🚨 VIRGIN RIVER DROPS A BOMBSHELL! 🚨
Two HUGE CW stars just joined Season 7, and you won’t believe who they are!
😱 New faces, new secrets, and a whole lot of drama are coming to our favorite small town.
Will they stir up trouble for Mel and Jack?
Or unravel the mystery from that shocking Season 6 cliffhanger?
👀 Filming’s already underway, and trust us, this season’s gonna hit you in the feels.
Tap the link to find out who’s joining the cast and what’s next for Virgin River!
Netflix’s Virgin River, the heartwarming yet drama-packed romantic series based on Robyn Carr’s bestselling novels, has fans buzzing with excitement as Season 7 officially begins filming. The latest bombshell? The addition of two beloved stars from The CW—Sara Canning of The Vampire Diaries fame and Cody Kearsley from Riverdale—to the recurring cast. This casting shakeup, combined with unresolved cliffhangers from Season 6, promises to deliver another emotional rollercoaster for fans of the small-town saga. Here’s everything we know about the new season, from the fresh faces to the storylines that will keep you glued to your screen.
A Shocking Casting Update
The announcement that Sara Canning and Cody Kearsley are joining Virgin River Season 7 has sent shockwaves through the fandom. Canning, best known for her role as Jenna Sommers on The Vampire Diaries, will play Victoria, a former police officer who was shot in the line of duty. Now working as an investigator for the state medical board, Victoria arrives in Virgin River to probe into Doc Mullins’ (Tim Matheson) medical practice, which faced a license suspension at the end of Season 6. Her character is described as complex, with a past that might intertwine with existing residents—potentially Mike Valenzuela (Marco Grazzini), given their shared law enforcement backgrounds. Could this spark a new romance or complicate Mike’s recent proposal to Brie (Zibby Allen)?
Cody Kearsley, recognized for portraying Moose Mason in Riverdale, steps into the role of Clay, a rugged rodeo worker with a tough exterior and a tender heart. Raised in foster care, Clay comes to Virgin River searching for his younger sister, whom he hasn’t seen since his teenage years. This mysterious quest raises questions: Could his sister be someone we’ve already met? Fans are already speculating about connections to characters like Charmaine (Lauren Hammersley) or even a new twist involving Mel’s (Alexandra Breckenridge) family. Kearsley’s athletic background and compelling screen presence make Clay a character to watch.
The casting news, first reported by Deadline and confirmed by Netflix’s Tudum, comes as production kicks off in Vancouver, Canada, on March 12, 2025. With filming scheduled to wrap by June 26, 2025, the 10-episode season is slated for an early 2026 premiere. These new additions join a returning ensemble that includes Breckenridge, Martin Henderson (Jack), Matheson, Annette O’Toole (Hope), Colin Lawrence (Preacher), and more, ensuring the show retains its signature mix of familiar faces and fresh drama.
Season 6 Cliffhangers Set the Stage
To understand the stakes for Season 7, we need to revisit the jaw-dropping moments from Season 6, which premiered on December 19, 2024. The season centered on Mel and Jack’s long-awaited wedding, a milestone that brought joy but also new challenges. However, the finale left fans reeling with several unresolved threads:
Charmaine’s Fate: Jack visited Charmaine’s home after she missed the wedding, only to find her front door open and her living room trashed. The season ended with Jack opening the twins’ bedroom door, his face etched with horror at an unseen sight. Is Charmaine in danger, or is this a misdirection? Her arc has been polarizing, but this cliffhanger suggests a major development.
Doc’s Clinic Under Threat: Doc’s medical license was suspended, and Hope suspects a larger conspiracy to seize control of his clinic, possibly by a hospital network. Victoria’s investigation into Doc’s practice will likely escalate this conflict, pitting her against the town’s beloved physician.
Mel and Jack’s Family Plans: After a heartbreaking miscarriage in Season 5, Mel and Jack faced a surprising opportunity when Marley (Rachel Drance) asked them to adopt her newborn. This unexpected path to parenthood will be a focal point in Season 7, exploring how the couple navigates their “honeymoon phase” while building a life on their farm.
Romantic Tangles: Mike’s proposal to Brie, despite her past with Brady (Benjamin Hollingsworth), sets up a potential love triangle. Meanwhile, Preacher’s relationship with Kaia (Kandyse McClure) and Lizzie’s (Sarah Dugdale) pregnancy with Denny (Kai Bradbury) add layers of emotional complexity.
Showrunner Patrick Sean Smith has teased that Season 7 will delve into “the outside encroaching into Virgin River,” suggesting external forces—like Victoria’s investigation or Clay’s search—will disrupt the town’s cozy dynamic. The season picks up two hours after the Season 6 finale, ensuring a direct resolution to the Charmaine cliffhanger while introducing new mysteries.
What to Expect in Season 7
With filming underway, Virgin River Season 7 is poised to balance heartwarming moments with its signature soapy drama. Here are the key storylines and themes to anticipate:
Mel and Jack’s Married Life
After years of obstacles, Mel and Jack are finally married, but their journey is far from over. Smith told Tudum, “We’ve only just begun to see Mel and Jack function as a married couple, which is exciting.” The couple will face the challenges of running their farm, potentially adopting Marley’s baby, and dealing with Jack’s PTSD, which resurfaced in Season 6. Their resilience and chemistry, anchored by Breckenridge and Henderson’s performances, remain the show’s heart. Expect tender moments—like cozy nights in Mel’s cabin—interspersed with external pressures that test their bond.
Doc and Hope’s Fight for the Clinic
Doc’s clinic is a cornerstone of Virgin River, and its potential takeover by a hospital network threatens the town’s identity. Victoria’s investigation, driven by Canning’s nuanced portrayal, will force Doc to confront his past mistakes while rallying the community. Hope, ever the fierce advocate, will likely lead the charge to protect her husband’s legacy, creating tension with the new investigator. This storyline could also explore Doc’s health issues and his mentorship of a new doctor, adding depth to his arc.
New Characters, New Mysteries
Clay’s arrival introduces a family mystery that could tie into Virgin River’s existing residents. His rodeo background and foster care upbringing suggest a gritty, emotional backstory, and Kearsley’s casting hints at a character who commands attention. Meanwhile, Victoria’s connection to an unnamed “friend” in town—possibly Mike—adds intrigue. Will she be an ally or an antagonist? These new characters will shake up the status quo, bringing fresh conflicts and alliances.
Ensemble Dynamics
Virgin River thrives on its ensemble, and Season 7 will continue to weave multiple character arcs. Preacher and Kaia’s romance, Lizzie’s pregnancy, and Brie’s romantic crossroads will provide emotional stakes, while smaller roles—like Muriel (Teryl Rothery) and her May-December romance—add charm. The potential exit of characters like Brady or Charmaine, as hinted in casting updates, could shift the town’s dynamics, though showrunner Smith has expressed hope for their return in future seasons.
A Potential Spinoff
Netflix is reportedly developing a prequel series focusing on Mel’s parents, Everett (John Allen Nelson) and Sarah (Jessica Rothe), who appeared in Season 6 flashbacks. While not confirmed for Season 7, their storyline could be woven into the main show if the spinoff doesn’t move forward. This would deepen Mel’s exploration of her family history, a recurring theme since her discovery of Everett.
Why Virgin River Keeps Us Hooked
Since its debut in 2019, Virgin River has captivated audiences with its blend of romance, drama, and small-town charm. Filmed in picturesque British Columbia—Snug Cove doubles as Virgin River, with Mel’s cabin at Murdo Frazer Park—the show’s setting is as much a character as its residents. Its consistency, releasing a season nearly every year, has made it Netflix’s longest-running English-language drama, a testament to its loyal fanbase and compelling storytelling.
The addition of Canning and Kearsley, both familiar to CW fans, bridges Virgin River with other beloved franchises, potentially drawing in new viewers. Their roles as Victoria and Clay promise to expand the show’s universe while staying true to its emotional core. As Martin Henderson shared on Instagram, “I want to make this the best season yet for you guys, because none of us would be here if it wasn’t for you people who love and support the show.”
Looking Ahead
As Virgin River Season 7 takes shape, fans can expect a season that honors the show’s roots while pushing its characters into uncharted territory. The casting of Sara Canning and Cody Kearsley signals bold new directions, from medical board investigations to long-lost family ties. With Mel and Jack navigating married life, Doc fighting for his clinic, and a town full of secrets waiting to unravel, the stage is set for another binge-worthy chapter.
For now, viewers can rewatch Seasons 1–6 on Netflix or join the conversation on social media, where cast members like Breckenridge and Henderson share behind-the-scenes glimpses. As production continues, stay tuned for more updates on this cozy, heartfelt drama that keeps us coming back to Virgin River.
