If you’re one of the many fans anxiously waiting for Virgin River season 7 to arrive in 2026, you’re probably searching for another heartfelt series to dive into. With season 6 having dropped back in December, it’s going to be a long wait. Thankfully, there’s a perfect stand-in currently airing on The CW that can help fill that emotional void—Sullivan’s Crossing.
Now in its third season, Sullivan’s Crossing captures much of the same emotional depth, scenic charm, and romance that made Virgin River such a fan favorite. The two shows share more than just a cozy small-town vibe. Here are five reasons why Sullivan’s Crossing is the ideal show to watch while you wait for Mel and Jack’s return.
1. They’re Both Adapted from Robyn Carr’s Novels
While most viewers know Virgin River comes from Robyn Carr’s popular book series, fewer may realize that Sullivan’s Crossing is based on another one of her literary works. In fact, it’s the second of Carr’s series to be brought to television. Even more telling is the creative overlap: Roma Roth, who developed Virgin River for Netflix, also serves as executive producer on Sullivan’s Crossing. This ensures a similar tone, narrative style, and emotional pacing between the two.
2. The Heroines Share Similar Journeys
Carr has a signature storytelling style, often echoing character arcs across her different books—and that’s part of the appeal. In Sullivan’s Crossing, Maggie (played by Morgan Kohan) mirrors many traits of Virgin River’s Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge). Both women come from fast-paced urban environments and have careers in medicine—Mel as a nurse in Los Angeles and Maggie as a neurosurgeon from Boston. Their stories begin at a crossroads, prompting them to seek solace and clarity in quieter, more rural settings.
3. Romance Blossoms with the Strong, Silent Type
Both series lean heavily into romantic drama, complete with complex relationships and emotional baggage. In Virgin River, Mel is grappling with grief following the loss of her husband. Maggie, by contrast, is still in a complicated relationship with fellow doctor Andrew (Allan Hawco) when the series begins. Yet, both women eventually fall for grounded, rugged men: Jack (Martin Henderson) in Virgin River and Cal (Chad Michael Murray) in Sullivan’s Crossing. Their love interests are similar in that they offer emotional support, stability, and a slower, more grounded way of life.
4. Emotional Growth is Central to Both Stories
Both shows explore personal healing just as much as they do romantic connection. It’s no coincidence that the characters are often battling inner demons, working through past trauma, or trying to start over. The journey toward healing is messy and realistic—characters stumble, make poor choices, and grow slowly. That emotional authenticity is a major draw for fans of character-driven drama. In both series, the overarching message is clear: in order to move forward, you have to face your past and learn to let go.
5. Small-Town Life Means Different Things for Mel and Maggie
Though both women relocate to remote, scenic towns, their experiences aren’t quite the same. Mel’s move to Virgin River represents a jarring culture shift. Coming from Los Angeles, she struggles to adapt to the slower pace and the wilderness surrounding her new home. It takes her quite some time to feel like she truly belongs. Maggie’s situation in Sullivan’s Crossing is different—she’s actually returning to the place she grew up. Timberlake, and more specifically her father’s campground, holds childhood memories. Rather than being a stranger in a new place, Maggie is rediscovering old ties. Her challenge lies in accepting that her former life in Boston—and with Andrew—no longer fits who she is.
Whether you’re drawn to tales of second chances, emotional healing, or simply the charm of a small-town romance, Sullivan’s Crossing is a must-watch. It delivers the same heartfelt storytelling that made Virgin River a hit, while carving out a unique emotional journey of its own.
