Netflix's binge-worthy series Virgin River is back earlier than fans had anticipated - just six months after the second season was released by the streaming giant.
Based on Robyn Carr's hit book series, Virgin River transports viewers to the idyllic small town of Virgin River in the mountains of California (which are actually on a set in Canada). It predominantly follows the complicated romance between Melinda Monroe, a widowed nurse-practitioner from LA, and Jack Sheridan, an ex-Marine who owns the main bar in town
But it isn't all plain-sailing in a small town. During the first season, Mel soon realises she hasn't completely escaped the guns and gangs of LA, as she becomes acquainted with the squatter communities living on Marijuana camps in the woods.
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She learns that the townspeople have an understanding with the squatters, who have to keep their distance and not bring any harm to the town in exchange for a peaceful coexistence. As part of that agreement, Doc and Mel have to provide medical treatment to the drug growers and in one episode, Mel is held up at gunpoint to treat the man in charge, Calvin.
Jack always seems to come to the rescue just in the knick of time though, which is what makes this such a heartwarming and addictive series.
Here's everything you need to know about season 3.
Virgin River season 1 & 2 recap
After giving birth to a stillborn daughter and then losing her husband in a shooting in LA, Mel Monroe decides to pack up her life as an ER nurse and start afresh in the rural town of Virgin River, where there is only one doctor and now, her.
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Mel doesn't receive the warmest of welcomes from the old Doc who insists he doesn't need any help. But throughout the episodes, as the two deal with some rather unique medical emergencies together, they come to rely on each other.
Mel, still mourning for her husband Mark, is reluctant to accept that she has feelings for Jack Sheridan, the owner of the main bar in town. But throughout the series, we see her walls begin to break down - and it has you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
But just as you think everything will be okay, something tries to tear them apart.
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A spanner is thrown in the works by Jack's ex-girlfriend Charmaine, who discovers she is pregnant. To make matters worse, Mel, being the only qualified person with her speciality in midwifery, has to treat Charmaine's acute morning sickness, all while dealing with Charmaine hating her guts for 'stealing Jack.'
If Jack and Mel's drama isn't enough for you, there's plenty more from the other characters. Preacher, Jack's right-hand man and army buddy, discovers a dark secret about local cafe owner Paige's past.
There's also young Ricky, who works for Jack and lives with his grandmother after his parents died in an accident. He starts to get into trouble for having sex with Lizzie, the beautiful girl-next-door who's been shipped from LA to live with her old fuddy-duddy aunt Connie in Virgin River after getting in with the wrong crowds.
At the end of season 2 (spoiler alert), Jack and Mel admit that they love one another, despite life's complications, and just as the two fall head over heels, Jack is shot after closing time at the bar. We know he had some beef with the drug growers in the area - so could it have been one of them?
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We're left on a massive cliffhanger as Jack is on the floor barely conscious and Mel, having walked in and discovered him lying there, tries desperately to keep him alive.
Virgin River season 3 trailer
Virgin River season 3 has everything we'd hoped for and more. It looks like the series stays true to the plot of Robyn Carr's book and - you can stop holding your breath - Jack survives - phew!
Describing the dramatic new instalment, Netflix says: "Mel Monroe and her loved ones are back and facing all sorts of troubles: death, a fire, custody arguments, breakups and more. "
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Have a look in the video player below.
Virgin River season 3 release date on Netflix
Good news - Virgin River, which was originally anticipated to come out in October/November comes to Netflix on Friday 9th July 2021.
You'll be able to binge on the entire new season from midnight on 9th July.
Virgin River Cast
Virgin River stars Alexandra Breckenridge (She's the Man) as Mel Monroe and Martin Henderson (Grey's Anatomy) as Jack Sheridan.
They're joined by the following cast members:
- Tim Matheson as Doc Mullins
- Annette O'Toole as Hope McCrea, the town's mayor and the Doc's ex-wife
- Laura Hammersley as Charmaine, Jack's ex
- Collin Lawrence as John Middleton, aka 'Preacher'
- Lexa Doig as Paige Lassiter (whose real name, we discover, is Michelle)
- Grayson Maxwell Gurnsey as Ricky
- Sarah Dugdale as Lizzie
- David Cubbitt as Calvin, the drug lord
- Ben Hollingdworth as Dan 'Brady' Brady, an ex-veteran who worked alongside Jack and now works for Calvin.
Virgin River season 3 new characters
There are also some new faces for season 3, namely Charmaine's new boyfriend, Todd, played by Patrick Sabongui (Homeland).
There could also be a new boy in town which threatens the teenage romance between Lizzie and Ricky. Could Parker (The Magicians star Markian Tarasiuk) steal her away?
We also meet the first relative of Jack's in the upcoming season - Brie, who's played by Grey's Anatomy's Zibby Allen.
Virgin River seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream now on Netflix if you fancy getting up to speed.
We can't wait to see what happens in the new series - and if there'll be a season 4.
Featured Image Credit: NetflixTopics: TV and Film, Netflix