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There’s a ‘Virgin River’ Prequel in the Works—and It Focuses on a Different Love Story

Here's everything we know, from the cast to the plot

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Mel and Jack Virgin River CAT2
Netflix

It’s official: Virgin River is getting the spinoff treatment. 

Deadline exclusively reported that the beloved Netflix series is potentially getting a prequel series that will focus on Mel’s parents and their love story.

The series, which is currently in early development, follows Mel’s late mother, Sarah, who meets and falls in love with Everett Reid (aka Mel’s dad) in the small town of Virgin River. (FYI, Everett was first introduced to viewers in the Virgin River Christmas special that premiered in December 2023.)

Virgin River Christmas Special CAT
Netflix

During a Q&A session hosted by Deadline in 2023, Virgin River showrunner Patrick Sean Smith teased that fans will see more of Mel’s biological father in season six. He said at the time, “What we’re exploring more in season six is who Everett Reid is, what his backstory is, what his connection to Virgin River was when he met her mom and then also what it is today.”

Deadline also reported that the spinoff will offer a “glimpse into the duo’s past, featuring young Everett and Sarah in flashbacks.”

According to the outlet, the stars of the upcoming sequel are slated to appear in the sixth season of Virgin River. For now, the show is still in the beginning stages with Smith spearheading the project—so any info about casting, potential storylines, release date and the official name for the spinoff remain a mystery.

John Allen Nelson Virgin River Mels Dad CAT
Netflix

In other news, the cast of Virgin River confirmed that season six has officially started production in Vancouver. In a new photo shared to the show’s official Instagram page, stars Alexandra Breckenridge (Mel) and Martin Henderson (Jack) can be seen posing with a director’s clapboard. 

The caption read, “It’s official! Virgin River season 6 is back in production!”

First a Virgin River season six update and now a spinoff? This week is off to a good start. 


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karelle mckay headshot e1678464959710

Assistant Editor, News And Entertainment

Karelle McKay is the Assistant Editor of News and Entertainment at PureWow. Before she started writing about all things pop culture, she was a literal couch potato who loved...