While fans eagerly await the romantic twists of Virgin River Season 9, Netflix has dropped a bombshell announcement: a new spin-off series titled Virgin River: Origins is officially in development — and it’s unlike anything we’ve seen before.

Set in the late 1800s, the series will trace the founding of Virgin River, exploring the generational secrets, blood feuds, and impossible romances that shaped the now-iconic town.

“We’ve always hinted at Virgin River’s rich history,” said showrunner Patrick Sean Smith. “Now we’re finally opening the door to the past — and it’s darker, wilder, and more dramatic than anyone imagined.”

A Western Drama With Modern Emotion

Virgin River: Origins will follow Catherine Monroe, a trail-hardened nurse and ancestor of Mel, who arrives in a rugged settlement nestled by the river’s bend, determined to start a new life. What she finds instead is a town on the edge of chaos — torn by land disputes, personal vendettas, and a brewing gold rush.

Among the central characters:

Thomas McCrea, a former Union soldier turned town doctor (great-grandfather of Doc Mullins)

Edwin Sheridan, a saloon owner and ex-outlaw with a buried past

Margaret Hope, an ambitious schoolteacher whose ideals clash with local politics

Each episode will reveal how familiar names like Monroe, Mullins, Sheridan, and Hope first came to Virgin River — and what they had to sacrifice to stay.

A New Cast, With Echoes of the Original

While the spin-off features an entirely new cast, early reports suggest the same actors from the main series will appear in dream sequences or narration, helping bridge the timeline.

“It’s not just a prequel. It’s a legacy piece,” said executive producer Sue Tenney. “The choices made in the 1800s will echo across generations — and into Season 9 of the main show.”

Casting rumors are already buzzing. British actress Florence Pugh is reportedly in talks to play Catherine Monroe, while rising star Diego Calva (Babylon) is eyed for the role of Edwin Sheridan.

Grit, Romance, and Frontier Justice

Described by Netflix as “Little House on the Prairie meets Yellowstone with the emotional weight of Virgin River,” the new series will explore early settler life, the formation of Virgin River’s community values, and the roots of its romantic tradition — all against the backdrop of lawlessness, nature, and survival.

Key story arcs include:

A forbidden romance between two rival families

The founding of the original Virgin River clinic

A mysterious death that sparks the town’s first trial

The town’s confrontation with railroad developers and gold speculators

Filming Locations and Production Timeline

Production is set to begin in Fall 2025 across British Columbia and Alberta, with key scenes shot on historic pioneer sets. Authentic 1800s costumes and props are being sourced in collaboration with the Canadian Museum of History.

The show will premiere on Netflix in 2026, following the conclusion of Virgin River Season 9 — allowing both shows to share narrative echoes.

Fan Buzz: “This Is the Origin Story We Didn’t Know We Needed”

The announcement has electrified the Virgin River fandom.

@VirginRiverLore: “I always wondered who started the clinic… now I’m screaming.”

@RiverRootsFan: “Give me gunfights, corsets, and generational secrets. I’m all in.”

Final Word

With Virgin River: Origins, Netflix isn’t just expanding a franchise — it’s turning Virgin River into a full-fledged multigenerational saga. Expect drama. Expect romance. And expect a deeper understanding of the town we all fell in love with.

The river may be calm today. But it was once forged in fire.