Virgin River Fans Aren't Very Excited about the Show's Spin-Off, Here's Why
A story without Mel and Jack isn't worth telling they believe.
Summary
- Virgin River fans are eagerly awaiting the release of Season 6.
- The show's EP is said to be working on a spin-off focusing on Mel's parents.
- Most VR fans are not too excited about the spin-off.
Throughout its impressive five-season run, Virgin River has captivated audiences with a warm, small-town atmosphere and intriguing romantic arcs full of drama. With Season 6 currently being filmed and set to premiere sometime in 2025, viewers are eagerly anticipating the next installment and the stories it will tell. Interestingly, however, the news of a possible VR spin-off has not been received enthusiastically by most fans.
A Virgin River Spin-Off?
A prequel series is reportedly being developed by Virgin River's new showrunner Patrick Sean Smith, who has been at the helm of the production since Season 5. The spin-off is said to delve into the backstory of Mel's biological parents, Sarah, who died long before the show began, and Everett, who Melinda found in the Christmas specials.
According to the showrunner, Season 6 will explore the new character's history with the town, as well as Mel's late mother, and focus on the relationship between him and the protagonist. And while the show will still focus on the present day, it will include flashbacks to Everett's past.
'What we're exploring more in Season 6 is who Everett Reid is, what his backstory is, what his connection to Virgin River was when he met her mom and then also what it is today,' Patrick Sean Smith revealed in an interview.
In turn, the spin-off will tell the love story of Everett and Sarah, starring the same actors who will portray their young versions in the Virgin River Season 6 flashbacks. Casting is said to be underway, but no announcements have been made. John Allen Nelson will continue to play older Everett.
No Need for a Spin-Off
Apparently, most Virgin River fans feel that there's no need for a full-length spin-off about Everett and Sarah, since the flashback moments will be perfect for understanding Mel's origin story.
'Supposedly, part of Season 6 will have flashbacks to Sarah (Mel's mom) and Everett Reid. It will explore who Everett is, his backstory, and his connection to VR back when he met Sarah and today. I think that would be sufficient and an entire prequel would not be necessary,' wrote one Redditor.
Most importantly, viewers are concerned that the new show will be a distraction for the Virgin River writers, who should be more invested in telling Mel and Jack's story.
'The writers got carried away with their invented storyline on Mel's dad. Lots of mixed reactions so far. I'm mostly invested in Mel & Jack and they obviously won't be in it,' another Reddit user commented on the news.
Ultimately, it remains to be seen if this spin-off idea will stick. Luckily, we get Season 6 first.