The world of Virgin River is about to grow even bigger, as showrunner Patrick Sean Smith announces plans to expand the beloved Netflix show with a prequel series.
The upcoming prequel will follow the narrative of the complicated romance of Mel’s parents, Everett and Sarah, whose story was briefly teased during Virgin River ’s sixth season.
Viewers were introduced to a younger version of the couple through a series of flashbacks set in the 1960’s, which has set the scene for the prequel.
According to the showrunner, the prequel will initially be set in the 1960s, the era when Everett and Sarah’s love story began. It will remain “romance-forward” and “character-based” while exploring the cultural and social issues of the time.
“It was always the plan that this could potentially be a backdoor pilot, introducing this new timeline,” Smith told Variety ahead of the show’s season 6 release.
The story of the prequel began when Mel went on a search for her biological father, Everett, before quickly discovering that he had been living in Virgin River all along.
Although Season 6 focused on Mel and Jack’s wedding plans, it also explored Mel’s relationship with her father, setting the scene for the upcoming prequel.
“We wanted to dissect more of Everett and Sarah’s relationship, not just their romance but also the origins of Virgin River itself in the 1970s” Patrick expressed.
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Although fans seem to be conflicted with news of Everett and Sarah’s spin off show, taking to Reddit to share their opinion, with one writing: “I’m struggling to think of a need for a an actual multi episode season, unless it’s like a 4 part mini series or something, or 6 episodes. I don’t know.”
Another stated: “I don’t see how anyone is going to root for the couple since 1. they don’t end up together and 2. they frequently break up and get back together. That anticipation is gone.”
While a third said: “Yeah I’d be more invested watching Hope and Vernon’s backstory in more details. We already saw a glimpse of a grumpy Connie so what about the rest of the sewing circle and others? Could be fun!”
A forth penned: “I think the new showrunner is nuts. No one is going to watch a show about Everett and Mel’s Mom.”
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