Known for its sizzling relationships, Virgin River’s current romances are full of both sweetness and drama — and some are, admittedly, better than others. Based on the Virgin River novels by Robyn Carr, the Netflix series follows Melinda “Mel” Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge), a Los Angeles-based nurse practitioner who moves to the titular Northern California town for a change of scenery. Hoping the remote Virgin River will help her leave painful memories behind, Mel takes up midwifery. However, small-town life isn’t without its own drama, especially where romance is concerned. While Mel and Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson) are the show’s central couple, Virgin River offers plenty of intriguing pairings.
The ultra-popular romantic drama just closed out its fifth season in style with a two-episode Christmas special. For some couples, Virgin River season 5, part 2 further cemented their already-strong bonds. Other long-standing pairs, like Hope McCrea (Annette O’Toole) and Vernon “Doc” Mullins (Tim Matheson), started fresh chapters in their enduring romances in the fifth-season finale. Meanwhile, it became clear that some couples won’t survive life’s many adversities when Virgin River season 6 releases on Netflix in 2024. One thing is for certain: it’s never a dull moment in the world of Virgin River’s dating scene.
Brady & Lark
A Relationship Built On Lies
After Brie (Zibby Allen) and Brady’s (Benjamin Hollingsworth) devastating split, the two halves of the former fan-favorite couple find new romantic pursuits. For Brady, that love interest comes in the form of Lark (Elise Gatien), a woman who lives with her daughter Hazel (Ava Anton). While Brady seemingly left his “bad boy” persona in the rearview mirror, Lark’s not-so-innocent intentions could pull him back into the soap opera-style dramatics. In the Virgin River season 5 Christmas episodes, it’s revealed that Hazel’s father is Jimmy (Ian Tracey), Calvin’s (David Cubitt) former buddy. Moreover, Jimmy is using Lark to enact a revenge plan against an unsuspecting Brady.
Lizzie & Denny
Virgin River’s Most Frustrating Duo
Every season of Netflix’s Virgin River since Denny’s (Kai Bradbury) introduction has been interesting, to say the least. Doc’s long-lost grandson, Denny immediately starts sneaking around and stockpiling medication from the clinic. In the end, viewers learn what’s “wrong” with Virgin River’s Denny: he isn’t up to anything shady — he needs medication because he lives with Huntington’s disease. At first, Denny’s diagnosis stops him from pursuing a budding romance with Lizzie (Sarah Dugdale). Suddenly, that factor isn’t a huge concern. In fact, they’re expecting a baby, which may not be the couple’s most responsible decision, especially since they want to take their time talking about “commitment.”
Preacher & Kaia
A Dark Secret Threatens This Virgin River Couple
Judging by the first half of the Christmas episodes, Preacher (Colin Lawrence) and Kaia (Kandyse McClure) are doing well. Not only does Preacher admit to loving Kaia, but the firefighter reveals that she’s moving to town. However, Virgin River has teased Preacher’s devastating fate, hinting that the small-town good guy could see his compassion getting the best of him. After Paige (Lexa Doig), Preacher’s former love interest, kills her abusive ex, Wes, in self-defense, Preacher hides the body. In the season 5 finale, Wes’ body is found, which means Preacher and Kaia’s days may be numbered.
Brie & Mike
Heartwarming But Not Meant To Last
After her Brady breakup, Brie attempts to move on with Mike (Marco Grazzini). Nice guy Mike starts out as a dependable, loyal pal, but sparks fly between the couple after a softball game, prompting them to share a kiss. Later, Mike even takes a literal bullet for Brie’s ex. When he wakes up in the hospital, the former LAPD detective finds Brie by his side. Even though Brie and Mike are a pair in the Virgin River books, the show might not see the couple as an endgame, especially given the mistletoe moment Brie and Brady shared in the season 5 finale.
Brie & Brady
The Virgin River Couple That Should Get Back Together
There are plenty of burning questions Virgin River season 6 should answer, but chief among them is: will Brie and Brady get back together? While they aren’t currently together, Brady and Brie were a solid couple who really helped each other grow, leading many viewers to hope for a reunion. After the duo split in early season 5 over Brady’s lies — he did know about the underground drug operation — Brie seemed determined to move on. For both characters, that’s proved difficult, but they have found new love interests. With the very real threat of Jimmy and Lark looming, Virgin River seems poised to rekindle this fan-favorite romance.
Muriel & Cameron
This Virgin River Couple Seems Content (For Now)
Virgin River season 5’s cast of characters wouldn’t be complete without Muriel (Teryl Rothery), an actor who moves from Hollywood to Virgin River in her retirement, and Cameron (Mark Ghanimé), a doctor who arrives at the small-town clinic in season 4. After working at the clinic together, the two find themselves sharing Cameron’s house and admit a mutual attraction. With their relationship moving very quickly, the pair talk about their future in the Christmas episodes, with Muriel fearing Cam will regret not having kids. Previously, that was a sticking point for him, though Cameron tells Muriel that being a family of two is enough for him.
Mel & Jack
This Virgin River Romance Makes The Show
Shortly after Mel moves to Virgin River, she locks eyes with Jack across the bar he owns — and it’s clear that they’re destined to be with each other. Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s an easy road ahead. After four seasons of being on-again, off-again, Mel and Jack seem to have finally settled into their relationship dynamic. Instead of keeping secrets, the two become more open with one another. For example, in the Virgin River season 5, part 2 ending, Mel grapples with meeting her biological father, and Jack is there for her — with a shoulder and a Christmas puppy — every step of the way.
Doc & Hope
An Enduring Relationship That’s Weathered It All
When it comes to the best Virgin River romances, Hope and Doc’s relationship edges out the competition. Although Virgin River’s mayor and town doctor have weathered some tumultuous times throughout their decades-long relationship, they’ve managed to endure them. In the latest batch of season 5 episodes, Doc proposes to Hope for a second time, eager to cement their rekindled love with some brand-new vows. It’s the kind of relationship that has viewers wondering if Virgin River will ever change its leads, just as the source material does.
