7 Must-Watch Shows for Virgin River Fans

After wrapping up Season 5 Part 2 of Virgin River, you may be wondering what to watch next. To help, we've compiled a list of eight shows that are perfect for fans of the Netflix series. And if you haven't seen Season 5 Part 2 yet, you're in for a treat with its wholesome small-town charm.

The fifth adaptation of Robyn Carr’s novels, "Virgin River," stands out as the best one yet. Following the story of Mel Monroe, a nurse who moves to Virgin River to confront her past, the romance drama illuminates the strength of the human spirit in the face of challenges. Unlikely friendships blossom and comfort is found in the generosity and compassion of the residents. Though initially skeptical of the locals' kindness, characters like Mel, Lizzie, Denny, and Cameron soon discover the rare and genuine desire of the community to protect and help others, leading to healing and progress for everyone involved.

Shows to watch if you like Virgin River

Since its launch in 2019, the fan-favorite series has enjoyed remarkable success on the platform. Season 4 has surpassed Stranger Things 4 as the top TV series on the platform, drawing an impressive 2.6 billion minutes of watch time in the first three days.

Sweet Magnolias 

If you're looking for something to fill the Virgin River void, check out these eight shows to keep you entertained until Season 6 arrives.

Sweet Magnolias, inspired by Sherryl Woods’ novels, is a heartwarming romantic drama that takes place in a charming South Carolina town. The series revolves around the lives of three lifelong best friends – Maddie, Dana, and Helen – as they grapple with the trials and tribulations of growing up.

Stream Seasons 1-3 of this series on Netflix for a powerful reminder of the strength found in female friendship and community during tough times, from heartbreaks to career setbacks.

Gilmore Girls 

If you still haven't seen Amy Sherman-Palladino's Gilmore Girls, there are seven heartwarming seasons waiting for you. Join Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter, Rory, as they navigate high school, relationships, and challenging family dinners in the charming town of Stars Hollow.

Filled with eccentric locals, pop-culture nods, and small-town antics, each episode feels like a comforting embrace. Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and enjoy the quick-witted banter of the mother-daughter duo, ready to fill the void left by Virgin River.

Where to stream it: Seasons 1-7 are available on Netflix. 

Ginny & Georgia 

Ginny & Georgia resonates with the familiar charm of Gilmore Girls, centering around Georgia, a young mother who moves with her two children, Ginny and Austin, in an attempt to leave behind a painful history.

Following the loss of her husband, Georgia is seeking a fresh start in a new town, mirroring Mel's journey after the trauma of her own husband's death. The series explores reinvention, moving beyond the past, and the inevitable nature of our problems, no matter how hard we try to escape them, eventually catching up to us. However, Virgin River has shown us that things are not always what they appear to be... so be prepared for unexpected surprises.

Where to stream it: Seasons 1-2 are available on Netflix. 

Firefly Lane

Firefly Lane celebrates the enduring and timeless nature of female friendship, following Tully and Kate as they face life's obstacles from their teenage years through to their 40s. Like Virgin River, it delves into the juxtaposition of life's utmost joys alongside heartbreaking and unforeseen challenges.

Though it has light-hearted moments, this series is guaranteed to break your heart and have you reaching for the tissues… be warned!

Where to stream it: Seasons 1-2 are available on Netflix.

Chesapeake Shores

If you're a fan of Virgin River and Hallmark Christmas movies, you'll love Chesapeake Shores. The series follows Abby (Meghan Ory), a high-flyer dealing with a messy divorce who returns to her hometown of Chesapeake Shores with her two daughters. There, she helps her sister Jess restore an inn and rekindles a romance with her former flame, Trace. It's a heartwarming story of second chances and finding happiness after setbacks.

Where to stream it: Seasons 1-6 are available on Netflix.

Schitt’s Creek

Eugene Levy and Dan Levy’s acclaimed sitcom Schitt’s Creek is a masterpiece that everyone should experience. 

Unlike the other entries on this list, the affluent Rose family is reluctantly uprooted from their lavish lifestyle and forced to move to the small, dilapidated town they once bought as a joke after losing their fortune. Frustrated and angry at their new circumstances, this series follows the family as they navigate the challenges and hardships, ultimately coming to realize that losing everything may have been the best thing that ever happened to them.

Packed with clever humor, quick wit, and Catherine O’Hara’s memorable one-liners, it’s a charming and feel-good show. With over 80 episodes to enjoy, why not dive in now?

Where to stream it: Seasons 1-6 are available on Prime Video. 

Hart of Dixie

The storyline of Hart of Dixie closely resembles that of Virgin River, with Dr. Zoe Hart abandoning her unsuccessful career as a heart surgeon in New York to adapt to a rural town life in Alabama.

Similar to Mel, Zoe's new beginning isn't turning out to be as simple as she had hoped. Inheriting a share of her estranged father's local practice, despite her commitment to her career, she is met with hostility from the locals upon her arrival in town.

As time goes on, Zoe gradually gains the respect of her new patients, overcoming their initial rejection when they discover her father's affair with her mother while he was married to another woman. With the added elements of romance and Zoe questioning her decision to move, it's the ideal rival to Virgin River.

Where to stream it: Seasons 1-4 are available on ITVX. 

This Is Us

For an extra dose of Alexandra Breckenridge, tune in to NBC's hit show, This Is Us. Created by Dan Fogelman, the beloved series revolves around the Pearson family, comprised of parents Jack and Rebecca, and their three children, Kevin, Kate, and Randall.

Stream all six seasons of the emotionally riveting drama on Prime Video, where a star-studded cast brings to life a beautiful yet tragic exploration of family traumas, challenges, and triumphs across various time frames. The sensitive and poignant storylines will stay with you long after the 106 episodes have ended.

Virgin River Seasons 1-5 are streaming on Netflix now. Check out our other coverage below:

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I'm always on the lookout for new shows to watch, and I'm excited to see what's next for Virgin River.

I'm particularly interested in Sweet Magnolias, which looks like a heartwarming and charming show about friendship and community. I'm also intrigued by Ginny & Georgia, which seems like a more dramatic and suspenseful show about a family trying to escape their past. Overall, I'm excited to check out all of these shows and see what they have to offer.