Netflix’s beloved romantic drama Virgin River is stirring the waters once again, this time with the announcement of an upcoming prequel series. But the news has sparked intense debate among fans,

leaving some thrilled at the prospect while others remain skeptical—questioning whether the spinoff is truly necessary. In a recent interview with Variety, showrunner Patrick Smith offered

the first glimpse into what viewers can expect from the prequel. According to Smith, the series will center on Mel Monroe’s (Alexandra Breckenridge) parents, Sarah and Everett,

portrayed by Jessica Rothe and Callum Kerr, respectively. Fans were first introduced to the pair in flashback sequences during Season 6, and now, their romantic journey is set to take center stage in a series of its own.

Smith elaborated that the spinoff will explore “not just the romance of Sarah and Everett, but also the origins of Virgin River in the 1970s.” This framing promises a nostalgic trip back in time, offering a glimpse at the small-town dynamics, challenges, and secrets that shaped the Virgin River audiences know today. From the conception of its first medical clinic to the interpersonal dramas that laid the groundwork for the town’s later generations, Smith suggests that the series will offer a deeper look at the town’s history, beyond the perspective of the current characters.

However, reaction among Virgin River fans has been mixed at best. On social media platforms such as Reddit and Twitter, viewers expressed skepticism about the necessity of a series centered on Mel’s parents. One Reddit user bluntly asked, “Why are they making a prequel based off Mel’s parents? She’s not even a likable character. At least make one about Doc starting his practice or his past in the town.”

Others echoed that sentiment, criticizing the flashback sequences from Season 6, which had provided a brief introduction to Sarah and Everett. “The flashbacks were a snooze-fest this season. The thought of a spin-off based on those two is just ‘NO THANKS,’” wrote one commenter. Another added, “Those flashbacks were horribly boring. I felt like the writers were grasping at straws on that one and should’ve just not done it. It was also dumb and not remotely believable.”

Fan frustration extended to the prequel concept as a whole, with some suggesting that other characters or storylines would have made for more compelling television. “Yeah!! A prequel about Doc, or about Virgin River at the beginning, would be much better. I hate that Mel’s parents show up… after that, IMO, the whole series is sinking,” said one user. Another expressed disdain in more colorful terms: “Who on God’s green earth gives a F*** about Mel’s parents, bro? Like, I’m not watching that bulls***  They were planting the seeds in this new season for it and yeah, no thanks—it’s hot garbage.”

Critics of the prequel also pointed out the wealth of untapped material in the Virgin River novels by Robyn Carr. “So odd. They have such good source material—which they are ignoring,” lamented one fan, underscoring the tension between the Netflix adaptation and the original literary universe.

Despite the backlash, there were also voices defending the upcoming series. Some viewers reminded others that the prequel is designed to spotlight Mel’s parents, not Mel herself. “You said it yourself… Mel’s parents, not Mel,” a commenter wrote. “Not sure if it’s a ‘winner,’ but they do seem to have an interesting story.”

Others highlighted that the spinoff could naturally include familiar faces from the main series, given the small-town setting. “He might well be part of it. They live in Virgin River and everyone knows each other there. Also, it’s not about Mel really,” suggested one fan, pointing out that the narrative could remain interconnected with the larger story.

Meanwhile, not everyone is convinced that other character-focused spinoffs would fare any better. A segment of the audience voiced disinterest in a Doc-based prequel, citing his long-winded backstory about starting his practice decades ago. “Doc goes on so much about starting the practice 30 years ago on his own… he bores the hell out of me! Couldn’t bear that man to get even MORE time!” wrote one viewer, demonstrating that fan opinion is far from monolithic.

Other fans defended Mel as a central figure in the Virgin River universe, emphasizing that the story remains inherently tied to her experiences, even if the prequel focuses on her parents. “You may not find [Mel] likable, but the VR story IS about her,” a supporter countered, underlining that the prequel is intended as a contextual expansion rather than a replacement of the main narrative.

Since its Netflix premiere on December 6, 2019, Virgin River has captivated audiences with its mix of romance, small-town intrigue, and medical drama. Based on Robyn Carr’s novels, the story follows Mel Monroe, who arrives in Virgin River seeking a fresh start as a midwife and nurse practitioner. While she initially envisions the town as a peaceful retreat, Mel quickly discovers that life in Virgin River is far more complicated—and that love, loss, and loyalty are never as simple as they seem.

The prequel series represents a bold move for the franchise, delving into the past to reveal the roots of the town and the relationships that define it. By exploring Sarah and Everett’s romance and the foundational events of the 1970s, the spinoff has the potential to enrich the Virgin River mythos, offering fans a deeper understanding of the Quartermain-style family dynamics, town politics, and interpersonal conflicts that have long driven the main series’ storylines.

Yet, as the online debates demonstrate, the success of this venture may hinge on its execution. Fans are vocal about their expectations: they want compelling drama, character depth, and storylines that feel relevant to the series they already love. A misstep could alienate even the most dedicated followers, while a well-crafted exploration of Virgin River’s past could reinvigorate interest and draw in a broader audience.

The mixed reaction also raises questions about adaptation choices. While the novels provide a rich tapestry of characters and histories, the Netflix adaptation must balance fan expectations with fresh storytelling. By focusing on Sarah and Everett, the series may take risks that challenge the audience’s attachment to Mel’s present-day storyline, forcing viewers to invest in characters they’ve only briefly seen.

As production gears up, anticipation and apprehension are building. Will the prequel deliver the romance, intrigue, and heart that fans crave? Or will it stumble under the weight of familiar faces revisited in new contexts? Only time will tell. One thing is certain: Virgin River continues to provoke conversation and debate, proving that even small-town drama can generate big emotions.

For now, fans are divided—some excited to see new dimensions of Virgin River’s past, others dreading what they see as a detour from the main storyline. The question lingers across forums and comment sections alike: can a series about Mel’s parents capture the same magic as the original, or is this prequel destined to join the ranks of unnecessary spin-offs?

Netflix has yet to announce a release date, but the anticipation is already palpable. Whether viewers ultimately embrace or reject this journey into Virgin River’s origins, one thing is clear: the franchise remains a force in streaming entertainment, capable of inspiring intense debate, passionate fandom, and unwavering curiosity about life in the picturesque—but often dramatic—town of Virgin River.