Netflixis doing something right, and it’s all focused on theromancegenre. One of Netflix’s most loved romantic drama series,Virgin River, is already going into its seventh season, has already been renewed for its eighth as well, and the excitement still hasn’t died down. Unfortunately, the release date for the new season hasn’t been announced yet, but there’s no need to worry, because Netflix just added a new series, which premiered on CTV in 2023, to its catalog, and it’s almost eerily similar (in an exciting way) toVirgin River.
Currently sitting in the upper section of Netflix’s Top 10 TV shows,Sullivan’s Crossingis the newest romance drama series addition, which manages to accumulate immense interest and follows in the footsteps ofVirgin River. Just likeVirgin River,Sullivan’s Crossingis based on Robyn Carr’s work and was adapted into a series with three seasons and counting. It has numerous other connections to the long-running Netflix hit series, which will surely make the wait for the new season worthwhile. Careful, though, becauseSullivan’s Crossingis likely going to turn into a new obsession in itself, and here is why.
‘Sullivan’s Crossing’ Focuses on an Elevated Small-Town Romance
Sullivan’s Crossingcenters on the life of Dr. Maggie Sullivan (Morgan Kohan). While she is an accomplished and respected neurosurgeon in Boston, legal trouble is putting her in a difficult position.To escape the pressure of pending lawsuits and ongoing issues with her boyfriend, Maggie decides to move back to her hometown in Nova Scotia. Of course, it wouldn’t be a well-rounded romantic drama series if there weren’t some problems waiting there for the main character, too. Maggie hasn’t crossed paths with her now-sober and still financially unstable father, Sully (Scott Patterson), in many years, and their reunion is far from smooth sailing. In many ways, the rebuilding of their relationship significantly contributes to the series' success.Sullivan’s Crossingexplores the complex layers of a complicated father-daughter relationship while still keeping it easy to grasp and connect with.
Aside from the parental ups and downs, thehigh-ranking series on Netflixalso delivers a swoonworthy romance. Since Maggie’s boyfriend in Boston was history, the sudden appearance of a handsome local was certainly great timing. Chad Michael Murray’s Cal is eye-candy, to be completely honest. The town hottie of Netflix’sSweet Magnoliasalso shared the same name, so maybe there’s something there… Anyway, the romance between Maggie and Cal was certainly expected, butSullivan’s Crossingsucceeds in elevating the small-town romance by allowing the characters to fully open up and connect on a deeper level that transpires to the audience as well.
‘Virgin River’ Fans Can Stay on Netflix for This Feel-Good Romance Story With a Brand New Season
‘Virgin River’ fans looking for something similar won’t have to go far with ‘Sweet Magnolias’ streaming now on Netflix.
Realistic emotions make Maggie and Cal’s love story palpable, but the series that is streaming on Netflix brings even more to the table. Next to nailing the romance aspect,Sullivan’s Crossingcaptures the spirit of a tight-knit community in Canada. Since Maggie’s father operates a campground in Timberlake, everyone is familiar with his situation. People in the town know each other and each other’s stories, which can have its advantages but also disadvantages, just like in real life. The small-town setting automatically conveys a feel-good vibe, though, and it also creates more intimate connections.
Ultimate Comfort Viewing
Sullivan’s Crossingis a great addition to your list of comfort shows, as its slow-burning romance and countryside setting allow it to fit into the category perfectly. In many ways,Sullivan’s Crossingis reminiscent of theall-time greatest comfort show,Gilmore Girls. Apart from similar vibes, the two series also share some actors.Both Chad Michael Murray and Scott Patterson played significant roles inGilmore Girls, which means they basically have a Master’s degree in comfort TV.
10 TV Shows to Watch if You Like Virgin River
These heartwarming and comforting shows are sure to resonate deeply with fans of Virgin River.
Of course, though,Sullivan’s Crossingis even more closely connected to the sometimesmisunderstoodVirgin River. Sincethe two main characters, Maggie and Mel, respectively, both work in the medical field and left the big city behind to escape traumatizing events there and find peace in a quaint little town somewhere in nature, the basis is incredibly similar. It just proves once again that the approach of escaping the city noise and finding comfort (and love) in the calmness of a small town is something many crave themselves. Viewing it on screen, at least, brings some peace and distraction.
Netflix’s longest-running scripted seriescontinues to draw in its viewers, and the story of Mel and Jack, but also all the other interesting and much-loved characters, just doesn’t get old.Sullivan’s Crossingis on the same path, since the series based on Carr’s novel will be returning for a fourth season. As of the time of writing, only Season 1 and Season 2 are available to stream on Netflix, but the third season can be watched on the CW App or YouTube TV. However, Season 3 ofSullivan’s Crossingwill also come to Netflix in August.Sullivan’s CrossingSeasons 1 and 2 are available to stream onNetflix.
Sullivan’s Crossing
