Kandyse McClure has joined the season 5 cast of Virgin River, according to What's On Netflix, and after fans binge-watched season 4 in July 2022, viewers are curious to see this new character. The show has successfully given the fans of the popular book series Virgin River a great taste of romance and drama with a dash of small-town charm and Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack (Martin Henderson)'s love story has kept viewers hooked.

In fact, after the second season release of the show, it was the most-watched streaming program measured by Nielsen in the first full week. The glorious scenery and charming characters transport every viewer into the fictional world of Virgin River. It's a good time to unpack some behind-the-scenes facts that piece together this heartwarming show.

Updated on November 3rd, 2022 by Aya Tsintziras: Fans await season 5 of Virgin River, the Netflix series that has stolen hearts as it's so sweet, charming, and fast-paced. The show stands out as it manages to have a lot going on in every episode while making sure that viewers care deeply about the people living in this small town. There is a lot to know about the making of the series and why certain decisions were made, and fans will want to know all of these compelling facts.

Why The Virgin River Author Chose Netflix

Jack and Mel standing together in Virgin River

The Virgin River show is based on the successful book series by Robyn Carr. In fact, the book series in total has sold more than 13 million copies, according to the author's website. The book's impact even led to an academic paper about the sensation, written by Dr. Jessamyn Neuhas, professor of U.S. history and popular culture at SUNY Plattsburgh, N.Y. and John Neuhaus, who holds a Ph.D. in sociology from Western Michigan University.

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The immense hype for the Virgin River book series led to much interest but every one of them fell through. Though Netflix has been shifting gears to make space for more Hallmark-style content, Carr knew the streaming giant had the tone that she wanted for the story, according to Entertainment Weekly. Carr said, "Netflix is a little bit edgier. It’s a perfect fit."

The Town Isn't Real (But The River Is)

Jack and Mel at the egg race in Virgin River

Sadly, Virgin River is a fictional town with 600 residents, and as the author said in an interview with EW, "People always write and say, “Where is it? I want to go there,” and I have to remind them that it only exists in our hearts and minds.". But the river itself does exist. The real Virgin River is a tributary of the Colarado River, that passes through Utah, Nevada and Arizona, which may be inspired by best-selling author Carr's upbringing.

According to her biography on her website, Carr is from Minnesota but also lived in other states that may have inspired this tribute, particularly, California, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada.

The Show Filmed In Vancouver, Canada, Not Northern California

Alexandra Breckenridge and Martin Henderson in Virgin River

Thanks to high Los Angeles prices, many TV shows like Supernatural are filmed in Vancouver, Canada, or Hollywood North.

Though Virgin River takes place in Northern California, the show's scenery, like that of Supernatural's Lebanon, Kansas, takes place in Vancouver proper and studio lots. According to Good Housekeeping, the show is also filmed in British Columbia's Snug Cove in Bowen Island, Burnaby, and Port Coquitlam. These production sets can also be found on the show's official Instagram with clips of the cast on set or even the crew getting ready for the next scene.

Jack's Bar Is The Watershed Grill In Brackendale

Mel talking to Jack at the bar

The iconic Jack's Bar is the center of the Virgin River community not only for its great food but also as the spot for town gossip and pivotal plot twists. The interior of Jack's Bar itself is a studio set but the exterior is The Watershed Grill in Brackendale, British Columbia, according to Tourism Vancouver.

However, a couple of scenes were filmed at The Watershed Grill. Fans can get a glimpse of the breathtaking views showcased on Virgin River by having a meal at the restaurant and admiring the beautiful Squamish River.

Mel's Cabin Is A Park Caretaker's Home

Hope and Mel talking on the beach in Virgin River

Mel's cabin is actually a previous park caretaker's home in the North Shore of Vancouver, Canada, specifically in Murdo Frazer Park, according to Atlas of Wonders. Due to the high demand to be used as a set, this cabin has been continuously restored for television.

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It was first built in 1951 but after being acquired by the state in 1969, it caught the eye of Hollywood in the late 1980s or early 1990s, according to Vancouver Is Awesome. In fact, Mel's cabin has been featured on many hit shows like The Flash, Psych, Supernatural, and Once Upon A Time.

Why Mel And Jack Did Not Sleep Together Until Season 2

Jack and Mel kissing in Virgin River

The Virgin River books allow fans to escape into a romance with the story's intimate moments and steamy scenes. The showrunner Sue Tenney chose to create more tension and longing between Mel and Jack.

The pair's first kiss was not until episode 8 of season 1 and they didn't sleep together until season 2. However, best-selling author Carr enjoyed Tenney's creative decision, according to Just Jared Jr. and also appreciated the show's plot twists that help develop the story much better on-screen for fans.

Virgin River's Audiobook Narrator Is On The Show

Mel at Jack's bar on Virgin River

If fans prefer to listen to the Virgin River audiobooks, they may be surprised to see or hear a major crossover. The award-winning audiobook narrator, Thérèse Plummer, is not only the voice for some of the Virgin River series' audiobooks but also acts on the series.

In fact, Plummer has narrated over 300 audiobooks, been nominated for five 2018 Audie Awards, and had a guest star role on The Good Wife. Carr even had Plummer on Facebook for Virgin River fans to ask Plummer some questions.

Why Executive Producer Roma Roth Wanted The Show

Robyn Carr's  Virgin River Book

In an interview with Carr available via YouTube, the show's Executive Producer, Roma Roth, explained why she wanted to option and develop the show.

Roth saw the show as a community and was looking for a particular project that was different from other current television shows. In her opinion, most television shows were a lot of dark thrillers, which is why she gravitated to a show like Virgin River. Roth knew that the show make people feel good and there are many heartwarming Virgin River quotes to prove it.

Alexandra Breckenridge And Martin Henderson Get Along Well

Jack and Mel hugging on Virgin River

Virgin River fans love Jack and Mel's romance and it's hard not to wonder if the actors have a friendship when the cameras aren't rolling. According to The List, the actors get along well, which is something that fans will be thrilled to hear.

Breckenridge told the publication "I'm really good friends with Zibby Allen, and Martin [Henderson]. Those are my two closest. They're my friends; they're my people... I mainly hang out a lot with Zibby and Martin."

Martin Henderson Likes Season 5 The Most

Jack close up in Virgin River

Virgin River fans are eager to see what dramatic storylines and sweet relationship moments will be part of season 5. According to Glamour, Henderson explained that he's a big fan of these new episodes: “Season five’s great, by the way. It’s the best season yet. I’m amazing in it.”

RELATED: The 10 Best Characters In Virgin River

The first four seasons have had so much drama that viewers are definitely curious about the next season, and with so many books to go by, there will be no shortage of awe-inspiring moments and plotlines that are hard to look away from.

Martin Henderson Backflipped Filming One Season 4 Scene

Jack (Martin Henderson) looking serious outside in Virgin River

It sounds like the cast of Virgin River enjoys filming the show together and according to an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Henderson backflipped and hurt himself when the cast was filming season 4.

Annette O'Toole, who plays Hope, explained that Henderson backflipped over a bale of hay and Henderson said, "That was not coordinated. That will be the last stunt I ever do myself. Tom Cruise sets the bar so high and then I come in and land on my head."

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