Virgin River will be back for a sixth series later this year and as fans wait for the return, many will be unaware that the two leads have already had a romantic TV union

Virgin River’s Doc and Hope must have felt a sense of familiarity when the series kicked off, having previously been an on-screen couple.

The Netflix romantic drama is brimming with flirtation and budding romances, but it’s the love story between Doc Mullins (Tim Matheson) and Hope McCrea (Annette O’Toole) that has subtly won over viewers.

Married for over two decades, the pair have weathered their fair share of storms, but as season six approaches, Doc and Hope are anticipated to be stronger than ever. However, long before Virgin River was even a concept, either in book or TV form, the actors behind the married couple had already collaborated.

Indeed, Matheson and O’Toole played a fiery couple in a romantic comedy TV film four decades ago.

Titled The Best Legs In Eighth Grade, Matheson took on the role of Mark Fisher while O’Toole portrayed Rachel Blackstone in the TV film which first aired in 1984.

The film’s synopsis reveals that Mark is a man who “reconsiders his life after a chance meeting with a childhood acquaintance”.

Scenes from the movie depict the duo arguing, but ultimately Mark and Rachel, who have been together for several years, remain smitten. They share the screen with fellow actors Kathryn Harrold, Jim Belushi and Vincent Bufano.

Virgin River, last seen at the close of 2023, is set to return for a sixth season.

The filming for these episodes kicked off in February and wrapped up in June, with Netflix chiefs hinting that the new season will debut sometime in 2024.

However, a release date for the sixth season of Virgin River is yet to be confirmed.