For Virgin River Fans, Here Are 7 Ways That Sullivan’s Crossing Is Just Like It

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If you’re a fan of “Virgin River” eagerly anticipating season 7, consider giving “Sullivan’s Crossing” on The CW a try as it shares many similarities with your favorite show. Since we won’t see “Virgin River” season 7 on Netflix until 2026, it’s quite a wait between seasons, leaving fans yearning for more. If you’re looking to fill the void left by the romantic drama while waiting for its return, “Sullivan’s Crossing” might be just what you need!

Fortunately, an ideal substitute for “Virgin River” is now on the air to fill the void left by Mel and Jack that fans have been missing. The third season of “Sullivan’s Crossing,” currently streaming on the CW, serves as a fitting companion piece to the Netflix sensation. In fact, it mirrors “Virgin River” so closely in terms of tone, character histories, and of course, romance, that I’ve compiled a list highlighting the similarities between the two shows. Romance is certainly not in short supply!

1. Both Sullivan’s Crossing & Virgin River Are Based On Books Written By Robyn Carr

As a devoted fan of Virgin River, you might not realize that Sullivan’s Crossing shares its roots with the pages of a Robyn Carr book series, just like Virgin River does. Interestingly enough, both shows are adaptations from Robyn Carr’s book series, making Sullivan’s Crossing the second to be brought to life on screen. Another fascinating link between them is Roma Roth, the creator and executive producer behind Virgin River, who also takes on the role of executive producer for Sullivan’s Crossing. This ensures a sense of continuity between these two captivating series.

Carolyn (Carr) has shown herself to be an ideal choice for TV adaptations due to her successful romantic dramas seamlessly transitioning into television or streaming formats, like Netflix’s “Virgin River.” The popularity of “Virgin River” paved the way for Carr’s subsequent book series, Sullivan’s Crossing, to get the greenlight and is currently in its third season. Carr and her writing partner, Richard (Roth), have created a dedicated fanbase as they expand the universe of Robyn Carr book adaptations.

2. The Central Protagonists Of Both Shows Have Very Similar Backstories

It’s well-known that Robyn Carr often reuses storylines and characters across her novels, which is one of the reasons they are popular as comfort reads. For instance, the main female character in Sullivan’s Crossing, Maggie (Morgan Kohan), shares many similarities with Mel (Alexandra Breckinridge) from Virgin River. These two women both hail from medical professions and bustling cities – Mel is a nurse based in Los Angeles, while Maggie practices as a neurosurgeon in Boston.

In both instances, the characters, namely Maggie and Mel, leave bustling urban environments for peaceful rural towns. Maggie settles in Timberlake, Nova Scotia (originally Colorado in the books), while Mel chooses Virgin River in Northern California. These transitions occur following significant personal hardships: Mel’s husband Mark dies in a car accident, and Maggie finds herself embroiled in a medical fraud investigation, leading to a malpractice lawsuit after one of her patients passes away. While their circumstances differ, they can be seen as sharing similar roots or backgrounds.

3. The Male Love Interests Also Have Similarities

In the world of romantic dramas like “Virgin River” and “Sullivan’s Crossing”, it’s only natural that both stories involve romance and emotional turmoil. In “Virgin River”, Mel (Alexandra Brecken) is mourning her husband’s death, while Maggie (Julie Graham) in “Sullivan’s Crossing” has a relationship with Andrew (Allan Hawco). Unsurprisingly, the men these women fall for share some common qualities. In both series, Jack (Martin Henderson from “Virgin River”) and Cal (Chad Michael Murray from “Sullivan’s Crossing”) are grounded and rugged individuals.

In every episode, it seems like Cal and Jack are shouldering a heavy burden of sorrow and anguish that unfolds gradually. Without spoiling anything, they both harbor significant guilt about their past actions which they must confront and reconcile. Similarly, Maggie and Mel appear to have their own emotional scars that need healing before they can fully open up to love. Remarkably, the romantic arcs in each show develop at a tantalizingly slow pace, making the central relationships all the more satisfying as both parties work through their respective issues.

4. Both Shows Deal With Themes Of Healing From The Past

In essence, Sullivan’s Crossing and Virgin River aren’t just about love; they’re equally about healing and overcoming past traumas. To put it straightforwardly, there are hardly any fully healed or content characters in these series, which is why they are classified as dramas. If the majority of characters were already stable and happy, there wouldn’t be much drama to unfold. Consequently, the characters in both shows have a significant amount of personal growth to undergo, and this growth doesn’t always follow a straightforward path.

As a cinephile, I must say that I appreciate the moments when a character, much like myself, seems to take two steps backward after making progress, only to remind us all of their human flaws. Yet, the growth these characters undergo in shows like Sullivan’s Crossing and Virgin River is truly hard-earned, as it rarely comes swiftly or without challenge. It’s incredibly rewarding when they finally have a breakthrough, especially since learning to let go of the past is a journey many characters embark on throughout both series. This process of healing is one we can all relate to in some way.

5. They Also Both Deal With Themes Of Discovery & Rediscovery

As a film critic, I found myself captivated by the distinct narrative threads that unfold as Maggie and Mel embark on their small-town journeys. Unlike Maggie who seemed to find solace in the quaint charm of her new home, Mel struggled mightily with the stark contrast between bustling Los Angeles and the tranquil wilderness of Virgin River. As a city dweller myself, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of kinship with Mel as she grappled with the challenges of this rural lifestyle. Her transition was arduous, and it wasn’t immediately evident whether she would ultimately decide to stay or if her heart would ever embrace the town.

Instead of staying in Boston with Andrew, Maggie finds herself going back to Sullivan’s Crossing, a place that held significance as her childhood home. Unlike Mel who struggles with fitting in, for Maggie, it’s more about acknowledging what her heart has been telling her all along – she no longer belongs in Boston and instead, Timberlake is the place her heart truly calls home.

6. Sullivan’s Crossing & Virgin River Both Utilize Their Rural Small Town Settings

In both the series Sullivan’s Crossing and Virgin River, the picturesque rural settings are skillfully employed. Abundant natural beauty permeates each series, as they expertly leverage the breathtaking, dramatic landscapes of their respective filming locations – Northern California for Virgin River, and Halifax, Nova Scotia for Sullivan’s Crossing. Both shows underscore the healing power of nature and the importance of reconnecting with it on a deeper level.

7. The Romantic & Dramatic Storylines Of Everyone Intertwine

To conclude, it’s not just Maggie and Cal in Sullivan’s Crossing or Mel and Jack in Virgin River who are at the center of the storylines. Instead, both Sullivan’s Crossing and Virgin River feature diverse casts with their own personal dramas and romantic subplots. The close-knit nature of a small town allows for various romantic connections and interwoven narratives. These shows offer a rich tapestry of romantic entanglements, making them an excellent pair to enjoy. If you’re yearning for more Virgin River and are eagerly awaiting season 7, Sullivan’s Crossing could be a satisfying alternative to fill the gap.

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2025-06-06 06:48