‘Virgin River’ Season 5: Release Date, News, Cast, and More

After four successful seasons, Virgin River Season 5 is just a few short weeks away from premiering on Netflix. The new season wrapped production in November 2022. Here’s what we know about the upcoming season.

There are spoilers ahead for those that haven’t seen Season 4.

Virgin River Gets Season 5

Virgin River has been a hit on Netflix since premiering in 2019. Four seasons later, we’re already back into the romantic drama set in the titular place. Netflix released the trailer for part one of Virgin River Season 5.

Virgin River was already renewed for two seasons when season three aired on the platform. So, fans have been eagerly awaiting the fifth season.

Filming for Virgin River Season 5 was originally slated to start in March 2022. Filming was later pushed back to July. Production began on July 18 and wrapped in November of the same year. The series confirmed that season had wrapped by posting a behind-the-scenes video to Instagram. The post included a caption that said, “Ths’s a WRAP on Season 5!”

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A major change for Virgin River Season 5 is that Patrick Sean Smith is the new showrunner, replacing Sue Tenney. Smith is known for his involvement in Supernatural, Chasing Life, and writing the episode Jolene in the Netflix series Heartstrings. 

Virgin River Season 5 Plot

Smith teased what to expect in Virgin River Season 5 to Glamour Magazine. He noted, “We’ll get into things that will be new and exciting, but still very much feel like the same show, but are definitely taking a more exciting approach to some of the stories. A little bit louder, but not to the detriment of the comfort of the show. I want it to feel like season five will be next level,” said Smith.

Separately, Smith told TVLine that he was already a fan of Virgin River before taking over as showrunner.

“I was already a fan. And I was super excited when they came to me with the possibility. The cast cares so much about the show and the fans. And they want to put on the best show possible. I think they’ve done that for the past four seasons. So it just makes it easier for me to pick up the ball and keep running into season five and beyond,” said Smith.

The official synopsis for Virgin River Season 5 was also released.

Alexandra Breckinridge Teases the New Season

Breckinridge previously teased that Virgin River season five will be heavier.

“I think this season has started out well, and we’re getting into a few episodes soon that are pretty heavy. They’re really intense and I think they’re some of the best episodes we’ve ever done. I never say that either! I think that there’s a high sense of drama that starts to come up this season that it’s going to leave people on the edge of their seats. At least, I hope, I’m excited to get into that,” The actress told New Beauty.

Virgin River Season 5 Official Description

“Season five of Virgin River features surprising new relationships, a shocking break-up, a difficult court trial, a heartbreaking goodbye, and a wildfire that threatens the town, bringing some people of Virgin River together while tearing others apart.

“Issues of motherhood push Mel to make a big decision about her future at the clinic while her pregnancy unexpectedly sparks an emotional connection to her past. To further prove himself to Mel, Jack squares off with some long-overdue confrontations – with his own demons, and of course, Charmaine. And as Doc and Hope’s respective impairments throw their identities into question, the doctor and the mayor must find solace in their community, in their young new family, and in each other.”

Virgin River Cast

Much of the cast is returning for Virgin River Season 5. This includes Alexandra Breckinridge as Mel Monroe, Martin Henderson as Jack Sheridan, Annette O’Toole as Hope McCrea, Tim Matheson as Dr. Vernon Mullins, Benjamin Hollingsworth as Dan Brady, and Zibby Allen as Brie Sheridan.

Other stars expected to return include Gwynyth Walsh as Jo Ellen, Colin Lawrence as John “Preacher” Middleton, Sarah Dugdale as Lizzie, Jenny Cooper as Joey Barnes, Nicola Cavendish as Connie, Chase Petriw as Christopher, Kai Bradbury as Denny Cutler, Mark Ghanime as Dr. Cameron Hayek, Marco Grazzini as Mike Valenzuela, Teryl Rothery as Muriel, Steve Bacic as Vince, Christina Jastrzembska as Lydie, Trevor Lerner as Bert Gordon, Lucia Walters as Julia, Keith MacKechnie as Nick, and Emma Oliver as the younger version of Mel.

Netflix confirmed some new faces joining the Virgin River cast. This includes Kandyse McClure, Susan Hogan, Elise Gatien, Paolo Maiolo, and Michelle Addison.

Recurring cast members returning include David Stuart as Reporter Ted Ford, Audre Alleya Stephenson, Melanie Merkosky, Brent Fidler, Serge Houde, Helenna Santos, and Gabrielle Jacinto as Nurse Jill.

Virgin River Season 5 Release Date

Good news for fans of Virgin River as the upcoming season will be out on Netflix this year. Part one of Virgin River Season 5 will be released on September 7, 2023, with the second part released on November 30, 2023. The second part includes the holiday episodes so fans can watch the show during the festive season.

Netflix announced in May during the Netflix Upfront event that Virgin River will be getting a sixth season. Speaking with Deadline, Netflix head of drama Jinny Howe said fans can expect “more longevity and growth” with the series.

“Season five is going to continue to stay true to what fans have loved about the show from the beginning,” said Howe about the show.

“…We’re paying very close attention, understanding that this is a really rich universe of characters and that people can’t seem to get enough, myself included. So I think as long as that continues to be the case – which we’re very hopeful for – you can rest assured that there will be more Virgin River,” said Howe.

Virgin River Season 6

The sixth season of the series was expected to begin production in Vancouver on July 24. However, filming is on hold due to the current SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes. Production will not pick back up until after the strikes are resolved, which will likely cause the release date for Virgin River Season 6 to be pushed. However, at this time, a release date for season 6 has not been announced.

Virgin River is based on the novels of Robyn Carr. Carr, Smith, Tenney, Amy Palmer Robertson, Roma Roth, and Christopher E. Perry serve as the show’s executive producers.