This New Netflix TV Show Is Even Better Than ‘Virgin River’ and ‘Ransom Canyon’

If you’re craving a heaping dose of slow burns, longing glances and heartfelt drama, Watch With Us has a recommendation for you.

Sullivan’s Crossing, which first aired in Canada before being acquired by The CW, drops three seasons on Netflix this week, and this emotional series is the perfect summer binge for fans who are already missing Virgin River or Ransom Canyon.

Morgan Kohan and Chad Michael Murray in Sullivan's Crossing

The Premise Is Comfortingly Familiar

There’s nothing revolutionary going on in Sullivan’s Crossing — and that’s a big part of its appeal. The series follows Dr. Maggie Sullivan (Morgan Kohan of Hallmark’s When Hope Calls), a neurosurgeon who returns to her tiny hometown to live with her father after being sued for negligence. There, she must reconcile with her estranged dad Sully (Scott Patterson) and confront her growing feelings for a handsome townie (Murray).

The predictability of the plot is part of the charm — it’s a classic “big-city girl returns to a small town” story about getting back to your roots and letting love in. If you’re in the mood for a cozy binge with just enough drama to keep you hooked, Sullivan’s Crossing is the perfect fit.

The Setting Is Stunning and Immersive

Morgan Kohan and Chad Michael Murray in Sullivan's Crossing

 

Morgan Kohan and Chad Michael Murray in ‘Sullivan’s Crossing.’ The CW
 

Filmed in the forests of Nova Scotia, the fictional town of Sullivan’s Crossing is an idyllic paradise of greenery, water views and solitude. Despite the drama on the show — and there’s plenty — watching Sullivan’s Crossing feels a bit like taking a vacation to a remote cabin. Sweeping aerial shots of mountains, rivers and rustic cabins lend the show a peaceful, transportive quality that makes it feel like a breath of fresh air.

Even in the tensest moments, the natural beauty of the setting gives the show a calming, almost therapeutic backdrop. If you need a break from the summer heat or just want to feel like you’ve escaped to the woods for a weekend, this series delivers.

It’s a ‘Gilmore Girls’ Reunion

Chad Michael Murray and Scott Patterson in Sullivan's Crossing

 

Chad Michael Murray and Scott Patterson in ‘Sullivan’s Crossing.’ The CW
 

Featuring a similar “small town where everyone knows everyone” energy to Gilmore Girls, Sullivan’s Crossing also stars two of the beloved series’ supporting cast members. Scott Patterson, who plays Maggie’s dad Sully, played gruff diner owner Luke in the iconic 2000–2007 series. Murray, for his part, portrayed wealthy bad boy Tristan Dugray in the first two seasons. The two characters never shared a single scene, but they were both impactful in creating the legacy of the long-running, beloved series.

If you’re a fan of Gilmore Girls, Sullivan’s Crossing may check many of the same boxes. It features romantic entanglements, class differences and an emotional parent-child relationship — though this series is about a father and daughter rather than a mother-daughter duo. Murray and Patterson are just as charming as they were in Gilmore Girls, and they both share solid chemistry with Kohan that gets the viewer invested in the growth of the relationships.

Overall, if you’re a fan of romantic, idyllic stories that star talented (and attractive) actors, Sullivan’s Crossing is a great fit. You can watch all three seasons of Sullivan’s Crossing on Netflix, and a fourth season is in the works.

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