Virgin River delivers the high drama and intense romance stories that have made it one of Netflix’s biggest original shows, but the best episodes of Virgin River highlight just how great the series can be. The show follows Melinda “Mel” Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge), a nurse who seeks a new start following personal tragedy by moving to a remote California town and joins the small medical practice there. Along with searching for purpose, she unexpectedly finds a new romance in the form of local bartender Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson).

Debuting in 2019, Virgin River gradually gained popularity among fans who were drawn in by the moving central romance as well as the stories of this fascinating community. Virgin River season 6 has arrived on Netflix, bringing a new batch of episodes that will answer many fans’ burning questions while setting the stage for new drama to unfold. This makes it a perfect time to look back on the series so far and the best episodes of Virgin River that have made it such a hit.

15A Wounded Heart

Season 1, Episode 4

As much as Virgin River has impressed fans with its ability to get better over time, there are a number of early episodes that drew viewers in. An early entry into Virgin River‘s very first season, “A Wounded Heart” truly delves into the drama of the series as tensions rise regarding Hope’s recent heart attack. As Mel and Hope’s other loved ones try to talk sense into her, she continues to insist that she is fine.

This episode helps set the premise for what would become a very successful series. While the Virgin River characters were still being set up, the show was able to get the audience invested in them and their stories. The episode highlights the entertaining and intense relationship dynamics through heartfelt dialogue and well-written character moments. Hope especially stands out in this episode as a lively yet complicated character worth rooting for.

14Talk To Me

Season 4, Episode 8

Virgin River is at its best when the show mixes together elements of crowd-pleasing romance with some intriguing drama between the characters. In that regard, this episode delivers just what fans love about the show. As the fourth season begins to reach its final installments, “Talk to Me” furthers the drama, as Lizzie struggles after learning a secret about Denny and a concerned Mel shortchanges Joey despite planning a surprise for her.

This episode encapsulates everything that makes Mel one of Virgin River‘s most likable characters, as she struggles to balance her love for two people without losing either. The episode also balances the sweetness of a key moment between Nate and Joey with the heartbreaking struggles of Jack’s drinking. It is a perfect example of how the series was able to build tension and excitement as it drew closer to the end of a season, ensuring viewers stayed hooked.

13Fire And Rain

Season 4, Episode 10

The 10th episode of Virgin River‘s fourth season, “Fire and Rain,” involves Charmaine’s baby shower, which Jack finds himself involved in against his will. Meanwhile, drama unfolds between Mel and Cassandra that will drive their storylines for the remainder of the season. However, the most dramatic reveal comes with the return of Paige, who had been come for the story, only to make a return just in time to complicate Preacher’s relationship with Julia.

With the reveal of Paige as well as the drama over Christopher’s kidnapping, it makes for a gripping episode that leads up to the season’s end.

Though Mel and Jack remain one of the strongest relationships on the show, some of the series’ best moments come when each member of this couple is left on his or her own. This episode provides plenty of that, showing Jack’s good heart in helping out Charmaine. With the reveal of Paige as well as the drama over Christopher’s kidnapping, it makes for a gripping episode that leads up to the season’s end.

12Under Fire

Season 1, Episode 5

In “Under Fire,” Jack and Mel find themselves in a ticking-clock scenario when dispatched to an illegal marijuana farm to tend to the bullet wound sustained by the boss. While on the job, Mel assists one of the pot farmers in giving birth. Meanwhile, Doc gets in the middle of a tiff between Hope and Charmaine when it comes to light that Doc had an affair with one of their relatives. In the end, Mel consoles Jack over a nightmare he has about his time in the Marines.

Though interesting, some might find the weed farm aspects of it a little over the top for what the show had been up until that point, briefly turning it into a drug crime series. However, it also adds some thrills to the show and showcases how the series can branch out into other areas effectively without feeling too jarring for audiences.

11Let’s Mingle

Season 1, Episode 6

On the night before Virgin River’s annual dance gala “Moonlight Mingle,” Mel is visited by her sister Joey (Jenny Cooper). At the mingle, Paige (Lexa Doig) becomes upset when she meets a man and temporarily misplaces her son, Chris (Chase Petriw). When Doc arranges a meeting with a lawyer to discuss his divorce from Hope, he becomes angered when she fails to attend the meeting. Upon reconsideration, Doc realizes how heartbroken Hope is over their separation.

The partner-swapping dance is a perfect setup for the town to allow its endless drama to unfold and the episode certainly delivers on that tease. Interestingly, it is a controversial early episode for Jack as he does not come off so well in his treatment of Charmaine. However, it is really an installment about love blossoming with Jack and Mel’s romance starting to brew, as well as the connection between Paige and Preacher.

10Bombshells

Season 4, Episode 9

“Bombshells,” the appropriately-named ninth episode of Virgin River’s fourth season, sees tensions rise as mysteries begin to unravel regarding recent disappearances. Following his disappearance in the previous episode, Jack’s trauma and drinking problem are put at the forefront of the story. The search for Calvin also escalates, with the episode’s B-storyline proving once again that Brie and Mike deserve their own spinoff.

This episode includes everything that fans of Virgin River have come to love about the series, including shocking cliffhanger endings that leave audiences needing more. “Bombshells” does exactly that, with a sudden explosion forcing fans to watch just one more episode to see how things play out. However, Jack finally addressing his issues also feels like a big victory within the chaotic episode, showing a big moment of character growth that was certainly needed.

9Once Again

Season 4, Episode 11

There are some moments in the series that have come to define Virgin River as a show. The fact that one of them happens in “Once Again” easily cements it as one of the best episodes of the series. In the penultimate episode of Virgin River season 4, Hope once again struggles with accepting care from the people who love her, prompting a heated argument with Vernon and an emotional conversation with Mel.

While things begin with a slightly pessimistic tinge, “Once Again” quickly becomes one of the most exciting episodes in Virgin River‘s run so far, as the episode ends with a thrilling and long overdue marriage proposal that is sure to keep fans chattering for months to come. While a lot can be said about Hope’s character in this episode, Jack’s proposal to Mel was a moment four seasons in the making and it easily steals the show.

8If Truth Be Told

Season 1, Episode 7

In the seventh episode of Season 1, John “Preacher” Middleton (Colin Lawrence) discovers a harrowing secret that has the potential to shatter the entire town. Meanwhile, Mel grapples with her troubled past as a widowed postpartum depressive. The episode entails Jack’s confrontation with Charmaine over their complicated relationship. Also, Letty has a health scare of her own.

The early episodes of Virgin River can sometimes be accused of moving slowly. “If Truth Be Told” is an episode that is very much about moving forward. The main characters of the series make some big moves, including revelations about Mel’s past and the end of Jack’s relationship with Charmaine. It delivers the information that viewers needed as well as the moments they wanted which helps the show evolve at a crucial time in its first season. Had this come much later, fans might have given up on getting answers.

7Hazards Ahead

Season 2, Episode 9

In the penultimate episode of Season 2, Mel makes a dogged attempt to find Jack when he disappears following the discovery of a shocking secret regarding Calvin’s nefarious dealings. Meanwhile, Hope begins to wonder about Doc’s fidelity when finding a troubling voicemail. As the police try to solve the case involving the dead hiker, Preacher ponders taking a new job in San Francisco to keep the heat off of him.

While it doesn’t work for all fans of the show, Calvin does make for an entertaining villain which adds a spark to the series.

This was one of the episodes that highlighted the more intense and thrilling crime story aspects of the series. While it doesn’t work for all fans of the show, Calvin does make for an entertaining villain which adds a spark to the series. This was certainly true as his heated talk with Jack made the show’s stoic hero seem a lot more vulnerable and promised more danger to come.

6…And Found

Season 1, Episode 3

In the third frame of the inaugural season, Lily confesses to being the mother of the baby Jack (Martin Henderson) found in a laundry basket in the season premiere. In turn, Mel admits to losing her own baby and considering suicide as a result of postpartum depression. Elsewhere, Mel meets Jack’s girlfriend Charmaine for the first time. Later, Hope (Annette O’Toole) falls on her front doorstep due to a lack of oxygen and Doc Mullins (Tim Matheson) vows to properly care for her.

While Jack and Mel never really fit into the enemies-to-lovers romance archetypes, this episode showcased the early tension that clearly existed between them, having them butt heads while also making it seem like a relationship was inevitable. In all, this is a standout episode for Mel and it reveals a lot about her grief. Alexandra Breckenridge gives an exceptional performance that is both strong and heartbreaking.

5Unexpected Endings

Season 1, Episode 10

The strong first season of Virgin River came to an end with a mix of good news and bad news. Much of the episode’s drama revolves around Charmaine’s decision to keep Jack’s baby and the impact this choice has on Mel. Hope reads Charmaine’s letter and informs Mel of the baby she intends to keep. Devastated, Mel vows to end her romance with Jack and put Virgin River in her past. Meanwhile, Paige begins to be more honest with Preacher regarding her abusive former partner.

It was an episode that helped to establish Virgin River as a show worth following into the next season.

The finale highlighted how effective Virgin River is at amplifying the drama while also giving fans those winning moments they want to see. It was frustrating and heartbreaking to see Mel and Jack’s burgeoning relationship seemingly destroyed. However, there were also some great moments with Paige putting her trust in Preacher and Doc convincing Mel to stay. It was an episode that helped to establish Virgin River as a show worth following into the next season.

4Everybody Has A Secret

Season 1, Episode 9

Season 1 of Virgin River was a lot about laying the necessary groundwork for the characters, the relationships, and the many different storylines. However, as the first season neared its end, the show started to really form its strength in creating thrilling drama that made it such a binge-able Netflix series. “Everybody Has a Secret” picks up when Hope implores Jack to finally read the letter given to him by Charmaine. Meanwhile, Mel feels ready to advance her relationship with Jack following their first kiss in the prior episode.

The relationship dynamics were really starting to take shape with Jack and Mel’s relationship feeling strong but also threatened by Jack’s involvement with Charmine. Along with all the relationship drama, the show also delivered some great medical drama with Mel and Doc looking into a family growing mysteriously sick. In all, it is one of the earliest episodes to give a hint at how great the series was going to become.

3Blown Away

Season 2, Episode 10

Virgin River has always excelled at the season finales with “Blow Away” capping off the second season in very memorable fashion. Much of the conclusion revolves around Preacher’s criminal exploits and his decision to stay in town rather than flee to San Francisco. While the remarried Doc and Hope return home to a surprise party, Mel finds Jack beaten and bloodied in his bar due to his involvement with Calvin.

The cliffhanger finale alludes to the fact that the drug war between Calvin’s operation and the townsfolk of Virgin River is just getting started while also leaving Jack’s fate questionable until the next season. However, even with that thrilling ending, it is the relationships that shine in this episode. The charm of Doc and Hope rekindling their romance is a big winner, but this also marks a key moment in the relationship between Mel and Jack as they finally admit their love for each other.

2Into The Light

Season 1, Episode 8

While the romantic relationships in Virgin River are exciting and a big part of the show’s popularity, the community aspect of the titular town also provides a lot of the charm and is wonderfully highlighted in this episode. When a raging storm strikes Virgin River and wipes the power out, the townsfolk seek refuge in Jack’s bar. Mel has difficulty dealing with a nightmare in which she relives her husband’s death. She snaps out of her funk by helping a tow-truck driver without health insurance mend his busted hand.

On top of all the storm thrills, there is also some intrigue with Preacher looking into Paige’s past and uncovering her criminal secrets. However, it is a nice episode to see everyone together, even if the weather is forcing it. In the end, Jack surprises Mel by taking her to the new cabin that he made to ensure her long-term stay. This makes for another key moment for the couple as they share a kiss and begin to explore their attraction to each other.

1The Long Goodbye

Season 4, Episode12

With a marriage proposal to close out the previous episode, fans knew that they would be in for a rollercoaster ride in the season 4 finale of Virgin River, entitled “The Long Goodbye.” There are some true crowd-pleasing moments in this episode, like Mel and Jack’s engagement, the confirmation that Jack is the father of Mel’s baby, or Brady’s exoneration. However, what will likely stick with viewers is the episode’s monumental twist ending, wherein certain lies are revealed, and one beloved character very nearly meets a grisly and untimely end.

As an ending to a season, Virgin River‘s fourth season goes out impressively strong. There is a mixture of the good and the bad with all of Jack and Mel’s good news combined with a couple of notable characters leaving Virgin River. The show is able to wrap up several of the key storylines in a satisfying way, while also teasing a future that is exciting enough to ensure fans would be back for more.