suspenseful cliffhangers.

This new season resumes a few months after the Christmas-themed episodes of Season 5, as the town of Virgin River prepares for a highly awaited occasion: Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack’s (Martin Henderson) wedding. Netflix had teased that this season, which unfolds “during Mel and Jack’s romantic spring wedding period,” would feature “unexpected twists, intensifying love triangles, and engaging wedding drama.”

Annette O’Toole, who portrays the mayor Hope McRae on the show, shared with YSL News that this season is “definitely the happiest and also the briefest.”

She expressed, “Having a wedding as the central event was wonderful. It’s the culmination of the entire town’s ambitions. Although there are various challenges to confront, it’s largely a nice and cheerful season.”

A Look Back at Season 6

The latest season of “Virgin River” primarily focused on Mel and Jack’s long-awaited wedding and the events leading up to it. Additionally, it explored Mel’s bond with her estranged father and her family’s history.

But, the wedding wasn’t the only significant development this season. Doc faced issues when his medical license was suspended, with the California State Medical Board investigating him due to a malpractice case. Meanwhile, Brie found herself entangled in a love triangle involving Mike and Brady, as Mike proposed, but Brady confessed he couldn’t love anyone the way he loved her.

The season concluded with a dramatic cliffhanger as Jack checks on his ex Charmaine, who had gone missing before the wedding. It was revealed she faced threats from her ex Calvin and was considering obtaining a restraining order. At the finale, Jack finds her house in disarray and it appears that Charmaine and her children might be gone.

“Virgin River,” adapted from Robyn Carr’s novels, made its debut on Netflix in 2019. The show was created by Sue Tenney, who ran the show until Patrick Sean Smith took over in Season 5.

With so many questions left to answer, here’s what we know so far about the upcoming Season 7 of “Virgin River,” including expected release details, cast updates, and trailers.

Is ‘Virgin River’ Season 7 happening?

Absolutely! Netflix announced on December 5 that “Virgin River” has been officially renewed for Season 7.

“There’s so much more to explore with these characters,” showrunner Patrick Sean Smith shared with Tudum.

Smith expressed that viewers have “just begun to see the dynamics of Mel and Jack as a married couple, which is thrilling,” adding that Season 7 will dive into their honeymoon phase as they navigate life on the farm, which comes with its own set of challenges.

What can we expect from ‘Virgin River’ Season 7?

“Virgin River” is set to continue right where Season 6 ended, “just two hours later,” as Smith revealed to Deadline, indicating there won’t be any “time jumps” this season.

Smith reassures fans that Charmaine’s children will be safe and that Season 7 will focus “more on how the characters respond to the aftermath of the cliffhanger as they are reintroduced into the narrative.”

While the series has built several romantic relationships, Smith noted that there will likely not be any more weddings on the horizon.

“We’ve had enough weddings after Season 6, but it felt like sometimes at weddings, the idea Smith shared with Deadline that the theme of exploring marriage struggles will play a significant role in the show, allowing supporting characters to reflect on their own relationships. “We aim to incorporate this theme to deepen the event’s impact on them,” he explained.

Viewers shouldn’t anticipate any weddings in the upcoming season, but Smith assured that “at least one baby will definitely make an appearance in Season 7, and there could be two.” The Season 6 finale featured Marley asking Mel to adopt her unborn baby after a couple who had previously agreed to adopt the child withdrew.

O’Toole expressed her enthusiasm about what Smith has planned for the new season, especially regarding her character and Doc, particularly since the future of the clinic is now uncertain. “I haven’t discussed any storylines for next season with Sean; I’m just as in the dark as everyone else,” she told YSL News.

Nevertheless, she praised the creators for incorporating current real-world issues into the plot. “That’s really clever,” O’Toole remarked. “With all the changes in healthcare and large corporations taking over private practices, that’s something Sean wants to develop further. It’s definitely relevant, and I hope they dive into it, but I’m not sure how deeply they’ll explore the topic.”

According to Smith, he’s eager to integrate current issues in the medical field into the storyline of “Virgin River,” and is curious to see how that perspective will emerge.

What is the release date for ‘Virgin River’ Season 7?

Netflix has not yet provided a release date for Season 7. The first season of “Virgin River” debuted in December 2019, followed by the second season in November 2020. Seasons 3 and 4 were both released in July 2021 and July 2022, respectively. Season 5 was split into two parts, with the first part launching in September 2023 and the second part—featuring two Christmas-themed episodes—premiering in November 2023. Although it remains uncertain whether Season 7 will come out in summer or winter, Deadline noted that the early renewal of the series could shorten the waiting period between seasons, possibly ensuring it remains a holiday staple after December’s releases.

Is Season 7 of ‘Virgin River’ the final season?

Netflix has not indicated whether Season 7 will be the last. Smith mentioned to Deadline that he has no intention of concluding the series anytime soon. “As long as viewers are interested, we are thrilled and eager to continue sharing these stories,” he stated.

Cast for ‘Virgin River’ Season 7

Although Netflix has yet to confirm details for Season 7 of “Virgin River,” it’s anticipated that many familiar faces from Season 6 will return, including:

• Alexandra Breckenridge as Mel Monroe
• Martin Henderson as Jack Sheridan
• Tim Matheson as Dr. Vernon Mullins
• Annette O’Toole as Hope McCrea
• Colin Lawrence as John “Preacher” Middleton
• John Allen Nelson as Everett Reid
• Benjamin Hollingsworth as Dan Brady
• Zibby Allen as Brie Sheridan
• Marco Grazzini as Mike Valenzuela
• Lauren Hammersley as Charmaine Roberts
• Teryl Rothery as Muriel St. Claire
• Kandyse McClure as Kaia
• Kai Bradbury as Denny Cutler
• Sarah Dugdale as Lizzie
• Jenny Cooper as Joey Barnes
• Elise Gatien as Lark

Actor Dr. Cameron Hayek, who played a role for three seasons, announced on Instagram that he will not be part of Season 7.

Smith shared with Deadline, “Cameron will always have a place in our story, and I would love for his character to return,” but lamented that “he will not be a regular in Season 7.”

‘Virgin River’ Spinoff

“Virgin River” will not only see another season but is also set to have a prequel spinoff, as reported by Variety. This new spinoff will explore the love story between Mel’s parents, Sarah Jensen (Jessica Rothe) and Everett Reed (Callum Kerr), along with the origins of Virgin River during the 1970s, according to Smith.

Smith disclosed to Deadline that the spinoff is still being worked on and he “personally views it as similar to ‘Queen Charlotte’ to ‘Bridgerton.’”

Is ‘Virgin River’ Based on a True Story?

As Lawrence (Preach) mentions: “It’s as real as you believe it to be.”

Unfortunately, the picturesque town of “Virgin River,” complete with its lush mountains, gentle streams, and tranquil paths, is a creation of Netflix. The fictional town is described as being situated in Northern California, between Sacramento and the Oregon border, but the actual filming takes place in Vancouver, British Columbia, and its nearby mountainous regions, according to Netflix.

O’Toole informed YSL News that the team has “put in significant effort to make it feel real.”

“I believe we’ve made it authentic,” O’Toole stated. “I think it fosters a sense of community and positivity in people.”