Missing Virgin River already? You’re not alone. With Virgin River Season 7 still months away and Season 8 just recently confirmed, fans are eager for something to fill the emotional, small-town-sized gap. Thankfully, Netflix just dropped a promising alternative—one that shares not only a genre but a literary origin.
Enter Sullivan’s Crossing, a heartfelt romantic drama that quietly landed on Netflix in July. Based on the book series by Virgin River author Robyn Carr, the series offers a fresh cast, new location, and all the cozy, emotional storytelling fans of Virgin River have come to love.
🏥 From the OR to Nova Scotia
Sullivan’s Crossing centers on Maggie Sullivan (Morgan Kohan), a talented neurosurgeon whose life takes an unexpected turn when legal troubles force her to leave her fast-paced career behind. She returns to her rural Nova Scotia hometown to reconnect with her estranged father, Harry “Sully” Sullivan (played by Gilmore Girls alum Scott Patterson), and begins to rediscover the simple things—family, friendships, and, of course, love.
Among the new faces in Maggie’s life is Cal Jones, a rugged and mysterious local played by Chad Michael Murray, whose past is as guarded as his charm is undeniable. The cast also includes Tom Jackson and Andrea Menard as the warm and grounded Frank and Edna Cranebear, rounding out the small-town vibe with depth and heart.
🌄 A Familiar Formula With a Fresh Twist
Fans of Virgin River will feel right at home in Sullivan’s Crossing. Both series follow strong, career-driven women who find themselves in picturesque towns where healing begins—and love unexpectedly blooms. With its blend of romance, drama, and self-discovery, Sullivan’s Crossing delivers that same signature warmth and emotional pull.
Even better? The show shares creative DNA with Virgin River, as it’s executive produced by Roma Roth, the same showrunner behind Netflix’s hit.
📺 Streaming Now—With More to Come
Netflix has added Seasons 1 and 2 of Sullivan’s Crossing to its library, giving you 20 episodes to binge while you wait for the next chapter of Virgin River. Originally airing on Canada’s CTV in 2023, the series also found a home on The CW in the U.S. and has already been renewed for a fourth season, expected in 2025.
Season 3, which premiered on CTV in April and The CW in May, continues to unfold Maggie’s journey with new twists, relationships, and town secrets. A Netflix release for Season 3 hasn’t been announced yet, but with the first two seasons now available, the platform is clearly all in on introducing the show to a global audience.
🍿 Viewer-Approved, Even If Critics Haven’t Weighed In
Sullivan’s Crossing has yet to receive critical scores on Rotten Tomatoes, but audiences are responding positively. The show currently holds an 83% Audience Score on the site’s Popcorn Meter, a promising sign for fans seeking another emotional rollercoaster filled with charming townsfolk and complicated relationships.
💬 The Bottom Line
While Sullivan’s Crossing may not be a carbon copy of Virgin River, its heart is in the same place. If you’re longing for a story about second chances, rural life, and romance with a slow-burn payoff, this one is worth your watchlist.
Until Virgin River Season 7 lands—expected in late 2025 or early 2026—Sullivan’s Crossing might just be your new go-to comfort drama.
