In the same way that people are obsessed with the '90s aesthetic and want a resurgence in rom-coms (or even cottagecore vibes), people have been tuning into shows like Netflix's Virgin River (2019), based on Robyn Carr's books, to get a delightful sense of escapism from the real world. We probably even rewatch shows like Gilmore Girls (2000) in the fall and Hart of Dixie (2011) in the summer. These series might not have complex CGI or wild plot twists that everyone on social media will talk about, and they may seem to be about "nothing" to people who don't watch, but ultimately, it's the simplicity that draws us in.
Pacing is a huge part of a story's appeal, and sometimes, the slower the better. There's a longing for things to be a little more simple and for a TV show to offer a sense of community that feels intimate. There's a deep-seated desire to be away from social media and focus on what's in front of us. Plus, the drama in Virgin River isn't for the weak; you need a special level of tolerance with absurdity to handle it, and no one's relationship with the show is more on edge than mine. Still, we're here, and I tune in every time.
Small-Town Dramas Like ‘Virgin River’ Are Nostalgic
Few generations are as nostalgic as millennials, but who can blame us when we've experienced one life-changing, horrific event after another? The darker the real world gets, the easier it is to cling to depictions of a more simple life in a small town where most people seem to know each other, and AI hasn't taken over. We want the familiarity that comes from people actually talking to each other face to face as opposed to via social media. This is likely the same reason people watch shows like Sweet Magnolias (2020). There's an appeal in the comfort and familiarity that allows the drama to be more contained, as opposed to the scary reality we're probably used to.
At the same time, shows like Virgin River don't feel like they take place in the present times, which is another reason why they scratch the nostalgia itch. There are countless small-town dramas, but the simplicity of Virgin River is oddly evocative. As frustrating as these characters can be, we can't help but root for them and want the best for them. As dire as the drama can be, the realism it's grounded in doesn't feel as daunting. And this is partly what makes it relatable, too, because it's not some utopia, but rather a simpler way of addressing darkness to make it more palatable.
Romance Always Sells and ‘Virgin River’ Delivers
The preconceived notion that a lot of people who don't dabble in romance often have is that the story ends after the couple gets together. But a show like Virgin River (and romance-centered shows in general) proves that the notion is false and people will tune in for all that comes afterward. We want to see couples fight, we want to see their ordinary days, we want every milestone, and if nothing else, despite all the wild drama, Virgin River delivers in spades when it comes to Martin Henderson's Jack Sheridan and Alexandra Breckenridge's Mel Monroe.
Because of this, while on the surface the drama and nature of events on Virgin River are ordinary, they're an authentic reflection of the real world and what makes people human. Quiet moments and big, monumental revelations matter in the same way when it comes to developing a character, and this is where the show shines best. We know that when we tune in, we're going to see every bit of the love between the two of them, no matter how small the scene might be. We're going to spend time with them as a couple, and it's what makes the series easy to tune into. And in the midst of spending time with them as a couple, we're going to watch them grow as individuals, making the character journeys that much more enticing.
So, really, we can't stop watching Virgin River because it's guaranteed to make us feel content for a while. It's guaranteed to give us romance and small-town antics in a way that feels right for the characters, even if we might get frustrated along the way. It's a simple, ordinary escape that puts romance at the center of the narrative and focuses on delivering relatable arcs that honor the characters. It might feel fabricated at times, but there's a realism that seeps out from every episode. So if you love small-town dramas and need something you can just chill with without worrying too much about extravagant plot points, Virgin River might be the perfect escape.
