Fans of Netflix’s beloved romantic drama “Virgin River” are in for a treat, as showrunner Patrick Sean Smith has revealed exciting plans to expand the small-town universe. In a recent interview, Smith teased that the series, now Netflix’s longest-running original scripted show, could see multiple spin-offs, building on the rich world created by Robyn Carr’s novels. “There’s huge potential,” Smith told TVInsider’s Swoon. “It’s a great story engine.”

The announcement comes as “Virgin River” gears up for its seventh season, which began filming in Vancouver on March 12, 2025, with a planned wrap by June 26. While Season 7 is expected to premiere in early 2026, Smith is already looking beyond, hinting at a prequel series and additional spin-offs. The prequel, currently in development, will focus on the 1970s love story of Mel Monroe’s parents, Sarah Jensen and Everett Reed, portrayed in Season 6 flashbacks by Jessica Rothe and Callum Kerr. “I’m writing it as soon as I get off the phone,” Smith told TVLine in December 2024, though Netflix has yet to greenlight the project officially.

Season 6 laid the groundwork for the prequel with a backdoor pilot episode, introducing younger versions of Sarah and Everett. The episode not only deepened Mel’s storyline but also gave fans a taste of Virgin River’s past, featuring familiar faces like a young Connie and Bert. However, fan reactions to the prequel are mixed. Some expressed excitement on X, with one user posting, “Count me in! Grew up in the 60s-70s, looking forward to the spinoff!” Others were less enthusiastic, with a commenter noting, “Those flashbacks were horribly boring. The writers were grasping for straws.”

Beyond the prequel, Smith’s vision for additional spin-offs taps into the show’s expansive cast and setting. “It’s a rich world with rich characters,” he said, suggesting stories could explore other residents or eras of Virgin River. The series’ consistent success—maintaining a yearly release schedule since 2019—supports its potential for growth. Two choose-your-own-adventure mobile games are already available, and early discussions for a possible Season 8 are underway, with actor Benjamin Hollingsworth revealing Smith is “already thinking” about future arcs.

Season 7 will pick up just hours after Season 6’s cliffhangers, diving into Mel and Jack’s farm life, the fight for Doc’s clinic, and Brie’s love triangle with Mike and Brady. New cast members Sara Canning and Cody Kearsley join as Victoria, an ex-cop investigating Doc, and an undisclosed role, respectively. With themes of “the outside encroaching into Virgin River,” the season promises fresh drama while setting the stage for more stories.

As “Virgin River” continues to charm audiences, Smith’s bold plans signal that the quaint Northern California town has plenty of tales left to tell. Whether through prequels or new spin-offs, fans can expect the heart and drama of Virgin River to endure.