Virgin River fans dub CBS drama a ‘knock-off’ but it’s perfect to ‘fill the void’
Fans of the hit Netflix series have been looking for more shows to fill the gap until season six of Virgin River and have discovered one drama that feels like a total "knock-off".
Virgin River: Season 5 Part 1 trailer
Virgin River fans have described the new CBS drama Fire Country as a “knock-off” of the popular Netflix series.
The small-town drama follows Mel Monroe (played by Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson) as they work through their relationship and solve problems around town.
Meanwhile, Fire Country raises the stakes somewhat by focusing on convicted firefighter Bode Donovan (Max Thieriot) who helps put out fires and aid in emergencies around Northern California.
However, the series is primarily set in the fictional town of Edgewater, which some fans think has a very similar feel to the idyllic setting of Virgin River.
Moreover, the actor who portrays Jimmy, Ian Tracey, has even made an appearance in the Fire Country episode Happy to Help. As both shows are filmed in Vancouver, could more cast members make the leap in future seasons?
One fan of both shows took to Reddit after discovering Fire Country was the perfect series to watch during Virgin River’s hiatus.
“I just got into Fire Country and it's sooooooooooo reminiscent of Virgin River,” they wrote.
“Even some of the actors (well one) [and] even the location reminds of Virgin River.”
Several fans who have tuned into both shows concurred, so Fire Country could be the perfect drama to catch up on before Mel and Jack return to screens before the end of 2024.
“I’m watching it right now too,” one of them said. “It’s definitely good to fill the void.”
Another even went so far as to say: “Tbh I think Fire Country is marginally better.”
“I just finished another rewatch last night!” a third revealed. “Off to Sullivans Crossing for my first rewatch of the show.”
The CTV and CW drama Sullivan’s Crossing is based on books by Robyn Carr, the author of Virgin River, making it another ideal replacement during the hiatus.
One fan shared a thread they posted recently, pointing out the same similarities: “Just started Fire Country and it's very similarly cheesy and should definitely exist in the same cinematic universe as Virgin River.”
Fire Country has been renewed for a third season, which is set to premiere this October.
The cast is also getting an upgrade this time around, with Supernatural legend Jared Padalecki signing on for a recurring role as SoCal firefighter Camden.
Virgin River is available to stream on Netflix. Fire Country season 3 premieres Friday, October 18 on CBS and is available to stream on Paramount+ in the UK.
