Virgin River actress drops honest update on possible return to the show

Since its premiere back in 2019, Virgin River has been one of the most popular Netflix shows and has also made history as one of the streamer’s longest-running original series. But as with any long-running show, that comes with the unfortunate reality of cast changes.

While much of the show’s core main cast — including Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, Colin Lawrence, Tim Matheson, Annette O’Toole, and Benjamin Hollingsworth — has remained the same, other series regulars, recurring characters, and guest stars have come and gone.

The most recent seventh season featured another casting shakeup that leads into some shocking exits for Virgin River season 8. Lauren Hammersley and Marco Grazzini aren’t returning to the series as their characters Charmaine and Mike, but past recurring star Stacey Farber is hoping to return.

Stacey Farber hasn’t been asked to return as Tara in Virgin River

The Degrassi: The Next Generation and The Spencer Sister alum appeared in Virgin River as Tara Anderson, one of the daughters of Hope’s close friend Lily, played by Lynda Boyd. Farber appears as Tara intermittently throughout seasons 3 through 5, and makes an additional appearance in season 6, but she’s not a major character in the series, which makes sense why we don’t see her often.

Speaking with Us Weekly, Farber reveals that she hasn’t been asked to reprise her role in Virgin River since her last appearance:

“I haven’t heard. It’s always a surprise. I’ve gone away and come back. I love that they’re still going. They just aired their [new season] and I know sometimes they film really far in advance on that show. So I don’t know if they’ve already moved ahead. I can’t speak to it, but I love [the idea of coming back].”

Virgin River very much does seem to have an open door policy when it comes to past recurring characters returning to the fold whether for an extended arc or a brief visit. Even though Tara assumed responsibility of raising of her baby sister Chloe following the death of their mother to pancreatic cancer and moved out of the town, she could always come back.

It’s clear to see why Tara didn’t return in Virgin River season 7 since the storylines were completely tied up with Mel and Jack’s baby, the ongoing Charmaine mystery, Lizzie’s battle with postpartum anxiety, Brie’s decision between Mike and Brady, and other loose threads. There wasn’t much room for Tara to drop in and catch up with her old friends and present a new side story.

Based on Farber’s statement that she hasn’t been asked back, we can also assume that we won’t be seeing Tara in Virgin River season 8, which recently began filming and will premiere on Netflix sometime in 2027. But if the series continues with season 9, and even possible beyond, we shouldn’t write out a return from Tara. We would love to see Farber back on the show!