After the success of shows like Virgin River, Bridgerton, and Starz’s Outlander, networks and streamers have finally figured out that romance is big business and that it would behoove them to start taking their female demographic seriously. CW also got in on the game with Sullivan’s Crossing, offering up the more adult-oriented romantic drama after years of focus on the DC Berlanti-verse, Supernatural, and the Vampire Diaries universe. With it, romance lovers have a whole new series to embrace.
Sullivan’s Crossing & Virgin River Are Both Based On Book Series By Robyn Carr
She Also Executive Produces Both Shows
Those who love Netflix’s Virgin River, even if they haven’t read the books, will likely be familiar with the name behind them, Robyn Carr. Carr also serves as executive producer on the first TV show adapted from one of her romance book series, so fans will be intrigued to know that Sullivan’s Crossing, now in season 3, is also based on a series of books by Carr, who, just like with Virgin River, serves as executive producer on the newer show. Her EP role on both shows has meant that, while the shows may take some liberties with the exact plots and timelines of the source material, they still remain true to the spirit of the novels and faithful to the characters.
Sullivan’s Crossing is a joint production between (among other entities) Canada’s CTV and the U.S. network CW. While season 3, episode 4 has already aired in Canada on CTV, the U.S. audience is a few episodes behind, with the most recent episode on CW being Sullivan’s Crossing season 3, episode 2. With only two 10-episode seasons, Sullivan’s Crossing makes for a quick binge-watch to catch up before starting season 3. It’s not just the bingeworthy aspect or the shared author that makes it a great complement to Virgin River, however.
Both Sullivan’s Crossing & Virgin River Have Very Similar Premises
They’re Romantic Dramas Set In Remote Small Towns
Of course, what you’re really wondering is if there’s a romantic interest for Maggie in Sullivan’s Crossing, and the answer to that is yes. Sparks fly between her and Cal Jones (Chad Michael Murray), a handsome handyman with a mysterious past and a traumatic backstory of his own. Like Virgin River, Sullivan’s Crossing is full of interesting supporting characters in the form of the locals, whose lives and loves intertwine.
| TV Show | First Episode | Air Date | Most Recent Episode | Air Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virgin River | S1 E1, “Carry On” | December 6, 2019 | S6 E10, “The Big Day” | December 19, 2024 |
| Sullivan’s Crossing | S1 E 1, “Coming Home” | October 4, 2023 | S3 E2, “Out of the Blue” | May 21, 2025 |
One interesting difference is that while Virgin River‘s Mel is initially a fish out of water in the small Northern California town, Sullivan’s Crossing involves Maggie rediscovering her roots in Timberlake and realizing it’s where she’s meant to be. The differences between the two shows are enough to keep them from feeling repetitive, but the similarities between Sullivan’s Crossing and Virgin River offer the same satisfying beats, making them the perfect TV pairing.
