She’s sharp. She’s stubborn. And she’s finally softening.
As Virgin River heads into its sixth season, fan-favorite Hope McCrea—played by the legendary Annette O’Toole—is turning a corner. Once known for meddling in everyone’s business and speaking her mind just a little too loudly, Hope is now facing something far more personal: her own evolution.
In an exclusive conversation, O’Toole opens up about Hope’s future, her real-life journey back to set, and why this new season might just be Hope’s most powerful yet.
The Mayor No More?
Hope has always been more than just Virgin River’s mayor—she’s been its engine. But after a devastating car accident and a long road to recovery, her priorities are shifting.
“I think she’s tired of carrying everything on her shoulders,” O’Toole admits. “There’s a part of her that’s ready to slow down and figure out what comes next—without always being in charge.”
Could that mean a goodbye to her mayoral duties? Possibly. Rumors swirl about a shake-up in town leadership, with Hope either stepping down or mentoring someone to take her place. (Muriel for mayor, anyone?)
Hope’s Battle with Recovery
Season 5 gave viewers a glimpse of Hope’s emotional and physical healing. Season 6 digs deeper, exploring themes of memory loss, frustration, and rediscovery. It’s not always pretty—but it’s honest.
“There’s strength in showing a woman navigating aging, trauma, and identity with no shortcuts,” O’Toole says. “Hope’s vulnerability is part of her power now.”
Love, Rebuilt: Hope & Doc’s Next Chapter
Hope and Doc (played by Tim Matheson) have weathered just about every storm a TV couple can face. But this season, their love story shifts from conflict to connection.
“It’s less about bickering and more about holding space for each other,” O’Toole shares. “They’re older, yes—but that doesn’t mean the love stops evolving.”
Expect quiet, tender moments—and maybe a few rekindled sparks.
Fan Reactions: The Hope Divide
Not all fans welcomed the “new” Hope. While some have celebrated her vulnerability, others miss the firecracker who dominated town meetings and stirred every pot.
Still, O’Toole sees this growth as long overdue.
“Characters, like people, don’t stay the same. And we shouldn’t want them to,” she says. “Hope isn’t any less strong—she’s just learning that softness can be strength, too.”
Annette O’Toole: Aging Gracefully, On Screen & Off
O’Toole isn’t just portraying a complex older woman—she’s redefining what it means to age on television.
“There are so few roles for women like Hope,” she notes. “But the tide is turning. We’re telling more stories about real women with history, pain, humor—and wisdom.”
And she’s not done yet. While no official word has come down about a Season 7, O’Toole says she’s open to returning—if the story continues to honor that honesty.
What’s Next for Hope?
Could she leave town? Become a mentor? Surprise fans with a new purpose entirely? All possibilities are on the table—but if one thing’s certain, it’s that Hope’s story is far from over.
“She’s still growing,” O’Toole says with a smile. “And honestly, so am I.”
Hope’s Most Iconic Moments (So Far)
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That epic town hall shouting match
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Her post-accident apology to Doc
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The hilarious pie feud with Muriel
Through it all—sass, sorrow, and stubbornness—Hope McCrea remains the heart of Virgin River.
Final Word: Why Hope Still Matters
Hope’s story is more than just a subplot. It’s a mirror for anyone navigating change, grief, love, and the complex beauty of growing older.
Virgin River has always been about healing. And in many ways, no character embodies that more deeply—or more authentically—than Hope.
As Season 6 draws near, fans aren’t just tuning in for romance or small-town drama—they’re tuning in to see a woman redefine herself, again and again.
And that’s something worth watching.
