With the announcement of a Virgin River prequel series that would delve into the characters’ pasts, Netflix’s enormously successful series Virgin River is set to become a franchise. Based on Robyn Carr’s novels, Virgin River is a love drama that follows Nurse Mel as she leaves the bustle of large city life to live in a secluded village in northern California.
But Mel quickly discovers that the picture-perfect way of life isn’t what it looks to be after moving to the town of the same name. Virgin River has been a steady popularity for Netflix for more than five years, and it is currently in its sixth season.
To turn the Robyn Carr adaptation into a legitimate franchise, Netflix is now focusing on filling in the gaps in Mel’s family history through the examination of her parent’s relationship with the town in the Virgin River prequel series.
Despite some ambiguity around the timeline of Virgin River, the prequel series has the potential to build upon and connect with the original program. It may even pave the way for other spinoffs down the road.
The Virgin River Prequel Series Is Confirmed
A Virgin River prequel series is officially being developed by Netflix to examine the relationship between Mel’s late mother Sarah and her biological father, Everett, however, it is still in the early stages of development.
Although the series is in development, the streamer hasn’t formally picked it up yet, so it’s probably still going through the pilot phase that most network TV shows go through before they debut.
The Virgin River prequel will, however, have an advantage over many more recent programs because it will be inextricably linked to Virgin River season 6, which is expected to have flashbacks that link the two series. The prequel’s cast is likewise being kept a secret, and neither the release date nor the timeline has been made public yet.
As actor John Allen Nelson is more suited for the character’s present age, it is likely that the role of Mel’s father, Everett, will be replaced for the prequel. Similarly, a fresh performer will have to be added to the series to play Mel’s late mother, Sarah.
Who Is Making The Virgin River Prequel?
Whether Sue Tenney will be in charge of creating the Virgin River prequel series is unknown at this time. Tenney’s involvement would undoubtedly aid in maintaining continuity as she was instrumental in bringing the first series to Netflix. Patrick Sean Smith is the only creative currently officially associated with the prequel.
In addition to his role as showrunner, he will also be authoring the script. A closer look at the behind-the-scenes cast will probably be revealed as the prequel approaches production.
Plot Of The Show
The basic plot of the Virgin River prequel has already been disclosed, even though most of the details are still under wraps. The connection between Mel’s biological father, Everett, and his mother, Sarah, will be the main subject of the episode.
Mel only found out about her biological father in season 5, so the prequel will probably serve to bridge the gap and establish a connection between the couple and Virgin River.
The nature of the show’s conflict is unknown, but given that Everett was purportedly absent from Mel’s life for many years, it is reasonable to conclude that something significant occurred.
It’s also unclear if any Virgin River characters will make an appearance as younger versions of themselves, although it’s likely that the families of the current cast will have some sort of involvement in the narrative. With so much potential, the Virgin River prequel may be the start of a bigger franchise.
