Missing Virgin River? Sullivan’s Crossing Might Just Be Your Next TV Obsession—Here’s Why Fans Are Already Hooked

With Virgin River Season 7 still months away and Season 8 newly confirmed, loyal fans are left in a cozy-but-heartbreaking limbo. The emotional bond with Mel and Jack, the small-town comfort of Virgin River, and the soothing drama we’ve come to rely on—it’s all temporarily paused. But what if we told you that there’s a new show streaming right now on Netflix that checks all the same boxes?

Enter Sullivan’s Crossing—a heartfelt romantic drama based on the book series by Robyn Carr, the same bestselling author behind Virgin River. Quietly dropped onto Netflix’s platform in July, the series has become an unexpected balm for Virgin River fans craving more second chances, small-town warmth, and slow-burn romance.

🏥 From Operating Room to Nova Scotia: A New Heroine’s Journey

The heart of Sullivan’s Crossing is Maggie Sullivan, portrayed by Morgan Kohan. She’s a brilliant neurosurgeon whose life is upended by sudden legal troubles. Forced to step away from her high-powered medical career in Boston, Maggie returns to her remote hometown in Nova Scotia, where unresolved family ties—and emotional baggage—await.

Maggie’s journey is more than a retreat; it’s a deep rediscovery of herself. She reconnects with her estranged father, Harry “Sully” Sullivan, played by Scott Patterson (Gilmore Girls’ beloved Luke Danes), who runs a rustic campground in the coastal town. As she begins to patch old wounds and find a rhythm in this slower-paced life, the past continues to haunt her—while a possible future begins to blossom.

And yes, that future just might involve romance.

💘 Meet Cal Jones: Chad Michael Murray Returns With a Rugged Twist

If there’s one thing Virgin River fans love, it’s the quiet, strong, emotionally complicated man at the heart of a good love story. And in Sullivan’s Crossing, that man is Cal Jones, played by Chad Michael Murray (One Tree Hill, Gilmore Girls). Cal is the town’s mysterious handyman-with-a-past—handsome, grounded, and not-so-subtly charming.

Cal and Maggie’s chemistry is undeniable, and their relationship begins with the kind of guarded tension that made Mel and Jack such a slow-burn favorite. Cal has secrets. Maggie has scars. And the more they try to keep things platonic, the more viewers fall for their chemistry.

🌄 The Comfort and Charm of a Small-Town Story

Sullivan’s Crossing may have a different zip code, but it speaks the same emotional language as Virgin River. Set in a scenic Canadian coastal town, the show offers picturesque views, a tight-knit community, and the kind of heartfelt storytelling that fans crave.

Whether it’s Edna and Frank Cranebear (played by Andrea Menard and Tom Jackson) adding wisdom and warmth to the local landscape, or the ensemble cast delivering grounded performances, the show knows how to create a world you’ll want to keep visiting.

And that’s no coincidence. The show is executive produced by Roma Roth, the very same creative mind behind Virgin River.

📺 Stream It Now—And There’s Plenty to Watch

Netflix has just released Seasons 1 and 2 of Sullivan’s Crossing, giving viewers 20 full episodes to dive into. Originally airing on Canada’s CTV in 2023 and later picked up by The CW in the U.S., the show is now being positioned for global exposure on Netflix.

Even more exciting? Season 3 premiered this spring on Canadian TV and The CW. While it hasn’t landed on Netflix yet, the platform’s current rollout suggests it’s only a matter of time before international fans get access to the next chapter of Maggie’s story.

And if you’re the kind of viewer who likes to plan ahead—Sullivan’s Crossing has already been renewed for a fourth season, expected sometime in 2025.

🍿 Critics Haven’t Spoken—But Viewers Are Loud and Clear

Sullivan’s Crossing hasn’t yet received a critical consensus on Rotten Tomatoes. But that hasn’t stopped it from becoming a fan-favorite sleeper hit. With an 83% Audience Score on the site’s Popcorn Meter, viewers are praising the show for its heartfelt tone, emotional pacing, and layered performances.

For fans who miss the feeling of Virgin River—the vulnerability, the community, the romantic longing—Sullivan’s Crossing hits every note with sincerity.

💬 The Bottom Line: This Is the Show to Watch While You Wait

Sullivan’s Crossing is not a copy of Virgin River. It’s not trying to be. But it shares a heart, a soul, and a sensibility that makes it feel like it belongs in the same universe. If you’re craving:

• A strong, complicated female lead

• Slow-burn romance with a rugged love interest

• A picturesque small town full of quirky characters

• Real-life emotional themes of grief, healing, and rediscovery

Then this show was made for you.

Until Virgin River returns in late 2025 or early 2026, Sullivan’s Crossing may just be the comfort drama you didn’t know you needed.