Beloved Netflix hit shares major new-season update which breaks record for the streamer

One of Netflix’s most successful shows has reached a landmark for the very first time. The giant streaming platform is home to popular programmes such as Stranger Things, Squid Game and Money Heist.

But none of those shows or any other can say they are Netflix’s longest-running original scripted series, apart from Virgin River, which first commenced in 2019.

The show focuses on nurse practitioner and midwife Melinda Monroe, who moves to Virgin River from Los Angeles in search of a fresh start and new lease on life.

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Deadline reports that the romantic drama series has been renewed for an unprecedented ninth season, which will feature 10 episodes. This will bring the total new number of episodes to 94.

Netflix also revealed that the show had reached half a billion views across its seven seasons, which they measured by dividing the number of viewing hours by its total runtime.

The news comes ahead of series eight which is due to air 2027. Series six was released in March of this year. Only two other Netflix series have reached eight series, and they are sitcom Big Mouth and Spanish series Elite, both of which have since come to an end.

Following the record-breaking announcement, Virgin River series showrunner Patrick Sean Smith expressed his delight with what the show has achieved.

“We’re all so grateful for our partnership with Netflix and incredibly proud to be a part of their legacy," he said. “In a world that can sometimes feel increasingly disconnected, there’s something meaningful about having a place people want to return to.

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“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built and continue to grow, and deeply grateful to the cast, crew, writers, and fans who have made Virgin River feel like home the world over.”

Meanwhile, Alexandra Breckenridge, who plays Monroe, expressed her happiness that the long-running series is set to continue.

“I’m incredibly proud of our show and couldn’t be more thrilled to have the opportunity to continue into Season 9!,” she said.

“Everyone on our production works so hard to make the world of ‘Virgin River’ come alive. It’s truly been a gift to be here.”

Virgin River seasons 1-7 can be streamed on Netflix now.

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