After a long, nerve-wracking wait, Virgin River fans finally get the news they’ve been desperate for—season 7 is officially arriving on March 12, 2026. The cozy, small-town drama has been a staple for Netflix fans, and after a quieter-than-expected 2025, the announcement is like a warm hug to those waiting for Mel and Jack’s next chapter. But what exactly has been behind the delay, and what can viewers expect from this new season?
Fans of Virgin River have been accustomed to catching up with Mel Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson) during cozy nights in the colder months. But 2025 came and went without any new updates, leaving viewers hanging and wondering what could be delaying the new season. The long wait has finally paid off with the announcement that season 7 will premiere in early 2026. It’s not just the date change that’s raising eyebrows, though—the surprising move to a March premiere suggests that Netflix might be pulling some strategic strings, giving the show a unique moment to shine in a less-crowded period.
Star Alexandra Breckenridge gave her thoughts to Entertainment Weekly, hinting that the delay was related to Netflix’s packed 2025 schedule, especially with the Stranger Things series finale looming on the horizon. “If I was an intelligent person, guessing, I would say I wouldn’t roll Virgin River out until the new year,” Breckenridge stated, perfectly explaining why fans had to wait a bit longer than expected. With Stranger Things dominating the stage, it seems like Netflix was careful about timing, choosing a spring release for the heartwarming drama instead.
Behind the excitement of the new premiere date lies something even juicier—the storylines for season 7. Virgin River fans are already familiar with Mel and Jack’s rollercoaster relationship, but season 7 promises to delve even deeper. The couple, who tied the knot in the season 6 finale, will continue to navigate married life. According to showrunner Patrick Sean Smith, the honeymoon phase is far from over, with plenty of romantic highs and emotional moments as Mel and Jack build their future together on their farm. But this season also brings an exciting twist—Mel and Jack’s potential adoption journey will take center stage, adding yet another layer to their already complicated and heartfelt story.
While Mel and Jack’s journey is front and center, viewers can expect a lot more drama from the rest of the beloved residents of Virgin River. Fans will be wondering what comes next for Brie (Zibby Allen), Mike (Marco Grazzini), and Brady (Ben Hollingsworth), especially with the cliffhanger that ended season 6. The ever-complex dynamic between these characters, full of secrets and unresolved tension, promises more drama, heartbreak, and romance. Not to mention, the fate of Doc (Tim Matheson), Hope (Annette O’Toole), and the other regulars is up in the air, and viewers are eager to find out how their lives will evolve in season 7.
Will Mel and Jack’s adoption journey in season 7 bring them closer than ever, or will it push them apart as they face new challenges?