In the ever-evolving landscape of streaming television, few shows have captured the hearts of audiences quite like Virgin River. Since its debut on Netflix in 2019, this romantic drama, based on Robyn Carr’s beloved book series, has become a cultural phenomenon, amassing a devoted fanbase and securing a seventh season renewal as of October 2024. With its picturesque small-town setting, heartfelt romance, and a sprawling ensemble cast, Virgin River has solidified its place as Netflix’s longest-running English-language scripted original. Yet, despite sharing the same literary roots with another adaptation—Sullivan’s Crossing—this three-season series has failed to replicate the same level of success. Both shows draw from the prolific pen of Robyn Carr, known for her knack for crafting cozy, small-town love stories, but their divergent fortunes raise intriguing questions. What makes Virgin River a juggernaut while Sullivan’s Crossing struggles to break through? Let’s unpack the biggest bombshell behind this disparity.

The Shared DNA: Robyn Carr’s Storytelling Blueprint

Robyn Carr’s novels are a treasure trove of romantic escapism, blending small-town charm with emotional depth. Virgin River, the flagship adaptation, follows Melinda “Mel” Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge), a nurse practitioner who relocates to the titular Northern California town to heal from personal tragedy, only to find love with rugged bar owner Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson). Similarly, Sullivan’s Crossing centers on Maggie Sullivan (Morgan Kohan), a neurosurgeon who returns to her rural Nova Scotia hometown after a professional scandal, reconnecting with her estranged father and sparking a romance with Cal Jones (Chad Michael Murray). Both narratives feature strong female leads leaving high-pressure careers for the simplicity of rural life, paired with brooding love interests harboring their own past traumas—a formula Carr has perfected across her extensive bibliography.

Given this shared foundation, one might expect Sullivan’s Crossing to mirror Virgin River’s success. After all, Carr’s books have a loyal readership, and her involvement as an executive producer on both shows suggests a consistent creative vision. However, the execution and reception of these adaptations reveal stark differences that go beyond their surface similarities.

The Virgin River Phenomenon: A Recipe for Success

Virgin River’s rise to prominence can be attributed to several key factors. First, its debut on Netflix, a global streaming giant with a massive marketing machine, gave it unparalleled visibility. The show’s release in December 2019 coincided with a surge in demand for comfort viewing, offering viewers an escape from the uncertainties of the early pandemic. Its gentle tone, scenic beauty, and relatable characters struck a chord, with the series peaking at number one on Netflix during its fifth season in 2023.

The ensemble cast also plays a pivotal role. While Mel and Jack anchor the story, characters like Doc Mullins (Tim Matheson), Hope McCrea (Annette O’Toole), and Preacher (Colin Lawrence) provide a rich tapestry of subplots, from medical dilemmas to community rivalries. This diversity keeps the narrative dynamic, allowing viewers to invest in multiple storylines. Moreover, the show’s willingness to tackle heavier themes—PTSD, fertility struggles, and family secrets—while maintaining an optimistic outlook has broadened its appeal.

Production choices further enhance Virgin River’s allure. Filmed in British Columbia, the lush landscapes of Snug Cove and Bowen Island double as the fictional Virgin River, creating a visual feast that feels like a character in itself. The show’s relatively modest budget—estimated between $3 and $5 million per episode for season five—makes it a cost-effective hit for Netflix, allowing for frequent renewals and a seventh season currently in production as of June 2025.

Sullivan’s Crossing: A Slower Burn with Challenges

In contrast, Sullivan’s Crossing, a joint production between Canada’s CTV and the U.S.’s CW, has not achieved the same heights. Launched in 2023, the show has completed three seasons, with the latest airing in Canada and lagging slightly in the U.S. market. While it has garnered a modest following—enough to secure a third season renewal—it lacks the cultural buzz and global reach of Virgin River.

One significant hurdle is its platform. The CW, known for targeting a younger demographic with shows like Riverdale and The Flash, may not align as seamlessly with Sullivan’s Crossing’s more mature, romance-driven audience. CTV’s regional focus in Canada further limits its international exposure compared to Netflix’s global distribution. This disparity in reach means Sullivan’s Crossing struggles to penetrate the same wide audience, despite its shared authorship with Virgin River.

The cast and storytelling approach also differ. While Sullivan’s Crossing features recognizable names like Chad Michael Murray, its ensemble is smaller, with a heavier reliance on the central romance between Maggie and Cal. This narrower focus has been a double-edged sword. On one hand, it allows for deeper character development, as seen in Maggie’s journey of self-discovery. On the other, it risks alienating viewers once the central “will-they-won’t-they” tension resolves, as happened at the end of season two. The lack of diverse subplots—compared to Virgin River’s sprawling narrative—may explain the dip in viewer interest during season three.

Production logistics add another layer. Filmed on location in Nova Scotia, Sullivan’s Crossing benefits from authentic scenery but operates on a tighter budget, with a cast and crew that don’t command the same star power as Virgin River’s leads. This cost-effectiveness is a strength, but it also means less investment in marketing and promotion, further hindering its visibility.

The Bombshell: Why the Gap Persists

The biggest bombshell lies in the execution of these adaptations rather than their source material. Virgin River’s success hinges on its ability to balance romance with a broader community narrative, creating a sense of belonging that resonates with viewers worldwide. Sullivan’s Crossing, while faithful to Carr’s style, leans too heavily on its central romance, losing momentum when that storyline peaks. The resolution of Maggie and Cal’s relationship in season two, for instance, left some fans without a compelling reason to continue, a pitfall Virgin River avoids by constantly introducing new characters and conflicts.

Timing and platform also play critical roles. Virgin River launched at a moment when audiences craved escapism, riding the wave of Netflix’s dominance. Sullivan’s Crossing, entering a more crowded market with less aggressive promotion, faces an uphill battle to stand out. Additionally, Virgin River’s willingness to embrace dramatic twists—such as Charmaine’s revelation that Jack isn’t the father of her twins in season five—keeps viewers hooked, while Sullivan’s Crossing’s more grounded approach may lack the same shock value.

Critically, Virgin River enjoys a higher approval rating on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes, with seasons ranging from 56% to 100%, reflecting its ability to evolve and maintain quality. Sullivan’s Crossing, while praised for its sincerity, lacks the same critical momentum, suggesting it hasn’t yet found its footing.

Can Sullivan’s Crossing Turn It Around?

There’s still hope for Sullivan’s Crossing. With season three only halfway through on CTV and the U.S. audience catching up on the CW, the show has room to grow. Introducing new characters or expanding subplots could reinvigorate interest, drawing lessons from Virgin River’s longevity. If a fourth season materializes, a bolder narrative shift—perhaps a property dispute resolution or a deeper dive into Maggie’s family dynamics—could elevate its profile. However, it must overcome its platform limitations and compete with the established dominance of Virgin River.

Conclusion: A Tale of Two Adaptations

The contrast between Virgin River and Sullivan’s Crossing underscores that success in adaptation goes beyond the source material. While Robyn Carr’s storytelling provides a solid foundation, Virgin River’s strategic timing, diverse cast, and global platform have propelled it to stardom. Sullivan’s Crossing, though promising, faces challenges in visibility and narrative breadth that hinder its ascent. As Virgin River prepares for its seventh season and Sullivan’s Crossing navigates its third, the biggest bombshell remains: even with the same author, the magic of television lies in how a story is told—and who gets to hear it.