When Virgin River first debuted on Netflix, it wasn’t just another small-town drama — it was an emotional lifeline for millions of viewers craving heartfelt romance,

layered storytelling, and a world they could escape into. For five seasons (with Season 7 already on the horizon), the series has been a streaming powerhouse, winning over critics and fans alike.

Naturally, when Sullivan’s Crossing — based on another beloved book series by legendary romance author Robyn Carr — arrived on television, expectations were sky-high.

After all, Carr’s name alone evokes sprawling emotional arcs, tender moments, and that irresistible blend of love and community drama.

Yet, while Sullivan’s Crossing has found its audience, it hasn’t quite managed to capture the lightning-in-a-bottle success of Virgin River. And for critics and long-time fans, one reason stands out above all: the romance at its heart simply can’t match the magic of Jack and Mel.

Two Adaptations, One Author, Very Different Receptions

Robyn Carr is a titan in the romance genre. Since 1980, she has penned over 28 standalone novels, along with multiple bestselling series. The Virgin River books alone span an impressive 22 volumes, while Sullivan’s Crossing offers a cozier five-book arc.

Both worlds have made the leap to television. Netflix turned Virgin River into one of its most enduring dramas, while Sullivan’s Crossing found its home on The CW (and in Canada via CTV). Season 4 of Sullivan’s Crossing is set to arrive in late 2025, just as Virgin River readies its much-anticipated Season 7 premiere.

The shows share DNA — romantic tension, scenic small-town settings, and ensemble casts with intertwining lives — but their receptions couldn’t be more different.

Critics Prefer Virgin River’s Steady Charm

Numbers don’t lie. Virgin River enjoys an impressive 81% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes. That’s not just a “good for TV romance” rating — it’s a sign that the series delivers consistent quality and emotional payoff season after season.

Sullivan’s Crossing, on the other hand, sits at a far more modest 60%. It’s not a disastrous score by any means, but it hints at inconsistency. Many reviewers point to a lack of sustained romantic chemistry, noting that the central pairing of Maggie Sullivan (Morgan Kohan) and Cal Jones (Chad Michael Murray) pales in comparison to Virgin River’s beloved duo, Mel Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson).