Virgin River is making history—and doing it in style.

Netflix has officially renewed the beloved romantic drama for Season 8, just days after production wrapped on its highly anticipated seventh season. With this renewal, Virgin River becomes the longest-running scripted series in Netflix’s history, outlasting both Grace and Frankie and Orange Is the New Black, and even edging past Spain’s Elite in terms of total episode count.

The early pickup also cements Virgin River as a rare streaming success story: a modestly budgeted, character-driven series that continues to pull in massive global numbers year after year.

 A Record-Breaking Run

With 84 episodes across eight seasons, Virgin River has now surpassed the episode counts of Netflix’s previous record-holders. What started as a quiet adaptation of Robyn Carr’s bestselling novels has grown into a comfort-viewing powerhouse, routinely topping viewership charts while avoiding the flashy spectacle typical of many streaming originals.

The show’s formula? Keep it simple. The series follows Melinda “Mel” Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge), a nurse practitioner who trades the trauma of her old life for a fresh start in the picturesque—and drama-filled—small town of Virgin River. Alongside her romantic partner Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson), Mel navigates loss, love, and everything in between.

 Ratings That Refuse to Quit

Since Netflix introduced its weekly Top 10 lists in 2021, Virgin River has made 30 appearances on the Global English TV Top 10, racking up over 140 million views. Season 6 debuted at #1, maintaining a spot on the list for four weeks. Over on Nielsen’s U.S. streaming charts, the show has appeared 38 times since its debut.

Its sustained popularity—especially impressive for a “quiet” drama with no superheroes, explosions, or dystopias—has made it one of Netflix’s most valuable properties in the long term.

 Production Perks & Season 7 Highlights

Virgin River’s success is also fueled by its production efficiency. The series is largely filmed in Vancouver, Canada, using a limited number of primary locations. This streamlined production, paired with minimal stunts or special effects, keeps costs low without compromising its cozy aesthetic.

Season 7 recently wrapped filming on June 22, with a brief location shoot in Mexico marking the first time the show has ever filmed outside of Canada. The Mexico scenes are said to involve Martin Henderson and Alexandra Breckenridge, teasing a possible change of scenery for Mel and Jack.

Despite production being complete, Netflix has not announced a release date for Season 7. With the show absent from the platform’s 2025 content slate, fans shouldn’t expect new episodes until late 2025 or early 2026.

 Why the Early Renewal?

Netflix’s decision to greenlight Season 8 so soon isn’t just about ratings—it’s about logistics. After industry-wide strikes in 2023 led to significant delays, fans have grown increasingly frustrated with the long gaps between seasons. By locking in renewals early, Netflix can minimize downtime and ensure a smoother production cycle.

A similar strategy has been used for other key series like The Diplomat, which was renewed for Season 4 well before Season 3 even hit screens.

 Virgin River’s Staying Power

Virgin River remains a cornerstone of Netflix’s “blue sky” strategy—a category that favors uplifting, emotionally resonant stories. Its focus on character relationships, strong ensemble cast, and picturesque setting continue to strike a chord with viewers worldwide.

Anchored by Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, Tim Matheson, and Annette O’Toole, the show offers steady storytelling in an unpredictable TV landscape. Executive producers for Season 7 include showrunner Patrick Sean Smith, Sue Tenney, Roma Roth, Amy Palmer Robertson, and Christopher E. Perry, with Robyn Carr also staying involved in the creative process.

 What’s Next?

With Season 8 now officially on the way and Season 7 in the can, fans can rest easy knowing Virgin River’s story is far from over. Whether it’s weddings, babies, heartbreak, or long-lost relatives, one thing’s for sure: life in Virgin River never slows down for long.