From page to screen, here’s how this cozy small-town drama stacks up.
Fans of heartwarming small-town dramas like Virgin River have quickly gravitated toward Sullivan’s Crossing, The CW’s adaptation of Robyn Carr’s other bestselling book series. And while both series share a common literary DNA — and plenty of comforting vibes — they also diverge in some key ways, both in their storytelling and tone.
Here’s how Sullivan’s Crossing compares to the original books and to Virgin River:
📚 The Source Material:
Sullivan’s Crossing is based on Robyn Carr’s book series of the same name, which includes titles like What We Find, Any Day Now, and The Best of Us. The story centers on Maggie Sullivan, a successful neurosurgeon who returns to her childhood home, Sullivan’s Crossing, to escape a personal and professional crisis.
Unlike Virgin River, which begins with romance front and center, Sullivan’s Crossing starts with Maggie’s journey of healing and rediscovery, focusing more heavily on personal growth, father-daughter relationships, and themes of forgiveness.
📺 The TV Adaptation: What’s Different?
While the show retains the basic setting of a rustic campground in Colorado run by Maggie’s father (played by Gilmore Girls alum Scott Patterson), the TV version ramps up the drama and modernizes certain character arcs.
Some of the biggest differences include:
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Location Shift: The books are set in Colorado, but the TV series films in Nova Scotia, giving the show a slightly different visual tone — more coastal, less alpine.
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More Romantic Intrigue: While romance is present in the books, the show leans more into romantic tension early on, especially between Maggie (Morgan Kohan) and newcomer Cal Jones (Chad Michael Murray).
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Condensed Storylines: Like many adaptations, the show combines or reshapes characters and events to fit the TV format, leading to more drama and quicker emotional reveals.
💞 How It Compares to Virgin River
Both shows are based on Robyn Carr’s novels and share several familiar tropes:
✅ A woman healing from past trauma
✅ A charming, rugged male love interest
✅ A small town full of quirky but lovable characters
✅ A setting that feels like a warm hug
Key Differences:
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Tone: Virgin River has more of a medical soap opera feel, with storylines that often include crime, pregnancy drama, and intense cliffhangers. Sullivan’s Crossing is gentler and more introspective.
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Pacing: Virgin River keeps things moving with multiple storylines across its large ensemble cast. Sullivan’s Crossing is more focused on Maggie’s emotional journey, at least in its early episodes.
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Romance vs. Redemption: While Virgin River is more romance-forward, Sullivan’s Crossing leans into themes of reconciliation, especially between Maggie and her estranged father.
🎬 The Verdict
If you love Virgin River for its cozy charm, community warmth, and emotional depth, Sullivan’s Crossing is definitely worth your time — especially if you’re craving something a little quieter and more character-driven. The show offers a fresh take on healing and homecoming, with all the heart Robyn Carr fans have come to expect.
Think of it as Virgin River’s introspective cousin — less tangled in drama, but just as rooted in love and second chances.
