When Virgin River first premiered on Netflix, it quickly captured hearts across the globe. With its sweeping landscapes, slow-burn romance, and heartfelt exploration of loss,

love, and resilience, the small-town drama became a cultural comfort blanket. Viewers invested deeply in Mel Monroe and Jack Sheridan’s love story,

their struggles, and the richly woven community of Virgin River. So when another Robyn Carr adaptation, Sullivan’s Crossing, debuted, many fans wondered:

Could this be Virgin River’s true successor? The answer, at least according to critics and a growing number of fans, seems to be more complicated than expected. While Sullivan’s Crossing has its devoted audience and undeniable charms, it hasn’t been able to capture the same emotional magic that made Virgin River a streaming juggernaut.

The Robyn Carr Legacy: A Tale of Two Small-Town Dramas

Robyn Carr is no stranger to literary success. Since the 1980s, she has written more than 28 novels, but her legacy rests most prominently on two beloved series: the 22-book Virgin River saga and the five-book Sullivan’s Crossing series. Both were destined for the screen, and both carry Carr’s signature blend of romance, family bonds, and small-town intrigue.

Yet, despite their shared DNA, the reception to the two shows could not be more different. Virgin River, now heading into season 7, boasts an impressive 81% Rotten Tomatoes rating and consistently lands in Netflix’s Top 10 whenever new episodes drop. Meanwhile, Sullivan’s Crossing sits at a more modest 60% rating, with critics and fans alike noting that it lacks the same spark.

The reason? Many argue it all comes down to one thing: the romance at the heart of the story.

Jack & Mel vs. Cal & Maggie: Why One Love Story Soars

At the heart of any romance drama lies its central couple. For Virgin River, that couple has always been Jack Sheridan and Mel Monroe, whose love story is not only passionate but also deeply layered. They have weathered heartbreak, miscarriages, secrets, and threats from the outside world, but through it all, their bond has grown stronger. Their journey embodies resilience and hope—two themes that resonate powerfully with viewers who tune in not just for escapism, but for catharsis.

By contrast, Sullivan’s Crossing’s Maggie Sullivan and Cal Jones have struggled to command the same level of devotion. While Chad Michael Murray brings his trademark charisma to Cal and Morgan Kohan portrays Maggie with strength and vulnerability, critics argue that their romance feels more surface-level and rushed, never quite reaching the emotional heights of Jack and Mel.

As one fan wrote on Reddit, “I want to root for Maggie and Cal, but they don’t make me feel like Jack and Mel do. Their chemistry isn’t as magnetic—it’s like watching a spark that never turns into a flame.”

Sullivan’s Crossing Season 3: A Struggle to Find Its Voice

Season 3 of Sullivan’s Crossing was expected to solidify its place as a true Virgin River successor. Instead, it sparked frustration among both viewers and critics. The villains were underwhelming, the tone shifted erratically, and fans felt that the writing leaned too heavily into melodrama rather than grounded storytelling.

Where Virgin River has always balanced its moments of heartbreak with warmth, season 3 of Sullivan’s Crossing leaned into unpredictable twists that some felt undermined the emotional authenticity of the series. Maggie, in particular, has been criticized for being indecisive and immature, a far cry from the deeply empathetic and steady presence that Mel represents.