Virgin River, the latest Netflix hit, fits perfectly in both the escapism and easy binge categories that have dominated this year’s top TV shows. In just two seasons, viewers have already been treated to a slew of forbidden romances, love triangles, secret twins, hidden identities, tragic backstories, cartoonish villains, and mysterious acts of violence in the show.
In the meantime, we can only rewatch the first two seasons and ponder the shocking season two finale while we wait for the news of a third season renewal. So, if you’ve had your fill of Virgin River, California, then check out these 9 shows that capture the same combination of heartwarming small-town life and low- to the mid-stakes drama that first got you invested in the lives of its residents.
So let’s dive into the post and discover the best shows like Virgin River to watch before the arrival of the next season.
Virgin River season 4 coming on Netflix
Shows Like Virgin River to Watch Right Now
We’ve already talked about a few shows that are sure to please viewers. The plots of each of these shows are different, but they share some similarities with Virgin River. They are, however, well worth the time and attention. What are we waiting for?
1. This Is Us
While Alexandra Breckenridge, who played Mel on Virgin River, appears in a number of episodes of this heartbreaking family drama, we’ve chosen to include it here because of the many similarities between the two shows. The Pearson family is the focus of This Is Us, which follows them through various stages of their lives.
Addiction, grief, and growing up as a Black child adopted by white parents are all explored in this show. Even Breckenridge, a true master of romance storylines, has a role in one of the many romantic subplots. Kevin (Justin Hartleychildhood )’s sweetheart turned ex-wife is played by her, and the two have a number of tender moments together. This one has a lot of melodrama, but in a way that fans of Virgin River will enjoy. For Allison Picurro.
2. Hart of Dixie
Hart of Dixie stars Rachel Bilson as Dr. Zoe Hart, who moves to Bluebell, Alabama, to become the town physician after failing to achieve her goal of becoming a heart surgeon in New York City. In the four seasons of the CW show, Zoe’s dramatic backstory and love triangle were explored, while her small-town friends and neighbors also had their own stories to tell.
3. Maid
A young woman, in both “Virgin River” and the upcoming Netflix series “Maid” (due out in 2021), is trying to start over after a traumatic experience during her formative years. “Maid,” on the other hand, plunges its protagonist into the social and bureaucratic nightmare of living in poverty in the United States.
Margaret Qualley (“Once Upon a Time…In Hollywood”) portrays Alex Russell, a young mother fleeing an abusive relationship with only the clothes on her and her daughter’s backs, in “Maid,” which is based on Stephanie Land’s memoir of the same name.
Andie McDowell, the real-life mother of Qualley, and Billy Burke star in this comedy about a young single mother trying to make ends meet while dealing with her own dysfunctional family and the bureaucratic red tape that comes with applying for government assistance programmes. Molly Smith Metzler’s cast, led by Qualley, McDowell, and Anika Noni Rose as Alex’s wealthy boss, bring levity to the bleak realities of the working poor.
4. Outlander
Let’s jump on our next show like Virgin River. There’s no better place to find a heart-stopping romance than Starz’s Outlander. When Claire Randall and her husband Tobias Menzies go on vacation to Scotland in 1945, she accidentally travels back in time to 1743, where she falls in love with a rugged Highlander named Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan). In a similar vein to Mel’s work, Claire uses her medical training to help those in need, but the show’s real draw is the enduring romance between Claire and Jamie.
5. Heartland
Heartland is a small-town-themed series. You should watch this if you’re looking for a lengthy video to watch online. When Amy’s mother is killed in an accident, she makes a pact with God that she will carry on treating injured horses. As soon as her father and sister from New York arrive, everything changes for her.
6. Sweet Magnolias
Small-town drama is a specialty of Netflix’s. Virgin River follows a group of long-term friends as they deal with the fallout of a public divorce, the desire to start a family, and the impact of long-standing trust issues, all while working together to open a spa. The second season has already been renewed for release in 2021 after the show’s first one ended on a cliffhanger reminiscent of “Virgin River.”
7. Call The Midwife
While the show’s romantic undertones initially entice viewers, the medical subplots and Mel’s expertise as a midwife only serve to heighten the emotional stakes. This period drama from the BBC is an excellent alternative to Grey’s Anatomy for fans of the medical genre looking for something different.
Midwives in London in the 1950s and 60s are featured in the long-running series, which cleverly incorporates discussions of social, cultural, and economic issues into its storylines. In each episode, some aspect of love is examined.
8. Gilmore Girls
Is this a small town? Check. Small-town residents, who are a little eccentric? Check. The protagonists are all women? Check. A mother-daughter relationship is at the heart of Gilmore Girls, and the dialogue is cranked up to maximum speed. What else could you possibly want?
9. Everwood
Life for world-renowned brain surgeon Dr. Andrew Brown was forever changed when his wife passed away following their divorce. The father of Delia and Ephram is relocating his family from Manhattan to Everwood, Colorado, where his late wife had family ties. He is also closing his successful medical practice.
Follows the family’s transition to small-town life and the children’s relationships with their peers, in terms of friendship and romance. The show is set in a small town.
Shows Like Virgin River – Final Thoughts
The following shows are recommended for fans of Virgin River. Please feel free to share some of your favorite shows with us in the space provided below. Virgin River-like products are available. Enjoy binge-watching to the fullest!
