Netflix’s Virgin River returned with a fiery and emotional fifth season — literally. The beloved small-town drama kicked off Season 5 with wildfires, emotional upheavals, and more than a few new residents. While longtime fans were thrilled to reconnect with their favorite characters, it was the new arrivals who truly shook things up in the quiet town.

Whether they brought danger, drama, or a fresh spark of romance, here are the best new characters introduced in Season 5 (Part 1) — and why fans hope they’re here to stay.

1. Kaia Bryant — The Firefighter With Heart

 Played by Kandyse McClure

After multiple seasons of heartbreak, fans were rooting for Preacher to finally find love. Enter Kaia, a fierce and compassionate firefighter who arrived in Virgin River to help battle the wildfires. But Kaia wasn’t just a hero on the job — she was refreshingly direct, emotionally intelligent, and had real chemistry with Preacher. Between helping deliver a baby and navigating the complications of working with her ex-husband, Kaia instantly became one of the town’s most compelling new faces.

2. Ava Anderson — Lily’s Spirited Daughter

 Played by Libby Osler

With Tara away, Lily’s younger daughter Ava stepped in to care for both Chloe and the family farm. She brought a bold, free-spirited energy to Virgin River — but under her carefree exterior was a young woman navigating chronic pain, family grief, and questions about motherhood due to her endometriosis. Ava’s vulnerability and friendship with Mel offered some of Season 5’s most poignant moments.

3. Gene — Melissa’s Muscle

 Played by Daryl Shuttleworth

In a season packed with danger, Gene stood out as a silent but menacing presence. As the enforcer for drug queenpin Melissa Montgomery, Gene was responsible for everything from assault to vehicle modification for trafficking. His looming presence made every scene tense, and his final confrontation with Brady gave fans a truly pulse-pounding moment.

4. Rose — Doc’s Former Flame & Denny’s Grandmother

 Played by Susan Hogan

Grandma Rose made waves when she unexpectedly showed up in town to check in on Denny. As Doc’s former love — and the woman who kept Denny’s existence a secret for decades — her arrival stirred up emotional dust. Strong-willed and opinionated, Rose wasn’t shy about sharing her views, especially when it came to Denny’s future. Her influence on him could shape upcoming episodes in a big way.

5. Amelia Sheridan — Brie & Jack’s Mother

 Played by Georgia Craig

Amelia only appeared in one episode, but she left a lasting impression. When Brie testified against her abusive ex, her mother’s arrival added layers of tension. While Amelia began as overly critical and cold, she underwent a surprisingly swift transformation, ultimately offering Brie the support she needed. Though her arc felt a bit rushed, the emotional payoff was undeniable.

6. Melissa Montgomery — The New Queenpin of Chaos

Played by Barbara Pollard

Virgin River took a darker turn with the arrival of Melissa Montgomery, the icy and calculating sister of Nick — and secret head of the fentanyl operation once run by Calvin. As she laundered money through Jack’s glamping venture and manipulated Brady, Melissa became the show’s most formidable villain yet. Fans were glued to every one of her cold, calculated moves until she was finally brought down.

7. Lark & Hazel — A New Chance for Brady?

 Played by Elise Gatien (Lark)

When the wildfires hit, Lark and her daughter Hazel were among the evacuees helped by Jack and Brady. Lark’s refusal to leave without finding her daughter showed her strength, and her budding romance with Brady added a much-needed lightness to his storyline after his split with Brie. Hazel’s presence also gave Brady a glimpse of the man he could be — caring, grounded, and good.

Honorable Mentions

• Marley, Mel’s patient who offered her baby for adoption, is poised to play a bigger role in Part 2.

• The Wildfire, while not a person, deserves credit for being the catalyst for most of this season’s biggest plot developments.

Whether stirring up trouble or bringing emotional depth, these new characters added fresh energy to Virgin River’s beloved ensemble. With Part 2 of Season 5 and Season 6 on the horizon, here’s hoping we see a lot more of them soon.