13 TV Shows Like ‘Virgin River’
After you finish Season 7, queue up one of these feel-good series.
Even with a new season of Virgin River now out in the world, that craving for more small-town drama doesn’t exactly go away. If you’ve caught yourself wishing you could step right into that cozy little town and hang out with all your favorite characters, you’re definitely not the only one! There are only so many episodes to go around—but the good news is there are plenty of other shows that tap into that same feel-good (albeit slightly dramatic) energy. This list rounds up a mix of series that bring the same charm and warmth that makes Virgin River so hard to turn off.
If you’ve already made your way through the latest season and aren’t quite ready to leave that world behind, these are the shows to queue up next. Some seem like they're straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie with love stories that rival Mel and Jack's (played by the talented duo, Alexandra Breckenridge and Martin Henderson). Others drop you into small towns full of people who all seem to know each other—and all have something going on.
Just a heads up: a few of these shows like Virgin River might have you looking up real estate listings in a fictional town by the end of the first episode.
More shows to add to your must-watch list:
Ransom Canyon
Set deep in the heart of Texas ranch country, Ransom Canyon follows a group of families whose lives are all tangled up with each other—for better or worse. There’s romance, old grudges, and plenty of wide-open land that holds just as many secrets as it does sunsets! If you love the mix of love stories and small-town tension in Virgin River, this one will pull you right in from the start.
The Madison
From the mind of Taylor Sheridan, The Madison trades cattle ranch chaos for something a little quieter—but no less emotional. Set in Montana, it centers on a family trying to find their footing after a major loss, all while navigating complicated relationships and a brand-new chapter.
Sullivan’s Crossing
This one starts when a neurosurgeon from Boston suddenly has to leave her life behind and ends up back in the small town where her dad lives. They don’t have the easiest relationship, so being under the same roof again is not exactly smooth. Despite that, she slowly gets pulled into the town, meets people who know her history, and starts figuring out what she actually wants next.
Everwood
Everwood follows the move of Dr. Andrew Brown to a small town following the death of his wife. The show's four seasons follow the escapades of Brown and his two kids as they navigate their new life in Colorado.
From Scratch
Amy (Zoe Saldaña) takes a leap of faith when she uproots her life to move to Italy for an art program. (Sounds similar to a certain someone!) There, she is able to fully express her artistic side while also balancing a new romance with an Italian chef.
Ginny & Georgia
Here's another drama centering on a woman, Georgia, looking for a fresh start in a tiny town. However, trouble brews when her prior baggage threatens to infiltrate the new life she and her daughter, Ginny, have started.
Firefly Lane
An epic friendship, whirlwind romances, and big career moves. This show has all of these things and so much more! Katherine Heigl returns to the small screen alongside Sarah Chalke in this feel-good show about two inseparable friends who navigate life's ups and downs together. There's just one season out now, but it's confirmed to come back for another!
Sweet Magnolias
If you haven't already seen it, Sweet Magnolias is a must-watch after you finish Virgin River. Taking place in South Carolina, it follows three best friends as they navigate difficult endings and hopeful beginnings in their small town of Serenity. You can binge the first two seasons as the series begins filming the third!
Hart of Dixie
Dr. Zoe Hart (Rachel Bilson) moves from New York City to Bluebell, Alabama. Once she gets there, she discovers that the doctor she was supposed to work with has died and left her half his practice. If you're a fan of the big-city-meets-small-town narrative that Virgin River delivers, then this one's for you. Each season is available online so you can binge the whole thing.
When Calls the Heart
Loved the community aspect of Virgin River, but are looking for something to whisk you away to another time? Hallmark's When Calls the Heart is just what you need. It takes place in the early 1900s and follows Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow), a teacher from a wealthy family who's been given her first job in a small coal mining town in Canada.
This Is Us
If Virgin River tugged on your heartstrings, This Is Us will do that and more. Follow different generations of the Pearsons as they navigate life, love, and loss. It jumps around through flashbacks and present day, leaving you hooked as you learn more and more about each member of the family. Another plus: The actress who plays Mel in Virgin River also appears in This Is Us as recurring character, Sophie.
Chesapeake Shores
Abby O'Brien (Meghan Ory) breaks free of her small town, and heads to the Big Apple. That is, until she takes a a trip home to Chesapeake Shores and sees her high school sweetheart. She eventually moves back and gets involved with the inn that her family owns. Romance and a cute B&B? Magical!
Gilmore Girls
Gilmore Girls is another show where the setting is as important as the characters. Join Rory and Lorelai Gilmore in their quaint and quirky town of Stars Hollow. Just like Mel in Virgin River, they find support, love, and comfort from their community. But you've been warned: They talk fast!
Erin Cavoto is the Editorial Assistant at ThePioneerWoman.com, covering food, holidays, home decor, and more.
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