10 Virgin River Characters We're Obsessed With (and Other Shows Could Learn a Thing or Two)

No wonder viewers get invested in them so easily.

When Virgin River premiered on Netflix in 2019, it seemed like just another show on the platform that was already producing tons of content at the time, and hardly anyone could predict the level of success it would reach. However, Virgin River soon became a hit and was subsequently renewed for numerous seasons.

So far, four installments have been released, with the fifth slated to premiere on September 7.

Based on Robyn Carr's eponymous book series, the show follows Melinda Monroe who moves to the titular town in Northern California to work as a nurse and midwife there. She soon discovers that the small town life is nothing like she expected and learns to navigate new challenges and a romance with Jack Sheridan.

Of course, a huge factor in Virgin River's success is its wonderful cast and the characters they play with much skill and nuance. Here are Top 10 characters from the show that fans find most enjoyable, and we can't help but agree.

10. Charmaine Roberts (Lauren Hammersley)

While this woman becomes more despicable the more you get to know her, she is a truly indispensable character in Virgin River. Jack's friend with benefits who wants to be more than that, Charmaine is an integral part of the plot, albeit largely antagonized on the show.

Charmaine makes Jack and Mel's lives difficult, bullies the latter despite her best intentions to help, and spins lies only to get what she wants — Jack. At the same time, she adds spice to the story and serves as the main drama-maker on Virgin River.

9. Dan Brady (Ben Hollingsworth)

Jack's fellow serviceman from the Marines, Dan Brady has a darker and more disturbing personality. Throughout the first few seasons, he is in no way a sympathizable character — on the contrary, he brings plenty of trouble onto himself and others. However, as Virgin River progresses, Dan becomes a more likable and deserving man and a nuanced character.

8. Brie Sheridan (Zibby Allen)

Although she only debuted in the third season, Brie proved to be a valuable addition to the pool of Virgin River protagonists. As Jack's sister, she provides background to his troubled character while also contributing to other people's personal growth. Above-mentioned Dan Brady steps back on the right track partially because of his relationship with Brie.

Bringing up the best in other characters, Brie is also a complex personality herself, showcasing her admirable inner strength and determination on various occasions.

7. Lizzie (Sarah Dugdale)

While Lizzie is an outsider in the story, her appearance felt like a breath of fresh air to Virgin River fans. Connie's feisty city-dwelling niece began as a typical teenager, disbalanced and irascible, and slowly grew into a respectable and lovable young woman who knows how to reciprocate good treatment.

6. Hope McCrea (Annette O'Toole)

The Virgin River mayor is one of the most controversial characters on the show. While Hope means the best, her methods are at least questionable. She's ubiquitous when it comes to her city's life and even meddles in the residents' personal affairs. At the same time, she is full of zest, and that's just what this drama show needs.

5. Muriel (Teryl Rothery)

Hope's main nemesis/best friend, this seemingly vapid woman has a surprisingly rich and pleasant personality. Muriel stands up for her friends and sacrifices her own good for them. All these factors cannot but make her a fan-favorite character.

4. Vernon 'Doc' Mullins (Tim Matheson)

An ego-blinded doctor, Vernon Mullins is full of controversies that make him an interesting character to follow. His romance with Hope and subsided relationship with Muriel also add nuance to his layered personality.

3. John 'Preacher' Middleton (Colin Lawrence)

Jack's other friend from the Marines and business partner, John Middleton is impressive in so many ways. He's the most hardworking person in town. His integrity is unquestionable. And his largesse is all-concerning. He is ready to stick his neck out for everyone in Virgin River, and that wins him favor.

2. Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson)

The bar owner has the most on his plate compared to other characters. If there's a piece of drama on the show, it probably concerns Jack in a way. Sheridan struggles from PTSD, his ex won't leave him alone and lies about being pregnant with his child, and his loved one alienates him in order to do the right thing. Still, he weathers every storm with dignity and remains the man many would look up to.

1. Mel Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge)

Virgin River's central character is extremely kind and caring. She puts others and their needs first even when it harms her — take her love triangle with Jack and Charmaine for example. She's genuine without a tinge of pretense, and most importantly, Mel is incredibly optimistic, which makes her a very satisfying character for all.