Virgin River: 4 Actors Would Be Better as Jack Than Martin Henderson
Charismatic and talented, these four would have made perfect Sheridan.
It's been almost five years since Virgin River premiered on Netflix to become the service's hit drama. Based on Robyn Carr's book series of the same name, the show proved to be an immediate success with audiences all over the world and quickly got renewed for more installments.
As of 2023, Virgin River has spanned four seasons, with the fifth dropping on September 7 and the sixth already greenlit.
The show follows Mel Monroe who decides to move to the fictional titular town in Northern California to work as a nurse there after her husband died. Starting her life over in Virgin River, Mel comes across a slew of new people and eventually finds her new romantic interest, Jack Sheridan, played by Martin Henderson.
And while there's no denial that Henderson's portrayal of the bar owner is utterly charismatic, the following four actors could have done a better job.
Dylan Bruce
The star of Orphan Black and The Murders has had an extensive acting career, appearing in a number of flagship shows like NCIS and CSI: NY. Besides, Bruce's tough, rugged charm is simply perfect for ex-Marine Jack, and his acting talent would allow him to deliver Sheridan's complexities, including his PTSD, in the most convincing way.
Daniel Lissing
The Australian actor made a mark in TV history with his performance as Jack Thornton on Hallmark's drama When Calls the Heart and its spin-off When Hope Calls. His role in these shows proves that Lissing has what it takes to play an honor-bound, multilayered character like Virgin River's Jack Sheridan.
Chad Michael Murray
The star of cult shows Dawson's Creek, One Tree Hill, and Riverdale has an undeniable charisma that would have added some zest and flavor to Jack's character. Murray could have become Virgin River's ultimate heartthrob, a crush for all of the series' fans.
Samuel Page
Having appeared on a bunch of famous TV projects like Gossip Girl, Desperate Housewives, and Grey's Anatomy, Page has enough acting expertise to convincingly portray Jack. More significantly, he has an irresistible smile that Martin Henderson unfortunately doesn't boast.
With that being said, we must still acknowledge Henderson's work on Virgin River. Millions of fans have fallen in love with him and his character over the show's five-year run, and most of us can't wait to reunite with Jack when Season 5 premieres on Netflix on September 7.