Callum Kerr as Everett and Jessica Rothe as Sarah in a flashback on 'Virgin River.'Image via Netflix
By
Michael Block
Published 14 minutes ago
Michael Block is a 14 time GLAM Award nominated writer, producer, and host of the podcast Block Talk. Throughout his time in the entertainment industry, he has worked on and off Broadway as a stage manager, written several produced plays, critiqued hundreds of theatrical performances, drag and cabaret shows, and has produced events randing from drag competitoons to variety concerts!
On Block Talk, he interviews nightlife personalities, covers the wide world of entertainment through features, ranking episodes, and recaps ALL of Drag Race, as well as Dragula and Survivor. He has interviewed hundreds of RuGirls that span the globe at DragCon NYC, DragCon LA, and DragCon UK.
In his free time, he makes one-of-a-kind jewelry and gift baskets with his mom. He is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community.
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When the leaves start to change and there's a slight chill in the air, it offers the perfect opportunity to stay inside, cozy up with a hot mug of tea, snuggle up under a big blanket, and turn on your favorite streamer for a comforting binge-watch of your favorite show. But what if there was another fall alternative to your annual celebration of Gilmore Girls?
Netflix’s cozy romance Virgin River provides the perfect autumnal comfort watch with a story that evokes the same warm feelings you get when watching Gilmore Girls' classic mother-daughter duo. Virgin River follows Mel Monroe, played brightly by Alexandra Breckenridge, who answers an ad to work as a midwife and nurse practitioner in a remote Northern California town. Believing it to be a perfect place to start fresh and escape a life of trauma, Mel soon discovers that small-town life is not what she expected. Virgin River is a low-stress, heartfelt romance that offers Hallmark vibes on a Netflix budget.
Come for 'Virgin River's Favorite Couple: Mel and Jack
Right from the start, it's evident that Virgin River's main character will fall into an emotional and romantic entanglement with Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson). As her source of introduction to the town, Martin takes an early interest in Mel, serving as a close confidante. As the series goes on, their relationship deepens and becomes even more romantic than it is at the beginning. Not only are Mel and Jack the central couple we root for, but their journey shares similarities to the greatest love story of Gilmore Girls: Luke and Lorelai (Scott Patterson and Lauren Graham). Like Luke with his diner, Jack owns the local bar, which serves as a familiar haunt for our characters to convene, gossip, and vent. Both men have hard exteriors, but deep inside, they are big softies. Lorelai and Mel have overcome major personal challenges, but don't let their past prevent their future. In the end, love wins, though Mel and Jack make it to the altar much faster than Luke and Lorelai.
Most strong comfort shows keep romance central. Rather than push a will-they-won't-they narrative through multiple seasons, Virgin River allows two individuals with personal baggage to understand that they need one another to be whole again. The tension may be comparatively occasional, but Virgin River has other stories of struggle to tell instead. There certainly are complications in Mel and Jack's relationship, something viewers can relate to, but their enduring love is the epitome of romance —the primary draw of the show.
Stay for the Wonderful Supporting Characters of 'Virgin River'
Tim Matheson as Doc Mullins and Annette O'Toole as Hope McCrea with a horse in a stable on 'Virgin River.'Image via Netflix
Once you're pulled in by Mel and Jack's relationship, Virgin River is filled with wonderful and endearing supporting characters. The series boasts a close-knit community where their primary purpose is to support one another. Unafraid of exploring deep, personal struggles, including trauma, illness, and loss, Virgin River is an idealized portrayal of small-town life where everybody knows your name and your problems.
The characters are not cookie-cutter archetypes, either. You have the unique dynamic of Hope McCrae (Annette O'Toole) and Doc Mullins (Tim Matheson) as the town's wise elders with a rich past. Preach (Colin Lawrence) is not only Jack's right-hand man and chef at the bar, but is easily the most endearing human in town. There are some town troublemakers, like Charmaine (Lauren Hammersley) and Lizzie (Sarah Dugdale), but they have redeemable moments. The list goes on, as the colorful cast of characters provides a nuanced, layered ensemble that keeps the series flowing.
Related
'Virgin River’s Messiest Character Turned Out to Be Its Best
Move over, Jack, there's a new favorite in town.
Posts By Amanda M. Castro Sep 5, 2025Netflix's 'Virgin River' Is Still an Underrated Hit
The Sewing Circle ladies Connie, Jo Ellen, Lydie, and Muriel and Brie in a wedding dress shop in Virgin RiverImage via Netflix
You might be questioning how you can classify Virgin River as an underrated series, but the reality is, despite six released seasons, with Season 7 likely coming next year, and consistent viewership, it's rarely mentioned in the same category as other mega hits on Netflix like Squid Game and Stranger Things. As one of the most comforting options out there, Virgin River is escapism at its finest. It's sweet, charming, and while it does push those difficult conversations to the forefront, it's an easy watch.
Virgin River has been one of Netflix's steadiest series thanks to its picturesque cinematography and wholesome charm. You almost wish you could be whisked away to the titular town and look at its mountain views for yourself. With six seasons, you could truly spend every weekend on your couch watching until Christmas.
Virgin River is available to stream on Netflix.
Virgin River
Like Follow Followed TV-14 Drama Romance Release Date December 6, 2019 Network Netflix Showrunner Patrick Sean Smith Directors Martin Wood, Andy Mikita, Gail Harvey, Monika Mitchell, Tim Matheson, Jann Turner, Felipe Rodriguez, Nimisha Mukerji, Jem Garrard Writers Jackson Sinder, Jackson Rock, Richard Keith, Erin Cardillo, Tesia Joy Walker, Talia Gonzalez, Natasha M. Hall, Mary Page Keller, Thomas Ian Griffith, John LoweCast
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Alexandra Breckenridge
Melinda Monroe
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Martin Henderson
Jack Sheridan
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Virgin River
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