Doc’s clinic is getting a major new addition, and this one might stick around for a while. A familiar face from another hit medical drama will scrub in for Virgin River Season 8 in a role that could reshape the show’s future.
Natasha Calis joins the cast of Virgin River Season 8
According to Deadline, Natasha Calis will join the cast of Netflix’s Virgin River for its upcoming eighth season. The SkyMed star will play Dr. Astrid in a heavily recurring role on the popular romantic drama. Production on the new season recently started in Vancouver.
Calis will portray a surgical resident who lands at Doc’s clinic after a mysterious probation placement. Her deal includes an option to become a series regular starting with a potential Season 9 renewal. This would be the first series-regular addition since Kandyse McClure joined the cast in Season 5.
The character carries a brashly confident attitude but struggles with bedside manner at her new posting. Astrid wants to do almost anything to escape Virgin River and return to the surgical wing quickly. Her arrival likely ties to Doc’s polarizing Season 7 finale decision to partner with Grace Valley Hospital.
At the clinic, Astrid may interact with another new Season 8 character, Eddie, played by Mitchell Slaggert. Eddie is a charismatic EMT joining the show as a recurring character this season. Meanwhile, two longtime cast members departed ahead of Season 8, including Marco Grazzini and Lauren Hammersley.
The Canadian actress currently leads the Paramount+ medical drama SkyMed as delivery nurse Hayley Roberts. That show launched its fourth season last week, and sources say Calis’ contract for it was up. She could potentially work on both shows if they receive additional seasons going forward.
Calis previously starred in another medical drama, Nurses, which aired on NBC in the United States. Her feature credits include Sam Raimi’s The Possession for Lionsgate. Atlas Artist and Mary Falcon at Play Management in Canada represent her.