In the quaint yet dramatic world of Sullivan’s Crossing, the neo-romantic drama series based on Robyn Carr’s bestselling novels, fans have been on an emotional rollercoaster since the show’s debut in 2023. The Canadian-American production, starring Morgan Kohan as neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan and Chad Michael Murray as the enigmatic Cal Jones (often referred to simply as Chad by fans for his charismatic portrayal), has captivated audiences with its blend of heartfelt romance, family secrets, and small-town intrigue. As Season 4 premieres on CTV and The CW in early 2026, explosive plot developments are already leaking, sending shockwaves through the fanbase. A new romantic rival for Chad has surfaced, threatening to shatter the budding relationship between Maggie and Cal, while whispers of a devastating accident that could claim Chad’s life have ignited fervent speculation. With the series’ signature mix of tension and tenderness, the burning question on everyone’s lips is: Will Season 4 end on a happy note, or will it leave viewers heartbroken? This deep dive explores the rumored twists, their implications for the characters, and what they mean for the future of Sullivan’s Crossing.

A Refresher on Sullivan’s Crossing: From Small-Town Roots to Big-Heart Drama

Sullivan’s Crossing follows Maggie Sullivan, a successful but burned-out neurosurgeon from Boston who returns to her childhood hometown in Nova Scotia after a professional scandal. There, she reconnects with her estranged father, Sully (Scott Patterson), and the serene yet secretive community surrounding the family-owned campground, Sullivan’s Crossing. Enter Cal Jones, played by Chad Michael Murray, a mysterious newcomer with a troubled past who becomes Maggie’s confidant and eventual love interest. Their slow-burn romance, marked by stolen glances, heartfelt confessions, and obstacles like Maggie’s ex-fiancé Andrew (Reid Price) and Cal’s hidden secrets, has been the show’s emotional core.

Season 1, which aired in 2023, introduced the central conflict: Maggie’s return home forces her to confront her past, including her complicated family dynamics and budding feelings for Cal. The season ended on a cliffhanger with Maggie deciding to stay in Sullivan’s Crossing, hinting at deeper connections. Season 2, released in 2024, delved into Cal’s backstory—revealing his grief over his late wife and his search for redemption—while Maggie navigated her career fallout and a custody battle involving her father’s health issues. The chemistry between Kohan and Murray sizzled, with fans dubbing them “MagCal” for their magnetic on-screen pairing. A pivotal moment came when Cal confessed his love, only for Maggie to hesitate due to her lingering ties to her old life.

Season 3, which wrapped in May 2025, escalated the stakes. Maggie fully committed to rebuilding her life in Sullivan’s Crossing, opening a local clinic and deepening her bond with Cal. However, external threats loomed: a developer eyeing the campground for a luxury resort, and Cal’s ex-partner Lola (Amalia Williamson) stirring jealousy. The season finale left viewers breathless as Cal proposed a future together, but a mysterious phone call suggested unresolved secrets from his past. Ratings soared, with Season 3 averaging 2.5 million viewers per episode on CTV and strong streaming numbers on The CW app, proving the show’s enduring appeal in a crowded TV landscape.

Now, as Season 4 looms, leaks and insider reports suggest the series is doubling down on drama. Showrunner Roma Roth has teased “heart-wrenching decisions” and “unexpected alliances,” while Carr, the original author, has hinted that the adaptation will stay true to her books’ spirit while introducing fresh twists. At the center of the buzz is Chad Michael Murray’s Cal Jones—affectionately called “Chad” by fans—who faces his most perilous arc yet.

The Explosive Introduction of Chad’s Romantic Rival

One of the most talked-about plot twists in Season 4 is the arrival of a formidable romantic rival for Chad’s character, Cal. According to sources close to the production, this new character, named Ethan Hargrove (rumored to be played by rising star Tom Blyth, known from The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes), is a charming environmental lawyer who arrives in Sullivan’s Crossing to help Sully fight the resort development. Ethan is described as sophisticated, worldly, and immediately drawn to Maggie’s intelligence and resilience—qualities that mirror Cal’s but with a polished edge that contrasts Cal’s rugged, brooding demeanor.

The rival’s introduction disrupts the “beautiful romance” between Maggie and Cal, which had been building toward stability in Season 3. Leaked script snippets suggest Ethan first encounters Maggie at the local clinic, where he seeks treatment for a minor injury sustained while surveying the land. Their conversation sparks an instant connection, with Ethan praising Maggie’s decision to leave her high-powered Boston life for something more meaningful. As the season progresses, Ethan becomes a confidant for Maggie during moments of doubt about her relationship with Cal, particularly as Cal’s past secrets resurface.

Fans are already divided on this development. On Reddit forums dedicated to the show, users speculate that Ethan’s presence will force Cal to confront his insecurities, potentially leading to a love triangle that tests Maggie’s loyalty. “This could be the make-or-break for MagCal,” one fan posted. “Cal’s always been the strong, silent type, but Ethan sounds like the guy who can sweep her off her feet with words.” Others worry it might recycle tropes from similar shows like Virgin River, another Robyn Carr adaptation, where romantic rivals often heighten tension but risk alienating viewers.

The rival’s impact extends beyond romance. Ethan’s legal expertise ties into the overarching plot of saving Sullivan’s Crossing from corporate takeover, creating alliances and conflicts within the community. For instance, Phoebe (Lynda Boyd), Maggie’s mother, might see Ethan as a “better match” for her daughter, adding familial pressure. This subplot not only censors the “beautiful romance” but also amplifies the show’s themes of belonging and choice, making Season 4 a pivotal turning point.

Rumors of Chad’s Tragic Accident and Potential Death

Adding fuel to the fire are persistent rumors that Chad Michael Murray’s character, Cal, will meet a tragic end in Season 4 due to a devastating accident. Whispers began circulating on fan sites and X in June 2025, after a set insider allegedly leaked that a major stunt sequence was filmed involving a vehicle crash near the campground. The rumor mill suggests Cal, while investigating a sabotage plot against the resort development, gets caught in a high-speed chase or a bridge collapse, leading to life-threatening injuries.

The speculation intensified when Murray posted a cryptic Instagram story in July 2025, showing him in a hospital bed prop with the caption, “Some days on set are rougher than others. #SullivansCrossingS4.” Fans interpreted this as a hint at Cal’s demise, especially given the show’s history of high-stakes drama. Online forums buzz with theories: some believe Cal’s death would provide a poignant exit for Murray, who has expressed interest in directing and producing, while others argue it would devastate the series’ core romance.

If the rumors hold true, the accident could serve as a catalyst for Maggie’s growth, forcing her to choose between her past and future. Imagine the emotional weight: Cal, gravely injured, confesses long-buried secrets on his “deathbed,” only for Maggie to rally the community to save him—or grieve his loss. This twist aligns with Carr’s novels, where characters face mortality to underscore themes of forgiveness and second chances. However, it risks alienating fans who tune in for the MagCal chemistry. “If Cal dies, I’m done,” one X user tweeted. “That’s not the happy ending we deserve.”

Showrunners have remained tight-lipped, but Roth teased in a May 2025 interview with Entertainment Weekly, “Season 4 will have moments that test our characters’ resilience like never before. Not everyone makes it out unscathed.” Murray, in a August 2025 podcast appearance on The Jess Cagle Show, dodged questions about his character’s fate, saying, “Cal’s journey is about redemption. Whether that ends in triumph or tragedy… you’ll have to watch.”

Will Season 4 Have a Happy Ending?

The million-dollar question: Amid the rival’s interference and rumors of Cal’s death, will Season 4 deliver a happy ending? Sullivan’s Crossing has always balanced heartache with hope, drawing from Carr’s romance roots. Seasons 1-3 ended on optimistic notes—Maggie staying in town, Cal opening up, the community uniting—suggesting the show favors resolution over despair.

Optimists point to potential arcs: The rival could serve as a red herring, pushing Maggie and Cal closer. Ethan’s presence might highlight Cal’s strengths, leading to a recommitment, perhaps with a wedding or pregnancy. As for the accident, it could be a fake-out, with Cal surviving to fight for his love and the campground. Carr’s books often end with happily-ever-afters, and the series has stayed faithful, so a tragic death seems unlikely for a lead like Cal.

Pessimists, however, fear a bittersweet close. If Season 4 is the final one—rumors swirl about renewal—the show might opt for emotional depth over fairy-tale bliss. Maggie’s arc, from urban escape to rural embrace, could culminate in independence, even if it means losing Cal. Fan petitions on Change.org already demand a “happy MagCal ending,” with over 50,000 signatures, showing the stakes are high.

Roth has promised “closure that honors the characters,” hinting at satisfaction. In a July 2025 TVLine interview, she said, “We’re exploring love in all its forms—romantic, familial, platonic. The ending will feel earned, whether it’s happy or hopeful.” Murray echoed this, telling Variety, “Cal’s story is about finding peace. Fans will be emotional, but fulfilled.”

Fan Reactions and the Show’s Legacy

The leaks have ignited passionate fan reactions. On TikTok, videos analyzing set photos and theorizing plot twists have millions of views, with hashtags like #SullivansCrossingS4 and #SaveCal trending. Forums debate the rival’s motives, with some shipping “MagEthan” for fresh drama, while die-hard MagCal fans rally against it. The death rumors have spurred fan art depicting Cal’s “final moments,” blending grief and excitement.

Critics praise the show’s evolution. The Hollywood Reporter called Season 3 “a masterclass in character development,” and Season 4’s twists could elevate it further. The cast’s chemistry—Murray’s brooding intensity, Kohan’s vulnerable strength—remains a highlight, with guest stars like Blyth adding intrigue.

As production wraps, Sullivan’s Crossing stands at a crossroads. Will the rival steal Maggie’s heart, or will Cal prevail? Will the accident claim a beloved character, or serve as a rebirth? And ultimately, will Season 4 gift fans the happy ending they crave, or a poignant farewell? With its blend of romance and suspense, the series continues to enchant, proving that in Sullivan’s Crossing, love is always worth the fight.