Fans of Hart of Dixie or Gilmore Girls should definitely check out Virgin River, a fresh Netflix series bursting with romance and that charming small-town vibe. The show, adapted from Robyn Carr’s popular novels, debuted on December 6th, and it’s quickly becoming my latest obsession. With its quaint setting, a grumpy doctor, a chivalrous romance, and endearing characters, there’s a lot to love.
THE STORY
Melinda Monroe, a nurse practitioner played by Alexandra Breckenridge, relocates to the tiny Californian town of Virgin River under some mysterious and seemingly tragic circumstances. She lands a new nursing job with a rather grumpy doctor and finds her living situation is far from expected. Soon enough, she befriends Jack Sheridan, the local bar owner, and romantic interest played by Martin Henderson. As Melinda grapples with her new life, she faces a tough decision: leave or stay to help when a baby is abandoned on the doctor’s doorstep.
VIRGIN RIVER ON NETFLIX: THE FUTURE OF ROMANCE
Strangely, Virgin River hasn’t been heavily promoted despite its stellar cast and the popularity of Carr’s books, which have sold over 13 million copies. There are no reviews on Rotten Tomatoes yet, and marketing efforts have been minimal. However, the series’ focus on character-driven romance, with little action, no profanity, and a lack of cynicism, might explain why critics aren’t paying much attention.
Still, it’s high time romance is recognized for its worth in the entertainment industry. Romance novels sell exceptionally well, so it’s puzzling why filmmakers haven’t better harnessed this genre beyond Hallmark and Lifetime. Fortunately, the tide seems to be turning.
While many have been yearning for more romance-driven content, the rise of Netflix’s romantic originals and new projects like Shonda Rhimes’ deal indicate a promising future. Virgin River exemplifies how to adeptly bring romance and women’s fiction to the small screen.
A CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE TO LOVE
While Virgin River falls in the same category as Gilmore Girls, it leans more towards a straightforward romance series. It strikes a perfect balance between heartfelt emotion and romantic moments, featuring a modern-day equivalent of a Medieval knight—Jack, a former marine, who is attentive and incredibly supportive, reminiscent of Luke Danes from Gilmore Girls meeting Lancelot.
THE CHARACTERS AND CASTING
The casting is terrific. Alexandra Breckenridge, known for her role in This is Us, plays Melinda, a relatable character on a healing journey. The series explores themes of healing and seeking help, offering a comforting watch for those in need of some self-care.
Martin Henderson, of Bride and Prejudice and Grey’s Anatomy fame, portrays Jack Sheridan, a bar owner and Melinda’s love interest, bringing both charm and depth to the role. Tim Matheson (Hart of Dixie) stars as the town’s grumpy doctor, while Annette O’Toole (Smallville) shines as the outspoken mayor. Colin Lawrence plays John ‘Preacher’ Middleton, the gentle cook at Jack’s bar, and Daniel Gillies (The Originals) appears in flashbacks as Melinda’s husband.
Everyone in the cast perfectly fits their roles, quickly drawing viewers into the story and making them fans of the characters.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
Virgin River offers more depth than a typical Hallmark movie but retains that warm, uplifting feeling. Netflix’s adaptation of this beloved book series signals a bright future for romance in entertainment.
For fans of Hart of Dixie, Gilmore Girls, Cedar Cove, or Everwood, this series is a must-watch. It’s well-executed, with high production value, excellent writing, relatable characters, and top-tier talent. It provides a serene escape from daily chaos, and I highly recommend it. You can stream the entire first season on Netflix now.
Content Note: It’s rated TV-14 but is quite mild.
