Latest Announcement: Virgin River Season 7 Producer’s Shocking Decision Sparks Unified Fan Protests
Los Angeles, June 17, 2025 – The Virgin River fandom is reeling after showrunner Patrick Sean Smith dropped a bombshell announcement about the upcoming seventh season of the beloved Netflix romantic drama, prompting widespread protests from fans across social media platforms. The shocking revelation, shared in an exclusive interview with TVLine on June 16, 2025, has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with fans rallying under hashtags like #SaveVirginRiver and #JusticeForCharmaine to demand changes to the producer’s controversial decision.
In the interview, Smith confirmed that Charmaine Roberts, played by Lauren Hammersley, will not return as a series regular for Season 7, following the dramatic cliffhanger in the Season 6 finale where Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson) discovered her home in disarray after her no-show at his wedding to Mel Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge). The producer hinted that Charmaine’s fate remains uncertain, stating, “Charmaine has found herself in the middle of a mess again, which is where her character tends to reside. We’ll unpack her story in Season 7, but it won’t be as a regular.” This follows speculation fueled by Hammersley’s cryptic Instagram post in December 2024, which many interpreted as a farewell to the show.
The announcement has sparked outrage among fans who have grown attached to Charmaine, a polarizing yet pivotal character whose journey as a single mother and entanglement with the villainous Calvin (David Cubitt) has been a major plot driver. On X, fans expressed their frustration, with @VRFanForever posting, “Killing off Charmaine or writing her out is a betrayal! She’s been through enough—give her a happy ending!” Another user, @RiverHeart88, wrote, “Patrick Sean Smith doesn’t get it. Charmaine’s redemption arc was just starting. #SaveVirginRiver.” The backlash intensified with a Change.org petition titled “Keep Charmaine on Virgin River,” which has garnered over 10,000 signatures since its launch on June 16, 2025.
Fans argue that Charmaine’s potential exit, whether through death or relocation, undermines her growth and the show’s commitment to complex character arcs. Many point to her Season 6 development, where she evolved from a romantic rival to a sympathetic figure, as evidence of her importance. “Charmaine’s story isn’t done,” tweeted @MelAndJackFan. “The writers are throwing away years of buildup. We deserve better!” Some speculate that the decision stems from budget constraints or a shift to focus on new characters, such as Sara Canning’s Victoria and Cody Kearsley’s Clay, announced as Season 7 additions on March 14, 2025.
Smith’s comments also hinted at a darker tone for Season 7, with the return of Calvin and unresolved questions about Doc Mullins’ (Tim Matheson) medical practice, which faces scrutiny from Victoria, a state medical board investigator. The producer teased, “Season 7 will explore the honeymoon phase for Mel and Jack as they build their lives on the farm, but it won’t be without obstacles.” He also confirmed that Mark Ghanimé’s Cameron will not return as a regular, further fueling fan concerns about the show’s direction.
The Virgin River team has faced criticism before, notably for its handling of cliffhangers like the Season 6 finale’s ambiguity around Charmaine’s fate. Fans on X have called the show “soap opera-level frustrating,” with @TVJunkie23 posting, “Every season ends with a cliffhanger, and now they’re cutting Charmaine? This is why I’m losing faith in the writers.” Despite the backlash, some defend Smith’s vision, arguing that the show’s strength lies in its unpredictability. @VRTrueFan tweeted, “Trust Patrick Sean Smith. He’s kept Virgin River fresh for seven seasons. Let’s see where this goes.”
Netflix has not commented on the fan protests, but the streamer’s confidence in the series remains evident, with Season 7 filming underway since March 12, 2025, and a projected release in late 2025 or early 2026. Alexandra Breckenridge, who stars as Mel, recently shared an Instagram update joking about being on “day 857” of filming, suggesting production is nearing completion. The cast, including Martin Henderson, Tim Matheson, and Annette O’Toole, has expressed excitement for the season, but fans remain wary, with many vowing to boycott if Charmaine’s storyline is not resolved satisfactorily.
As Virgin River prepares to return, the fanbase’s unified protests highlight their deep investment in the show’s small-town charm and complex characters. Whether Smith and the writers will address the outcry remains uncertain, but for now, the Virgin River community is making its voice heard loud and clear.