Virgin River was developed by Sue Tenney for Netflix, adapting Robyn Carr's book series of the same name, with a first season order of ten episodes announced in September 2018.

Sue Tenney, the original showrunner, was replaced by Patrick Sean Smith in July 2022 ahead of later seasons.

Michael Shanks portrayed the character Wes in season 1 before Steve Bacic took over the role (and its identical twin Vince) starting in season 2.

Marco Grazzini and Lauren Hammersley both departed the series after season seven, as reported in March 2026.

Principal photography for season one began on December 3, 2018 in Vancouver and Saltspring Island, British Columbia, with additional filming in Snug Cove, Bowen Island, New Westminster, Squamish, Agassiz, and Port Coquitlam.

The fictional town of Virgin River is actually portrayed by Snug Cove on Bowen Island, using its local library, main streets, and Artisan Lane for establishing shots.

Jack's Grill is played by the real Watershed Grill in Brackendale, British Columbia, while scenes involving Mel and Jack near the river were shot in Squamish, and the show's waterfall scenes were filmed at Shannon Falls Provincial Park.

Mel's cabin in the series is actually the caretaker's house in Murdo Frazer Park in North Vancouver, a filming location also used by other productions, while Doc Mullins' practice is a Victorian home in New Westminster.

As of its seventh season renewal report in October 2024, Virgin River was noted as Netflix's longest-running English-language drama series and its longest-running current original scripted series.

A prequel focusing on Mel's parents, Sarah and Everett, was announced in development in February 2024, though by March 2026 it had been reworked to no longer center on them.