For years, Virgin River has been Netflix’s reigning small-town romance, but now another series is stepping into the spotlight. Sullivan’s Crossing—adapted from bestselling author Robyn Carr’s novels—has quietly transformed from a Canadian TV staple into one of Netflix’s most surprising global hits. With relatable charm, cozy escapism, and cliffhangers that keep fans hooked, the series is redefining what audiences crave from feel-good drama.
A Town Built for Escapism
Set in the fictional Timberlake, Nova Scotia, Sullivan’s Crossing introduces viewers to neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan (Morgan Kohan), who retreats from her high-powered Boston life after a scandal derails her career. Back home, she attempts to mend fences with her estranged father Sully (Scott Patterson, Gilmore Girls) while unexpectedly finding romance with rugged handyman Cal Jones (Chad Michael Murray, One Tree Hill).
At the heart of the story lies the Crossing, the family-owned campground that represents both a livelihood and a sanctuary. Saving it from financial ruin provides the series’ driving tension, but it’s the warmth of community—shared meals, tough conversations, and deep-rooted bonds—that keeps audiences invested.
The Canadian Success Story
Premiering in 2023 on Canada’s CTV, Sullivan’s Crossing quickly became the network’s most-watched Canadian drama, holding strong for consecutive seasons. Its stateside debut on The CW gave it further momentum, but the real turning point came in July 2025, when Netflix added its first two seasons to the platform.
What happened next was extraordinary. Season 1 cracked Netflix’s U.S. Top 10 for six straight weeks, while Season 2 lingered for three more. By the time Season 3 dropped on Netflix in August, the series was trending alongside the streamer’s global heavyweights. What could have been a niche drama suddenly became mainstream.
“This slow build has been really affirming,” says Morgan Kohan. “Instead of peaking early and fading, we’ve grown season by season. It shows how deeply people resonate with these stories.”
Comfort TV With Just Enough Drama
Fans often describe Sullivan’s Crossing as “comfort TV”—predictable in the best way, with characters that feel like neighbors rather than larger-than-life heroes. Yet the show isn’t afraid to stir the pot. Pregnancies, miscarriages, surprise marriages, medical crises, and even a diner fire that left Sully’s fate uncertain have given the series real dramatic weight.
“It’s like a modern-day soap opera,” says New York filmmaker Kaitlin Kemp, who stumbled upon the show while looking for something calming. “You think it’ll just be low-stakes, but then—bam—something shocking happens, and suddenly you’re fully invested.”
The Virgin River Effect
The DNA of Virgin River runs deep here, and not just because both series come from Robyn Carr’s bestselling novels. Executive producer Roma Roth, who helped bring Virgin River to Netflix, built Sullivan’s Crossing with the same formula: a scenic backdrop, grounded characters, and cliffhangers designed for binge-watching.
“There’s a massive audience for Virgin River,” explains TV critic Megan Vick. “Netflix knows that, so when they recommend Sullivan’s Crossing to fans, it’s an easy win. The shows share the same emotional core.”
And it’s working. Fans who fell in love with Mel and Jack’s story in Virgin River are now equally invested in Maggie and Cal’s. “It represented family and community,” says fan Alexa LaMalfa. “Watching it felt less like a TV show and more like being part of Sullivan’s Crossing myself.”
Season 4: New Drama Ahead
With filming for Season 4 underway in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the drama is only set to deepen. Maggie’s surprise pregnancy and Sully’s near-death experience left viewers reeling at the end of Season 3. Now, showrunner Roma Roth teases an even bigger twist: the arrival of Maggie’s secret husband, throwing her relationship with Cal into chaos.
“Season 4 is all about metamorphosis and transition,” Roth hints. “Our characters will face life changes that force them to evolve—and fans will be right there with them.”
Why Audiences Keep Coming Back
At its core, Sullivan’s Crossing is about connection—something many viewers say feels missing in their own lives. The series offers a community where people support one another, even in moments of conflict. In a world of fractured communication, Roth believes this is why fans keep showing up.
“The show represents the kind of world many of us wish we lived in,” she says. “Through these characters, audiences can experience the community and emotional connection they crave.”
And perhaps that’s the real secret. Sullivan’s Crossing may not have dragons, murders, or political intrigue—but in a streaming era dominated by spectacle, it dares to be simple, heartfelt, and hopeful. And that just might be its biggest superpower.
