In times of such uncertainty and uncontrolled anxiety, we all need the warm blanket of meaningful romances and comforting dramas. Here’s 5 reasons why Netflix’s ‘Virgin River’ is just what you need to soothe your pandemic pangs.
Created by Sue Tenney, ‘Virgin River’ is based on the books of Robyn Carr. The show follows the life of a newly widowed nurse and midwife Melinda Monroe, who runs away from her fast and painful LA life to start afresh in the small, sleepy fictional town of Virgin River.
Highlights —
- ‘Virgin River’ Season 1 struck the right chord
- Reasons to watch Virgin River
- Melinda and Jack are a match made in heaven
- ‘Virgin River’ not your regular cup of sappy romance
Virgin River is not a show you should miss watching this fall. Here are 5 reasons for you to dive right into it:
1/5
Picturesque beauty of British Columbia woodlands
In her book “Virgin River“, author Robyn Carr set the story of Mel and Jack in a small town of Northern California with only 600 people. The redwood trees, against the lofty mountain ranges and pristine lakes, make for a perfectly quaint yet cozy backdrop. According to “Country Living”, the show was actually filmed in parts of British Columbia and Vancouver at locations like Snug Cove in Bowen Island, Burnaby, and Port Coquitlam.
Carr revealed to “Entertainment Weekly” that the fictional town of Virgin River wasn’t just inspired by one single place. She said, “People always write and say, ‘Where is it? I want to go there,’ and I have to remind them that it only exists in our hearts and minds“. Given how we are all stuck at home, the gorgeous scenery of the ‘Virgin River’ is sure to be a treat for your screen-bound eyes.
2/5
The breezy, believable cast
All the performances in the ‘Virgin River’ are very natural and breezy. Starring Alexandra Breckenridge as Mel, Martin Henderson as Jack, Tim Matheson as Doctor Mullins, and Annette O’Toole as Hope, the show manages to deliver honestly, inviting acts. But ‘This is Us‘ famed Breckinridge steals the show with her role as Melinda, showcasing the right amount of charm, vulnerability, and toughness, while settling in an unknown land. Seeing her make way through the close-knit town of Virgin River, fighting and challenging the odds, really instils in you the hope for a better tomorrow.
3/5
The right amount of warmth for the coming winters
Besides being well-acted, the ‘Virgin River’ is also well-written. For a storybook, Hollywood romance, it radiates the right amount of warmth. Creator Sue Tenny gives the much-needed cozy feeling to the show’s viewers, through the romantic relationships gradually brewing between the leads. Sans any hardcore dramatic tension, the show is squeaky clean and a comfortable watch, making it the perfect escape!
Carr also seemed impressed with Tenny’s adaptation of her books. In an interview with “Forbes”, Carr said, “They came up with some new ideas and storylines, some of which I found myself saying, ‘Damn, I wish I’d thought about that. That’s a pretty good angle, it’s innovative'”.
4/5
Explores serious subjects besides romance
Besides being a feel-good, romantic series, ‘Virgin River’ explores serious, relatable themes like miscarriage, death, and loss. The show makes you feel a rollercoaster of emotions: grief, happiness, annoyance, peace, and a few sobs here and there. In this era of reality TV, author Carr believes a show like ‘Virgin River’ was long overdue.
She told “EW.Com”, “I think we’re heartily sick of reality TV. We really want a good, solid story that we can relate to”. According to her, what makes ‘Virgin River’ different is how the characters have real problems and real issues that will definitely resonate with the show’s viewers.
5/5
Robyn Carr is an author you can trust
Robyn Carr’s romance series ‘Virgin River’ comprises 20 books. Being one of Carr’s most successful series, the publication has sold more than 13 million copies worldwide.
Carr has been very open about her expectations from the show and also assured her fans that Tenny’s ‘Virgin River’ is a must-watch. She told “The Washington Post”, “It’s so exciting to be a part of the romance genre movement taking place in Hollywood. I’ve been telling my readers to think of it as a brand new Virgin River adventure with your favourite characters”.
With the instant success of season 1, ‘Virgin River’ was renewed for season 2 by Netflix and is scheduled to release on 27 November 2020. These were our 5 reasons to watch the ‘Virgin River’. Tell us about yours in the comments below!
