For fans of Virgin River, small-town romances have become more than just guilty pleasures—they’re lifelines to stories of hope, healing, and the timeless battle between heartache

and happily-ever-after. Now, another series born from the pen of Virgin River creator Robyn Carr is taking center stage, and it’s bringing with it one of television’s most beloved heartthrobs:

Chad Michael Murray. The 43-year-old actor, best known for his roles in One Tree Hill, Gilmore Girls, and the teen cult classic A Cinderella Story, is enjoying a career renaissance thanks

to two projects that couldn’t be more different yet equally impactful: Disney’s Freakier Friday, a box-office surprise, and Netflix’s romantic drama Sullivan’s Crossing. And Murray couldn’t be prouder of what lies ahead.

A Dream Role Answered by Prayer

Speaking to People, Murray admitted that Sullivan’s Crossing wasn’t just another acting gig—it was the culmination of years of heartfelt wishes. “I prayed every single night for two years for a show like this,” he confessed. “I wanted something that didn’t feel gratuitous, that was family-friendly, that was set somewhere beautiful where my family could be a part of the experience… with a cast that genuinely bonded. Sullivan’s Crossing became that prayer answered.”

And what a blessing it has been. The series, which first aired in Canada in 2023 before finding a U.S. audience on The CW and now Netflix, has quickly become one of the platform’s top 10 most-streamed titles. Its sweeping Nova Scotian landscapes, heartfelt storytelling, and rich emotional arcs have made it a must-watch for fans of Virgin River hungering for more small-town magic.

Netflix’s Next Small-Town Obsession

So what’s Sullivan’s Crossing all about? At its heart, the series follows Maggie Sullivan (played by Morgan Kohan), a talented neurosurgeon whose glittering career is derailed by legal trouble. Seeking refuge and clarity, she returns to her hometown in Nova Scotia to reconcile with her estranged father (Scott Patterson, of Gilmore Girls fame) and rediscover what truly matters in life.

Enter Chad Michael Murray as Cal Jones, the enigmatic newcomer whose own complicated past begins to intertwine with Maggie’s journey. Their relationship—tense at first, then tender, then brimming with undeniable chemistry—has become the emotional heartbeat of the series. Fans who swooned over Mel and Jack’s slow-burn romance in Virgin River will recognize the same DNA here: love stories rooted in second chances, emotional scars, and the courage to let someone back in.

A Gilmore Girls Reunion for the Ages

For Murray, the project carried another surprising perk—a reunion with his former Gilmore Girls co-star Scott Patterson, who played the gruff but lovable diner owner Luke Danes. Murray, of course, played Tristin DuGray, the charming bad boy who tormented Rory Gilmore during her Chilton days.

“I remember when I found out Scott was going to be part of this, I was so excited,” Murray shared. “Walking into a new set can be daunting—you never know if you’ll click with the cast. But knowing that Scott was there gave me a sense of comfort. It felt like coming home in a way.”

For longtime fans of both Gilmore Girls and Virgin River, seeing these two actors reunite in a setting so reminiscent of Stars Hollow is a nostalgic thrill—one that only adds to the show’s irresistible appeal.

The Robyn Carr Connection

Of course, the parallels between Sullivan’s Crossing and Virgin River aren’t coincidental. Both series spring from the imagination of Robyn Carr, whose gift for weaving emotionally charged romances in breathtaking small-town settings has made her a household name among fans of heartfelt drama.

Carr, who also serves as an executive producer on both shows, has built a universe where characters aren’t just struggling with romance but with real human challenges: loss, identity, family conflict, and the courage to start over. For viewers who have already walked the winding roads of Virgin River alongside Mel Monroe and Jack Sheridan, Sullivan’s Crossing feels like the perfect companion—a fresh story infused with the same soul.