In a move that stunned even the most devoted viewers, Netflix officially renewed Virgin River for Season 8, solidifying the beloved small-town drama’s place in streaming history. The news broke on July 10 via Deadline, marking a major milestone: Virgin River is now the longest-running original scripted series on Netflix.

And who better to mark the moment than series star Alexandra Breckenridge, who took to Instagram to celebrate in true Virgin River fashion.

“#virginriver keeps on keeping on!” the actress, who plays the heart of the series Mel Monroe, wrote in a jubilant post that set social media ablaze.

A Historic Moment for Netflix — and the Fans
Since its premiere in December 2019, Virgin River has built a passionate following drawn to its heartfelt storytelling, scenic Northern California setting, and deeply relatable characters. With its mix of romance, drama, and real-life struggles, the series has quietly become one of Netflix’s most consistent hits.

The renewal comes as a surprise twist for fans still soaking in the excitement of Season 7, which only recently wrapped filming. While many expected updates later this year, the announcement of Season 8 — and with it, a record-breaking achievement — came much sooner than anticipated.

Alexandra Breckenridge Reacts — And Fans Are Right There With Her
Breckenridge’s brief but joyful reaction struck a chord with the fandom, who immediately flooded her post with congratulations and pure emotional gratitude.

“You just made my year, Alex! Congratulations to the best show, cast, and crew! I don’t want it to ever end ♥️,” gushed one fan.

“The news we’ve all been waiting for! We’re so deeply grateful for every single one of you who work so hard to bring the show to life,” another added.

“Oh my gosh, I love this show so much. ,” a third chimed in.

Clearly, Mel isn’t the only one feeling the love.

What’s Coming in Seasons 7 and 8?
Though Season 8 may still be on the horizon, Netflix has already offered some juicy details about what lies ahead. According to Tudum, both upcoming seasons will consist of 10 episodes each, bringing fans 20 more chapters of small-town secrets, sweeping romance, and big changes.

Even more intriguing? A portion of Season 7 was filmed in Mexico, adding a new scenic twist to the traditionally forested backdrop of Virgin River.

And showrunner Patrick Sean Smith teased what’s next for the town’s favorite couple. “Season 7 will find Mel and Jack taking their first steps into marriage as they start to plan for and build a life and family together,” he revealed. “Meanwhile, Doc and Hope will work together to protect the clinic and the integrity of the town from outsiders.”

So while the drama heats up in Virgin River, the stakes will be higher than ever — and the heart at its center stronger than before.

More Virgin River, More Love, More Legacy
With Seasons 7 and 8 on the way and a history-making renewal under its belt, Virgin River is more than just a comfort show — it’s a cultural touchstone for Netflix and a rare example of long-form storytelling done right in the streaming age.

So, whether you’re watching for the romance, the resilience, or just to spend another quiet hour in a fictional town that feels like home, one thing’s clear: Virgin River isn’t going anywhere — and Alexandra Breckenridge couldn’t be happier to keep the journey going.

The river flows on, and we’ll be right there for the ride.