In the ever-evolving landscape of streaming television, romantic dramas with small-town charm have carved out a dedicated niche, captivating audiences with heartfelt stories of love, family, and second chances. Among these, Sullivan’s Crossing, a Canadian import based on Robyn Carr’s bestselling novels, has emerged as a formidable contender. With its first two seasons soaring to the top of Netflix’s charts in July 2025, this family saga is poised to become the streaming giant’s summer blockbuster, challenging the reign of Virgin River and outshining the newer Ransom Canyon. Here’s an in-depth look at why Sullivan’s Crossing is the must-watch series of Summer 2025, its ties to Virgin River, comparisons to Ransom Canyon, and what fans can expect as Season 3 prepares to drop on Netflix.

The Rise of Sullivan’s Crossing: A Netflix Sensation

Since its debut on Netflix US on July 8, 2025, Sullivan’s Crossing has taken the platform by storm, quickly claiming the number one spot on the US charts. The series, which originally aired on CTV in Canada and The CW in the United States, follows Maggie Sullivan (played by Morgan Kohan), a neurosurgeon facing a medical scandal who returns to her hometown of Timberlake, Nova Scotia, to reconnect with her estranged father, Sully (Scott Patterson). Along the way, she forms a romantic connection with Cal Jones (Chad Michael Murray), navigating themes of healing, family reconciliation, and personal redemption. This compelling mix of romance, drama, and small-town charm has resonated deeply with viewers, with millions streaming the first two seasons in their debut week.

The show’s meteoric rise is no surprise, given its pedigree. Created by Roma Roth, the executive producer behind Virgin River, and adapted from Robyn Carr’s five-book series, Sullivan’s Crossing shares the same emotional depth and community-driven storytelling that made Virgin River a global hit. Yet, it carves out its own identity with a distinct Canadian backdrop and a focus on intergenerational family dynamics, setting it apart from its sister show while appealing to the same audience.

Why Sullivan’s Crossing Resonates with Audiences

At its core, Sullivan’s Crossing is a family saga that balances personal struggles with universal themes. Maggie’s journey from a high-flying urban career to the slower pace of rural Nova Scotia mirrors the fresh-start narrative of Virgin River’s Melinda “Mel” Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge), who escapes Los Angeles for a new life as a midwife. Both characters grapple with past traumas and seek redemption in tight-knit communities, making Sullivan’s Crossing a natural companion for Virgin River fans. However, Sullivan’s Crossing leans more heavily into family ties, particularly Maggie’s strained relationship with her father, which adds a layer of emotional complexity.

The show’s picturesque setting in Nova Scotia, with its lush forests and serene lakes, provides a visually stunning backdrop that enhances its cozy, comforting vibe. Filmed in Halifax, the series began production in June 2022 and has since captivated audiences with its authentic portrayal of small-town life. Unlike the novels, which are set in the Rocky Mountains, the show’s Canadian locale adds a unique flavor, grounding its emotional stakes in a distinctly North American setting.

The ensemble cast, including Tom Jackson and Andrea Menard alongside Kohan, Murray, and Patterson, delivers standout performances that bring the characters’ relationships to life. The chemistry between Maggie and Cal, in particular, has sparked excitement among fans, with many drawing parallels to the slow-burn romance of Virgin River’s Jack and Mel. This blend of heartfelt storytelling, strong performances, and a scenic setting has earned Sullivan’s Crossing a 7.2/10 rating on IMDb and an 83% score on Rotten Tomatoes, signaling its broad appeal.

Challenging Virgin River: A Worthy Rival

Virgin River, now renewed for an eighth season, has long been Netflix’s flagship romantic drama, with its enduring popularity driven by its relatable characters and emotionally charged storylines. Based on Robyn Carr’s best-selling novel series, it has become one of Netflix’s longest-running scripted originals, surpassing Orange Is the New Black. The show’s success lies in its ability to blend romance with themes of grief, community, and resilience, making it a comfort watch for millions. However, with Season 7 not expected until December 2025 at the earliest, fans are turning to Sullivan’s Crossing to fill the void.

While Virgin River focuses on Mel’s journey as a newcomer in a small California town, Sullivan’s Crossing offers a fresh perspective by centering on Maggie’s return to her roots. The shared creative DNA—both shows are based on Carr’s novels and produced by Roma Roth—ensures a similar tone, but Sullivan’s Crossing distinguishes itself with its emphasis on family reconciliation over romantic entanglements. Fans have even speculated about a potential crossover episode, with Morgan Kohan expressing enthusiasm for the idea, calling it a “fun” opportunity to unite the two worlds. Such a crossover could capitalize on the shows’ shared fanbase and amplify their cultural impact.

Outshining Ransom Canyon: A New Contender

Ransom Canyon, another romantic drama with a rural setting, has drawn comparisons to both Virgin River and Sullivan’s Crossing. Often described as a blend of Dallas and Friday Night Lights, it explores love and family dynamics in a Texas ranching community. While Ransom Canyon has garnered attention for its dramatic twists—such as the shocking return of Yancy’s wife in its finale—it lacks the established fanbase and critical acclaim of Sullivan’s Crossing. The latter’s Season 3 finale, which aired on The CW on July 16, 2025, left viewers reeling with a cliffhanger that has been likened to Ransom Canyon’s dramatic turns, but Sullivan’s Crossing benefits from its deeper character development and more cohesive narrative arc.

Unlike Ransom Canyon, which is still finding its footing, Sullivan’s Crossing has the advantage of three completed seasons and a confirmed fourth, with production set to begin in Halifax from August 7 to November 25, 2025. Its established presence on Netflix, coupled with its renewal by both CTV and The CW, positions it as a more reliable bet for viewers seeking a long-term investment in a romantic drama. While Ransom Canyon offers a bolder, soapier take on the genre, Sullivan’s Crossing excels in delivering the cozy, emotional resonance that fans of Virgin River crave.

What to Expect from Season 3 and Beyond

Sullivan’s Crossing Season 3, which premiered on CTV in Canada on April 27, 2025, and concluded on June 22, 2025, is set to arrive on Netflix US on August 11, 2025. The 10-episode season continues to explore Maggie’s journey as she navigates her relationships with Cal and her father while confronting the fallout of Season 2’s cliffhanger. Fans who have watched the season on The CW or CTV have praised its emotional depth and shocking twists, with reviews calling it a “moment of reckoning” for the characters. For those eager to catch up, the first nine episodes of Season 3 are currently available for free on The CW app, with no subscription required.

Looking ahead, Season 4 promises to build on the momentum of its predecessor. CTV announced the renewal in June 2025, with The CW following suit ahead of the Season 3 finale. The CW’s president, Brad Schwartz, described the decision to renew as “easy,” citing the show’s strong performance among total viewers and the 18-49 demographic. Filming for the 10-episode fourth season is slated for 2026, with a potential Netflix release in the summer of that year. Fans can expect more heart-wrenching drama, romantic developments, and the signature small-town charm that has made Sullivan’s Crossing a hit.

The Streaming Landscape and Sullivan’s Crossing’s Future

Netflix’s acquisition of Sullivan’s Crossing through at least August 2027 underscores its confidence in the series’ staying power. The show’s ability to dominate the platform’s charts, even amidst competition from global hits like Squid Game and Kpop Demon Hunters, highlights its broad appeal. Meanwhile, the removal of Heartland, another rural drama, from Netflix’s US library in the coming weeks leaves Sullivan’s Crossing and Virgin River as the streamer’s premier offerings in the genre.

As Sullivan’s Crossing continues to gain traction, its potential to rival Virgin River’s longevity is evident. With five novels in Carr’s series to draw from, the show has ample material to sustain multiple seasons, provided it maintains its current momentum. The prospect of a crossover with Virgin River could further elevate its profile, creating a shared universe that capitalizes on the strengths of both series. For now, Sullivan’s Crossing stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of family sagas, offering a heartfelt alternative to Ransom Canyon and a worthy companion to Virgin River.

Conclusion

Sullivan’s Crossing has emerged as Netflix’s summer 2025 blockbuster, captivating audiences with its blend of romance, family drama, and small-town charm. As it prepares to launch Season 3 on August 11, 2025, and with Season 4 already confirmed, the series is well-positioned to challenge Virgin River’s dominance and outshine Ransom Canyon in the competitive world of streaming dramas. For fans of emotional storytelling and cozy settings, Sullivan’s Crossing is the family saga to watch, promising to deliver more heart, more drama, and more reasons to return to Timberlake, Nova Scotia.