For six seasons—and now moving into a highly anticipated seventh—Virgin River has transported Netflix audiences to a world of romance, drama, and small-town charm.

At the heart of it all stands Vernon “Doc” Mullins, portrayed with a signature blend of gruffness and tenderness by veteran actor Tim Matheson. But while Doc has become one of Virgin River’s most iconic faces,

Matheson himself has carved out a special place in fans’ hearts off-screen as well, thanks to his candid updates, playful interactions, and behind-the-scenes insights.

Recently, Matheson took to social media to answer a question that has long intrigued fans: what is life really like on the set of Netflix’s mountain-town drama? In doing so, he shattered one of the most pervasive myths about filming the series, offering a glimpse into the rhythms, dynamics, and camaraderie—or lack thereof—behind the cameras.

Myth vs. Reality: The Cast Isn’t Always Together

One of the biggest misconceptions about Virgin River is that the entire cast is constantly mingling, enjoying off-screen camaraderie just as the residents of the town do on-screen. Matheson, with his characteristic wit and candor, dispelled this notion in a recent video filmed outdoors, coffee mug in hand.

“If you think the entire Virgin River cast is hanging out together every day during filming—I hate to break it to you—but that’s not how it works,” Matheson revealed. Instead, he explained, the production operates in what he calls “pods.” Actors are grouped in small clusters depending on the storyline, which means most days are spent with a limited subset of co-stars. For Matheson, that primarily includes Annette O’Toole (Hope) and Alexandra Breckenridge (Mel).

“Mostly, I’m in a small sort of circle of actors,” he said. “When we’re on location or on soundstages, sometimes I get to bump into others, and that’s when it feels like a reunion.” This insight was a surprise to fans, who often imagine the cast as one large, ever-present family mirroring the on-screen community of Virgin River. In reality, even major stars rarely share scenes or interact off-camera unless their storylines intersect.

“It’s Like a Family Reunion”

Despite the physical distance on set, Matheson emphasized that the emotional bond between cast members remains strong. In a follow-up social media post, he reassured fans:

“One of the biggest myths about filming Virgin River? That we’re all hanging out together every day! Most of the time, it’s just me and my little pod… @annetteotoole4152, @alexandrabreck, and a few others here and there. So when I do bump into another castmate on set, it’s like a family reunion!”

The post quickly garnered thousands of likes and comments, with fans expressing delight at the behind-the-scenes glimpse. Many viewers were fascinated to learn that the magic of the show is maintained even when the actors’ day-to-day lives on set are far more segmented than they might have imagined.

A Playful Fan-Favorite Crossover?

The post also sparked playful interactions from co-stars, highlighting the camaraderie that does exist. Benjamin Hollingsworth, who plays the reformed bad boy Brady, jumped into the conversation with a teasing comment:This banter sent fans into a frenzy, sparking speculation about a potential Doc-Brady on-screen crossover. Matheson responded warmly, writing, “@hollingsworthb aww shucks! Not a bad idea though 🤔,” leaving fans hopeful that future seasons could finally explore interactions between characters who have rarely met meaningfully in the show’s timeline. The possibility of seeing Doc and Brady share a storyline adds an exciting layer of anticipation for Seasons 7 and 8.

Why Fans Love These Behind-the-Scenes Reveals

Part of what makes Virgin River so compelling isn’t just the drama and romance—it’s the sense of connection fans feel with the actors themselves. Matheson, in particular, has emerged as an unofficial ambassador for the series. Whether teasing moments from his final Season 7 scenes as Doc or busting myths about filming, he draws audiences closer to the world of Virgin River, bridging the gap between screen fiction and real-life production.

This transparency enhances the show’s cultural resonance. While the series thrives on mystery, cliffhangers, and small-town secrets, the actors’ willingness to share glimpses of their day-to-day experiences deepens the emotional investment for viewers. In a series built around themes of community and family, Matheson’s openness is particularly fitting.

The Future of Virgin River

With Season 7 already completed and Netflix confirming an eighth season, fans can rest assured that Doc’s story—and Matheson’s signature charm—will continue to grace the screen. Even if he remains mostly in his “pod,” the potential for fresh interactions, like a Doc-Brady scene, adds a sense of possibility and excitement.

The segmented nature of filming doesn’t diminish the magic; instead, it adds to the show’s intrigue. Each reunion between actors becomes a moment of delight, reinforcing the idea that Virgin River’s charm comes not just from its storylines but also from the genuine relationships behind the scenes.

Life on Set: Intimacy Over Crowds

Matheson’s insights reveal a surprising truth about the show: while on-screen Virgin River feels like one tightly-knit community, the production is much more intimate. Small pods mean that actors have focused, meaningful interactions with their co-stars, rather than constantly moving through large ensemble scenes. This structure allows for deeper character work and emotional authenticity in the performances.