Virgin River Fans, Meet Your New Obsession: Sullivan’s Crossing—Now Streaming on Netflix!
If you’ve been patiently waiting for Virgin River Season 7, then there’s good news for you while you count down the days. Sullivan’s Crossing, Netflix’s newest hit romantic drama, is finally here—and it’s already gaining traction among fans as the perfect replacement for the beloved series. With its cozy small-town vibes, emotional rollercoasters, and deeply compelling characters, it’s a natural fit for anyone who’s fallen in love with Virgin River.
What is Sullivan’s Crossing?
Much like Virgin River, Sullivan’s Crossing is based on the works of Robyn Carr, the author behind Virgin River‘s source material. This romantic drama focuses on Maggie Sullivan (played by Morgan Kohan), a neurosurgeon who finds herself returning to her rural hometown in Nova Scotia after facing legal trouble. Maggie seeks to reconnect with her estranged father, Harry “Sully” Sullivan (played by Scott Patterson, Gilmore Girls), and begins the process of rediscovering what matters in life—family, love, and self-healing.
If the name Sully sounds familiar to Virgin River fans, that’s because it’s a nod to another beloved character type—the strong, emotionally complex man who provides comfort and support when the heroine needs it most. This fresh series promises the same depth of characters and emotional investment viewers adored in Virgin River.
Why Sullivan’s Crossing Is the Perfect Replacement for Virgin River
1. Both Are Based on Robyn Carr’s Novels
The most obvious connection between the two series is Robyn Carr herself. Both Virgin River and Sullivan’s Crossing are adapted from her novels, meaning they share the same emotional core, small-town setting, and complex, evolving relationships. For fans who love Carr’s ability to create powerful, character-driven stories, Sullivan’s Crossing feels like the natural next step.
2. A Small-Town Setting with Heartfelt Drama
Just like Virgin River, Sullivan’s Crossing centers on a medical professional—Maggie, a neurosurgeon—returning to a small town for a fresh start. In Virgin River, Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) becomes a nurse practitioner/midwife in the sleepy Northern California town after the tragic loss of her husband. Similarly, Maggie finds herself in Nova Scotia, where the calm of the town stands in stark contrast to her previous high-pressure life, offering her an opportunity for growth and healing.
3. The Same Emotional Stakes and Deep-Rooted Love Stories
In Sullivan’s Crossing, we also see a romantic relationship blossom between Maggie and Cal Jones (played by Chad Michael Murray, One Tree Hill), who has his own complicated past. As they navigate the ups and downs of their budding relationship, viewers will see the same slow-burn romance that made Mel and Jack’s journey in Virgin River so magnetic.
There’s also the dynamic between Maggie and Sully, her father, which echoes the surrogate father-daughter bond Mel shares with Doc in Virgin River. Both series are rich with family ties, healing, and the complexities of relationships that extend beyond just romance.
4. Familiar Faces You’ll Recognize
Fans of popular drama series will be pleased to see some familiar faces. Scott Patterson, who portrayed Luke Danes in Gilmore Girls, plays Sully, bringing his signature grounded performance to the role. Alongside him is Chad Michael Murray as the mysterious Cal Jones, a local with a rugged charm. Sullivan’s Crossing also features Tom Jackson and Andrea Menard as Edna and Frank Cranebear, who ground the town with their wisdom and love.
These actors are no strangers to romance dramas, and they bring a comforting level of familiarity to the series, making it easy for Virgin River fans to transition into the world of Sullivan’s Crossing.
5. Real-Life Drama and Complex Relationships
While Sullivan’s Crossing shares a similar format to Virgin River, it introduces new twists and new challenges. Maggie’s journey is not just about falling in love but also about rebuilding her life and mending family ties. As the season unfolds, fans can expect intense moments of emotional conflict, self-discovery, and the complexities of small-town dynamics—all with a fresh backdrop and new relationships to get invested in.
Sullivan’s Crossing: Already Trending on Netflix
Since its release, Sullivan’s Crossing has quickly climbed the ranks on Netflix, making waves with its engaging characters and heartfelt storytelling. It’s already earning solid reviews from audiences, with an 83% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes, further establishing it as a must-watch for fans of heartfelt romantic dramas.
And with the series airing on The CW in the U.S. and originally produced by CTV in Canada, it has a solid foundation that fans are eager to explore.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Sullivan’s Crossing?
While Sullivan’s Crossing is just getting started on Netflix, fans can look forward to Season 3, which aired earlier this year, with Season 4 already confirmed for 2025. The show’s success is not just a win for the actors and crew, but for Robyn Carr’s fans as well, as the world she’s built with characters like Maggie, Cal, and Sully continues to resonate.
What Are Your Thoughts?
Are you excited to check out Sullivan’s Crossing as the perfect follow-up to Virgin River? Are you already hooked on Maggie and Cal’s slow-burn romance? What connections do you see between Virgin River and Sullivan’s Crossing? Let us know in the comments below!
