As a dedicated cinephile with over four decades of film and television viewing under my belt, I must admit that the longevity and success of shows like “Virgin River” has left me both baffled and amused. On one hand, it’s heartening to see a series resonate with its dedicated audience, providing them with a much-needed escape during these trying times.
While it seems like streaming took over in the blink of an eye, it has been over 25 years since Netflix started streaming movies online to accompany its DVD delivery system. It would not be until 2012 that the company began creating original series, starting with Lilyhammer, which was released on February 6, 2012. A year later, the streaming platform would get its first dose of critical and financial success with the release of House of Cards on February 1, 2013. Original programming would become the bread and butter of Netflix, and now many people associate the platform with shows like Stranger Things, Squid Game, or Wednesday.
Could one ponder what the longest-running original series produced is, considering its long-standing presence in the streaming world and numerous critically-acclaimed titles? On a night of trivia or even the first round of Jeopardy, this question might seem tricky or worth $400. The answer, surprisingly, is Virgin River. How has it persisted, and does it truly deserve this honor? Let’s delve into Netflix’s most tenacious series that managed to outlast numerous other shows that ended prematurely, with its sixth season debut slated for Dec 19, 2024.
What Is ‘Virgin River‘ and How Did It Get So Popular?
In the Netflix Original series titled “Virgin River,” we find ourselves accompanying nurse practitioner Melinda “Mel” Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge), who is seeking a fresh chapter in her life after the passing of her husband, in the small town named Virgin River, California. The show delves into Mel’s relationships with the locals as well as her personal struggles and growth, while also highlighting themes such as community, healing, and the potential for romance with bar owner Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson). This engaging series, based on Robyn Carr’s novels (a total of 21 books), initially adheres to the first novel but has since diverged from its source material over time. It introduces more dramatic elements to Virgin River, like the devastating wildfires that wreaked havoc in season 5.
In the lead roles, we find Alexandra Breckenridge portraying Melinda Monroe, Martin Henderson as Jack Sheridan, Tim Matheson taking on Doc Mullins, Annette O’Toole bringing Hope McCrea to life, and Colin Lawrence as Preacher Middleton. A vibrant ensemble of other actors contribute to the bustling town of Virgin River, a creation penned by Sue Tenney, who is also known for her work on shows like 7th Heaven, Cedar Cove, and Good Witch.
Although Mel’s California peace journey may not be as culturally relevant as other Netflix shows, it has managed to amass a significant following, with approximately 1.3 million households watching the season five premiere during its first four days, as reported by TV analyst site Samba TV. However, due to its older female audience, it doesn’t generate as much buzz in online discussions. Unlike the show The Circle where viewers engage in online conversations, this series is a thoughtfully written soap opera catering to a more mature demographic that isn’t deeply immersed in current online culture trends.
‘Virgin River’ Outlasted Other Great Netflix Shows
Some viewers find it hard to appreciate the ongoing popularity of “Virgin River” because, despite not disliking the show itself, they struggle with the knowledge that something can prosper while so many beloved series have been prematurely ended.
Yet, there are a few things to consider regarding Virgin River‘s longevity. The show is one of Netflix’s cheaper to produce, with season five’s budget between $3 and $5 million per episode (between $30 and $50 million for the season). Compare this to Netflix’s Stranger Things, which has a budget of around $30 million per episode, and the bar for a show’s success can stay stable with a smaller dedicated audience. Virgin River also thrived during the pandemic, offering a bit of escapism for those stuck at home without heavy-handed themes or disturbing elements, as in other shows that were canceled on Netflix when faced with restrictions. Why would Netflix cancel a resilient series with a dedicated fandom that costs less than others?
Does ‘Virgin River’ Deserve the Honor of Being the Longest-running Netflix Show?
A program that manages to attract viewers, regardless of whether it connects with a wider audience beyond a specific niche, truly merits its popularity success. Admittedly, there may be a hint of skepticism among fans who prefer other shows to continue, but this does not diminish the show’s validity in achieving its success. It is understandable that ‘Virgin River’, now Netflix’s longest-running series, has established itself, found its audience, and earned the title; it deserves its position even if it may not appeal to everyone’s tastes. By the way, you can stream ‘Virgin River’ on Netflix.
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2024-12-22 02:05