Virgin Riverhas received a record-breaking renewal. The Netflix romantic drama, which premiered in 2019, is based on the series of Robyn Carr novels of the same name and follows the lives of the residents of a small town in Northern California. The main cast of the series, which is already set to continue with the upcomingVirgin Riverseason 6, includes Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, Colin Lawrence, Annette O’Toole, Tim Matheson, and Ben Hollingsworth.
PerDeadline,Netflix has officially renewedVirgin Riverfor a 10-episode season 7. This news comes nearly two full months ahead of the season 6 premiere. This renewal will make the show break the streaming platform’s record for the longest-running English-language drama, tying with the seven season runs of the comedyGrace and Frankieand the dramedyOrange is the New Black. The only other show to have run for more seasons is the Spanish teen dramaElite, which concluded in July after running for eight seasons. VirginRiverhas now also become the longest-running ongoing scripted original on Netflix.
What This Virgin River Renewal Means For Netflix
Future Shows May Have A Chance
One thing that Netflix has become known for is ending their scripted shows after short runs. As early as 2019,THRreported that many of the streamer’s shows, even those with strong viewership, werecancelled by their third or fourth seasons for a multitude of financial reasons, including avoiding talent renegotiations and not paying higher fees on the back end to those both in front of and behind the camera. This may also be what has led to the creation of spinoffs to cancelled or ending shows including theBig MouthspinoffHuman Resourcesand theMoney HeistprequelBerlin.
Some of the streamer’s popular series are able to achieve longevity against the odds.
The fact thata spinoff prequel show is in development, following the parents of Mel (Breckenridge), could have spelled the end of the drama series. However, the announcement that theVirgin Rivercastwill be reuniting yet again in a seventh season continues to highlight the fact that some of the streamer’s popular series are able to achieve longevity against the odds.
Our Take On The Virgin River Renewal
It Could Continue To Break Records
Ultimately, it remains to be seen ifVirgin Riveris renewed for any further seasons beyond season 7. However, the fact that this renewal came before season 6 even premiered indicates thatNetflix is confident in the show’s ability to continue connecting with its audience. Its back-end costs could also be counteracted by its low budget and limited visual effects needs, potentially seeing it continue to run for even longer, eventually breaking records as the platform’s longest-running show ever.
Virgin River
Cast
Virgin River is a romantic drama series released in 2019, centering on a recently divorced nurse who relocates from a big city to the redwood forests of California. There, she starts a new life and encounters an intriguing local man, setting the stage for a complex narrative of personal and community relationships.
