Beyond the Charm: Martin Henderson’s Honest Take on a Frustrating Aspect of Virgin River

Virgin River has enchanted audiences with its picturesque small-town setting, heartfelt romance, and richly drawn characters since its debut on Netflix in 2019. The series, based on Robyn Carr’s novels, follows the lives of Jack Sheridan, played by Martin Henderson, and Mel Monroe, portrayed by Alexandra Breckenridge, as they navigate love and life in a remote Northern California town. However, even in a show as beloved as this, not everything is perfect behind the scenes. Recently, Martin Henderson opened up about an aspect of Virgin River that he “hates,” offering a rare glimpse into the challenges of filming the series. This article delves into Henderson’s candid revelation, explores its implications for the show’s production, and considers how Virgin River might evolve as it progresses into its seventh season, which began filming in March 2025.

The Frustration Revealed: A Candid Admission

Martin Henderson’s honesty about his frustrations with Virgin River provides a refreshing perspective on the realities of television production. On March 15, 2025, as filming for Season 7 kicked off in Vancouver, Henderson shared a video on Instagram from his trailer on set. While unboxing a gift from Netflix, which included items like rechargeable hand warmers, lip balm, and facial moisturizer, he took a moment to express his dislike for a particular aspect of the filming process. “I can’t tell you—I hate the cold,” Henderson admitted, noting that Vancouver’s chilly weather during the filming period was a significant challenge for him. “If anybody knows anything about me, I hate the cold. And it gets a little chilly in Vancouver at this time of year.”

Honest Perspective

Henderson’s candor pulls back the curtain on the polished final product that viewers see, revealing the less glamorous side of bringing Virgin River to life. While the show is set in the sunny, idyllic Northern California town of Virgin River, its filming location in British Columbia, Canada, often presents starkly different conditions. His admission underscores the physical demands placed on actors, even in a romantic drama that appears effortless on screen.

Relatability

For fans, Henderson’s frustration is relatable. Many viewers, particularly those familiar with Vancouver’s climate, can empathize with the discomfort of working long hours in cold weather. Moreover, his openness about this challenge humanizes him, bridging the gap between the actor and his audience. It’s a reminder that even stars of a globally successful series face everyday struggles.

Sparking Discussion

Henderson’s comment has sparked discussions among fans on social media platforms like X, where some have expressed sympathy for the cast’s working conditions, while others have humorously suggested that the show should relocate its filming to a warmer locale. This dialogue highlights how behind-the-scenes revelations can deepen fans’ connection to a series, prompting them to consider the effort that goes into creating the on-screen magic they love.

The Specific Grievance: A Matter of Environment, Not Story

While some might have expected Henderson’s frustration to center on the show’s narrative—such as its pacing or plotlines—his grievance is more practical. The cold weather in Vancouver, where Virgin River is filmed, has been a recurring challenge for the actor, who hails from New Zealand and has often spoken about his preference for warmer climates.

A Practical Challenge

Vancouver’s weather, particularly from March to June when Season 7 is being filmed, can be notoriously damp and chilly, with temperatures often hovering between 5°C and 15°C (41°F to 59°F). For a show that frequently features outdoor scenes—whether Jack and Mel are hiking, working on their farm, or sharing romantic moments by the river—these conditions can be grueling. Henderson’s mention of the rechargeable hand warmers gifted by Netflix suggests that the production team is aware of the issue and trying to mitigate it, but for an actor who dislikes the cold, it remains a significant hurdle.

Impact on Production

The cold weather doesn’t just affect the cast’s comfort—it can also impact the filming process. Outdoor shoots may need to be rescheduled due to rain or fog, and actors must work harder to convey the warmth and intimacy of Virgin River’s setting while battling the elements. Henderson’s frustration highlights a broader challenge in television production: reconciling a show’s fictional setting with the practical realities of its filming location.

The Challenges of Filming a Long-Running Show: Beyond the Weather

While Henderson’s specific grievance centers on the cold, his comments also shed light on the broader challenges of producing a long-running series like Virgin River, which has now aired six seasons and is Netflix’s longest-running original scripted show as of 2025.

Maintaining Consistency

One challenge is maintaining the consistency of the show’s aesthetic. Virgin River relies heavily on its picturesque setting to create a sense of escapism, but filming in Vancouver requires careful cinematography to transform the often overcast landscape into the sunlit town fans expect. This can add pressure to the production team and cast, who must adapt to unpredictable weather while delivering authentic performances.

Physical and Emotional Demands

The physical demands of filming in less-than-ideal conditions can also take an emotional toll. Henderson himself noted in a later Instagram post on April 2, 2025, that he was “wiped” after a long day of shooting, reflecting the exhaustion that can accumulate over a nearly four-month filming schedule (March 12 to June 26, 2025). For a show that often requires emotional intensity—particularly in Season 7, which explores Mel and Jack’s new life as a married couple—these conditions can make an already demanding job even harder.

Evolving Expectations

Long-running shows must also contend with evolving audience expectations. While Virgin River has been praised for its slow-burn romance and emotional depth, some fans have expressed frustration with certain aspects of the narrative, such as the protracted resolution of plotlines like Charmaine’s disappearance after missing Mel and Jack’s wedding in Season 6. Henderson’s comments about the cold, while unrelated to the story, may resonate with viewers who feel that the show’s production challenges mirror its narrative ones—both require patience and adaptation.

The Future of Virgin River: Adapting to Challenges

As Virgin River moves forward with Season 7, the production team is likely to take steps to address both the practical challenges Henderson highlighted and the broader feedback from fans and cast members.

Mitigating Environmental Challenges

To alleviate the impact of Vancouver’s cold weather, the production team might increase the use of indoor sets or schedule more outdoor scenes for warmer months, though this is constrained by the show’s annual filming timeline. The gift of hand warmers and other cold-weather gear suggests that Netflix is already taking steps to support the cast, but additional measures—like heated tents or more frequent breaks during outdoor shoots—could further improve working conditions.

Addressing Narrative Feedback

While Henderson’s frustration is environmental rather than narrative, the show’s producers are also likely to consider feedback about the story itself. Showrunner Patrick Sean Smith has hinted that Season 7 will explore Mel and Jack’s “honeymoon phase” as they build their life on the farm, introducing new obstacles while maintaining the emotional core of their relationship. This focus on their marriage could provide the narrative momentum some fans have felt was lacking in previous seasons, balancing the show’s signature slow-burn style with a sense of progression.

Introducing New Dynamics

The addition of new cast members like Sara Canning, who plays ex-cop Victoria, and Cody Kearsley, who plays the rugged Clay, may also bring fresh energy to the series. These characters could introduce new conflicts and relationships that shake up the status quo, offering Henderson and the rest of the cast dynamic new material to work with—potentially making the cold weather more bearable through the excitement of new storylines.

Conclusion

Martin Henderson’s candid admission about hating the cold weather while filming Virgin River Season 7 offers a glimpse into the practical challenges of producing a long-running series. His frustration, while specific to the filming environment, underscores the broader difficulties of maintaining a show’s magic under demanding conditions. As Virgin River continues to evolve, the production team is likely to adapt to both environmental challenges and narrative feedback, ensuring that the series retains the emotional depth and charm that have made it a fan favorite. Henderson’s honesty not only fosters a deeper connection with viewers but also highlights the dedication required to bring this beloved story to life—cold weather and all.

Sources: Information about Henderson’s comments and the filming of Season 7 was sourced from various web articles, including his Instagram updates shared via HELLO! Magazine and The Mirror US. Details about the show’s narrative and new cast members were drawn from Netflix Tudum and other entertainment news outlets.