Chad Michael Murray leads the cozy romantic drama that’s already racing up the charts.
If you’ve ever found yourself yearning for a romantic drama that delivers Virgin River’s signature mix of small-town charm, emotional upheaval, and slow-burn love stories, you’re in luck. Netflix has just dropped the first two seasons of Sullivan’s Crossing—and it’s already climbing the Top 10 like wildfire.
Billed as the perfect binge while we wait for Virgin River Season 7 to arrive, Sullivan’s Crossing is more than just a placeholder. It’s a fresh favorite in the making, with that familiar heartwarming formula—courtesy of none other than Virgin River author Robyn Carr herself.
Same Author, Same Comfort, New Story
At first glance, the similarities are striking. Both shows are based on Carr’s novels. Both follow a big-city medical professional whose life is upended by trauma and who escapes to a picturesque town seeking healing. And yes—both come with a brooding, emotionally available local love interest.
But Sullivan’s Crossing is far from a copy-paste of Virgin River. This time, the focus is on Maggie Sullivan (Morgan Kohan), a brilliant Boston neurosurgeon whose personal and professional life implodes, prompting her to return to her childhood home: a rustic campground in Nova Scotia. There, she reconnects with her estranged father, Sully (played by Gilmore Girls alum Scott Patterson), and forms an unexpected connection with the mysterious, kind-hearted Cal Jones—played by 2000s teen drama royalty Chad Michael Murray (One Tree Hill, A Cinderella Story).
Romance, Healing & Gorgeous Scenery
Sullivan’s Crossing brings the same sweeping vistas, emotional stakes, and community-driven storytelling that have made Virgin River such a hit. But there’s a youthful edge and generational tension to Maggie’s journey, particularly in how she rebuilds her career, faces her demons, and questions everything she thought she wanted.
The chemistry between Kohan and Murray is undeniable—think Mel and Jack with just a hint more angst—and the father-daughter dynamic between Maggie and Sully adds a poignant twist that sets Sullivan’s apart.
A Quiet CW Gem, Now a Streaming Powerhouse
While Sullivan’s Crossing originally aired on CTV in Canada and The CW in the U.S., it’s Netflix that has turned it into a global breakout. After premiering on the streamer July 8, it rocketed to the #2 spot on the platform’s U.S. TV charts—claiming the top spot the very next day. It’s clear that audiences were craving another Robyn Carr-style romance to sink into.
That said, don’t binge too fast—only Seasons 1 and 2 are currently on Netflix. Season 3 is still rolling out on The CW, with its finale slated for July 16, and yes, Season 4 is officially in the works, as confirmed by Carr herself via a June social media post.
Still Waiting for Virgin River? Here’s What We Know
Meanwhile, over in Virgin River, Season 7 officially wrapped filming in late June. Although no release date has been announced yet, fans are speculating a late 2025 or early 2026 return. The holiday-themed Season 6 premiered in December 2024, and if history is any indication, the next chapter could follow a similar timeline.
With Virgin River now Netflix’s longest-running English-language scripted original—surpassing Grace and Frankie and Orange Is the New Black—the appetite for grounded, emotionally rich storytelling isn’t going anywhere. And neither are fans’ cravings for cozy, countryside drama.
TL;DR: If you love Virgin River, queue up Sullivan’s Crossing immediately.
Now streaming: Seasons 1 & 2 on Netflix. Season 3 finale airs July 16 on The CW. Season 4 is coming.
