Fans who are patiently waiting for the highly anticipated sixth season of Virgin River might want to check out this very similar show which even shares one of the same cast members.
By Lucas Hill-Paul

Virgin River fans have sung the praises of another compelling drama series with a very similar premise that wrapped up almost a decade ago.

Millions of viewers are eagerly awaiting the return of the beloved small-town romance on Netflix, with a sixth season hopefully coming before the end of the year.

In the meantime, the loyal community has been discussing the best shows to fill the gap during the show’s lengthy hiatus.

One fan recently suggested a series that follows a young woman re-adjusting to life in a small town, much like Mel Monroe (played by Alexandra Breckenridge).

Not only does she also start a job as a general practitioner (similar to Mel’s role as a nurse practitioner), but she also meets a hunky bartender, befriends the mayor and her boss is played by none other than Tim Matheson aka Virgin River’s Doc Mullins.

The series is The CW’s Hart of Dixie and, if fans are to be believed, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for Virgin River devotees.

One recent convert took to Reddit and shared: “I just finished rewatching VR and while I’m waiting for s6 I just started watching the show called Hart of Dixie for the first time.

“It has a VERY similar storyline and bonus it has Doc in it!!! I’m only on s1e2 so no spoilers please but has anyone watched or going to watch it?”

Several more viewers replied with ringing endorsements for the Virgin River lookalike.

“It’s been my favorite show since it aired back in 2011. So so funny! Enjoy!” one fan replied.

Another said: “Hart of Dixie was one of my favorite shows!! You will love it.”

While a third even suggested: “Hart of Dixie was a much better show, primarily because the characters were quirkier and just more interesting. It was funnier too.

“Virgin River leans too much into the drama and ends up being too soap opera-ish.”

To which the original poster agreed: “Yeah there’s something about it, I can’t put my finger on it but it’s better. Maybe it’s the actors are better at acting lol.”

And another said: “I watched it after VR and I learned about it here. I like it more than VR because it is light-hearted.”

A final enthusiast gushed: “I absolutely loved Hart of Dixie. I wanted to live there myself.”

Fans of Virgin River based in the UK are in luck, as all episodes of Hart of Dixie are currently available to stream on ITVX.