The Netflix show has been a hit among viewers ever since it first premiered back in December 2019. With Virgin River already busy with season 7, it’s hard to think we’d get more news about its future … right? Well, consider us totally surprised when Netflix dropped the ultimate bombshell no one could’ve expected so soon after Virgin River wrapped filming the latest installment.

In an announcement revealed by Deadline on July 10, folks learned Virgin River was renewed for season 8 on Netflix. But that’s not all. The outlet noted a major TV milestone for the drama, as Virgin River is now the longest-running original scripted series for the streamer. And as for how the cast and crew reacted to this epic piece of information, Alexandra Breckenridge (who plays Melinda “Mel” Sheridan), went on Instagram to give a short yet poignant response.

“#virginriver keeps on keeping on!” she excitedly penned the caption.

As soon as Alexandra shared her thoughts about Virgin River coming back for season 8, her followers quickly took to social media to celebrate with her.

“You just made my year Alex! Congratulations to the best show, cast and crew! I don’t want it to never end ♥️,” one person exclaimed in the comments. “The news we’ve all been waiting for! I’m so happy for you guys! we’re so deeply grateful for every single one of you who work so hard to bring the show to life. you truly deserve all of this ,” another replied. “Oh my gosh I love this show so much.,” a different follower added.

Even though it’ll be a while before we get to see Virgin River season 8 on TV, Netflix’s Tudum also decided to give an unexpected clue about what’s to come for the series. As the publication wrote on July 10, seasons 7 and 8 will consist of 10 episodes each (that’s a total of 20 episodes!), and season 7 even filmed for a brief time in Mexico as part of the series.

And if that’s not enough, showrunner Patrick Sean Smith also gave a brief synopsis for Virgin River season 7 to the outlet. “Season 7 will find Mel and Jack [Martin Henderson] taking their first steps into marriage as they start to plan for and build a life and family together,” he stated. “Meanwhile, Doc [Tim Matheson] and Hope [Annette O’Toole] will work together to protect the clinic and the integrity of the town from outsiders.”