Virgin River spoilers follow.
The return of Netflix's Virgin River is coming up around the bend, and as can be expected the lives of its characters are far from similar to its picturesque rural backdrop. Seriously, someone take us there, who wouldn't fall in love in a place like that?
But Mel Monroe's life is proving just more and more complicated – and with a baby on the way, her life is about to be flipped upside down in a way she's never imagined.
So what lies ahead of her, Jack, and the baby (which may or may not be his?)
Here's everything you need to know about the show's impending return.
Virgin River season 4 release date: When will it air?
Virgin River season four will be hitting our screens on July 20, 2022 – so save the date, binge watchers!
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As well as this, season five was confirmed at the same time as season four, so fans already know they have more episodes to look forward to.
"[With] everything that's been going on in the world, people more and more [are] looking for, not just that comfort, but also that feeling of hope and that feeling of community," Jinny Howe, Netflix's VP of original series, told USA Today of the major renewal.
It's hardly surprising, seeing as the melodrama's series has charmed audiences around the world. According to stats site FlixPatrol, the show has been in Netflix's top 10 fairly consistently throughout its run, amounting to almost two months in the chart with some territories including the US (53 days), Canada (57 days) and the Netherlands (78 days).
"There is a sense of connection and intimacy that you have on the show that people crave in their own relationships," said Alexandra Breckenridge (Mel) of the show's success. "During the pandemic, you're not experiencing that as much, and so that connection became something people were craving."
Virgin River season 4 cast: Who's in it?
Judging by the synopsis and the major players to return:
• Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge)
• Jack (Martin Henderson)
• John (Colin Lawrence)
• Charmaine (Lauren Hammersley)
• Doc (Tim Matheson)
• Hope (Annette O'Toole)
• Brady (Benjamin Hollingsworth)
• Brie (Zibby Allen)
• Lizzie (Sarah Dugdale)
• Ricky (Grayson Gurnsey)
Tragically, Lilly (Lynda Boyd) took her last breath in season three due to pancreatic cancer, but Boyd has confirmed that conversations about bringing her character back for season four have taken place.
"When I did have that chat that day with those producers, they said that the plan was to bring me back in flashbacks – like Mel's husband, her dead husband," she said (via Radio Times).
Virgin River season 4 plot: What will happen?
The official details of season four have been dropped by Netflix already and as can be expected, there's drama.
"Despite not knowing whether her baby belongs to her deceased husband, Mark, or Jack, Mel has a sense of optimism. For years she yearned to be a mother, and her dream is one step closer to reality," the synopsis reads.
"While Jack is supportive and excited, the question of paternity continues to gnaw at him.
"Complicating matters is the arrival of a handsome new doctor, who's in the market to start a family of his own," the description continues.
"Hope is still healing from her car accident, and the lingering psychological effects of her brain injury will have profound consequences for both her and Doc.
"Brie, intent on proving the innocence of the man she loves, unexpectedly finds herself in a closer relationship with Mike and one step closer to Calvin's violent criminal web.
"Even as Preacher forges a new romantic connection, he can't help but hold out hope for being reunited with Christopher and Paige."
At least we now know Hope is on the mend after that car crash – but just how much will it affect her and Doc?
Showrunner Sue Tenney also confirmed to TV Line that viewers will find out the father of Mel's baby by the end of the season run.
But if the baby isn't Jack's, what does that mean for the couple? Melissa Breckenridge warns this could be a massive hurdle for the pair.
"It would be immensely difficult," she told E! News. "That would be extremely challenging, especially for Jack. If he's going to stick around, if he's devoted to Mel, that's going to be hard, to have a baby that's her dead husband's baby. That's just, like, asking a lot."
Virgin River season 4 trailer: When can I watch?
Unfortunately, theres currently no official trailer for Virgin River season four just yet – although we have no doubt that it will be on its way soon, with a month to release date.
Keep checking back in here and we'll fill you in as soon as we see more.
Promise!
Virgin River is available to stream now on Netflix.
Mills & Boon Temptation Ridge (A Virgin River Novel, Book 6)
TV writer, Digital Spy Janet completed her Masters degree in Magazine Journalism in 2013 and has continued to grow professionally within the industry ever since. For six years she honed her analytical reviewing skills at the Good Housekeeping institute eventually becoming Acting Head of Food testing. She also freelanced in the field of film and TV journalism from 2013-2020, when she interviewed A-List stars such as Samuel L Jackson, Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson. In 2021 she joined Digital Spy as TV writer where she gets to delve into more of what she loves, watching copious amounts of telly all in the name of work. Since taking on the role she has conducted red carpet interviews with the cast of Bridgerton, covered the BAFTAs and been interviewed by BBC Radio and London Live. In her spare time she also moonlights as a published author, the book Gothic Angel.
Freelance writer, Digital Spy
Tilly is Gold-Standard NCTJ accredited journalist with eight years of experience in entertainment journalism.
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