As the countdown to Virgin River Season 7 continues, fans are eagerly awaiting the emotional rollercoaster the new season promises. The characters we’ve come to love have had their fair share of twists and turns, and with the next season looming, it’s clear that even the stars behind these beloved roles have been preparing for what lies ahead.
While production wrapped and the premiere date gets closer, what exactly are the cast members doing when the cameras are off and the drama is on pause? From spending time with family to pursuing personal passions, the cast is making the most of their downtime before jumping back into the chaotic and life-altering moments of Virgin River. Here’s a closer look at what your favorite stars have been up to as they gear up for another emotional chapter.
🌿 Alexandra Breckenridge (Mel Monroe): Juggling Motherhood and Mystery
As the backbone of Virgin River, Alexandra Breckenridge (Mel Monroe) is no stranger to balancing the chaos of motherhood and the intense emotional storylines her character navigates. In between filming for Season 7, Breckenridge has been enjoying time with her children, sharing snippets of her quieter life on social media, including moments spent baking, gardening, and embracing a more grounded existence away from the cameras.
Despite her private lifestyle, Breckenridge has subtly hinted at the emotional storm awaiting Mel in Season 7. In a recent podcast, she teased that “Mel will face choices she never imagined,” which has sparked fan theories about her biological father’s ongoing mystery being a central storyline. Her personal posts have suggested that a significant twist is coming—perhaps one that will further challenge Mel’s emotional resilience. Fans are buzzing with anticipation, speculating that Mel’s choices in the new season will lead to some darker, more complex chapters in her life.
🌊 Martin Henderson (Jack Sheridan): Surfboards, Scripts, and Hidden Drama
When he’s not portraying the rugged and emotionally complex Jack Sheridan, Martin Henderson is soaking up the beauty of his native New Zealand. His Instagram has been flooded with beachside moments, dog walks, and motorcycle rides, allowing fans to see the lighter side of the actor who plays the steadfast but troubled Jack. Despite the laid-back nature of his recent posts, it’s clear that Henderson hasn’t been completely off-duty.
He’s been seen reading scripts for Season 7 while enjoying nature, leading to an Instagram caption that has fans intrigued: “What’s in store for Jack? Even I didn’t see it coming.” With Jack’s storyline set to delve deeper into past traumas and unspoken truths, it’s safe to say that Henderson’s relaxed demeanor on social media is a stark contrast to the emotional storms his character will weather this season. Whether it’s dealing with the aftermath of his relationships or confronting buried memories, Jack’s journey promises to be anything but smooth sailing.
🎥 Tim Matheson (Doc Mullins): Exploring New Creative Horizons
Tim Matheson, known for his role as the wise and occasionally stubborn Doc Mullins, has been stepping behind the camera during this off-season. Matheson has always had a passion for directing, having previously worked on shows like The West Wing and Burn Notice. Now, he’s turning his attention to another Netflix series, where he’s been busy directing new episodes.
Matheson’s return to directing signals his continued interest in storytelling from multiple perspectives. As for Doc’s journey in Season 7, Matheson has teased that it will “surprise even longtime viewers.” Fans are eagerly awaiting how this new layer of creativity will influence the way Doc’s character is developed, and what unexpected twists await in his personal and professional life.
💬 Annette O’Toole (Hope McCrea): Advocacy and Transformation
Annette O’Toole, who plays the fiercely loyal Hope McCrea, has been using her platform to raise awareness about mental health and healing. O’Toole has shared her personal experiences with grief and resilience, offering a candid look at her journey and the ways in which she’s found strength through loss. Her advocacy for mental health has resonated with fans, especially those who have followed Hope’s transformative journey on the show.
Season 7 promises to continue Hope’s emotional evolution, with hints that she’ll transition from a grieving widow to a new role as a community elder and perhaps even a mentor. Fans can expect Hope’s character to become a more prominent figure in the town of Virgin River, potentially stepping into a supportive role for the younger residents while also continuing to navigate her own personal healing process.
💪 Colin Lawrence (Preacher): Training for More Action
Known for his quiet strength and fierce loyalty, Colin Lawrence (Preacher) has been hard at work preparing for Season 7 in the gym. Recent social media posts show Lawrence focused on physical training, hinting that Preacher may be involved in more action-packed scenes this season.
There’s been considerable buzz around Preacher’s storyline, especially with the lingering mystery surrounding Paige and her son. Preacher’s loyalty to his friends and his protective nature are likely to put him in increasingly dangerous situations. Lawrence’s cryptic post, “Training for something I can’t talk about yet,” has fans speculating that Preacher’s role in Season 7 will be one of intense physical action, perhaps with a dose of romance to round out his character arc.
🎤 Zibby Allen (Brie Sheridan): Sisterhood and Advocacy
Zibby Allen, who plays Brie Sheridan, Jack’s sister, has been very active in advocating for women’s empowerment both on and off-screen. Recently, Allen participated in a roundtable discussion on women in film, where she spoke openly about portraying trauma recovery and the emotional complexities that come with her character’s ongoing storyline.
Brie’s arc in Virgin River has explored her fight for justice after surviving assault, and Allen has teased that Season 7 will continue this trajectory, with Brie standing up for herself and reclaiming her sense of agency. As she navigates the aftermath of her assault and her complicated relationship with Brady, Brie’s story promises to be one of emotional reckoning and growth.
🎶 Benjamin Hollingsworth (Brady): Music, Redemption, and Fatherhood
Benjamin Hollingsworth (Brady) has been embracing the quieter moments of life during the off-season, focusing on family and his music. Recently, he shared an acoustic song on social media that centers around themes of forgiveness and personal growth—mirroring his character’s journey on Virgin River.
Brady’s transformation from villain to a man seeking redemption has been a major highlight of the show, and Season 7 may delve deeper into whether this transformation is sustainable. Fans are eager to see how Brady’s relationship with Brie develops and whether his past choices will continue to haunt him. Hollingsworth has remained tight-lipped about his character’s future, only saying, “Every choice has a cost—and Brady’s made a lot of choices.”
⚡ Final Thoughts: The Calm Before the New Storm
As the stars of Virgin River take a moment to enjoy life off-screen, fans know that this quiet period is just the calm before the storm. Season 7 promises to build on the emotional depth and complex relationships that have made the show so addictive. Whether it’s Mel confronting her past, Jack’s buried traumas coming to light, or Brie’s fight for justice, the upcoming season will bring new twists and turns that will keep us on the edge of our seats.
As the actors continue to grow personally and professionally during their time off, we can only imagine how their journeys off-screen will impact the characters they portray. With each actor’s unique preparation, fans are in for a Season 7 full of passion, heartbreak, and unexpected twists.
The anticipation has never been higher, and the storm is about to break. Get ready—Virgin River returns with more drama than ever!