Virgin River fans issue key concerns as first look at Netflix’s 1970s prequel unveiled

Netflix has offered a first look at their possible Virgin River prequel centred around Mel’s parents – but some fans are concerned.

The upcoming sixth season of Virgin River, which will focus on a marriage between Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack’s (Martin Henderson) nuptials, also has another exciting treat in store for fans. The Netflix show will also feature Mel’s late mother Sarah and biological father, Everett, in flashbacks to the 1970s.

Deadline has confirmed the pair will respectively be played by Jessica Rothe and Callum Kerr, with some first-look images hinting at what we’ll see from the characters in season 6. Netflix is introducing the recurring characters while also considering expanding the Virgin River universe with a show that would follow Sarah and Everett’s origin story.

Taking to Reddit, fans shared their thoughts on the idea of a potential prequel, with some voicing their concerns. One lamented: Oh no, not a prequel!!

While another complained: “Whhhhy are they going in this direction?! There are so many good storylines to pick up from Carr’s books.” (sic) The TV show Virgin River is based on a series of novels by author Robyn Carr.

“I’m not sure why VR needs a prequel. Personally, I don’t need/want to know more about the characters’ past…” another fan commented. While others predicted that the prequel was in aid of keeping the world of Virgin River alive for longer.

One speculated: “I suspect it’s a way to keep VR going (if and when this gets picked up) as the current stars will inevitably want to move onto other projects.

“Alexandra Breckenridge had recently stated on IG that information regarding VR would begin to be revealed shortly. This may be the start of it.”

Another added: “They want the spin-off. They can go with some stories from the books as long as they don’t introduce more characters.

“What I really don’t like about the books is that each one introduces new characters. I’d rather continue the stories of existing characters.”

One more person praised the talent in the upcoming sixth season, commenting: “Never watched this show but as Jessica Rothe’s biggest fan I can promise you’re all in for a treat because she is insanely charming and talented.”

It comes after we discovered Everett is Mel’s biological father during the Virgin River Season 5 Christmas special.

Series showrunner Patrick Sean Smith previously teased that season 6 will be exploring “who Everett Reid is, what his backstory is, what his connection to Virgin River was when he met her mom and then also what it is today; the relationship of Everett with the town as well as Everett and Mel.”