Netflix Has a New Small-Town Obsession — And It’s Not Virgin River
Move over, Virgin River — there’s a new small-town drama climbing the Netflix charts, and it’s packing all the romance, family tension, and scenic vistas that fans adore. Sullivan’s Crossing, based on another bestselling book series by Virgin River author Robyn Carr, has officially taken over. With not one but two seasons ranked in Netflix’s Top 10 most-watched list for the week of July 21–27, the Canadian-American co-production is proving it’s more than just a placeholder — it’s a phenomenon.
Two Seasons, Two Top 10 Spots — One Major Statement
While Virgin River Season 7 builds anticipation behind the scenes, Sullivan’s Crossing has swooped in to fill the emotional void left by Mel and Jack. The series follows Maggie Sullivan (Morgan Kohan), a brilliant but emotionally burned-out neurosurgeon who retreats to her rural hometown of Sullivan’s Crossing to pick up the pieces of her life. What she finds is more than just small-town charm — she finds herself entangled in complicated family dynamics, new friendships, and an undeniable spark with rugged outdoorsman Cal Jones (played by fan-favorite Chad Michael Murray).
And the numbers don’t lie:
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Sullivan’s Crossing Season 1 ranked #7 on Netflix’s global charts.
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Season 2 followed closely behind at #6, marking a major double win for a series that flew under the radar for much of its network run on The CW.
From Virgin River to Sullivan’s Crossing: Robyn Carr’s Empire Expands
Robyn Carr’s name is fast becoming synonymous with prestige comfort television. She gave the world Virgin River, a 22-book saga that has already spawned seven Netflix seasons and counting. With Sullivan’s Crossing, Carr shifts her lens slightly — but the DNA remains the same: resilient women, wounded men, healing communities, and second chances.
The crossover appeal is obvious. Just like Virgin River’s Mel Monroe, Maggie is a woman on the run from past heartbreak, seeking solace in a town that doesn’t let people stay strangers for long. And just like Jack Sheridan, Cal is the quietly protective type with a mysterious past — and a killer smile.
But don’t get it twisted: Sullivan’s Crossing isn’t a clone. It’s carving its own lane — a little grittier, a little more familial, and arguably even more grounded.
The Cast Bringing the Crossing to Life
Part of the show’s charm lies in its stellar ensemble cast, which combines fresh faces with beloved veterans:
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Morgan Kohan as Maggie, a woman torn between her medical career and her need for emotional peace.
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Chad Michael Murray as Cal, the brooding yet compassionate love interest whose chemistry with Maggie is impossible to ignore.
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Scott Patterson (Gilmore Girls) as Sully, Maggie’s estranged father whose gruff demeanor hides years of pain.
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Tom Jackson, Andrea Menard, and Kate Vernon round out a supporting cast that gives the town real depth and texture.
The result? A fully realized world that fans want to escape to — and never leave.
Season 3 Was a Bump in the Road — Can Season 4 Redeem It?
Despite its current success, Sullivan’s Crossing hit a narrative snag in its third season. Critics and fans alike noted that the show’s antagonists felt one-dimensional, and some of the romantic drama leaned into melodrama more than necessary. Still, Netflix’s data shows that new viewers are flocking to the show in droves — meaning Season 4 has a rare opportunity for redemption and renewal.
With Sullivan’s Crossing already renewed for Season 4 as of June 2025, the timing couldn’t be better. The show has a real chance to course-correct, building on its strengths while evolving its tone and characters. If showrunners play their cards right, it may even surpass Virgin River in long-term cultural cachet.
Thunder Point Could Be Next — Robyn Carr’s TV Universe Expands
With both Virgin River and Sullivan’s Crossing turning into smash TV hits, it seems only natural that Robyn Carr’s Thunder Point series — a Virgin River spinoff in book form — may be the next adaptation on the horizon. Imagine a sprawling Carr-verse where characters cross over, love stories intertwine, and Netflix has year-round comfort content.
Final Thoughts: Long Live the New Queen of Cozy Drama
As Virgin River fans await Season 7, Sullivan’s Crossing has done more than just tide them over — it’s sparked new obsessions, created fresh ships, and offered a reminder that the power of community-based storytelling never goes out of style. With two seasons ruling Netflix simultaneously, it’s clear: the torch has been passed — and Sullivan’s Crossing is running with it.
Next stop? The top of the streaming mountain.
