The scenic vistas and emotionally resonant storytelling that define Virgin River have long cemented its place as a fan-favorite on Netflix. However, even the most idyllic backdrops

and heartfelt drama can’t save a storyline from sharp critique when it fails to connect with its audience. In a surprising twist that has divided fans, a growing number of Virgin River viewers

are voicing strong dissatisfaction with a central romantic subplot, to the point of actively skipping scenes. The target of their ire? The increasingly controversial relationship

between Lizzie (Sarah Dugdale) and Denny Cutler (Kai Bradbury).

The Heart of the Controversy: Lizzie and Denny’s Romance

When Lizzie first arrived in Virgin River, she was the quintessential wild child with a heart waiting to be tamed. Her relationship with Ricky (Grayson Gurnsey) resonated with many fans as a tender coming-of-age romance. But following Ricky’s departure to join the Marines, Lizzie’s storyline pivoted toward a new romantic entanglement with Denny Cutler—Doc Mullins’ long-lost grandson—introducing a fresh yet ultimately divisive narrative arc.

Denny’s arrival came shrouded in mystery, and as his story unfolded, viewers learned of his diagnosis with Huntington’s disease, a devastating degenerative condition. The emotional weight of this revelation should have grounded the couple’s evolving relationship in deep, meaningful territory. Instead, many fans feel the portrayal has missed the mark entirely, citing unrealistic pacing, weak chemistry, and underwhelming performances as major drawbacks.

Fans Push Back: “Skip Scenes” Becomes a Common Practice

The backlash hasn’t been subtle. Across Reddit threads, Facebook fan groups, and X (formerly Twitter), viewers have admitted that they regularly skip scenes involving Lizzie and Denny. The reasons vary—from finding their dialogue unconvincing to deeming their emotional moments “forced” or even “cringe-inducing.” For a show that thrives on emotional authenticity and character-driven plots, this admission from its own fanbase is no small matter.

“This storyline just doesn’t land,” one Reddit user wrote. “Every time Lizzie and Denny are on screen, I lose interest. I’ve started fast-forwarding through their parts because they feel like filler.” Others echoed similar sentiments, calling their scenes a “distraction” from more compelling relationships, such as the central pairing of Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack (Martin Henderson), or the dramatic tension between Brie (Zibby Allen) and Brady (Ben Hollingsworth).

The “Cringe” Factor: Why It’s Hitting a Nerve

So what exactly is it about Lizzie and Denny that makes some viewers cringe? The criticism largely centers on perceived inconsistencies in character development and a lack of emotional depth. While Denny’s diagnosis was a bold narrative choice, some fans argue it has been used more as a plot device than a genuine opportunity for character exploration. The gravity of living with Huntington’s disease—especially for someone so young—has not, in their view, been fully realized on screen.

Furthermore, Lizzie’s rapid emotional transition from her heartbreak over Ricky to falling in love with Denny has struck many as rushed and disingenuous. “It feels like the writers are trying to force this couple down our throats,” one X user commented. “They went from barely knowing each other to dealing with life-altering issues in a matter of episodes.”

In an emotionally rich ensemble drama, authenticity is key. And for a portion of the fanbase, this storyline lacks that essential spark.

Missed Opportunities and Unmet Potential

There’s a palpable sense among fans that the show squandered an opportunity with Denny’s character. As the grandson of the beloved Doc Mullins (Tim Matheson), Denny’s presence could have opened up powerful storylines about family reconciliation, terminal illness, and the impact of generational trauma. Instead, viewers feel these potential arcs were sidelined in favor of a romance that has failed to resonate.

“It’s not just that the storyline is boring—it’s that it could have been so much more,” one fan wrote. “There’s a chance to explore something real and raw with Denny’s condition, but instead, we get teenage-level drama that doesn’t do justice to the material.”

Some fans have even floated alternative storylines online—ranging from a deeper focus on Denny’s relationship with Doc to a more nuanced, platonic bond between Denny and Lizzie, rather than a rushed romantic one.

Drag on the Narrative: Weighing Down the Series

The most concerning takeaway from the mounting criticism is the effect this storyline is having on the overall enjoyment of Virgin River. For many, skipping scenes is no longer about convenience—it’s a necessary move to stay engaged with the show’s more compelling narratives. That kind of disengagement can ripple outwards, reducing anticipation for future episodes and weakening emotional investment in the series as a whole.

By comparison, Mel and Jack continue to captivate audiences with their layered relationship, and storylines involving characters like Hope, Preacher, and Doc remain fan favorites. These arcs offer the emotional complexity and relatability that have come to define Virgin River. When one major storyline fails to meet that standard, the contrast becomes even starker.

A Divided Fandom: Navigating Controversial Storylines

Every long-running series eventually encounters polarizing storylines. But what makes the Lizzie-Denny arc particularly contentious is its centrality to the current season’s emotional fabric. Rather than being a peripheral plot, this romance occupies significant screen time—leading many fans to feel as though their concerns are being ignored.

Still, it’s worth noting that not everyone shares the same view. Some defenders of the couple have praised the show’s willingness to tackle serious medical conditions and young love’s complications. Yet even among supporters, there’s acknowledgment that the storyline could benefit from more depth, slower pacing, and stronger character work.

Looking Ahead: Season 7 and the Road Forward

As Virgin River heads into its seventh season, showrunners face a critical decision. Do they double down on Lizzie and Denny’s romance, hoping for a turnaround? Or will they take fan feedback into account and rework—or even sideline—the storyline to refocus on what has historically resonated with audiences?

The writers have proven capable of course-correcting in the past, and there remains ample opportunity to reshape Denny’s character arc into something more compelling and emotionally resonant. Whether that involves separating the couple, reorienting their storyline, or giving them a deeper, more grounded path remains to be seen.

What is clear, however, is that Virgin River fans care deeply about the integrity and emotional realism of the stories they’re being told. With the spotlight now firmly on Lizzie and Denny’s future, the upcoming season may determine whether this romance can be redeemed—or whether it will remain a cringe-inducing footnote in an otherwise beloved series.