The hugely popular Netflix series Virgin River is expanding into a franchise with the announcement of a Virgin River prequel series that will explore the characters' stories. Virgin River is based on the novels by Robyn Carr, and the romantic drama follows Nurse Mel as she moves to a remote Northern California town to escape the hustle and bustle of big city life. However, upon arriving in the city of the same name, Mel soon discovers that the idyllic lifestyle is not all it seems.
Already entering its seventh season on Netflix, Virgin River has been a consistent success for the platform for over half a decade. Now, Netflix is aiming to turn Robyn Carr's adaptation into a bona fide franchise, and the Virgin River The prequel series aims to flesh out Mel's family story, exploring the relationship between her parents and the city. Although the timeline Virgin River is somewhat murky, the prequel series has the opportunity to connect and expand on the original show and could even open the door for more offshoots in the future.
Latest Virgin River Prequel Series News
A development update from the series' Showrunner
In addition to Mel's parents, he hopes to use the flashbacks to explore other prominent figures in the city.
After many months without updates regarding the prequel, the latest news arrives as a development update for Virgin Rivershowrunner. Patrick Sean Smith not only oversees the popular flagship series, but is also involved in the creation of the Netflix series. Virgin River franchise. From the spin-off, the showrunner reaffirmed that work was still happening behind the scenes, and he even revealed that the younger versions of Mel's parents (played by Jessica Rothe and Callum Kerr) will be back Virgin River season 7. In addition to Mel's parents, he hopes to use the flashbacks to explore other prominent figures in the city.
Read Smith's full comments here:
There's so much that's been assumed and some things that have been referenced, but that's where I think the more we can fulfill this love that's spanned almost 40 years, if not more than 40 years, the better. I think there are a lot of big events and milestones that could happen along the way that we can highlight as we fill this out.
I think they were more effective because they supported and really connected Mel and Everett in a deeper way through their mother. So I wouldn't want it to feel like a trope or just doing it for the sake of it.
The intention in the prequel as well, and we get a hint of this in season 7 through Hope's character, is just to fill in more of Hope's family history, her relationship with the area. In the pilot, she says that the McRae cabin is a place that everyone within a 50-mile radius knows about, but we never really explore her family legacy and what her relationship with her family is. In Season 7, we're really diving deeper into Hope's character and her past, which would coincide with many of the events than could potentially be in the prequel. Presenting the novel feels like there's a lot of potential. And that's to Robyn Carr's credit. Each book focuses on a different couple in each book. And what Sue Tenney did very cleverly was take characters from the first few books and then put them into an ensemble. But, I mean, there's huge potential. It's a great story engine.
The Virgin River Prequel series is confirmed
Netflix is developing the prequel
Although it's still in the early stages, Netflix is officially developing a Virgin River prequel series to explore the relationship between Mel's biological father, Everett, and her late mother Sarah. While the series is in development, it hasn't been officially picked up by the streamer and is likely following the pilot process that most network TV shows go through before hitting the air. However, the Virgin River prequel has an advantage over many newer shows because it will be intrinsically tied to Virgin River.
No release information or schedule has been revealed about the prequel yetand the cast is also being kept secret. It can be assumed that the role of Mel's father, Everett, will once again be played by Callum Kerr, while Mel's mother, Sarah, could be played by Jessica Rothe. The actors have great chemistry in the flashback sequences in Virgin Riverand it stands to reason that continuity would keep them together in the spinoff.
Flow Virgin River exclusively on Netflix.
Who is making the Virgin River prequel?
Is anyone from Virgin River involved?
At this juncture, It is unclear whether Sue Tenney will be responsible for developing the Virgin River prequel series. Tenney helped bring the original series to Netflix, and his involvement would certainly help with continuity. The only creative officially attached to the prequel so far is Patrick Sean Smith, who will not only serve as showrunner but also be responsible for writing (through Variety). More behind-the-scenes personnel will likely be announced as the prequel gets closer to production.
The Story of the Virgin River Prequel Series
Mel's parents are the subject of the prequel spinoff
Although most details about the Virgin River prequel are still under wraps, the basic structure of the story has already been revealed. The series will focus on the relationship between Mel's mother, Sarah, and her biological father, Everett.. Since Mel only learned of her real father's existence in Season 5, the prequel will likely help fill in gaps while also connecting the couple to Virgin River.
It's unclear exactly what the show's conflict will be.but since Everett has apparently been out of Mel's life for decades, it's safe to assume something dramatic happened. It is also uncertain whether any Virgin River characters will appear as their younger selves, but It can be assumed that the existing characters' families will play some role in the story. THE Virgin River prequel there's a lot to work with and it could just be the beginning of a bigger franchise.