Newest Update!! ‘Virgin River’ Boss Says There’s ‘Huge Potential’ for Even More Spin-Off Stories
Few series have managed to capture the essence of love, loss, and community quite like Virgin River. Since its debut on Netflix in 2019, the small-town romantic drama
has become a global phenomenon — a warm-hearted escape into a world where heartbreak meets healing and every cup of coffee carries a story. Now, with Virgin River entering its next chapter
, fans have even more to look forward to. According to the show’s creator and showrunner, Patrick Sean Smith, the beloved series could soon expand into a fully-fledged universe — c
omplete with new towns, fresh romances, and stories that reach far beyond Mel and Jack’s cozy corner of Northern California.
A Universe Built on Heart and Hope
Over the past five years, Virgin River has evolved from a quiet debut to one of Netflix’s most consistently successful dramas. The series’ fourth and fifth seasons achieved stellar audience reactions, with Rotten Tomatoes scores of 100% and 80% respectively. Viewers across the globe have fallen in love with the show’s signature blend of heartfelt emotion, complicated love stories, and breathtaking scenery.
But behind the scenes, Patrick Sean Smith has been dreaming even bigger. Speaking to Swooon, Smith revealed that he and the creative team have been exploring countless ways to build upon the foundation of Virgin River’s world.
“It’s a rich world with rich characters,” Smith explained. “Putting romance forward feels like there’s a ton of potential… There’s huge potential. It’s a great story engine.”
His words are more than just speculation. With Netflix confirming a prequel series already in development, the Virgin River universe is officially expanding. And if Smith has his way, it won’t stop there.
The First Step: A Prequel Rooted in Mel’s Past
The first confirmed spin-off, currently in early development, will transport fans back in time — exploring the love story that shaped Virgin River’s leading heroine, Mel Monroe (played by Alexandra Breckenridge).
The prequel will focus on Mel’s parents, Everett and Sarah, portrayed by Callum Kerr and Jessica Rothe. Longtime fans will recognize Everett as the recently introduced father who reentered Mel’s life in a dramatic twist during Season 5. Their complex relationship — marked by secrets, guilt, and the desire for redemption — is set to take center stage in this new series.
By exploring the origins of Mel’s family, the prequel promises to deepen the emotional roots of Virgin River, showing audiences how the past continues to ripple through the present. For Smith, this isn’t just about nostalgia — it’s about expanding the emotional depth of the show’s universe.