Virgin River fans have been voting for their favourite shows to watch in place of the Netflix series, which returns soon for its seventh season.
Virgin River enthusiasts have been rating their favourite comparable programmes during the ongoing break, and the leading choice may come as a shock.
Netflix’s popular romantic drama follows nurse practitioner Mel Monroe (portrayed by Alexandra Breckenridge) as she moves to a quiet Northern California town after experiencing tragedy.
She rapidly develops a connection with local pub owner and ex-Marine Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson), and together they’ve navigated numerous personal struggles across six series to date.
Adapted from Robyn Carr’s cherished book collection, the show has established itself as Netflix’s most enduring English-language programme since launching in 2019, with two additional outings currently being developed.
Before the eagerly awaited seventh instalment arrives either later this year or in early 2026, supporters have flocked to Reddit to identify the finest programmes offering a comparable small-town atmosphere, reports the Mirror US.
One user shared a compilation of nine programmes and commented: “Finished Season 6 and damn I’m seriously mourning right now.
“I made a list, so please help me rank the top 3 shows that exactly give Virgin River vibes. Thanks!”
Their selection featured Chesapeake Shores, Sullivan’s Crossing, Ransom Canyon, Sweet Magnolias, Hart of Dixie, Heartland, Gilmore Girls, Cedar Cove and Everwood.
Whilst most programmes mentioned garnered appreciation from at least one supporter in the responses, one rather unexpected selection received the greatest backing.
One Reddit user simply declared: “hart of dixie!!!” A second enthused: “Hart of Dixie!! Best show ever. Dare I say better than VR? (I love vr so this is saying a lot).”
Another fan responded with nostalgia: “I was absolutely obsessed with this show, I wish I bought the series on dvd back then!”
“Hart of Dixie! It’s a gem,” declared another viewer, adding: “And Doc is still the Doc!”
Echoing the vibes of Virgin River, the CW drama Hart of Dixie centres around the driven Zoe Hart (Rachel Bilson), who relocates to the make-believe town of Bluebell, Alabama to work as a GP after her aspirations to be a heart surgeon fall through.
Her arrival sparks emotions for local solicitor George Tucker (Scott Porter), much to the chagrin of his betrothed, Lemon Breeland (Jaime King), who concocts schemes to send Zoe packing.
As if the plot isn’t enticing enough, the cast includes Virgin River’s Tim Matheson, who plays another medic, Brick Breeland, Lemon’s dad.
For those in the States, there’s good news – all four seasons of Hart of Dixie are up for grabs for free on ITVX.
So, will you be switching over to the ideal Virgin River alternative this week?
