Who doesn’t love a long-running show that is easy to stream on Netflix and has lovable characters? Well, there is a series on the streaming platform that used to be admired, but after its newest season was released only recently, the love for it is slowly starting to fade away. Based on Robyn Carr’s novel series of the same name, Virgin River follows Mel, a big-city nurse who moved to a small town to start over after she tragically lost her husband and unborn baby. Virgin River’s bar owner, Jack, turns her life upside down, as he is dedicated to showing her the beautiful sides of countryside life.

First released in 2019, Virgin River consists of six seasons, and there is no end in sight. Just like with any long-running show, viewers are forming different opinions, and Virgin River has lately been on the receiving end of some negative statements. In general, there are many occasions in which the criticism is justified, but, in this case, fans are missing the point of Netflix’s Virgin River, and here’s why.

What Happens in ‘Virgin River’ Season 6?

The sixth season of Virgin River is fundamentally all about the lead-up to Mel and Jack’s wedding, which has turned into a whole town event. There is basically no one who isn’t involved in some way, which is also why finishing building the couple’s ranch to host everyone is one of the main priorities. At the same time, Mel is busy getting used to her new birth center right next to Doc’s clinic and trying to find and form a stronger connection with her biological dad. Even though Mel and Jack are the main couple in Virgin River, numerous other characters voluntarily or involuntarily cause drama and chaos.

Jack’s sister, Brie, is in a happy relationship with Mike, but her feelings for her ex-boyfriend, Brady, who is also being scammed by his new flame, lead her to make poor decisions. Even Preacher and Kaia are facing difficult times, as Preacher’s past finally caught up to him, and a prison sentence is looming over his head. Doc and Hope are somehow always in the middle of some drama. Whether it’s the potential loss of Doc’s license, an unexpected rift between him and Mel, or Hope’s constant meddling, these two probably don’t know what peace and quiet means. Well, and then there is the shocking ending of Virgin River Season 6, which might change Mel and Jack’s future forever.

The Lack of Major Drama in ‘Virgin River’

Netflix obviously offers a great variety of exciting movies and series in different genres, but, as it is completely normal with these types of things, not everyone is on the same page and shares the same opinion. Netflix’s longest-running hit series is no exception, but it is safe to say that some previous fans seem to have missed the point of Virgin River after the first few seasons.

Virgin River is known for having seasons that are heavier on the drama side and others that feature more lighthearted moments. Season 6 seemingly triggered something because the complaints about the series lacking any sort of major drama are piling up. Previous seasons have had some life-changing moments, and Virgin River’s most shocking plot twists and cliffhangers drastically changed the character’s fates quite a few times. Whether it was burying a body and later being caught, a major character’s near-death experience, heartbreaking loss, or life-changing news, the romantic drama series on Netflix has had a lot of insane moments in store. Still, it isn’t quite enough for some fans.

‘Virgin River’ Is a Comfort Show

Maybe it is because Virgin River already has a respectable number of seasons attached to its name, but somehow, some fans seem to have forgotten what it is actually about. The Netflix hit series is a comfort show, first and foremost, and the entire goal is to draw viewers in, wrap them in a warm blanket, cozy up as they connect with their favorite characters and root for them, and occasionally have a higher pulse when some drama is brought in.

The goal of Virgin River isn’t to be anxiety-inducing in each and every episode or trigger viewers with monumental drama in each season. The romantic drama series is all about creating a safe space for anyone who needs it and offering them a show which actually allows them to switch off and escape their own life for a while without causing even more stress. Sometimes, it’s just wholesome to be able to enjoy a show that is actually relatable with its small-town problems or realistic arguments and real-life traumas while simultaneously highlighting the very real, beautiful moments. Virgin River is drama, yes, but it is predominantly joy, fun, love, and comfort. Let’s not forget that, and enjoy the upcoming Season 7 of Virgin River for what it is. Virgin River is available to stream on Netflix.