Virgin River throwback as Doc and Hope stars had onscreen love affair 40 years ago

Virgin River Holiday Episodes: Teaser trailer

Virgin River’s Doc and Hope stars must have experienced deja vu when the series began, having already been romantically involved on screen.

The Netflix romantic drama is filled with flirtation and new love interests but it is Doc Mullins (Tim Matheson) and Hope McCrea’s (Annette O’Toole) love story that has quietly captured subscribers’ hearts.

Married for more than 20 years, the couple have had their fair share of troubles but going into season six, Doc and Hope are expected to be stronger than ever.

But decades before Virgin River even existed, the books or television series, the stars behind the husband and wife duo had already worked together.

In fact, Matheson and O’Toole portrayed a passionate couple in a romantic comedy TV movie 40 years ago.

Virgin River throwback as Doc and Hope stars had onscreen love affair 40 years ago. (Image: NETFLIX)

Virgin River's Annette O'Toole as Rachel in the 1980s TV film The Best Legs In Eighth Grade. (Image: HBO)

Entitled The Best Legs In Eighth Grade, Matheson played Mark Fisher and O’Toole was Rachel Blackstone in the TV movie that originally aired in 1984.

The synopsis for the film states that Mark is a man that “reconsiders his life after a chance meeting with a childhood acquaintance”.

Clips from the movie show the pair arguing but ultimately Mark and Rachel, who have been together for a few years, remain loved up. They share the screen with co-stars Kathryn Harrold, Jim Belushi and Vincent Bufano.

Tim Matheson and Annette O'Toole in The Best Legs In Eighth Grade. (Image: HBO) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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Virgin River hasn’t been seen since the end of 2023 but will be back for a sixth outing.

Filming for these episodes began in February and concluded in June with Netflix officials stating that the new season will begin sometime in 2024.

As of yet though, a release date for Virgin River season six hasn’t been announced.

Virgin River is available to watch on Netflix.

Virgin River throwback as Doc and Hope stars had onscreen love affair 40 years ago

Virgin River throwback as Doc and Hope stars had onscreen love affair 40 years ago

Virgin River throwback as Doc and Hope stars had onscreen love affair 40 years ago

Virgin River throwback as Doc and Hope stars had onscreen love affair 40 years ago

Virgin River throwback as Doc and Hope stars had onscreen love affair 40 years ago