Virgin River and the 6 best soapy dramas on Netflix right now
By Mads Lennon
Plenty of great shows are available on Netflix at any given moment, including comedies, crime dramas, horror shows, reality television, and more. But what about when you want something a little soapy without going full soap opera? Stuff like the romantic Virgin River or the addictive Firefly Lane.
Below we highlight some of the best soapy dramas streaming on Netflix. Most of the shows on this list are Netflix Originals with additional seasons on the way, but there are also some older gems on here, too!
Virgin River and the six best soapy dramas on Netflix right now
If you’re looking for something dramatic to watch on Netflix, these are some of the best choices! From Virgin River to Sweet Magnolias, here are some of the best soapy dramas on Netflix.
Virgin River
Based on the successful book series by Robyn Carr, Virgin River is one of the most popular series on Netflix. This warm, cozy romantic drama is set in a picturesque small town full of lovable characters and intimate roosts like a local bar frequented by just about everyone.
Alexandra Breckenridge stars as a new physician in town that must win over the curmudgeonly town doctor, aptly nicknamed Doc (Tim Matheson), a man not keen on letting someone else into his practice. It doesn’t take long for Mel to find her place in town, and the city helps her heal after the tragic loss of her husband. She soon falls for the handsome bar owner, played by Martin Henderson.
This is an excellent choice if you like Hart of Dixie and Northern Exposure or are a fan of the book series. Season 5 arrives this fall and Virgin River already been renewed for a sixth season.
Firefly Lane
Firefly Lane is easily among the top choices regarding soapy dramas on Netflix. Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke star as lifelong best friends, Tully Hart and Kate Mularkey.
After meeting as teens while growing up on the same street, the eponymous Firefly Lane, Kate, and Tully remain attached at the hip throughout college and adulthood.
The show centers on their friendship and is told across three timelines, charting the course of Kate and Tully’s friendship through all the most critical moments of their lives. This show is also based on a book, a duology, by Kristin Hannah.
Sweet Magnolias
Like Firefly Lane, the heart of Sweet Magnolias is all about the heartwarming female friendship between three Southern women who have known each other since they were in high school. Sweet Magnolias is also based on a popular book series, this one by Sherryl Woods. There are two seasons on Netflix, but season 3 will be released this July, so now is the perfect time to catch up, especially if you’re looking for something soapy to watch.
Suits
Suits is not officially on Netflix yet, but the entire series is coming to the streamer on June 17. It’s pretty different from the other series on this list because Suits is a legal drama, but it’s still plenty of soapy.
The former USA Network drama is also well-known for being one of the most significant roles for Meghan Markle. Before she was the Duchess of Sussex, Markle starred in Suits for most of its run. The show begins with brilliant college dropout Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams) conning his way into a job with Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht), one of the best corporate lawyers in the country.
Ginny & Georgia
If you’re interested in a show that highlights female friendship and the tender and complicated ups and downs of mothers and daughters, look no further than Ginny & Georgia. Georgia Miller might be in her 30s, but in many ways, she’s less mature than her angsty teen daughter Ginny. After spending years on the run and losing her husband to mysterious circumstances, Georgia finally aims to put down roots and get a fresh start in Wellsbury, Massachusetts.
She and Ginny must slowly find their way in this new place and see if they can build a stable life together there. But the past always catches up with you eventually. In addition to the two seasons streaming right now, Ginny & Georgia recently received a two-season renewal!
Gilmore Girls
Speaking of mother/daughter relationships, you can’t go wrong with Gilmore Girls. It’s the perfect cozy autumn show, set in the quirky (sadly fictional) town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut. Here is where we meet Lorelai and Rory Gilmore.
Lorelai was a teen mom, having Rory at just 16 years old. Now Rory herself is 16, and the two are more like best friends than mom and kid. In many ways, the show is more of a slice-of-life drama as we watch the Gilmore girls contend with romance, friendships, and Lorelai’s estranged parents, Emily and Richard Gilmore. All seven seasons are now streaming on Netflix, plus the revival.
Which of these soapy dramas have you watched on Netflix?