For years, Netflix’s Virgin River has stood as the crown jewel of small-town romantic drama, captivating millions with its emotional twists and picturesque escapism.
But now, another series is stepping into the spotlight, and it’s doing so with quiet confidence. Sullivan’s Crossing—adapted from bestselling author Robyn Carr’s novels—
has gone from being a Canadian TV darling to one of Netflix’s most surprising global successes. With its blend of heartfelt storytelling, sweeping landscapes, and cliffhangers designed
to keep audiences glued to their screens, the series has earned comparisons to Virgin River—and some fans believe it may even be poised to surpass it.
A Town Built for Escapism
At the heart of Sullivan’s Crossing lies Timberlake, a fictional town set against the breathtaking backdrop of Nova Scotia. While the setting feels quaint and cozy, it quickly becomes clear that this is no sleepy village. Viewers are introduced to Maggie Sullivan (Morgan Kohan), a high-powered neurosurgeon whose life in Boston implodes after a professional scandal threatens both her career and her reputation. Fleeing the chaos, she returns to her childhood home, the rustic campground known as Sullivan’s Crossing.
There, Maggie must mend her fractured relationship with her estranged father, Sully (Scott Patterson, beloved from Gilmore Girls). Sully is stubborn, protective, and still nursing old wounds of his own. Their dynamic provides some of the show’s richest material, balancing tenderness with deep-rooted resentment. Enter Cal Jones (Chad Michael Murray, One Tree Hill), a rugged handyman with a mysterious past and the kind of quiet strength that immediately intrigues Maggie. Their budding romance, set against the struggle to save the family-owned campground from financial collapse, anchors the narrative with both tension and hope.
But beyond romance, Sullivan’s Crossing thrives on community. Neighbors share meals, navigate hardships, and prove that even the deepest conflicts can be softened by connection. That warmth has become the series’ secret weapon, offering viewers a sense of belonging that feels all too rare in today’s fractured world.
A Canadian Success Story
When Sullivan’s Crossing premiered on Canada’s CTV in 2023, it was an immediate hit, quickly becoming the network’s most-watched Canadian drama. The series’ charm wasn’t lost on U.S. audiences, either. Its debut on The CW expanded its reach, but the real game-changer came in July 2025 when Netflix picked up the first two seasons.
What happened next exceeded every expectation. Season 1 cracked Netflix’s U.S. Top 10 and held its position for six consecutive weeks, while Season 2 lingered for another three. By the time Season 3 premiered on Netflix in August, the series was trending alongside heavyweights like Virgin River and Sweet Magnolias. Suddenly, a drama once considered niche had become mainstream, proving that audiences are still hungry for heartfelt storytelling rooted in small-town settings.
“This slow build has been really affirming,” Morgan Kohan reflected in a recent interview. “Instead of peaking too soon, we’ve grown season by season. It shows just how much these characters and their struggles resonate with people everywhere.”
Comfort TV With Just Enough Drama
Fans often describe Sullivan’s Crossing as “comfort TV”—gentle, cozy, and soothing, the kind of show you can curl up with on a quiet evening. But beneath its tranquil surface lies a surprising edge.
The series hasn’t shied away from heavy-hitting storylines: pregnancies, miscarriages, medical crises, surprise weddings, and even a diner fire that left Sully’s fate hanging in the balance. These emotional punches prevent the drama from becoming too predictable while keeping viewers on their toes.
“It’s like a modern-day soap opera,” said New York filmmaker Kaitlin Kemp, who stumbled across the show while browsing for something relaxing. “You think it’ll just be low-stakes romance, and then suddenly—bam—there’s a shocking twist. That’s when you realize you’re fully hooked.”
The Virgin River Effect
The comparisons to Virgin River aren’t coincidental. Both shows spring from the works of Robyn Carr, and both were shepherded to the screen by executive producer Roma Roth. The formula is undeniable: a scenic location, characters with deep emotional wounds, and cliffhanger endings that make binge-watching irresistible.
“There’s a massive audience for Virgin River,” explains television critic Megan Vick. “Netflix knows it, which is why they’ve been smart about positioning Sullivan’s Crossing as its spiritual sibling. Fans who love Mel and Jack are naturally curious about Maggie and Cal—and once they start watching, they’re hooked.”
And it’s working. For many fans, Sullivan’s Crossing feels like the perfect companion piece to Virgin River. Alexa LaMalfa, a longtime viewer, put it best: “Watching Sullivan’s Crossing doesn’t feel like watching a TV show. It feels like being part of a community, like stepping into a place where everyone matters.”
Season 4: New Drama Ahead
The stakes are about to rise even higher. With filming for Season 4 underway in Halifax, Nova Scotia, showrunner Roma Roth has teased some jaw-dropping developments. Season 3 ended on a dramatic note: Maggie’s surprise pregnancy and Sully’s near-death experience left fans reeling.
Now, Roth hints that Maggie’s secret past is about to collide with her present. “Season 4 is all about metamorphosis and transition,” she teased. “The arrival of Maggie’s secret husband will change everything, not only for her relationship with Cal but for the entire community.”
This looming storyline has already sparked heated speculation online. Will Maggie and Cal survive the betrayal? Will Sully’s health struggles worsen? And how will the town rally around its own when personal and professional lives spiral into chaos?
Why Audiences Keep Coming Back
At its core, Sullivan’s Crossing isn’t just about romance or scandal. It’s about connection. In a world where so many feel isolated, the series offers viewers a place where bonds are unbreakable, where neighbors show up for one another, and where family—no matter how fractured—remains worth fighting for.
“The show represents the kind of world many of us wish we lived in,” Roth explained. “Through these characters, audiences get to experience the community, love, and support they crave. That’s why people keep coming back season after season.”
In an era dominated by gritty crime thrillers and high-budget fantasy epics, Sullivan’s Crossing dares to be something different: simple, heartfelt, and hopeful. Its quiet strength may just be its greatest superpower.
Conclusion
What started as a Canadian drama with modest expectations has now become a global Netflix phenomenon. By tapping into the same emotional core that made Virgin River a juggernaut, Sullivan’s Crossing has carved out its own place in the streaming landscape. Its mix of comfort and chaos, heart and heartbreak, is exactly what audiences have been craving.
And if Season 4 delivers on its promises, Sullivan’s Crossing won’t just be the “next Virgin River.” It will be a small-town drama that defines its own legacy, one heartfelt twist at a time.
