If you’ve been wandering through the wilderness of TV looking for something to fill the void left by Virgin River’s breathtaking Season 6 finale, you’re in good company.
Millions of viewers have been craving the warmth of small-town living, the crackle of community gossip, and the kind of soul-deep romance that lingers long after the credits roll.
Enter Sullivan’s Crossing—a series so heartfelt, so deeply rooted in the same DNA as Virgin River, that fans are calling it the “cozy drama gem” they never knew they needed.
Even better? You don’t need to wait for another Netflix drop to binge it—it’s streaming right now for free on The CW app.
This is more than just a stopgap until Virgin River returns—it’s a love letter to small-town stories, second chances, and the kind of connections that feel like coming home.
Virgin River Fans Are Falling Hard for This “Cozy Drama Gem”—and You Can Watch It for Free Right Now (Full information 👇 💬 )
From Robyn Carr’s Pages to the Screen—Again
For fans of Virgin River, the name Robyn Carr is practically sacred. The prolific author crafted the original Virgin River book series, a sprawling 22-book saga that became the foundation of Netflix’s most cherished romantic drama. But Carr’s pen didn’t stop there. She also wrote the Sullivan’s Crossing novels—five books brimming with the same blend of heartache, redemption, and small-town magic.
On screen, that magic translates beautifully. Instead of the redwoods of Northern California, Sullivan’s Crossing trades scenery for the rugged coasts and sweeping landscapes of Nova Scotia. Yet the essence—the comfort, the drama, the slow-burn romance—is unmistakably Carr.
At the center of the story is Maggie Sullivan (Morgan Kohan), a talented neurosurgeon whose high-powered city life comes crashing down after a scandal threatens her career. In search of solace and clarity, she returns to her picturesque hometown, only to be confronted by the past she left behind. Chief among her struggles? Mending her fractured relationship with her estranged father, Harry “Sully” Sullivan, played by Gilmore Girls alum Scott Patterson.
But this wouldn’t be a Robyn Carr drama without romance. Enter Cal Jones, portrayed by the ever-charming Chad Michael Murray, whose grounded warmth and magnetic chemistry with Maggie quickly make him a fan favorite.
Why Fans Are Calling It Virgin River’s “Sister Show”
Virgin River fans love cozy drama gem
It’s not just the shared author that has people dubbing Sullivan’s Crossing a spiritual sibling to Virgin River. It’s the entire package—the cozy pacing, the breathtaking setting, and the character-driven storytelling that feels as comforting as a favorite blanket.
Cozy, Familiar Atmosphere – Scenes radiate warmth, from coffee shared at dawn to community gatherings filled with laughter and conflict.
Picturesque Backdrop – Nova Scotia itself feels like a supporting character, with ocean vistas and quaint streets providing the perfect escape.
Romance That Resonates – Maggie and Cal’s evolving relationship mirrors the emotional depth of Jack and Mel’s love story, balancing heartbreak, humor, and hope.
As one fan wrote on Reddit:
“I started watching Sullivan’s Crossing and it gives me the exact same comforting vibe as Virgin River. It’s like coming home.”
Another viewer added:
“It’s got the heart of Virgin River, the humor of Hart of Dixie, and a cast that feels like family.”
The Differences That Make Sullivan’s Crossing Shine
While the comparisons to Virgin River are inevitable—and flattering—Sullivan’s Crossing is more than just a replacement. It carves out its own identity, leaning less on soap-style cliffhangers and more on grounded, emotionally resonant storytelling.
