The Shared DNA Between Virgin River and Sullivan’s Crossing

Netflix struck gold with Virgin River, a small-town romantic drama adapted from Robyn Carr’s bestselling novels. With its mix of heart, romance, and personal struggles set against a scenic backdrop, the show became a global hit. Now, Carr’s work is inspiring another television adaptation: Sullivan’s Crossing.

Same Author, Same Small-Town Magic

Both Virgin River and Sullivan’s Crossing are based on book series written by Robyn Carr. Carr is known for creating emotional, character-driven stories where people escape big-city troubles and find healing, love, and community in picturesque small towns.

Virgin River follows nurse practitioner Mel Monroe as she rebuilds her life in a remote California town.

Sullivan’s Crossing centers on Maggie Sullivan, a neurosurgeon who leaves behind her fast-paced city life after a scandal and returns to her father’s campground in rural Nova Scotia.

The themes are very similar: fresh starts, complicated romances, family drama, and the healing power of close-knit communities.

Familiar Faces for Fans

Another connection is the cast crossover. Sullivan’s Crossing stars Scott Patterson, well known as Luke Danes from Gilmore Girls, and Chad Michael Murray, a fan favorite from One Tree Hill. While the cast doesn’t overlap directly with Virgin River, the shows share a similar tone, making it an easy recommendation for fans.

The Hallmark Touch

Both series also carry the Hallmark-style warmth that appeals to viewers who love heartfelt, wholesome drama. Sullivan’s Crossing originally aired on CTV in Canada and the CW in the U.S., but Netflix picked it up internationally following the success of Virgin River. The streamer clearly knows that audiences want more of this “cozy drama” formula.

While Virgin River is filmed in British Columbia (with its lush forests doubling for Northern California), Sullivan’s Crossing is filmed in Nova Scotia, giving it a slightly different coastal charm. Both shows lean heavily on their natural landscapes to set the tone.

Why Fans of Virgin River Should Care

If you love Virgin River, you’ll likely find Sullivan’s Crossing equally appealing because:

Both are based on Robyn Carr’s novels.

Both feature small-town life, romance, and healing.

Both focus on characters escaping personal struggles and finding a new sense of belonging.

Both are on Netflix, making it easy to jump from one series to the other.

In other words, Sullivan’s Crossing feels like a spiritual cousin to Virgin River. It offers the same comfort-drama formula, but with new characters and a fresh setting.

✨ So, the connection is simple: Sullivan’s Crossing is also based on Robyn Carr’s bestselling novels, making it part of the same storytelling universe of cozy, small-town dramas that Netflix knows fans adore.