For years, Virgin River has reigned as Netflix’s go-to comfort drama, captivating audiences with its cozy small-town charm, heartfelt romance, and soapy twists. With its record-breaking run as the streamer’s longest-running English-language scripted series, the show has held a firm grip on viewers’ hearts, drawing nearly 16 million viewers for its sixth season in December 2024. But in July 2025, a seismic shift occurred in the streaming landscape: Virgin River has been dethroned, and a brand-new Netflix series, Sullivan’s Crossing, has surged to the #1 spot, leaving fans utterly hooked and reshaping their expectations of what a TV blockbuster can be. Adapted from Robyn Carr’s novels—just like Virgin River—this Canadian import has taken the world by storm, with its gripping storytelling, complex characters, and breathtaking Nova Scotia scenery. From the very first episode, Sullivan’s Crossing has made many forget Virgin River even existed, earning praise as one of the greatest TV dramas of the year. Let’s dive into the details of this phenomenon, analyzing what makes Sullivan’s Crossing so irresistible and why it’s poised to redefine Netflix’s drama lineup.

The Rise of Sullivan’s Crossing: A New King on Netflix

Sullivan’s Crossing, which landed on Netflix in the U.S. on July 1, 2025, after airing on Canada’s CTV and The CW, is a romantic drama with a heart as big as its Nova Scotia setting. Based on Robyn Carr’s five-book series, the show follows Maggie Sullivan, a talented neurosurgeon played by Morgan Kohan, whose meticulously planned life in Boston unravels due to legal troubles. Forced to confront her past, Maggie returns to her childhood home of Sullivan’s Crossing, a picturesque campground in Nova Scotia run by her estranged father, Sully (Scott Patterson). There, she reconnects with her roots, forms new relationships, and navigates a slow-burn romance with local handyman Cal Jones (Chad Michael Murray).

The series’ ascent to Netflix’s #1 spot was meteoric. Within three days of its U.S. debut, Seasons 1 and 2 occupied the sixth and seventh spots on the streamer’s Top 10 TV list, and by July 21, 2025, both seasons had climbed to the top, outpacing Virgin River and other heavyweights like Wednesday and My Life With the Walter Boys. Social media platforms like X and TikTok exploded with fan reactions, with viewers calling it “the perfect Virgin River replacement” and praising its “addictive drama and cozy vibes.” Critics echoed the sentiment, with TechRadar describing it as “the epitome of comfort drama with famous faces thrown in for good measure.” So, what makes Sullivan’s Crossing such a standout? Let’s break down its key elements.

A Familiar Yet Fresh Premise

At its core, Sullivan’s Crossing follows a classic narrative: a big-city professional returns to a small town, seeking redemption and rediscovery. Maggie Sullivan, a driven neurosurgeon, is forced to flee Boston after legal issues tied to a patient’s death threaten her career. Her return to Sullivan’s Crossing, a campground she hasn’t visited since age 15, sets the stage for a journey of reconciliation—with her father, Sully, and with herself. The premise echoes Virgin River, where nurse practitioner Mel Monroe seeks a fresh start in a remote California town, but Sullivan’s Crossing carves its own path with a Canadian twist.

The show’s setting in Nova Scotia is a character in itself. Filmed on location in Timberlake, the series showcases rolling hills, serene lakes, and rustic campgrounds that rival Virgin River’s redwood forests. The cinematography, with sweeping drone shots and golden-hour lighting, creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that draws viewers in. Unlike Virgin River’s focus on a tight-knit California community, Sullivan’s Crossing explores the unique dynamics of a transient campground, where locals and visitors intersect, creating a rich tapestry of relationships and conflicts.

The narrative balances romance, family drama, and personal growth. Maggie’s strained relationship with Sully, who struggles with sobriety and financial woes, forms the emotional core. Her budding romance with Cal, a mysterious newcomer with his own baggage, adds a slow-burn spark that keeps viewers hooked. Subplots involving quirky campground residents, like the free-spirited Lola and the gruff handyman Frank, weave humor and heart into the story, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Stellar Performances and Star Power

The cast of Sullivan’s Crossing is a major draw, blending rising stars with familiar faces that resonate with fans of Virgin River and beyond. Morgan Kohan delivers a career-defining performance as Maggie, portraying her as both fiercely independent and deeply vulnerable. Her chemistry with Scott Patterson, known for his iconic role as Luke Danes in Gilmore Girls, is electric. Patterson brings a weathered gravitas to Sully, capturing his struggle with addiction and his love for Maggie with quiet intensity. One viewer on X gushed, “Scott Patterson as Sully is giving Luke Danes vibes, but with even more heart.”

Chad Michael Murray, of One Tree Hill fame, shines as Cal Jones, infusing the role with a rugged charm that makes his scenes with Kohan crackle. Their romance unfolds gradually, with stolen glances and tender moments that feel authentic rather than contrived. Supporting players like Tom Jackson as Frank and Andrea Menard as Edna add depth, portraying a Native American couple whose warmth anchors the campground community. The ensemble’s chemistry mirrors Virgin River’s, but Sullivan’s Crossing stands out for its diverse cast and nuanced portrayals of intergenerational relationships.

Critics have praised the performances, with MovieWeb noting, “Kohan and Murray’s legitimate chemistry makes Cal and Maggie’s love story palpable.” The cast’s ability to balance drama and humor—much like Virgin River’s Alexandra Breckenridge and Martin Henderson—keeps viewers invested, whether it’s Maggie’s tearful confrontations with Sully or Cal’s playful banter.

Thematic Depth: More Than Just Comfort TV

While Sullivan’s Crossing delivers the cozy escapism that made Virgin River a hit, it goes deeper, tackling themes of redemption, identity, and community with surprising nuance. Maggie’s journey is one of self-discovery, as she grapples with her professional failures and a painful past marked by her mother’s abandonment. Her legal troubles—a lawsuit tied to a patient’s death—force her to confront her perfectionism and the pressure of being a female surgeon in a male-dominated field. This feminist undercurrent adds a modern edge, distinguishing the show from Virgin River’s more traditional romance-driven narrative.

Sully’s arc, centered on his sobriety and financial struggles, explores the fragility of familial bonds. His reluctance to reconnect with Maggie, coupled with his pride as a campground owner, creates a poignant father-daughter dynamic that resonates with viewers. The show also touches on cultural identity through Frank and Edna, whose Indigenous heritage is woven subtly into the story, offering a refreshing perspective on small-town life.

The series doesn’t shy away from heavier themes, like addiction and loss, but it balances them with hope and humor. Moments of levity—like Lola’s eccentric antics or Maggie’s awkward attempts to fit into rural life—prevent the drama from feeling overwhelming. As Collider noted, “Sullivan’s Crossing captures the spirit of a tight-knit community in Canada, conveying a feel-good vibe with intimate connections.” This balance makes it both a comfort watch and a thought-provoking drama.

Plot Twists That Keep Viewers Hooked

What truly sets Sullivan’s Crossing apart is its ability to deliver jaw-dropping twists that keep audiences guessing. Season 1 builds to a shocking climax: just as Maggie resolves her legal issues, Sully suffers a heart attack, and Cal mysteriously leaves town without explanation. These cliffhangers, revealed in the final episodes, left fans reeling, with X posts declaring, “I need Season 2 NOW!” Season 2, also available on Netflix, picks up with Maggie navigating Sully’s recovery and uncovering secrets about Cal’s past, including his connection to a tragic accident.

The twists aren’t just for shock value; they deepen the characters. Maggie’s resilience shines as she balances her career ambitions with her loyalty to Sully. Cal’s departure reveals his own vulnerabilities, setting up a Season 2 arc that explores trust and forgiveness. Unlike Virgin River, which often leans on romantic entanglements for drama, Sullivan’s Crossing uses its twists to probe emotional and ethical dilemmas, making every episode a rollercoaster.

Fans have praised the unpredictability, with one Reddit user writing, “Every time I thought I had it figured out, Sullivan’s Crossing threw another curveball.” The show’s ability to keep viewers guessing, combined with its emotional stakes, has fueled its rise to #1, outshining Virgin River’s more predictable beats.

Why It’s Dethroned Virgin River

Virgin River has long been Netflix’s comfort drama king, with its picturesque setting and Mel and Jack’s love story drawing millions. But Season 6, while successful, showed signs of declining viewership, with some fans noting repetitive storylines. Sullivan’s Crossing feels fresher, blending familiar elements—a small-town setting, a fish-out-of-water protagonist—with bolder narrative choices. Its Nova Scotia backdrop offers a visual departure from Virgin River’s California redwoods, and its focus on family dynamics over romance appeals to a broader audience.

The show’s star power also plays a role. While Virgin River boasts Breckenridge and Henderson, Sullivan’s Crossing leverages Patterson and Murray’s nostalgic appeal, drawing fans of Gilmore Girls and One Tree Hill. Its shorter seasons—10 episodes each—make it more bingeable than Virgin River’s sprawling arcs, catering to viewers’ desire for concise storytelling.

Social media reflects this shift. X users have called Sullivan’s Crossing “what Virgin River wishes it could be,” citing its tighter pacing and deeper character work. The show’s 90%+ Rotten Tomatoes score, compared to Virgin River’s 80% for Season 6, underscores its critical edge. As The Express noted, “Fans just can’t get enough of the show from the same writer of the popular series.”

The Future: What’s Next for Sullivan’s Crossing?

With Seasons 1 and 2 dominating Netflix’s charts, the demand for Season 3 is sky-high. The CW aired Season 3 in Canada earlier in 2025, and it’s expected to hit Netflix globally by late 2025 or early 2026, following the pattern of previous seasons. Season 4 has been confirmed, with production slated for fall 2025, ensuring more of Maggie’s journey. Fans speculate that Season 3 will delve into Cal’s backstory and Sully’s health, with potential new characters shaking up the campground.

Netflix’s investment in Sullivan’s Crossing signals confidence. The streamer’s acquisition of the series, alongside Virgin River’s renewal for Season 8, suggests a strategy to dominate the cozy drama genre. However, Sullivan’s Crossing’s ability to blend comfort with complexity gives it an edge, appealing to both Virgin River loyalists and new viewers seeking something fresh.

Conclusion: A New Era of Netflix Drama

Sullivan’s Crossing has not only dethroned Virgin River but redefined what a Netflix drama can be. Its breathtaking scenery, powerhouse performances, and gripping twists have made it a global obsession, with fans praising it as one of the greatest TV blockbusters of 2025. Morgan Kohan’s Maggie, Scott Patterson’s Sully, and Chad Michael Murray’s Cal bring heart and depth to a story that balances cozy escapism with raw emotion. As the show continues to dominate charts and spark social media frenzy, it’s clear Sullivan’s Crossing is here to stay, proving that sometimes, a new king can steal the crown and make us forget the old one ever ruled.