Fans of the Netflix drama Virgin River might be disappointed to learn that the upcoming sixth season will have fewer episodes than the previous one. According to a writer on the show, Ildiko Susany, season 6 will consist of only 10 episodes, instead of the usual 121. This means that there will be less time to explore the lives and relationships of the characters in the small town of Virgin River.
Susany revealed the episode count change in an exclusive interview with The Viewer’s Perspective, where she also discussed the themes and storylines of season 5, part 1, which was released on Netflix in August 2023. She said that season 5, part 2, which will premiere on November 30th, 2023, will feature two Christmas-themed episodes that will be “very heartwarming and fun” with “a little bit of romance, and a little bit of an adventure for Mel and Jack”.
Season 6 will focus more on Mel and Jack’s journey
One of the main reasons why fans love Virgin River is the romance between Mel Monroe, a nurse practitioner who moved to the town from Los Angeles, and Jack Sheridan, a former Marine who owns the local bar. Their relationship has faced many challenges and obstacles, such as Jack’s ex-girlfriend Charmaine, who is pregnant with his twins, and Mel’s desire to have a baby of her own. In season 5, part 1, Mel and Jack got engaged but also faced a shocking revelation that Mel is pregnant, and Jack might not be the father.
Susany said that season 6 will “focus more on Mel and Jack” and their journey as a couple, but will also include the stories of the other characters in the town. She said that they are “very excited” about Mel and Jack’s journey in season 6 and that there will be “still drama and a few cliffhangers for sure”.
Season 6 will have a time jump and a spring production start
Another change that fans can expect from season 6 is a time jump that will move the story forward. Susany said that season 6 will start “a little bit later” than season 5, part 2, and that there will be “some surprises” in the first episode1
Susany also said that season 6 will begin production in spring 2024 after the writers finish the scripts for the final episodes. She said that the writers are back in the writers’ room after the end of the WGA strike in late September 2023 and that they are “getting to the final episodes”. The production of season 6 was delayed by the SAG-AFTRA strike, which prevented the actors from filming over the summer of 2023. The strike was resolved in October 2023, and the actors are expected to return to work soon.
Season 6 will not be the end of the series
Despite the changes in season 6, fans can rest assured that it will not be the end of the series. Susany said that there is “no series ending in sight” and that they have “plenty of material” to work with, as the show is based on a book series by Robyn Carr that has 23 novels so far. She said that they are “always looking ahead” and that they have “a lot of ideas” for the future of the show.
Virgin River is one of the most popular and successful shows on Netflix, with millions of viewers around the world. It has been praised for its heartwarming and uplifting stories, its diverse and likable characters, and its scenic and cozy setting. Fans are eagerly awaiting the release of season 5, part 2, and are looking forward to seeing what season 6 will bring.
