Hey there, Virgin River fans! Today, we’ve got some monumental news that’s sure to make you jump for joy. Your beloved series, Virgin River, has officially been renewed for an eighth season! Yes, you heard that right. Netflix isn’t ready to bid farewell to Mel, Jack, and the rest of the charming residents of Virgin River just yet, and honestly, neither are we. This marks an incredible milestone for the show, solidifying its place in Netflix history.

An Unprecedented Renewal and Record-Breaking Status

According to official reports, Season 8 will bring us another 10 brand-new episodes, keeping in line with the recent season lengths. This renewal isn’t just exciting for fans; it means Virgin River now proudly holds the crown as Netflix’s longest-running scripted English-language series. Pretty impressive, right? If you’ve been keeping up with our updates, you might recall we hinted way back in January 2025 that talks were already underway for an eighth season. Some cast members even teased that there was more story to tell, even before Season 7 had even begun filming. Well, it looks like those hints were spot on, leading us to this thrilling announcement.

Season 7 Updates and International Adventures

Speaking of Season 7, while there’s still no official release date just yet, word on the street is that filming has wrapped up, and a 2026 premiere is looking very likely. So, get ready to mark your calendars because new episodes are on their way!

But wait, there’s even more to this exciting update. Virgin River is shaking things up this time around by going international! For the first time ever, some scenes were filmed outside of its iconic home in Vancouver, Canada. Yep, photos have already surfaced of Jack and Mel in stunning spots down in Mexico! Could this be a romantic honeymoon getaway for our favorite couple? We won’t spoil too much here, but it definitely looks like fans are in for some gorgeous scenery and perhaps a few unexpected surprises that will add a fresh, vibrant layer to the familiar narrative.

A Familiar Face Joins the Virgin River Family

Now, let’s talk about that intriguing new addition to the cast. Virgin River is welcoming a familiar face from a fan-favorite teen drama, One Tree Hill. Austin Nichols, who you’ll fondly remember as Julian Baker, has officially confirmed he’s joining the Virgin River family. He teased the news on Instagram, playfully joking about “arriving in Virgin, I mean Vancouver,” hinting at his new role. He also offered a tantalizing glimpse into his character in an Entertainment Tonight interview, promising, “I’m going to go to Virgin River and wreak havoc. It’s happening, y’all.” His character is meant to be a surprise, but the promise of “havoc” suggests he won’t be just a quiet, charming new resident.

While we eagerly await these new episodes and the introduction of Austin Nichols’s mysterious character, fans can also catch Alexandra Breckenridge, who plays Mel, in Netflix’s upcoming Christmas rom-com, My Secret Santa, set to drop this November. This holiday treat should help tide us over until we can return to the tranquil, yet always dramatic, world of Virgin River.

With Season 8 confirmed and so many exciting developments on the horizon, what kind of “havoc” do you think Austin Nichols’s character will bring to Virgin River?