Netflix’s “Virgin River” defies expectations

January 9, 2020

Wow. To say I was surprised is an understatement.

I started watching “Virgin River,” the Netflix original tv show, thinking it was going to be an overly cheesy cliche rom-com, but boy was I wrong.

Right off the bat, I was hooked. A nurse with a troubled past leaves everything behind and runs to a small town in northern California to escape her demons. From the start she was left feeling lost and alone in a place no one wanted her, but as the season goes on and bonds are formed between the people of the town and the new girl, it becomes home to the runaway nurse.

Alexandra Breckenridge — who portrays the lost soul of the damaged nurse Mel — brilliantly and truly connects with her love interest, Jack, played by Martin Henderson.

I loved how instead of Mel being the cliche city girl turned country chick (although there was a little of that), she was a woman with a tragic past who was willing to do anything for her family and was strong enough to face her pain and still find good in others. It was very “go feminism” and I approved 100%.

Each episode had me hooked until I looked at the clock and realized I’d spent my entire Saturday binge-watching the first season and finished the entire thing in one day.

I’ll definitely be on the edge of my seat waiting for the next season to release — especially after the cliffhanger at the end.

With all the loose ends still needing to be tied up, I really hope the next season comes out soon because I am not-so-patiently waiting to find out what happens next in this insane roller coaster of a TV show.

Comments (15)

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Valerie • Jul 27, 2022 at 2:36 PM

You should actually read the book!! It’s even better than the show, but the show is nice in a way that it puts the face to the name. Now that I reread the novel, I keep picturing Mel as the actress. It’s based on the novel series of the same name by Robyn Carr. I really recommend it! ??


https://tribaltribune.org/netflixs-virgin-river-defies-expectations/#comment-2491
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Diana Adams • Jan 17, 2020 at 5:14 PM

I agree. Can”t wait for season 2. When?


https://tribaltribune.org/netflixs-virgin-river-defies-expectations/#comment-2381
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Kelly • Jan 11, 2020 at 9:32 PM

I accidentally found the show and I have absolutely falling in love with the show and all the characters. I watched the whole season in 2 days!! Can’t wait for the 2nd season!!


https://tribaltribune.org/netflixs-virgin-river-defies-expectations/#comment-2378
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Carol A Merchen • Jan 11, 2020 at 1:58 PM

I watched Virgin River and enjoyed every minute of it except at the end… I thought oh no they can’t just leave it like this. So went to the internet to see if I was missing something. Imagine my elation when I read that it’s been ok’d for a second season. I can’t wait..


https://tribaltribune.org/netflixs-virgin-river-defies-expectations/#comment-2377
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SHERRILEE INTREPIDO • Jan 11, 2020 at 8:56 AM

I love the show just came across it on Netflex and I binged watched the whole series in one day. Can’t wait for the next series to come out. Awesome show !!!!


https://tribaltribune.org/netflixs-virgin-river-defies-expectations/#comment-2376
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Diane papa • Jan 10, 2020 at 3:24 PM

I too binge watched the series and was very impressed by the excellent casting, authentic characters and story line going from past to present. Alexandra is stunningly beautiful even more so when she emotes and cries. Her genuine connnection to incredibly sexy Martin very touching. Can’t wait for season 2!!


https://tribaltribune.org/netflixs-virgin-river-defies-expectations/#comment-2375
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Peggy • Jan 10, 2020 at 11:16 AM

I just loved this show & I can’t wait for more episodes. I saw all 10 episodes in 2 days


https://tribaltribune.org/netflixs-virgin-river-defies-expectations/#comment-2374
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Velma Keesee • Jan 10, 2020 at 7:50 AM

I love the show as well. The situations are very real and I think people can relate to the characters. I can’t wait for the next season.


https://tribaltribune.org/netflixs-virgin-river-defies-expectations/#comment-2373
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Sandy • Jan 10, 2020 at 6:17 AM

I did the same thing. All episodes in one day. Well really two since I finished at 3am. Great show really enjoyed it.


https://tribaltribune.org/netflixs-virgin-river-defies-expectations/#comment-2372
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Barb Hanken • Jan 9, 2020 at 9:19 PM

I’m like you I can’t wait for more!!!


https://tribaltribune.org/netflixs-virgin-river-defies-expectations/#comment-2371
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Sharon Norris • Jan 9, 2020 at 8:56 PM

I loved the series but was so disappointed there was not a 2nd series. I was wondering where it was filmed


https://tribaltribune.org/netflixs-virgin-river-defies-expectations/#comment-2370
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Shirley Martin • Jan 9, 2020 at 6:13 PM

I, surprisingly, love the TV show! I’m not fond of making books into movies and have learned to avoid them like the plague! One of my favorite books is John Grisham, The Firm. I happened to be on vacation when the movie version came out so I ran to the local theater to watch it thinking I was going to find the excitement and thrills that was in the book. Sadly, I ended up crying in the theater causing my son to slide away from me after saying, “Mom, it’s only a movie!” I thought it was horrible and had none of the excitement of the book. I expected the same thing from Virgin Rivers but when I kept reading all the reviews of people loving the show, I decided to watch it. I re-enrolled in Netflix and started watching it at 5:00 p.m. and watched till the last credit ran early the next morning. The reason I loved the show was not because of the similarity of the characters in the book series, but the differences. It’s like having the same characters or people you have become friends with living a different life. In the book, Mel never had a child and even had problems getting pregnant (until Jack), but the movie had her having and losing a baby then her husband. So, I don’t feel betrayed as I did with the Firm. I am looking forward to the next season; however, the books are amazing. I have read the entire series so many times since I start reading them in 2009.


https://tribaltribune.org/netflixs-virgin-river-defies-expectations/#comment-2369
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Carol Dondrea • Jan 9, 2020 at 2:42 PM

I am in complete agreement with you! I stumbled on this gem after my niece suggested it. I too watched the entire season in one day! I’ve rewatched season one several times(not going to admit how many!). I love the cast, the storylines, the music! There isn’t anything I don’t like! I love Doc and Hope! I love the chemistry between Jack and Mel. Martin Henderson and Alexandra Breckinridge are outstanding! And Tim Matheson is fabulous!!!! Season two cannot come soon enough! I too am not so patiently waiting!!!!


https://tribaltribune.org/netflixs-virgin-river-defies-expectations/#comment-2368
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Jackie Jaramillo • Jan 9, 2020 at 2:21 PM

I truly love this show. I binge watched it in 2 days. When is it coming back? I fell in love with the characters. ❤️?


https://tribaltribune.org/netflixs-virgin-river-defies-expectations/#comment-2367
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Sally • Jan 9, 2020 at 2:11 PM

I think this show is awesome, as it’s not like other shows. It has drama, and compassion and people love and others to dislike, but it all works. I love this show, please keep it up. MORE seasons, the characters are so good and realistic. Thanks Sally


https://tribaltribune.org/netflixs-virgin-river-defies-expectations/#comment-2366