The small town of Virgin River is about to get a whole lot more complicated. After a lightning-fast renewal from Netflix, the beloved drama has officially begun filming its seventh season—
and two intriguing new faces are already shaking up the buzz around what’s next. According to a new report from TVLine, Sara Canning (The Vampire Diaries) and Cody Kearsley (Riverdale)
have joined the cast in recurring roles. Their characters promise to bring fresh layers of mystery, romance, and emotional upheaval to a town already brimming with secrets and unresolved drama.
With Martin Henderson (Jack) himself confirming production in a heartfelt Instagram video, excitement among fans has reached fever pitch. And if early teasers are anything to go by, Season 7 could be one of Virgin River’s most game-changing installments yet.
Sara Canning as Victoria – An Investigator with a Past
Fans of The Vampire Diaries will instantly recognize Sara Canning, who played the beloved Aunt Jenna in the hit supernatural series. Now, she’s stepping into Virgin River as Victoria, a character whose history is as layered as the town she’s about to disrupt.
Victoria is introduced as a former police officer whose career ended in tragedy after she was shot in the line of duty. Rather than stepping away from justice entirely, she’s reinvented herself as an investigator for the state medical board. Her first assignment? To look into Doc Mullins’ (Tim Matheson) practice, which was left in jeopardy after the shocking suspension of his medical license at the close of Season 6.
This sets the stage for a storyline that is both professional and deeply personal. Victoria’s investigation could expose cracks in Doc’s storied career—or provide him a lifeline in the face of devastating allegations. Either way, her presence ensures high drama and tense confrontations.
But there’s more. The character description hints that Victoria “runs into a friend whom she wouldn’t mind catching up with…or maybe more.” The ambiguity has set off a wave of speculation across the fandom. Could she be tied to Doc himself, reawakening past connections? Or might her presence stir new romantic sparks with another familiar character—perhaps Preacher, Brady, or even a returning figure from her own backstory? The possibilities are tantalizing, and fans are already theorizing about the ripple effects her arrival will create.
Cody Kearsley as Clay – A Rodeo Drifter with a Mission
Joining Canning is Riverdale alum Cody Kearsley, best known for his role as Moose Mason. In Virgin River, he takes on the role of Clay, a rugged rodeo worker whose tough exterior masks a heartbreaking personal quest.
Clay has spent years searching for his younger sister, from whom he was separated while growing up in foster care. The siblings haven’t seen one another since he was a teenager, and his search has been long, painful, and fruitless. Until now.
The showrunners have cleverly kept details of his sister’s identity under wraps, fueling speculation that she may already be a character we know. Could Lizzie, Brie, or even Kaia turn out to be connected to Clay’s past? Or will his arrival reveal a brand-new family member hidden in plain sight?
Clay’s story introduces a raw, emotional layer to the show, exploring themes of family, identity, and belonging—perfectly aligned with Virgin River’s signature blend of heart and drama. His grit and determination are set to shake up the town, potentially pulling beloved characters into his orbit and sparking conflicts no one saw coming.
Returning Favorites Anchor the Season
While the addition of Victoria and Clay has fans buzzing, the heart of Virgin River remains firmly intact. Season 7 will feature the return of the show’s central players:
- Alexandra Breckenridge as Mel Monroe, who continues to navigate her evolving relationship with Jack and the revelations about her family.
- Martin Henderson as Jack Sheridan, balancing love, fatherhood, and the ghosts of his past.
- Tim Matheson as Doc, facing the professional battle of his life.
- Annette O’Toole as Hope, whose resilience and wit remain central to the community.
- Colin Lawrence as Preacher, whose loyalty and personal struggles have won over fans.
- Benjamin Hollingsworth as Brady, a man forever torn between redemption and trouble.
- Zibby Allen as Brie, finding her footing after trauma while seeking her place in Virgin River.
- Sarah Dugdale as Lizzie, whose journey from rebellious teen to grounded adult has only just begun.
- Marco Grazzini as Mike, the steady presence in a town full of turmoil.
- Kai Bradbury as Denny, still grappling with his Quartermaine legacy.
- Kandyse McClure as Kaia, whose military past brings depth and resilience to the ensemble.
The return of these familiar faces ensures continuity, while the arrival of Victoria and Clay adds fresh intrigue to a well-loved tapestry.
Martin Henderson Marks the Beginning of Production
The excitement surrounding Season 7 became official when Martin Henderson shared a behind-the-scenes Instagram video on March 12. Standing on set, the actor announced:
“Hi guys, it’s a very auspicious moment. It is day one of season seven of Virgin River.”
His message radiated gratitude and joy, as he thanked fans for their loyalty and expressed how much the cast and crew cherish their support. The announcement was accompanied by set images, offering tantalizing glimpses of production underway and confirming that the world of Virgin River is alive and thriving once more.
What These New Characters Mean for Season 7
The arrival of Victoria and Clay signals more than just fresh faces—it hints at seismic shifts within Virgin River.
Victoria’s investigation into Doc threatens not only his career but also the trust the town has placed in him for decades. Depending on her findings, the very fabric of the community could be shaken, raising the stakes for one of the show’s most beloved elders.
Clay’s storyline, meanwhile, is poised to bring raw emotion and unresolved family trauma into the spotlight. His search for his sister is likely to collide with existing relationships, potentially reshaping friendships, romances, and alliances within the town.
Both arcs embody the essence of Virgin River: a place where love, loss, healing, and redemption intertwine against the backdrop of a seemingly quiet town that is anything but ordinary.
Why Fans Should Be Excited
Every season of Virgin River has introduced new challenges, heartbreaks, and triumphs. But Season 7 feels different—it’s not just about continuing beloved storylines, but also about expanding the world with characters who bring their own mysteries and emotional baggage.
Victoria’s strength and vulnerability, paired with Clay’s resilience and longing, promise to deepen the show’s exploration of what it means to find—and fight for—a place to belong. For fans, this means more twists, more tears, and more reasons to keep falling in love with Virgin River.
The Road Ahead
As production unfolds, more details are sure to emerge. Will Victoria become a friend or foe to Doc? Could Clay’s sister already be a key player in the town’s drama? And how will these newcomers alter the delicate balance of relationships that define Virgin River?
One thing is clear: Virgin River Season 7 is shaping up to be an emotional rollercoaster, blending nostalgia with bold new directions. With its cast of returning favorites, the addition of two powerhouse performers, and storylines poised to challenge everything we thought we knew, this season promises to be unmissable.
Virgin River’s next chapter is officially in motion—and the town is ready to welcome (or resist) the changes that come with it. Fans better buckle up. Season 7 is going to be one wild ride.
