Sullivan’s Crossing, the captivating romantic drama based on Robyn Carr’s bestselling novel series, has left fans reeling after its Season 3 finale. Premiering on CTV in Canada and The CW in the U.S., the show follows neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan (Morgan Kohan) as she returns to her rural hometown of Sullivan’s Crossing following a professional scandal. What began as a tale of healing and rediscovery has evolved into a web of emotional entanglements, family secrets, and life-altering revelations. Season 3, which wrapped up in June 2025, didn’t just conclude with drama—it exploded with a bombshell cliffhanger that has sparked endless speculation across social media and fan forums.

In the finale, titled “Ghosts of the Past,” viewers witnessed a cascade of emotional highs and lows. Edna Crane (Lauren Hammersley) underwent surgery for her benign brain tumor, emerging with a hopeful prognosis but facing an uncertain recovery. Sully Sullivan (Scott Patterson), Maggie’s estranged father, decided to embark on a transformative trip to Ireland with Helen (Lynda Boyd), signaling a potential confrontation with his long-buried past. Meanwhile, Jacob (Joel Oulette) learned he must return to Alberta to complete his master’s degree, straining his budding relationships in Sullivan’s Crossing. But the real shocker came in the final moments: the unexpected arrival of Liam (Callum Blue), Maggie’s estranged husband from her past, just as she and Cal Jones (Chad Michael Murray) seemed poised for a stable future. This revelation not only questions Maggie’s marital status but also threatens to unravel her romance with Cal, who had discovered an old letter Maggie wrote to Liam.

As whispers swirl about Season 4—confirmed for a 2026 premiere on The CW, with filming expected to begin later in 2025—fans are clamoring for answers. The series, which has drawn comparisons to Virgin River for its blend of small-town charm, heartfelt romance, and dramatic twists, has been renewed thanks to its surging popularity on Netflix, where Seasons 1 and 2 became streaming hits. Showrunner Roma Roth has teased that Season 4 will delve deeper into the characters’ psyches, drawing inspiration from Carr’s subsequent novels like Any Day Now and The Family Gathering, while introducing new faces to shake up Sullivan’s Crossing. Here, we dissect the six explosive mysteries that Season 4 must address—or risk turning the idyllic town upside down forever. Each mystery is analyzed in detail, exploring potential plot developments, character impacts, and ties to the source material.

Mystery 1: Is Maggie Still Married to Liam, and What Secrets Does He Bring?

The jaw-dropping arrival of Liam in the Season 3 finale has ignited the most fervent debates among fans. Played by Callum Blue, Liam is introduced as Maggie’s former lover and apparent husband, a character whose existence was hinted at through flashbacks revealing Maggie’s miscarriage during a stressful period in her life. In the books, Maggie’s past relationships are more subtly explored, but the show has amplified this for dramatic effect. The cliffhanger shows Liam knocking on Maggie’s door, declaring, “We need to talk,” just as Cal walks away in confusion after confronting her about the letter.

This mystery could fundamentally alter Maggie’s arc. If she’s still legally married—a possibility suggested by Reddit discussions where fans speculate Liam never signed divorce papers—it would invalidate her growing bond with Cal and force her to confront unresolved grief from her lost pregnancy. Roth has hinted in interviews that Season 4 will explore “the ghosts that refuse to stay buried,” potentially revealing Liam as a manipulative figure from Maggie’s Boston days, perhaps tied to her malpractice lawsuit from Season 1. Drawing from Carr’s What We Find, where Maggie grapples with past traumas, this storyline could introduce flashbacks showing Liam’s role in her emotional downfall, including his absence during her miscarriage.

The impact on other characters would be profound. Sully, already mending his relationship with Maggie, might see Liam as a threat to his daughter’s happiness, leading to protective confrontations. For Cal, a widower still healing from his wife’s death, this betrayal could push him toward isolation or even a temporary exit from Sullivan’s Crossing. Fan theories on platforms like Twitter suggest Liam might bring a child into the mix—perhaps from an affair—mirroring themes in Carr’s The Family Gathering, where family secrets unite siblings. Resolving this mystery is crucial; if left dangling, it risks alienating viewers who root for Maggie and Cal’s slow-burn romance. Season 4 must deliver a satisfying reveal, perhaps culminating in a courtroom divorce scene that echoes Maggie’s legal battles, to propel her toward true independence.

Mystery 2: Will Cal and Maggie’s Relationship Survive the Betrayal?

Cal Jones, the enigmatic lawyer-turned-camper portrayed by Chad Michael Murray, has been Maggie’s anchor since Season 1. Their relationship deepened in Season 3, with Cal supporting Maggie through her medical license issues and Edna’s health crisis. However, the discovery of Maggie’s letter to Liam—written years ago but symbolizing unfinished business—has sown seeds of doubt. In the finale, Cal storms off, leaving fans wondering if their love can withstand this storm.

This mystery taps into the core of Sullivan’s Crossing’s appeal: the tension between past regrets and future hopes. In Carr’s novels, Cal’s backstory involves profound loss, including his wife’s battle with mental illness, which the show has adapted to highlight his vulnerability. Season 4 could explore Cal’s potential relapse into grief, perhaps leading him to reconnect with his sister Sierra (from Any Day Now), introducing her as a new character to offer perspective. Predictions from outlets like TVLine suggest a temporary breakup, allowing Cal to embark on a soul-searching journey, mirroring his nomadic lifestyle in the books.

The ripple effects extend to the ensemble. Phoebe (Lindura), Cal’s confidante, might encourage reconciliation, while Sully could mediate as a father figure. If the relationship fractures, it opens doors for new romances—fans speculate Cal might bond with a newcomer inspired by Leigh Culver from The Best of Us. Yet, resolving this positively is essential; Murray has expressed in interviews a desire for Cal to find “lasting peace,” hinting at a redemption arc. Without closure, this mystery could dilute the show’s romantic heart, but a well-crafted reconciliation could elevate it to iconic status, much like Mel and Jack in Virgin River.

Mystery 3: What’s Next for Edna’s Health and Her Role in the Community?

Edna Crane’s brain tumor diagnosis and subsequent surgery dominated Season 3’s emotional landscape. As Sully’s loyal partner and the Crossing’s maternal figure, played by Lauren Hammersley, Edna’s storyline culminated in a successful operation, but her recovery remains uncertain. Flashbacks revealed her fears of mortality, tying into broader themes of resilience in Carr’s series.

Season 4 must address whether Edna faces complications, such as vision loss or cognitive changes, as hinted in the finale where she experiences lingering headaches. This mystery could shift the town’s dynamics, forcing characters like Frank (Tom Stevens) to step up in her absence. Drawing from Carr’s emphasis on community support in The Country Guesthouse, Edna’s arc might involve therapy sessions that uncover hidden family secrets, perhaps involving her Indigenous heritage explored in earlier seasons.

The broader impact includes strengthening bonds: Maggie, as a neurosurgeon, could oversee Edna’s care, blending professional and personal growth. If Edna’s health declines, it might prompt Sully to accelerate his Ireland trip, leaving the Crossing vulnerable. Fan forums predict a triumphant recovery, allowing Edna to mentor younger characters like Lola (Amélie Lock). Unresolved, this could feel like a missed opportunity for depth, but a nuanced exploration would reinforce the show’s message of healing through connection.

Mystery 4: Sully’s Trip to Ireland—What Ghosts from His Past Will Emerge?

Sully’s decision to visit Ireland with Helen marks a bold departure for the gruff campground owner, portrayed by Scott Patterson. Season 3 delved into Sully’s regrets over his strained relationship with Maggie and his late wife’s death, culminating in his choice to confront his heritage.

This mystery promises international flair, potentially filming scenes in Ireland to expand the show’s scope. In Carr’s books, Sully’s backstory is rich with unspoken losses; Season 4 could reveal a long-lost sibling or unresolved family feud, echoing The Family Gathering’s sibling reunions. Predictions suggest Sully discovers a hidden inheritance or secret child, complicating his return.

Impacts on Sullivan’s Crossing are significant: With Sully away, Maggie might take over operations, testing her commitment to medicine. Helen’s role could evolve into a deeper romance, but conflicts arise if Ireland uncovers Sully’s flaws. Without resolution, this arc risks feeling tangential, but a revelatory journey could enrich Sully’s character, providing closure fans crave.

Mystery 5: Jacob’s Return to Alberta—Will It End His Sullivan’s Crossing Ties?

Jacob’s academic bombshell—forcing him back to Alberta—threatens his integration into the community. As a young Indigenous character navigating identity, played by Joel Oulette, Jacob’s arc in Season 3 involved budding romance and cultural exploration.

Season 4 must explore whether distance dooms his relationships or fosters growth. Inspired by Carr’s themes of belonging, this mystery could involve virtual connections or a mid-season return, revealing challenges like discrimination in Alberta. Fan theories predict Jacob uncovers family secrets there, tying back to Edna’s heritage.

The town feels his absence: Characters like Rafe (Dakota Taylor) might fill the void, but Jacob’s departure highlights themes of youth migration. Resolving this could affirm the Crossing’s pull, strengthening ensemble ties.

Mystery 6: New Characters and Twists—How Will the Books Influence Season 4?

With Season 4 drawing from Carr’s later novels, mysteries abound regarding new arrivals. Sierra Jones, Cal’s sister from Any Day Now, is a likely addition, bringing addiction recovery storylines. Other potentials include Dakota Jones or Leigh Culver, introducing fresh romances and conflicts.

This overarching mystery could redefine the series, blending book fidelity with TV twists. Roth has teased “expanding the family,” suggesting crossovers with Virgin River. Impacts include revitalizing plots, but risks overwhelming the core cast. A balanced integration would ensure Season 4’s explosive potential.

Conclusion

Sullivan’s Crossing Season 4 stands at a crossroads, poised to resolve these six mysteries or ignite further chaos. With its 2026 premiere, the show—bolstered by Netflix’s global reach—has the opportunity to deepen its emotional resonance, honoring Robyn Carr’s themes of love, loss, and redemption. As fans await answers, one thing is clear: the bombshells from Season 3 have set the stage for a transformative chapter that could change everything in Sullivan’s Crossing forever. Stream Seasons 1-3 on Netflix and The CW app to catch up on the drama.

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