The Virgin River Prequel Series Is Confirmed

Who Is Making The Virgin River Prequel?

The Virgin River Prequel Series Story

Virgin River Prequel: Further News & Info

Summary
Netflix expands Virgin River into a franchise with a confirmed prequel series focusing on Mel’s family history.
The prequel series is in the early stages of development and is connected to Virgin River season 6. There is no release or casting info yet.
There’s uncertainty about who’s developing the prequel, with Patrick Sean Smith attached as showrunner.
Netflix’s wildly popular series Virgin River is expanding into a franchise with the announcement of a Virgin River prequel series that will explore the history of the characters. Virgin River is based on the novels by Robyn Carr, and the romantic drama follows nurse Mel as she moves to a remote northern California town to escape the hustle and bustle of big city life. However, upon arriving in the eponymous town, Mel soon learns that the idyllic lifestyle isn’t all it seems to be.

Already stretching into its sixth season on Netflix, Virgin River has been a consistent hit for the platform for over half a decade. Now, Netflix has set its sights on making the Robyn Carr adaptation into a bona fide franchise, and the Virgin River prequel series is intended to flesh out Mel’s family history by exploring the relationship between her parents and the town. Though the timeline of Virgin River is somewhat muddy, the prequel series has the opportunity to connect and expand upon the original show, and could even open the door for more off-shoots in the future.

The Virgin River Prequel Series Is Confirmed
Netflix Is Developing The Prequel
Jack and Mel lean on each other with Everett in the background from Virgin River-1
Though it is still in the early stages, Netflix is officially developing a Virgin River prequel series to explore the relationship between Mel’s biological father, Everett, and her late mother Sarah. While the series is in development, it hasn’t been officially picked up by the streamer and is likely following the pilot process that most network TV shows go through before they reach the airwaves. However, the Virgin River prequel does have a leg up on many newer shows because it will be intrinsically linked to Virgin River season 6 which will reportedly feature flashbacks that connect the two series.

No release information or timeline has been revealed about the prequel just yet, and the cast is also being kept under wraps. It can be assumed that the role of Mel’s father, Everett, will be recast for the prequel since actor John Allen Nelson is more age-appropriate for the character in the modern day. Likewise, a new actor will need to be brought into the franchise to portray Mel’s late mother, Sarah.

Stream Virgin River on Netflix.

Who Is Making The Virgin River Prequel?
Is Anyone From Virgin River Involved?
At this juncture, it is unclear if Sue Tenney will be in charge of developing the Virgin River prequel series. Tenney helped to bring the original series to Netflix, and her involvement would certainly help with continuity. The only creative officially attached to the prequel so far is Patrick Sean Smith who will not only serve as showrunner, but will also be responsible for writing as well (via Variety). More behind-the-scenes personnel will likely be announced as the prequel comes closer to production.

The Virgin River Prequel Series Story
Mel’s Parents Are The Subject Of The Prequel Spinoff
Collage of Virgin River’s Everett Reid looking serious and Mel looking shocked
While most of the details about the Virgin River prequel are still being kept quiet, the basic framework of the story has already been revealed. The show will focus on the relationship between Mel’s mother, Sarah, and her biological father, Everett. Since Mel only learned of her real father’s existence in season 5, the prequel will most likely help to fill in gaps while also connecting the couple to Virgin River.

It is unclear exactly what the show’s conflict will be, but since Everett was ostensibly out of Mel’s life for decades, it’s safe to assume something dramatic happened. It is also uncertain if any Virgin River characters will appear as their younger selves, but it could be assumed that the families of existing characters will play some role in the story. The Virgin River prequel has a lot to work with and could be just the beginning of a larger franchise.