The small-town drama may be all about comfort, but Virgin River is proving it’s not afraid to stir the pot when it comes to its cast lineup. Netflix has confirmed that two familiar faces will not be returning for Season 7, while a dozen series regulars — including fan-favorite couple Mel Monroe and Jack Sheridan — are set to reprise their roles when the new episodes drop.
The shakeup comes as Virgin River heads into uncharted territory. With Season 6’s wedding bells still echoing in fans’ minds, Season 7 promises to explore newlywed life for Mel and Jack, while also introducing new characters and storylines that could change the town forever.
Martin Henderson — Returning
Gruff but big-hearted bar owner Jack Sheridan remains a cornerstone of Virgin River. Played with quiet charisma by Martin Henderson, Jack is a Marine veteran who runs the local watering hole and serves as the community’s go-to handyman, confidant, and occasional peacekeeper. His journey has taken him from a “situationship” when Mel first arrived to becoming her devoted husband in Season 6. Expect Jack to juggle bar business, family dreams, and — knowing Virgin River — more than a few unexpected challenges this season.
Alexandra Breckenridge — Returning
Alexandra Breckenridge’s portrayal of Mel Monroe remains the emotional heartbeat of the series. A nurse practitioner and midwife who left Los Angeles after the devastating loss of her husband and child, Mel has built a new life — and a new family — in Virgin River. Season 7 will see Mel navigating her first year of marriage to Jack while possibly stepping into motherhood in a new way, depending on how the show resolves that lingering adoption storyline.
Who’s Leaving?
Netflix has confirmed that two recurring characters will exit ahead of Season 7, though details remain tightly under wraps. Whether these departures will be written as dramatic goodbyes or quiet off-screen moves remains to be seen. Given the series’ history, either could become a storyline with ripple effects across the town.
The 12 Staying Put
While two will depart, the good news for fans is that twelve core cast members are set to return — including Annette O’Toole as Hope, Tim Matheson as Doc, Colin Lawrence as Preacher, and Benjamin Hollingsworth as Brady. Their storylines will weave into Mel and Jack’s as Virgin River faces new challenges from both outsiders and secrets within.
New Faces, New Trouble
Season 7 will also welcome two fresh additions: Victoria (Sara Canning) and Clay (Cody Kearsley). One arrives to investigate Doc but may have personal ties to the town; the other comes searching for a long-lost foster sister. Both are poised to complicate life in Virgin River — and possibly connect to the departures.
With Netflix already ordering Season 8 before Season 7 even airs, the show’s future is secure. But that doesn’t mean the residents of this picturesque little town are safe from heartbreak, drama, or change. In Virgin River, the only constant is that nothing stays the same for long.
