Buckle up, rom-com aficionados and Virgin River die-hards, because Martin Henderson—the brooding bar owner who’s stolen hearts as Jack Sheridan in Netflix’s cozy drama—is flipping the script in a way that’s got everyone talking. Fresh off the heels of Virgin River’s sixth season renewal buzz, Henderson has dive-bombed into uncharted comedic territory with “Madam,” a steamy, side-splitting New Zealand series that’s just landed on Netflix UK and is already creating waves across the pond. Described as an “outrageous fortune vibe” with a dash of empowerment and a whole lot of cheeky humor, this show sees Henderson shedding his small-town hero persona for a role that’s equal parts scoundrel and slapstick. “From heartthrob to hilarious,” as fans are chanting on social media—Henderson breaks all the rules in this bold, boundary-pushing comedy that’s equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and unapologetically provocative.

If you’ve been yearning for something to fill the void between Virgin River episodes, “Madam” might just be your guilty pleasure prescription. Released originally in 2024 on New Zealand’s Three network and now streaming on Netflix in select regions as of early October 2025, the series is a wild ride inspired by a true story of infidelity, debt, and daring entrepreneurship. Henderson, 51, steps into the shoes of Rob Leigh—a cheating husband whose betrayal sparks his wife’s audacious venture into running a female-led brothel in a sleepy Kiwi town. It’s a far cry from the rugged, romantic Jack, and that’s exactly the point. “I’m enjoying shaking things up,” Henderson shared in a recent Instagram post, teasing fans with behind-the-scenes snaps. “Rob’s a bit of a rogue, but there’s heart under the humor.” As the show gains traction globally, with early reviews calling it “underrated gold” and “a breath of fresh air,” let’s dive deep into why this newest update on Henderson’s career is the talk of Tinseltown—and why you need to hit play ASAP.

Martin Henderson: The Kiwi Heartthrob’s Journey from Drama to Comedy

To appreciate Henderson’s hilarious pivot in “Madam,” we must first trace the trajectory of this New Zealand-born actor who’s become Netflix’s go-to guy for swoon-worthy leads. Born October 8, 1974, in Auckland, Henderson kicked off his career in the late ’90s with soap opera roles Down Under, including a stint on Australia’s “Shortland Street” that honed his dramatic chops. Hollywood came calling in the early 2000s: He starred opposite Naomi Watts in the chilling thriller “The Ring” (2002), flexed his action muscles in “Torque” (2004) with Ice Cube, and even romanced Piper Perabo in the rom-com “Perfect Opposites” (2004). But it was his turn as Nathan Riggs on “Grey’s Anatomy” (2015-2017) that catapulted him to heartthrob status—a brooding cardiothoracic surgeon with a tragic backstory that had fans shipping him with Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) from episode one.

Fast-forward to 2019, and Henderson landed the role that defined his Netflix era: Jack Sheridan in “Virgin River,” the adaptation of Robyn Carr’s romance novels. As the bar-owning Marine veteran grappling with PTSD while falling for nurse practitioner Mel Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge), Henderson embodied the ultimate small-town hero—rugged, reliable, and ridiculously romantic. The show, now gearing up for Season 7 with production starting in Vancouver, has amassed billions of viewing hours, turning Henderson into a household name. “Jack’s all about loyalty and love,” Henderson reflected in a 2024 interview. “He’s the guy you’d want in your corner.” Off-screen, Henderson’s life mirrors that grounded charm: A father to a young son, he splits time between L.A. and New Zealand, advocating for mental health and environmental causes while indulging in surfing and motorcycle rides.

But Henderson isn’t one to be typecast. His resume boasts eclectic picks—like the intense thriller “X” (2022) with Mia Goth, or the survival drama “Miracles from Heaven” (2016) opposite Jennifer Garner. “I love variety,” he told Variety in 2023. “Drama pays the bills, but comedy? That’s where the fun is.” Enter “Madam,” a project that caught his eye during a hometown visit. “It was the script’s boldness that hooked me,” he posted on Instagram in October 2025, sharing a selfie from set. “Rob’s a mess—cheating, charming, chaotic. Breaking rules? That’s the thrill.” This role marks his first full-fledged comedy series, showcasing a side of Henderson that’s playful, physical, and perfectly timed for laughs. Fans are already dubbing it his “glow-up from grave to goofy,” proving that at 51, this heartthrob is just hitting his hilarious stride.

“\Martin Henderson as Rob Leigh in Madam, sharing a tense moment with Rachel Griffiths as Mack.”

Introducing “Madam”: The Plot That Breaks All the Rules

At its core, “Madam” is a riotous romp inspired by a real-life New Zealand scandal, blending empowerment, entrepreneurship, and eyebrow-raising escapades into a cocktail that’s as refreshing as it is risqué. The series centers on McKenzie “Mack” Leigh (Rachel Griffiths), a resilient mother of two who discovers her husband Rob’s affair with a sex worker—along with a mountain of debt that’s threatening to bury their family. Desperate but determined, Mack channels her fury into a bold business plan: opening a progressive, women-run brothel in their conservative small town. What follows is a whirlwind of hilarious hijinks, heartfelt moments, and heated encounters as Mack assembles a motley crew of locals to staff her venture, all while navigating community backlash, legal loopholes, and her own evolving sense of self.

The show kicks off with a bang: Mack confronts Rob in a scene that’s equal parts comedic and cathartic, setting the tone for the series’ blend of sharp wit and steamy subplots. As the brothel—dubbed “Madam”—takes shape, episodes delve into the lives of its employees: From a former accountant turned dominatrix to a shy librarian discovering her inner vixen, the cast of characters brings depth to the comedy. Themes of female solidarity shine through, with Mack’s journey echoing real-world stories of women reclaiming power in unconventional ways. “It’s about breaking taboos with a smile,” creator Kate McCartney said in a 2024 presser. “We wanted to make something fun, feminist, and fearless.”

Spanning six episodes in its debut season (with whispers of a Season 2 renewal buzzing after its Netflix debut), “Madam” clocks in at around 45 minutes per installment—perfect for a weekend binge. Filmed in picturesque New Zealand locations like Auckland and rural Waikato, the show’s visuals pop with vibrant greens, quaint cottages, and sun-dappled streets that contrast the characters’ chaotic lives. The soundtrack, a mix of indie Kiwi tunes and cheeky covers, amps up the energy, while the writing—courtesy of McCartney and co-creator Kate McLennan (of “Get Krack!n” fame)—delivers punchlines that land like well-timed slaps.

What sets “Madam” apart is its unapologetic embrace of the absurd. One episode features a disastrous “open house” at the brothel, complete with nosy neighbors and a runaway goat; another explores Rob’s attempts at atonement, leading to hilariously awkward therapy sessions. Yet, beneath the laughs lies a poignant exploration of marriage, forgiveness, and reinvention. “It’s steamy, sure, but it’s also sweet,” Griffiths noted in interviews. “Mack’s not just surviving—she’s thriving.” For Henderson, it’s a chance to flex comedic muscles rarely seen in his dramatic oeuvre, and boy, does he deliver.

Henderson as Rob Leigh: The Cheating Charmer Who Steals the Show

In “Madam,” Martin Henderson’s Rob Leigh is a delicious departure from the stoic heroes fans know and love. Rob is the quintessential flawed husband: Charming on the surface, with a killer smile and a knack for excuses, but underneath lurks a man grappling with his mistakes. The series opens with his affair exposed in spectacular fashion—think hidden receipts, awkward confrontations, and a dash of slapstick as Mack pieces together the puzzle. Henderson infuses Rob with a mix of remorse and roguishness, making him infuriating yet oddly endearing. “He’s not a villain,” Henderson explained on social media. “He’s a guy who’s messed up big time and is trying to find his way back.”

This role allows Henderson to showcase physical comedy that’s worlds away from Jack Sheridan’s brooding bar scenes. Picture Rob fumbling through a “make-up” date gone wrong, complete with allergic reactions and mistaken identities, or awkwardly navigating his wife’s new business empire while confronting his own insecurities. “Martin’s timing is impeccable,” co-star Griffiths praised in a joint interview. “He brings heart to the humor, making Rob someone you root for, even when you want to throttle him.” Indeed, Henderson’s chemistry with Griffiths crackles— their banter feels authentic, laced with the pain of betrayal and the spark of lingering love.

Contrasting sharply with Virgin River, where Jack is the epitome of loyalty (despite his own baggage), Rob’s infidelity arc flips the script. “Jack’s all about protection and passion,” Henderson noted. “Rob’s more chaotic—breaking rules, making mistakes, but learning from them.” This shift has fans reeling: “Seeing Martin as a cheater? Mind-blowing, but hilarious!” tweeted one viewer. Henderson’s performance is a masterclass in versatility, blending physical gags (like a memorable chase scene involving lingerie) with emotional depth, proving he’s not just a heartthrob—he’s a comedic force.

Henderson in a lighter moment as the flawed Rob Leigh.

The Stellar Cast and Creative Team Behind the Laughs

“Madam” boasts a powerhouse ensemble led by Rachel Griffiths as Mack Leigh. The Australian actress, known for “Six Feet Under” and “Brothers & Sisters,” brings gravitas and grit to the role, transforming Mack from betrayed wife to boss babe. “Rachel’s fearless,” Henderson raved. “She makes the outrageous feel real.” Supporting players include Danielle Cormack as a no-nonsense sex worker mentor, Rima Te Wiata as a quirky town elder, and Robbie Magasiva as a bumbling local cop whose investigations add layers of farce.

Behind the camera, creators Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan infuse the show with their signature irreverence, drawing from real events in New Zealand’s sex work industry. Produced by Warner Bros. International Television Production NZ, the series emphasizes female perspectives—most episodes directed by women, with scripts that celebrate empowerment without shying from the messiness. “We wanted to flip the script on brothel stories,” McLennan said. “It’s about women taking control, with laughs along the way.” The result? A show that’s steamy (expect tasteful nudity and innuendo) but never sleazy, balancing humor with heart.

Reception: Fans Hooked on the Hilarious Havoc

Since its Netflix debut in early October 2025, “Madam” has hooked viewers with its bingeable blend of comedy and drama. IMDb ratings hover at 7.8/10, with critics praising its “feel-good, wholesome” vibe amid the raunch. “Hooked from episode one,” raved one reviewer. “The cast is excellent, and it’s underrated gold.” Virgin River fans, in particular, are thrilled: “Martin’s so different—funny and flawed!” posted a Redditor. Social media buzzes with memes of Rob’s mishaps, and petitions for Season 2 are gaining steam after the cliffhanger finale, where Mack’s empire faces a major threat.

Critics echo the enthusiasm: “A breath of fresh air for NZ TV,” noted the Daily Record. The show’s themes of resilience resonate, especially post-pandemic, with viewers calling it “empowering escapism.” Henderson’s performance earns special kudos: “He’s ageing like fine wine,” tweeted a fan. With streaming numbers climbing (Netflix reports a 40% uptick in NZ content views), “Madam” is poised to break out globally.

Henderson and Griffiths in a pivotal scene from Madam.

Breaking Rules: How “Madam” Differs from Henderson’s Past Roles

The genius of “Madam” lies in its subversion of expectations. While Virgin River wraps viewers in cozy romance, “Madam” revels in rule-breaking raunch—brothels instead of bars, betrayals over betrothals. Henderson’s Rob is the antithesis of Jack: Where Jack builds bridges, Rob burns them, leading to comedic gold. “It’s liberating,” Henderson admitted. “No more brooding— just breaking bad with laughs.” This shift highlights his range, from dramatic depth in “Grey’s” to comedic flair here.

The show’s New Zealand setting adds flavor—kiwi slang, stunning landscapes, and cultural nods that differentiate it from American fare. “It’s outrageous but authentic,” Griffiths said. For fans, it’s a thrilling evolution: “Martin’s hilarious side? Chef’s kiss!”

The Future: Season 2 Whispers and Henderson’s Next Moves

With “Madam” ending on a teaser (Mack’s business booms, but a rival looms), fans clamor for more. “Deserves Season 2 after that ending,” one reviewer urged. Netflix hasn’t confirmed, but strong metrics suggest it’s likely. Meanwhile, Henderson juggles Virgin River filming (Season 7 welcomes new cast) and rumored thriller projects. “Comedy’s my new jam,” he hinted.

In a year of reboots, “Madam” stands out as original, outrageous fun. Henderson’s transformation from heartthrob to hilarious rule-breaker? Priceless. Stream it now—your laughter awaits.