Critically Ranked: Best to… Less Best
From Screen Rant’s “All 8 Virgin River Romances, Ranked Worst to Best”:
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Doc & Hope – Top status! Their saga of decades—including divorce, reconciliation, and enduring affection—cements them as the most authentic and lasting lovers on the show. Screen Rant
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Mel & Jack – The heart of the series. Their slow-burning connection, healing from trauma, and mutual support make them iconic. Screen RantRanker
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Brie & Brady – A chemistry-rich duo with plenty of heartfelt moments. Many fans feel they still have unfinished business together. Screen RantCollider
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Muriel & Cameron – A surprise pairing with a sweet, carefree spark. Their mature romance charmed many. Screen RantThe List
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Brie & Mike – Supportive and sweet—but most see them as a rebound, not endgame. Screen RantThe List
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Preacher & Kaia – Deep feelings, but constant obstacles make fans nervous for their future. Screen RantThe List
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Lizzie & Denny – Sweet and earnest, but their differing outlooks and limitations made their relationship bittersweet. Screen RantThe Listnews75today.com
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Brady & Lark – Built on deceit and manipulation; widely regarded as one of the least genuine pairings. Screen Rant
Fan Favorites & Poll Results
A fan poll surprised many when Brie & Brady emerged as the most beloved couple, receiving 144 votes, with Mel & Jack coming in second at 60. Doc & Hope placed third with 41. News Minimalist
On Reddit, opinions split:
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Muriel & Cameron have a strong supporters base—who praise their wholesome dynamic. Reddit+1
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Doc & Hope—some view them as timeless and enduring, others see the constant bickering as exhausting. Reddit
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Mel & Jack—though central to the show, some fans feel the chemistry has weakened over the seasons. Reddit+2Reddit+2
Summary Table: Who Found Love—and Who Maybe Should’ve Quit
| Rank | Couple | Why They Made the List / Fan Sentiment |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Doc & Hope | Enduring, real, and heartfelt—through life’s ups and downs. |
| 2 | Mel & Jack | Core romance—emotionally deep, healing, and iconic. |
| 3 | Brie & Brady | Chemistry-driven, fan-favorite—many still ship them despite drama. |
| 4 | Muriel & Cameron | Unexpected sweetness; mature, refreshing, heartwarming. |
| 5 | Brie & Mike | Nice and safe—pleasant enough, but not seen as an ultimate pairing. |
| 6 | Preacher & Kaia | Strong bond, but lots of external threats cloud their future. |
| 7 | Lizzie & Denny | Tender and honest—but overshadowed by limitations and worries. |
| 8 | Brady & Lark | Built on lies—least supportive coupling per consensus. |
