A New Chapter for a Beloved Drama

The CW has sent fans into a frenzy with the electrifying announcement that Sullivan’s Crossing, the heartwarming yet intense romantic drama, has been officially greenlit for a fourth season, set to premiere in 2026. This renewal, confirmed on July 16, 2025, follows the earlier commitment from Canada’s Bell Media for CTV and Crave, alongside global distributor Fremantle, ensuring that the saga of Maggie Sullivan and her intricate world will continue to captivate audiences worldwide. With 10 new episodes on the horizon, the series—created by Roma Roth and adapted from Robyn Carr’s bestselling New York Times novels—promises to deliver more emotional depth, romantic tension, and unexpected twists that have made it a standout hit on both traditional and streaming platforms.

Sullivan’s Crossing has become a global phenomenon, blending small-town charm with high-stakes drama. The show follows Maggie Sullivan, a gifted neurosurgeon played by Morgan Kohan, whose life unravels after a legal scandal in Boston forces her to return to her rural Nova Scotia hometown. There, she reconnects with her estranged father, Harry “Sully” Sullivan (Scott Patterson), and navigates a complicated romance with the enigmatic Cal Jones (Chad Michael Murray). The series has struck a chord with viewers, offering a mix of heartfelt family dynamics, scenic beauty, and gripping personal struggles, all set against the backdrop of the idyllic yet challenging Sullivan’s Crossing campground.

A Surge in Popularity

The renewal comes as no surprise to fans, given the show’s meteoric rise in popularity. Season 3, which concluded on July 16, 2025, on The CW, saw significant ratings gains, with the May 28 episode marking an all-time high in Live + Same Day total viewers, according to Nielsen. The series also dominated as the #1 most-streamed program on The CW App in June 2025, with a 13% increase in average monthly unique users compared to Season 2. The show’s success extends beyond traditional television, as its first two seasons became a streaming juggernaut on Netflix, topping the platform’s Top 10 charts in the U.S. and Canada after their release in April and July 2025. This surge mirrors the trajectory of other sleeper hits like Schitt’s Creek, which found a massive audience after landing on Netflix.

The show’s appeal lies in its ability to balance cozy, small-town vibes with emotionally charged storytelling. Fans have been drawn to the layered characters, from Maggie’s journey of self-discovery to Sully’s struggle to keep his campground afloat. The chemistry between Maggie and Cal, a handyman with a mysterious past as a lawyer, has been a focal point, keeping viewers hooked with its slow-burn romance and unexpected hurdles. The Season 3 finale, “Head to the Heart,” dropped a jaw-dropping bombshell with the revelation of Maggie’s husband, Liam (Marcus Rosner), shaking up the love triangle and setting the stage for Season 4’s drama.

What to Expect in Season 4

While an exact premiere date for Season 4 remains under wraps, The CW has confirmed that the 10-episode season will debut in 2026, likely following a similar spring schedule as previous seasons in Canada (CTV, April) and the U.S. (The CW, May). Filming is expected to commence in Nova Scotia, where the show’s stunning coastal landscapes and rustic charm have become a character in their own right. The production, a collaboration between Reel World Management, Bell Media, The CW, and Fremantle, continues to leverage the expertise of executive producers Roma Roth and Christopher E. Perry, the team behind Netflix’s Virgin River, another Robyn Carr adaptation.

All five core cast members are expected to return: Morgan Kohan as Maggie, Chad Michael Murray as Cal, Scott Patterson as Sully, Tom Jackson as Frank Cranebear, and Andrea Menard as Edna Cranebear. The ensemble is rounded out by supporting actors like Amalia Williamson (Lola Gunderson), Lindura (Sydney Shandon), Dakota Taylor (Rafe), and Reid Price (Rob Shandon). The Season 3 cliffhanger introduced Liam, Maggie’s previously unmentioned husband, suggesting his role will be pivotal in Season 4. Fans are buzzing with speculation about how this revelation will impact Maggie and Cal’s budding romance, with some expressing frustration over the sudden twist but others eager for the added complexity.

New guest stars in Season 3, such as Steve Lund as Cooper, the new Fire Chief, and Kate Vernon as Helen Culver, a bestselling author, brought fresh dynamics to the show. While no official casting announcements have been made for Season 4, the series’ history of introducing compelling guest characters—like Cal’s parents, Marissa and Jed, played by Torri Higginson and John Ralston—suggests more surprises are in store. The addition of Joel Oulette as Frank’s cousin Jacob Cranebear in Season 3 also hints at potential new storylines exploring the broader community of Sullivan’s Crossing.

A Deeper Dive into the Story

Season 4 is poised to pick up where the Season 3 finale left off, with Maggie grappling with her past decisions and the reappearance of Liam. The show has consistently explored themes of second chances and personal growth, and Maggie’s journey from a high-powered neurosurgeon to a small-town resident will likely deepen. Her relationship with Sully, strained by years of estrangement, has been a cornerstone of the series, and Season 4 may see them further mending their bond as they face new challenges at the campground. The Outpost, saved from auction in Season 2, remains a central setting, symbolizing resilience and community.

Cal’s backstory as a lawyer-turned-handyman adds intrigue, and Season 4 could delve into his motivations for leaving his legal career behind. The chemistry between Maggie and Cal has been a fan favorite, but Liam’s arrival threatens to upend their connection. The love triangle is expected to take center stage, with Maggie torn between her past with Liam and her growing feelings for Cal. Meanwhile, subplots involving characters like Frank and Edna Cranebear, who bring cultural depth to the series, and Lola’s personal struggles may expand, offering a richer tapestry of stories.

Global Reach and Production Excellence

Sullivan’s Crossing has transcended its Canadian roots to become a global hit, airing on platforms like M-Net in Africa, Voyo in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, TV4 in Sweden, and Stan in Australia. Netflix’s acquisition of the first two seasons in 2025 introduced the show to millions, with Season 3 set to join the platform in August 2025. The series’ universal themes of family, love, and redemption resonate across cultures, bolstered by its high production values and authentic Nova Scotia setting.

The production team, led by Roma Roth, brings a proven track record from Virgin River, ensuring tight storytelling and emotional resonance. Directors like Chris Grismer, Winnifred Jong, April Mullen, Martin Wood, and Jonathan Wright have crafted a visually captivating series, with Season 4 likely to maintain this standard. The show benefits from funding through the Canada Media Fund, Nova Scotia Film & Television Production Incentive Fund, and Canadian tax credits, supporting its high-quality production.

Why Fans Can’t Wait

The renewal has sparked excitement across social media, with fans praising the show’s emotional depth and scenic beauty. Posts on X highlight the anticipation for Season 4, with some calling the Season 3 finale “jaw-dropping” and others eager to see how the Maggie-Cal-Liam triangle unfolds. The show’s ability to blend comfort-watch elements with dramatic twists has earned it an 83% Rotten Tomatoes score and comparisons to Virgin River, which was recently renewed for an eighth season. If Sullivan’s Crossing maintains its trajectory, it could enjoy a similarly long run.

However, some fans have expressed frustration with the show’s 10-episode seasons, craving longer runs like traditional network dramas. Others argue that the shorter seasons allow for tighter, higher-quality storytelling, a model proven successful in British dramas. Regardless, the consensus is clear: Sullivan’s Crossing has captured hearts with its relatable characters and unpredictable plotlines.

Looking Ahead

As Sullivan’s Crossing gears up for Season 4, the stage is set for a rollercoaster of emotions. Will Maggie reconcile her past with Liam, or will her heart lead her to Cal? Can Sully keep the campground thriving amidst new challenges? And what new faces will arrive in this tight-knit community? With its winning formula of romance, drama, and stunning visuals, Sullivan’s Crossing is poised to remain a fan favorite in 2026. For now, fans can relive the journey by streaming Seasons 1 and 2 on Netflix and Season 3 on The CW App, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this captivating saga.