Virgin River is coming back for Season 8, and it’s breaking records while doing so. The show, which has yet to set a Season 7 premiere date (we’re thinking January or February of next year are likely, but we wouldn’t mind December 2025), has been greenlit for Season 8. And that makes it… Wait, what? Is the show really the streamer’s longest-running scripted series?
The answer is yes. It is. With a confirmed Season 8, set to be 10 episodes long, the series will surpass Grace and Frankie and Orange Is the New Black, which both lasted seven seasons. It also edges Spanish teen drama Elite, which had eight seasons, but less episodes.
But what’s the secret to Virgin River? First, it’s basic comfort television. It’s a romance-centric show, set in a small town, with a steady cast and a focus on the relationships between the characters. That means if people have gotten invested, they will likely continue watching. And the numbers, and the economics make it very appealing for the streamer. The show is, after all, filmed in mostly one place, has no special effects to speak of, and very little stunts.
Overall, not surprising that it’s getting a Season 8. And, with increasing demand by fans to have content come out faster, streamers have been giving early renewals to shows they see as sure bets. Virgin River is as sure a bet as Netflix has these days. And though we don’t know how Season 7 will end, there seems to be a lot more story to tell, not just with Mel and Jack, but with Preacher, Brady, Mike, Bree, Kaia and a lot of the supporting cast.
So, here’s to Season 8 of Virgin River. And here’s to Season 7, too. At least we know we’ll have something to look forward to in this universe for years to come.
