How Netflix’s Record-Breaking 7-Part TV Show Could Run for More Than 20 Seasons (And Be Their Biggest Show Ever)

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Netflix has several long-running shows with the potential to become even larger franchises. When people think of Netflix, they often picture major hits like Stranger Things, Wednesday, or One Piece – shows that are as popular and expansive as any big movie series, complete with famous actors and large budgets. However, Netflix also sees success with shows like Baby Reindeer and Adolescence, which gained a huge following despite not having the same level of star power or high production costs as its more established franchises.

Despite its success, Netflix’s Virgin River doesn’t quite fit the typical mold of a dark, gritty drama or a high-concept sci-fi series – it actually feels more like something you’d find on The CW. The romantic drama premiered in 2019 and quickly became a surprising hit for the streaming service. While critics weren’t overly impressed, the show built a huge and dedicated fanbase. Starring Alexandra Breckenridge and Martin Henderson, the series centers on Mel and Jack’s complicated relationship after Mel, a nurse practitioner with a difficult past, moves to the small town of Virgin River in Northern California hoping for a new beginning, only to discover her problems aren’t easily left behind.

There Are Over 20 Books In The Virgin River Novel Series

The show Virgin River originally centered on Mel’s complicated romance with Jack, a kind US Marine veteran. But as the story progressed, it expanded to include the lives of the town’s residents. Characters like Jack’s friend Preacher, his ex Charmaine, the mayor Hope McCrea, and Hope’s friend Connie became just as important to the series as Mel and Jack’s relationship. Despite not being a high-budget production, Virgin River has become Netflix’s longest-running original series thanks to its large and engaging cast.

After seven successful seasons and a renewal for an eighth, Virgin River has become Netflix’s longest-running live-action scripted series, surpassing Grace and Frankie and Orange Is the New Black. The show has plenty of material for future seasons thanks to author Robyn Carr, who has written 21 Virgin River novels, plus 29 other romance novels. Carr also created a similar small-town romance series with five books, which was adapted into the CW show Sullivan’s Crossing after Virgin River unexpectedly became a hit.

Netflix’s Virgin River Could Last For Decades (And That’s Not All)

Netflix has already ordered more seasons of Virgin River, and the show has plenty of source material to draw from thanks to the book series it’s based on. It’s a huge success for the streaming service, and because it’s set in a small town, it’s relatively inexpensive to make. Plus, the show’s existing seasons provide a solid foundation for future storylines, suggesting it could run for many years. Excitingly for fans, producer Rena Roth is also working on Thunder Point, another series by the same author and connected to the Virgin River universe.

The new series, Thunder Point, is based on Robyn Carr’s nine-book series and offers a fresh take by featuring a male lead. Interestingly, the main character, Hank Cooper, was first introduced in the Virgin River book Sunrise Point, creating a strong connection for fans of the Virgin River TV show on Netflix. This link suggests that Virgin River could continue for many years, and also open the door for more similar shows that appeal to its existing audience.

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2026-04-06 18:42