If you’re a Virgin River fan counting the days until season 7, Sullivan’s Crossing on The CW might just be the perfect stand-in. With Virgin River season 6 dropping back in December and season 7 not expected until sometime in 2026, it’s going to be a long wait. So naturally, many fans are searching for a new emotional and romantic escape in the meantime.
Fortunately, Sullivan’s Crossing has arrived just in time. Now in its third season, the series is proving to be an excellent match for fans of the Netflix drama. Whether it’s the emotional arcs, backstory similarities, or the slow-burning love stories, Sullivan’s Crossing shares a lot in common with Virgin River — and we’re breaking down exactly how.
1. Both Shows Are Adapted from Robyn Carr’s Novels
And She’s Got Another Series on the Way
If Virgin River feels like it has a familiar tone, it’s because Sullivan’s Crossing springs from the same literary mind. Robyn Carr penned both book series, and Sullivan’s Crossing is her second to be adapted for television. What’s more, Roma Roth — the creative force and executive producer behind Virgin River — also brought Sullivan’s Crossing to life, ensuring a consistent tone across both shows.
In fact, Roth is now working on turning Carr’s Thunder Point series into yet another TV project. Given Carr’s track record of crafting hit romance series that translate well to TV, it’s no surprise her storytelling continues to thrive on screen.
2. The Lead Women Share Remarkably Similar Origins
Maggie and Mel Could Be Sisters in Spirit
Carr’s stories are known for their cozy familiarity, and the parallels between the two female leads are no coincidence. Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) from Virgin River is a nurse practitioner originally based in Los Angeles. Maggie (Morgan Kohan) from Sullivan’s Crossing is a neurosurgeon from Boston. Both are highly skilled professionals who leave bustling cities behind after experiencing intense personal crises.
Mel relocates to Virgin River after the tragic loss of her husband, while Maggie returns to her hometown following a malpractice lawsuit and the fallout of a medical fraud case. While Mel is entering completely unfamiliar territory, Maggie is revisiting her roots — but both are starting over in small, healing communities.
3. Their Love Interests Have Parallels Too
Rugged, Kind, and Dealing With Their Own Baggage
What’s a romantic drama without brooding, loyal male leads? Both Jack (Martin Henderson) in Virgin River and Cal (Chad Michael Murray) in Sullivan’s Crossing fit the bill. They’re grounded, masculine men who have endured deep emotional wounds — and whose past traumas slowly surface throughout the series.
As Mel and Maggie each try to rebuild their lives, Jack and Cal offer both comfort and complexity. Neither relationship comes easy, and both storylines embrace a slow-burn approach that keeps fans invested episode after episode.
4. Emotional Healing Is a Core Theme in Both Shows
The Road to Recovery Isn’t a Straight Path
While love takes center stage, both series dive deep into the emotional journeys of their characters. Most of the people we meet in Virgin River and Sullivan’s Crossing are navigating heartbreak, guilt, or personal trauma. Progress isn’t linear — characters stumble, regress, and face their flaws head-on.
This kind of character development makes the emotional payoffs especially satisfying. Growth is hard-earned and authentic, and it’s clear that healing from the past is a shared theme in both shows, whether it’s recovering from grief, rebuilding self-worth, or learning to trust again.
5. Themes of Discovery and Coming Home Are Key
Mel Finds a New Place to Belong, Maggie Rediscovers Hers
Though both women trade urban chaos for rural quiet, their transitions have different emotional textures. Mel’s move to Virgin River is a complete upheaval — she’s adjusting to wilderness, a slower pace of life, and new faces, all while still grieving her husband. Her story is about learning to belong in a place that’s foreign to her.
Maggie’s journey, on the other hand, is more of a return than a relocation. Timberlake — specifically her father’s campground, Sullivan’s Crossing — was once home, and coming back reawakens long-forgotten feelings. Her story is about reclaiming what she once knew, realizing that the life she tried to build in Boston may not reflect her true self.
In Conclusion
If you’ve been missing the comforting drama and tender love stories of Virgin River, Sullivan’s Crossing offers a remarkably similar experience — with its own unique flavor. With shared themes of love, loss, emotional healing, and finding your place in the world, it’s easy to see why fans are embracing both series. And with more Robyn Carr adaptations in the works, the heartwarming drama isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
