Virgin River’s Jack Sheridan Star Is Worlds Away in ‘Outrageous’ New Netflix Comedy

Martin Henderson, best known to millions of fans as the ruggedly handsome and emotionally grounded Jack Sheridan from Netflix’s Virgin River, is showing a completely different side of himself in his latest project — an “outrageous, laugh-out-loud comedy” that’s already taking the streaming platform by storm. Known for his brooding charm, quiet strength, and heart-melting chemistry with Alexandra Breckenridge’s Mel Monroe, Henderson is trading small-town romance for over-the-top humor, wild situations, and a whole new kind of chaos that no one saw coming.

In his new Netflix film — a raunchy, fast-paced comedy that critics have dubbed “the anti–Virgin River experience” — Henderson stars as Gavin Reed, a former corporate executive whose life spirals out of control after a series of disastrously funny events. The story follows Gavin as he loses his job, his apartment, and his reputation overnight, forcing him to move back to his eccentric hometown in New Zealand. What begins as a humiliating homecoming quickly turns into a hilarious journey of redemption, friendship, and self-discovery — filled with awkward encounters, chaotic family dynamics, and a fair amount of embarrassing mishaps.

Fans who know Henderson only as the stoic and emotionally scarred Jack will be stunned by his comedic timing. Gone are the flannel shirts and serious stares — in their place are ridiculous costumes, absurd one-liners, and some of the funniest physical comedy moments Netflix has released this year. One particularly memorable scene reportedly involves Henderson’s character getting caught in an accidental viral video that sends his entire town into uproar — a moment so outrageous that even the actor admits he couldn’t stop laughing on set.

“It’s definitely a different side of me,” Henderson said in a recent Netflix featurette. “People know me as Jack — the strong, sensitive guy from Virgin River. But I’ve always loved comedy. This project gave me the freedom to let loose, to be silly, and to show that I don’t always have to be the brooding bartender who fixes everyone’s problems.”

The film, directed by New Zealand filmmaker Taika Wihongi, blends heartfelt humor with the kind of offbeat charm that fans of The Hangover and Ted Lasso will appreciate. While the tone is completely different from Virgin River, the movie still has that warm emotional core that Henderson gravitates toward — a story about second chances, self-acceptance, and finding joy after failure.

Co-starring alongside Henderson is Kiwi actress Rose McIver, who plays his quick-witted childhood friend turned nemesis. Their on-screen chemistry has become one of the film’s biggest talking points, with fans praising the duo’s electric comedic energy. Critics have also noted that Henderson’s performance feels refreshingly natural — proving he’s far more versatile than many of his dramatic roles have allowed him to show.

Social media reactions have been equally enthusiastic. Virgin River fans, initially curious to see their favorite leading man in such a wild setting, have flooded X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram with praise. One fan wrote, “I never thought I’d see Jack Sheridan doing slapstick comedy — and now I can’t stop laughing. Martin Henderson is hysterical!” Another added, “From heartbreak to hilarity — Martin’s range is unreal.”

The contrast between Virgin River and this new project couldn’t be greater. In Virgin River, Jack is the steady emotional anchor of the series — a war veteran turned bar owner who navigates trauma, love, and fatherhood with quiet vulnerability. His relationship with Mel is one of the show’s most beloved elements, defined by slow-burn romance, soulful dialogue, and emotional intimacy. But in his new comedy, Henderson’s character is chaotic, impulsive, and at times completely unhinged — a man who can’t seem to make it through a single day without something going catastrophically wrong.

Still, Henderson says that playing such opposite roles has been invigorating. “After years of crying scenes, heartbreak, and emotional intensity on Virgin River, it was nice to just laugh,” he said. “Comedy is its own kind of therapy. You still explore human flaws — but in a way that makes people smile instead of cry.”

He also hinted that the change of pace has given him new creative energy going into Virgin River Season 8, which is currently in production. “It reminded me not to take everything so seriously — even when Jack’s world falls apart,” he laughed. “That’s the beauty of acting. You can be a broken man in one story and a total idiot in the next.”

Behind the scenes, the cast reportedly had as much fun filming as audiences are having watching it. Henderson described the set as “pure chaos and laughter”, with long improvisation sessions, late-night shoots, and spontaneous dance breaks. “We didn’t want to overthink it,” he said. “If something felt funny, we went with it. Sometimes the best comedy comes from complete disaster.”

Critics have praised the film’s blend of heartfelt storytelling and absurd humor, calling it “a perfectly imperfect comedy about redemption, failure, and self-acceptance.” Henderson’s performance, in particular, has been singled out as a standout — a refreshing reminder that dramatic actors can shine just as brightly in comedy when given the chance.

For fans of Virgin River, seeing Martin Henderson in such a drastically different role is both surprising and delightful. It’s a reminder of the actor’s incredible range — from playing a broken-hearted small-town hero to delivering punchlines with perfect comedic timing. And while Virgin River continues to tug at viewers’ heartstrings, this new Netflix comedy proves that laughter truly can be the best medicine.

As one critic perfectly summarized: “If Jack Sheridan is the man who makes you cry, Gavin Reed is the man who’ll make you laugh until you do.”

So whether you’re a diehard Virgin River fan or just in need of some feel-good chaos, Martin Henderson’s outrageous new Netflix comedy is a must-watch — a hilarious reminder that even the most serious heroes have a funny side waiting to be unleashed.