20 Best Shows Like Netflix's Virgin River

Virgin Riverthe Netflix series based on the novels of the same name by Robyn Carr, continues to delight audiences with a mix of high-stakes drama and small-town sweetness. Virgin River first aired on the streaming service in 2019, with five seasons currently available to stream and a sixth on the way. The show follows nurse Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge), who moves to Virgin River after a personal tragedy, as she finds love with handsome, rugged Jack (Martin Henderson) and becomes embroiled in the small-town drama of this seemingly sleepy place.

The show is beloved by fans for its dramatic moments and cliffhanger endings that give it a soap opera feel (including a surprise pregnancy, a helicopter pilot having a heart attack, and a local drug camp), but also for its small-town charm and personal stories of the inhabitants of the Virgin River. For those looking for other series that reach the same places, there is no shortage of optionsfrom pure small-town excitement to sweeping period dramas.

Sweet Magnolias

(2020-present)

Netflix is ​​certainly capitalizing on the popularity of a good small-town drama. Both Virgin River and Sweet Magnolias show viewers how wild things can be in a sleepy little town, and both shows are based on a popular book series. Sweet Magnolias follows three friends, all going through various challenges in life as they try to start anew by opening a joint spa. As Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias keeps things light but still finds a way to give fans big obstacles to chew on while they wait for the next season to release.

Different Virgin Riverhowever, Sweet Magnolias doesn't use the fish-out-of-water scenario to begin with. Instead, the three friends have known each other for years and already know the ins and outs of their hometown. The relationship dramas, coming-of-age stories of the younger generation, and family dynamics, however, are very similar.

Dixie Hart

(2011-2015)

Dixie Hart is a great show to watch while waiting for a possible new season of Virgin River. There are so many similarities between these shows that it's almost impossible to enjoy one and not the other. As Virgin River, Dixie Hart shows a beautiful medical professional as the main character who moves to a small town just to find the doctor, there seems to be no great need for it.

Furthermore, the actor who plays the doctor in Dixie Hart (Tim Matheson) is the same person who plays Doc in Virgin River, further connecting the two series. Even love triangles and romances reflect those in Virgin River, with many plots feeling strangely familiar to fans of both shows. Dixie Heart didn't have as long a run as Virgo Rior, and it's an even lighter series than the last one.

Chesapeake shores

(2016-2022)

In 2016, Hallmark Channel launched a series called Chesapeake shoreswhich also revolves around a series of books by the same name. The main character, another beautiful and capable woman, returns to her small town to help her sister. She came with the sole intention of saving the family inn, but a surprise romance catches her off guard.

Since the series is produced for Hallmark and not Netflix, the series is even more family-friendly than Virgin River.

This romance series is sure to remind you of certain Virgin River Mel's fanswho sets out to dedicate herself to medical work, only to be caught by Jack, beginning a romance that closely mirrors that portrayed in Chesapeake shores. Since the series is produced for Hallmark and not Netflix, the series is even more family-friendly than Virgin River. It also doesn't offer as dark a drama as the crime stories in Virgin River. Fans of cozy romances, however, will certainly love the Hallmark drama.

Schitt's Creek

(2015-2020)

Schitt's Creek lacks the dramatic element that Virgin River and many other shows in a similar category, yes, but it's still a great option for lovers of the hit Netflix series. The six-season comedy lampoons a wealthy family who arrive in a small town after losing everything. It was so well received that it made Emmy history after its final season.

The characters in both shows live in a small, almost foreign town. The main characters in Schitt's CreekLike Mel, he had every intention of returning to big city life after his small town hiatus. But Both the Rose and Mel families find their feelings changing and they become attached to small town life.the people and everything it has to offer, making it their home.

Northern Rescue

(2019)

Northern Rescue stars actor Billy Baldwin as a family man who packs up his family and moves them from bustling Boston to his hometown of Turtle Island Bay. The family, who have been impacted by their mother's traumatic death, find much more than peace in the small town and serenity as you adapt to your new surroundings and new friends. Each family member deals with grief in different ways, which is also a common theme in Virgin River.

In Virgin Riverthe main character, Mel Monroe, also moves to the country in hopes of escaping the devastating losses of her baby and husband before moving to the town of the same name. Both series pack incredible emotional weight, moving fans every step of the way.

Unfortunately for Northern Exposurethe series never went beyond the first season. It was impacted by filming shutdowns as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many shows were suspended indefinitely as production studios and television networks tried to figure out how to change filming practices to keep crews safe. Some returned, but others remained in an indefinite limbo, like Northern Exposure.

Everwood

(2002-2006)

Everwood ran on the channel that would later become the CW network for four seasons in the early 2000s. The show revolves around a prominent New York surgeon who loses his wife. Finding a major life change necessary, Dr. Andy Brown packs up his teenage son and youngest daughter and moves them to the small town of Everwood in hopes of being a better, more present father.

There, the doctor lends his expertise to the small town's residents, helping solve the small town's medical problems while his children become embroiled in their own conflicts and he learns to love again. The family gradually becomes closer than ever. The show is charming, dramatic, and at times a real tear-jerker, putting it in line with Virgin River.

Heart

(2007-present)

If you like these types of small town family dramas, then you'll love this. Heart. There are currently 18 seasons of this Canadian drama to enjoy while fans wait for more Virgin River to air, most of which are currently available on Peacock and Netflix. In Heart, the main character, Amy, finds meaning in life by healing horses after the loss of her mother.

There are fewer medical stories in this series, as many of the characters are from families who grew up on their farms. The horses are the main reference line that tends to connect the different characters. Very similar Virgin River, Heart features a large ensemble of characters that gradually expand as the story continues. This is another great show that focuses on loss and healing that a small town and a loving family can bring.

Dawson Creek

(1998-2003)

Dawson Creek It's an older series, but it's still fun and relevant after many years off the air. In this drama, the main characters go through all different types of life-altering events as they come of age in their small town. Back to its heyday, Dawson Creek was considered a groundbreaking series as it tackled some highly controversial and important topics such as mental illness, addiction, love, loss, and more, never backing down from difficult conversations like many other simplified television series.

Although it is focused on a group of characters younger than Virgin Riverthe characters still go through the same problems. Dealing with loss and learning to love are major themes in the seriesas well as in Virgin River. The story moves from the small town of Capeside to Boston, Massachusetts, and back, maintaining the same small-town charm as Virgin River he has.

Gilmore Girls

(2000-2007)

Gilmore Girls is a classic that is still watched over and over again to this day, and it's easy to see why people everywhere enjoy the series. The story revolves around a mother and her daughter who live in a small town full of interesting residents. With its female protagonists and a cast full of busybodies from the sleepy town Gilmore Girls has many of the same themes and peculiarities as Virgin River covers.

While Virgin River begins with a firm focus on Mel and her own struggles, Gilmore Girls makes Rory and Lorelai the show's dual protagonists. Like this Virgin River allows Mel to deal with past traumas, Gilmore Girls sees Lorelai coming to terms with her own past and Rory growing up. Both shows are heavy on romantic relationship dynamics, although Gilmore Girls It's still arguably the lighter of the two.

When it calls the heart

(2014-present)

This Hallmark Channel series currently has 12 seasons running — enough to keep viewers busy between Virgin River installments. In When it calls the heartProfessor Elizabeth Thatcher leaves behind her life in New York high society to start anew in a small Canadian coal town. There, she meets a group of strong women, all working and living in rural Canada after the death of their husbands. This series will pull VR fans for sure, with its similar premisealbeit along with the trappings of a period drama.

When it calls the heart begins its story in 1910 rather than the modern day, but that's certainly part of its charm. It takes place at a time when technology is advancing and the small town is on the verge of big changes. The show gradually builds its cast over time, with many actors fans will recognize from other Hallmark dramas.

This is us

(2016-2022)

This is us and one of the biggest dramas of recent yearstelling the story of the Pearson family over decades, exploring loss, love and lethargy in a world that is increasingly difficult to navigate. This is us tells a remarkably moving story full of emotional twists over its six seasons, finding many similarities with the Netflix series. Virgin River.

Every moment of each series feels charged with a deeper meaning, making both series perfect to watch over and over again, even when it gets incredibly emotional.

The series has a non-linear format, so those Virgin River Fans who enjoy the flashbacks that reveal characters' backstories will enjoy this aspect of the show. Very similar Virgin Rivergrief and the paths to love are heavily explored. In This is ushowever, most grief is familial rather than romantic. Every moment of each series feels charged with a deeper meaning, making both series perfect to watch over and over again, even when it gets incredibly emotional.

Emily in Paris

(2020-present)

Emily in Paris is a recent Netflix series that has entered the cultural zeitgeist, finding intense love or intense hate from its many viewers. Starring Lilly Collins, the series explores the life of a young American who pursues a career in Francefinding love and loss abroad. Emily in Paris has certainly found its audience throughout its three seasons, with fans debating the merits of the show's protagonist and her actions throughout the series.

Although the Netflix original sticks more to its comedic aspects than Virgin Riverboth series focus on similar themes that unite their fan bases. Emily in Paris It's also more flashy than Virgin River as much of its action takes place in the world of Paris haute couture. IHowever, it has a similar fish-out-of-water aspect to the first few episodes of the series, as Emily has to adjust to a world where she doesn't fit in but desperately wants to.

Bridgerton

(2020-present)

Set in the early 1800s, Bridgerton is one of the most popular period dramas of recent years. Starring a large cast of characters played by lovable actors, the series has become a phenomenon in recent years, with many of its collaborators finding fame through the show's success.

Bridgerton aims to be the definitive romantic drama of its time, exploring themes of class tensions, romantic taboos, and mysterious endeavors in a way that few shows manage to match so masterfully. In turn, Bridgerton is an intensified version of Virgin Riverbest qualities, although set in 19th century London.

Interestingly, if Virgin River Had it stayed closer to the original material, the two programs would have even more in common. However Bridgerton features the same set of characters each season, centering on the titular family, the show's protagonists change each season. A different romance story unfolds each time. This is how the books on which the program is based are structured, and this is how the books on which Virgin River are also structured.

A million little things

(2018-2023)

A million little things is a drama series that follows a group of friends after one of their closest companions commits suicide. Each member of this group of friends deals with their grief in their own way, while simultaneously trying to figure out what caused their friend to act this way. Building on the success of similar dramas such as This is us, A million little things connected with audiences thanks to its heartfelt themes and poignant emotional moments.

The series explores the darker and brighter sides of life, as well as showing how Virgin River became known for. It is capable of merging the worlds of love, loss and mystery, which Virgin River also try to do. Although this is a close-knit group of friends rather than residents of a small town, the themes are similar.

Jane the virgin

(2014-2019)

Joan, the Virgin is a romantic comedy framed as a soap opera, and was actually inspired by a Spanish-language soap opera. Starring Gina Rodriguez, the series ran for five seasons on the CW, receiving widespread acclaim during its 100 episodes on the air. The show has as much heart as Virgin Riverbut the style in which the two series deal with the tropes of love, loss, and found family are very different, with Joan, the Virgin providing as many laughs as tears.

While Virgin River and other similar shows reproduce many of the “soap opera” tropes directly, Joan, the Virgin instead, it lampoons the genre in a truly hilarious way. Fans looking for a break from the non-stop drama can laugh at this comedy's bawdy and bizarre twists, finding solace in the incredible writing and performances.

Call the midwife

(2012-present)

Call the midwife is a long-running British series focusing on a group of midwives in London's East End. Set in the 50s and 60s, the period is very different from that of Virgin Riverbut the two shows have a lot in common, especially the main characters' professions.

Both feature female protagonists in the medical profession, and the medical drama is often the center of an episode. The show also manages the same mix of dramatic moments and sweet interactions, as the midwives regularly deal with life-and-death situations along with their own hopes and dreams. There is less focus on romance in Call the midwife and there's more of a rotating cast than a focus on two specific people, but both have the same charm.

Younger

(2015-2021)

Younger takes place in a big city, not a small town, but Virgin River fans will still find a lot to love about it. Younger follows Liza Miller (Sutton Foster) as she tries to get back into the publishing industry after her divorce – but when she discovers that her age will be a hindrance, she lies to look younger and gains a new set of skills. younger co-workers and friends.

As Virgin River, Younger focuses on a protagonist who is recovering from her life being knocked down and also has romance at the forefront (although there are more love interests for Liza than Mel). It doesn't have the same soap opera drama, but it has the same sweetness and more comedy too. It's a much lighter take on the drama.

Gina and Georgia

(2021-present)

Another show that starts with an attempt at a fresh start, Gina and Georgia follows the titular characters as they move to wealthy Wellsbury after the death of Georgia's (Brianne Howey) husband. Her daughter Ginny (Antonia Gentry) is 15 and struggles to adapt to her new school and manage her often irresponsible mother. Although Mel may be the main protagonist of Virgin RiverGinny and Georgia share this role.

Very similar Virgin RiverThere's a layered female lead, love stories, lots of drama, including secrets hidden from strangers, and even a murder!

Very similar Virgin River, there is a layered female protagonist, love stories, lots of drama, including secrets hidden from strangersand even a murder! The drama keeps the show moving, but how Virgin RiverIt's relationships that give you heart. Gina and Georgia They themselves are navigating their own mother/daughter dynamics, but each has their own love interests, friendships, and secrets.

All creatures, great and small

(2020-present)

Based on the books of the same name by James Herriot (pseudonym James Alfred Wight), All creatures, great and small is a touching series set in a small town in Yorkshire, England. It takes place in the 1930s, and the books continue for several decades, though it's unclear whether the new series will follow the same time period or not.

James Herriot (Nicholas Ralph) is a veterinarian who works in this small rural town. despite being from the city, and there he (like Mel in Virgin River) has to find a way to live and work with a grumpy senior veterinarian while falling in love with a local woman. The episode-by-episode drama is much lower stakes, but World War II is looming.

Earth girls

(2009-2011)

A rural drama set during the Second World War, Earth girls follows a group of women in the Women's Land Army, taking on previously “masculine” jobs in agriculture while the men are at war. The rotating cast features women who are city girls struggling to find their way in the countryside, women with personal tragedies, girlfriends at war, and all with their own secrets.

As Virgin Riverthe characters face difficult situations and war gives the series a lot of drama. It is, however, the personal relationships that really shine in the series.just as relationships often overshadow all the drama in Virgin River. There's a good balance between small town connection and larger dramatic moments that will make anyone Virgin River happy fan.