From Virgin River to Viral Romance: Ben Hollingsworth’s “Romance in Style” Captures Hearts and Becomes Netflix’s Surprise Sensation

No one saw it coming — not even Ben Hollingsworth himself. Known to millions as the brooding yet beloved Brady from Virgin River, Hollingsworth has quietly carved out a niche as one of television’s most versatile actors. But his latest project, Romance in Style, a modest Hallmark-origin love story newly released on Netflix, has exploded into a viral phenomenon, topping global streaming charts and becoming an unexpected beacon of hope for romantic storytelling in a world dominated by high-stakes thrillers and dark dramas.

So, how did a simple film about love, fashion, and self-acceptance turn into one of Netflix’s most talked-about hits? The answer lies not just in its story — but in the sincerity with which it’s told.

When Romance in Style first debuted, it seemed destined for a quiet shelf life among the many comfort-watch titles that populate Netflix’s catalog. The plot follows Ella (Jaicy Elliot), a plus-size fashion designer struggling to make her mark in a cutthroat industry that rarely celebrates women who look like her. Enter Derek (Ben Hollingsworth), a dashing publishing executive who discovers Ella’s bold designs and even bolder spirit. What begins as a professional collaboration soon blossoms into something deeper — a romance built not on superficial attraction, but on respect, vulnerability, and shared dreams.

At first glance, Romance in Style appears to follow the classic rom-com formula — opposites attract, obstacles arise, hearts heal. But what has captivated audiences isn’t just the story’s sweetness; it’s its authenticity. Unlike many contemporary romantic comedies that rely on irony or spectacle, Romance in Style leans fully into sincerity. It celebrates imperfections, self-worth, and the kind of love that grows from kindness rather than drama.

Ben Hollingsworth’s performance has been at the heart of this resurgence. As Derek, he sheds Brady’s tortured complexity and embraces warmth, charm, and emotional honesty. “This role reminded me why I fell in love with acting in the first place,” Hollingsworth said in a recent interview. “It’s about connection — not perfection. It’s about showing that real love can exist between real people.”

Fans have responded with overwhelming enthusiasm. Social media has been flooded with clips of the film’s most heartfelt moments — Ella’s emotional speech about self-love, Derek’s quiet declaration that “beauty is confidence, not conformity,” and, of course, their final, tear-filled kiss on a rainy New York street. TikTok montages of the couple’s best scenes have racked up millions of views under hashtags like #RomanceInStyle and #BenHollingsworthEra.

For many, the film feels like a breath of fresh air. “It’s the kind of romance we’ve been missing,” one fan tweeted. “No gimmicks, no cynicism — just heart.” Another viewer wrote, “I cried, smiled, and felt seen. Romance in Style made me believe in good people again.”

Behind the scenes, the movie’s success also marks a turning point in how streaming platforms view romantic dramas. Netflix executives reportedly greenlit its global re-release after noticing a growing demand for “comfort narratives” — stories that center emotional healing and inclusivity. The result was staggering. Within days of hitting the platform, Romance in Style surged into Netflix’s Top 10 across multiple countries, even overtaking major thrillers and big-budget action series.

Hollingsworth’s rising popularity has also reignited interest in Virgin River, where his character Brady remains one of the show’s most conflicted figures — a man torn between redemption and temptation. Fans who discovered him through Romance in Style are now binge-watching Virgin River from the beginning, describing the experience as “watching two sides of the same heart.”

In interviews, Hollingsworth has spoken candidly about the personal connection he felt to Derek’s journey. “He’s a man who learns to see people for who they are, not who they’re expected to be,” he said. “That message hit home for me. In a world obsessed with image, choosing empathy and authenticity feels revolutionary.”

The film’s female lead, Jaicy Elliot — best known for her role in Grey’s Anatomy — has also received widespread praise for her performance as Ella. Critics have lauded her portrayal for breaking the mold of traditional romantic heroines. “Jaicy brings strength, softness, and sincerity,” one review from Variety noted. “She and Hollingsworth share genuine chemistry — the kind that can’t be faked.”

What makes Romance in Style truly special is how it redefines what a modern love story can be. It doesn’t rely on fantasy or glamour; instead, it grounds its romance in everyday courage — in showing up, speaking truth, and believing you’re worthy of love just as you are. It’s that emotional honesty, wrapped in old-fashioned charm, that has made it resonate across generations.

The success has sparked new discussions inside Netflix about reviving similar heartfelt titles. Insiders hint that Hollingsworth is already in talks for another romantic drama — possibly even a sequel or spiritual successor to Romance in Style. While details remain under wraps, early speculation suggests the project will continue exploring themes of body positivity and emotional growth — all with the same warm tone that made this film a global hit.