As the leaves begin to turn and the crisp air of autumn settles in, fans of heartfelt small-town dramas are gearing up for a seismic shift in Sullivan’s Crossing. The beloved Canadian series, adapted from Robyn Carr’s bestselling novels, is set to return for its fourth season on October 12, 2025, premiering on CTV in Canada and The CW in the United States, with episodes dropping weekly. This season promises to be the most explosive yet, with neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan (Morgan Kohan) at the center of a devastating betrayal from her closest ally, a revelation that threatens to shatter her hard-won stability and tests her blossoming relationship with the enigmatic Cal Jones (Chad Michael Murray) like never before. Critics and fans alike are buzzing, calling it a “rollercoaster of emotions” that dives deeper into themes of trust, forgiveness, and redemption. With production wrapping up amid whispers of intense on-set drama mirroring the plot, Season 4 is poised to redefine the show’s legacy. Let’s unpack everything we know about this upcoming chapter, from the heart-wrenching plot twists to the evolving character arcs that have kept viewers hooked since the series premiered in 2023.

The Roots of Sullivan’s Crossing: A Recap of the Journey So Far

To appreciate the high stakes of Season 4, it’s essential to revisit the foundations of Sullivan’s Crossing. Based on Robyn Carr’s novel series, the show follows Maggie Sullivan, a successful neurosurgeon whose life in Boston unravels after a professional scandal. Forced to return to her hometown of Sullivan’s Crossing in Nova Scotia—a picturesque, fictional coastal community—Maggie reconnects with her estranged father, Sully (Scott Patterson), and the tight-knit locals who shaped her youth. The series blends romance, family drama, and personal growth, often drawing comparisons to Carr’s other adaptation, Virgin River, for its scenic beauty and emotional depth.

Season 1, which aired in March 2023, introduced Maggie’s arrival at the family campground, Sullivan’s Crossing, where she grapples with her past while forming an unlikely bond with Cal Jones, a mysterious newcomer with his own secrets. Cal, played with brooding charm by Chad Michael Murray, arrives seeking solace after a personal tragedy, and their chemistry ignites from the start. Key subplots included Sully’s health struggles, Maggie’s legal battles back in Boston, and the rekindling of old friendships, like with her childhood best friend Sydney (Andrea Menard). The season ended on a hopeful note, with Maggie deciding to stay in town, setting the stage for deeper explorations.

Season 2, premiering in April 2024, ramped up the romance and conflict. Maggie and Cal’s relationship deepened, but external pressures— including Cal’s hidden past as a widower and Maggie’s ongoing custody fight for her goddaughter—tested their connection. Sully’s financial woes at the campground added tension, while new characters like the charming doctor Finn (Tom Jackson) brought fresh dynamics. The finale left viewers on edge with Maggie facing a career crossroads and Cal hinting at unresolved family issues.

Season 3, which wrapped in July 2025 after premiering on May 14 in the US, took a bolder turn. Episodes explored Maggie’s reintegration into small-town life, with her opening a local clinic. Cal’s backstory unfolded dramatically, revealing family estrangement, while Maggie dealt with the fallout from her Boston scandal. The season’s cliffhanger was a bombshell: the arrival of Maggie’s secret husband, Liam (Marcus Rosner), whom she married impulsively during a vulnerable period but never divorced. Cal’s discovery of this secret left their relationship hanging by a thread, with fans speculating wildly on social media. One X user lamented, “What the heck Maggie!!!!” capturing the collective shock.

This setup perfectly primes Season 4 for explosive drama, as Maggie navigates the aftermath while uncovering even darker secrets.

The Core Plot of Season 4: Betrayal, Lies, and a Relationship on the Brink

Season 4 picks up mere weeks after the Season 3 finale, with Maggie reeling from Liam’s unexpected return. But the real gut-punch comes early: Maggie discovers a betrayal from her closest ally—none other than her father, Sully. Teasers reveal that Sully, desperate to save the campground from financial ruin, secretly partnered with a shady developer tied to Liam’s business interests. This alliance not only endangers the town’s natural beauty but also implicates Sully in covering up environmental violations that could harm the community Maggie has grown to love. The betrayal cuts deep, as Sully’s actions stem from a misguided attempt to protect Maggie from her own past mistakes, including her hasty marriage to Liam.

The season’s central case explodes when a local resident falls ill from contaminated water linked to the developer’s operations. Maggie, using her medical expertise, launches an investigation that uncovers layers of corruption. Episode 1, “Shattered Trust,” opens with Maggie confronting Sully in a rain-soaked argument at the Crossing, echoing the emotional intensity of previous seasons’ pivotal moments. As she digs deeper, Maggie realizes Liam’s involvement isn’t coincidental—he’s been manipulating events from afar, using Sully as a pawn to force her back into his life.

This revelation tests Maggie’s relationship with Cal like never before. Cal, already wounded by the husband bombshell, withdraws emotionally, questioning if Maggie’s secrets indicate deeper trust issues. Their dynamic shifts from passionate romance to tense standoffs, with Cal grappling with his own family demons— including a surprise visit from his estranged sister (new cast member Emerson MacNeil), who brings news of their late wife’s unresolved estate. A mid-season highlight is Episode 5, “Fractured Bonds,” where Maggie and Cal embark on a road trip to confront Liam in Boston, only for a heated argument to expose raw vulnerabilities. Cal accuses Maggie of always running from commitment, while she counters that his guarded nature pushes people away.

Subplots add richness: Sydney deals with a personal crisis involving her Indigenous heritage and land rights, tying into the environmental theme. Finn mentors a young apprentice (Colby Frost), uncovering town secrets. Meanwhile, the campground becomes a hub for drama, with a festival episode turning chaotic when protesters clash with developers. The betrayal arc peaks in Episode 8, “Allies No More,” where Maggie must choose between forgiving Sully or exposing him, risking family ties forever.

Showrunner Roma Roth has teased “transformation” as the season’s theme, promising character growth amid chaos. “Maggie’s journey is about reclaiming her agency,” Roth said in a recent interview. “The betrayal forces her to question who her true allies are, and Cal’s role in that will be heartbreaking yet hopeful.” The finale, “Crossing Paths,” is rumored to end on a cliffhanger involving a life-threatening accident, leaving fans desperate for more.

Character Arcs: Depth and Evolution in Season 4

Maggie Sullivan remains the emotional core, portrayed with nuance by Morgan Kohan. This season, her arc evolves from survivor to avenger, as the betrayal shatters her illusions of a peaceful life. Kohan has hinted at intense scenes, saying, “Maggie’s strength is tested, but she emerges fiercer.” Her relationship with Cal, a fan favorite, faces its toughest trial yet. Chad Michael Murray’s Cal, often compared to his One Tree Hill roles for brooding intensity, delves into vulnerability. “Cal’s not just the mysterious guy anymore—he’s confronting his pain head-on,” Murray shared on social media. Their chemistry, praised by fans as “amazing,” shines in intimate moments, like a rain-kissed reconciliation that echoes Season 3’s iconic kiss.

Scott Patterson’s Sully grapples with guilt, his betrayal stemming from paternal protectiveness gone awry. Patterson, known from Gilmore Girls, brings gravitas, with fans noting his chemistry with Helen (Lauren Hammersley) as a potential redemption arc. New series regulars add layers: Marcus Rosner’s Liam evolves from surprise ex to antagonist, his motives revealed as a mix of love and greed. Jonathan Silverman plays Quincy Carlson, a stressed camper who becomes an unlikely ally in the environmental fight. Fuad Ahmed as a developer’s insider provides insider intel, while Colby Frost and Emerson MacNeil introduce youthful energy as a medical intern and Cal’s sister, respectively.

Supporting cast like Andrea Menard’s Sydney and Tom Jackson’s Finn offer cultural depth, with Indigenous storylines highlighting land stewardship. Lola (Amalia Williamson) gets a much-needed break, focusing on self-discovery after past traumas.

Behind the Scenes: Production Challenges and Creative Vision

Filming for Season 4 began in August 2025 in Nova Scotia, capturing the region’s stunning landscapes that have become a character in themselves. The production faced hurdles, including weather delays during outdoor shoots, but the team’s commitment to authenticity—consulting with local Indigenous communities for accurate representation—shines through. Creator Roma Roth and executive producer Robyn Carr emphasize fidelity to the books while adapting for TV drama. “We’re amplifying the stakes,” Carr noted, referencing changes like relocating from Colorado to Nova Scotia for visual appeal.

The October 12 premiere aligns with fall viewing trends, with episodes airing Wednesdays at 8/7c. Netflix will stream internationally post-broadcast, following Season 3’s August 11 drop. Budget increases allowed for more action-oriented sequences, like a dramatic storm episode symbolizing the “explosive drama.”

Fan Reactions: Obsession and Anticipation

The fandom is electric, with X posts exploding since the renewal announcement. “I need season 4 of Sullivan’s Crossing to come out right now,” one user tweeted, echoing widespread impatience. Maggie and Cal’s romance dominates discussions: “Maggie and Cal have my whole heart,” fans gush, comparing them to iconic couples like Pacey and Joey from Dawson’s Creek. The betrayal plot has sparked theories, with some worried about Sully’s fate. “I hate that if Scott won’t be in season 4,” a fan worried, though Patterson’s return is confirmed.

Watch parties and fan edits proliferate, with one praising the “spicy” elements: “Chad was so right about this season.” International viewers, via Netflix, add to the hype, calling it a “comfort show” with heart.

Critical Buzz and Cultural Impact

Critics anticipate Season 4 as a pinnacle, with Rotten Tomatoes holding steady at high ratings from prior seasons. Entertainment Weekly praises the cast, noting Kohan and Murray’s “undeniable chemistry.” The show’s focus on mental health, Indigenous issues, and environmentalism resonates, making it more than escapism—it’s a mirror to real-world struggles.

Conclusion: Why Season 4 Will Be Unforgettable

Sullivan’s Crossing Season 4, premiering October 12, 2025, is set to deliver explosive drama that will leave fans breathless. Maggie’s uncovering of Sully’s betrayal, amid corruption and lies, tests her bond with Cal in ways that promise heartbreak and healing. With a stellar cast, stunning visuals, and themes that hit home, this season elevates the series to new heights. As one fan put it, “Cannot wait for Season 4.” Mark your calendars—the Crossing awaits, and it’s going to be a wild ride.