The small-town romance genre has found a devoted following, and no one has mastered this art quite like Robyn Carr. Her bestselling book series, Virgin River and Sullivan’s Crossing, have been transformed into hit TV shows that have left audiences craving more. These series, with their intoxicating blend of romance, emotional depth, and tight-knit community vibes, have become comfort viewing staples for millions. As fans eagerly await the next chapter in Carr’s television legacy, whispers of a new adaptation—Thunder Point—have sparked excitement. Could this be the show to surpassხ
Virgin River, which premiered on Netflix in 2019, follows Mel Monroe, a nurse practitioner and midwife who escapes her troubled past in Los Angeles to start anew in the remote Northern California town of Virgin River. The series, now renewed for an eighth season, has resonated with viewers through its heartfelt storytelling, slow-burn romance between Mel and local bar owner Jack Sheridan, and a cast of quirky townsfolk who feel like family. Its scenic backdrop of towering redwoods and cozy cabins creates an immersive escape, blending high-stakes drama with tender, character-driven moments. The show’s success lies in its ability to balance raw emotional struggles—like Mel’s grief over her late husband and Jack’s battle with PTSD—with uplifting themes of healing and community.
Similarly, Sullivan’s Crossing, which debuted on CTV in 2023 and joined Netflix in July 2025, follows neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan as she returns to her childhood home in Timberlake, Nova Scotia, after a professional scandal. The show, now in its third season with a fourth confirmed, mirrors Virgin River in its focus on a strong female lead navigating personal and romantic challenges. Maggie’s strained relationship with her father, Sully, and her budding romance with the mysterious Cal Jones unfold against the stunning Nova Scotian landscape. The series adds a unique flavor with its emphasis on Indigenous communities and Canadian culture, setting it apart while retaining the emotional core that makes Carr’s stories so compelling.
What makes these shows irresistible? It’s the universal appeal of small-town life—a place where everyone knows your name, where heartbreak is softened by community support, and where love blossoms in unexpected ways. Carr’s knack for crafting relatable characters with complex pasts draws viewers in, making them invest in every tearful confession and stolen kiss. The rural settings, whether California’s redwoods or Nova Scotia’s rugged coast, act as silent characters, amplifying the stories’ emotional weight. Fans are drawn to the authenticity of these worlds, where personal redemption and second chances feel within reach.
Now, the buzz around Carr’s next adaptation, Thunder Point, has fans speculating about what’s to come. Unlike its predecessors, Thunder Point shifts focus to a male protagonist, Hank Cooper, an Army veteran introduced in the Virgin River book series. Set in a coastal Oregon town, the nine-book series promises a fresh dynamic while staying true to Carr’s signature blend of romance and drama. The show, in development with showrunner Roma Roth, who has helmed both Virgin River and Sullivan’s Crossing, is poised to build on their success. Its connection to the Virgin River universe—through characters like Hank, who appears in book 17, Sunrise Point—adds an extra layer of intrigue for longtime fans.
Thunder Point could stand out by exploring new themes. While Virgin River is a “fish out of water” tale and Sullivan’s Crossing is about reconciling past and present, Thunder Point might delve deeper into the male perspective, offering a nuanced take on vulnerability and resilience. Hank’s military background suggests stories of post-service reintegration, potentially resonating with audiences seeking fresh emotional stakes. The coastal setting, with its wild beauty, could provide a visually distinct backdrop, different from the forested intimacy of Virgin River or the maritime charm of Sullivan’s Crossing.
The success of Carr’s adaptations isn’t just about storytelling—it’s about timing. Romance dramas are surging in popularity, with streaming platforms like Netflix leaning heavily into the genre. Virgin River’s longevity, with over 16 million viewers for its sixth season, proves audiences are hungry for these narratives. Sullivan’s Crossing has climbed Netflix’s Top 10 charts, showing that Carr’s formula of heartbreak, healing, and love transcends borders. The addition of familiar faces like Chad Michael Murray and Scott Patterson in Sullivan’s Crossing, alongside Virgin River’s Alexandra Breckenridge and Martin Henderson, creates a comforting continuity for viewers.
As anticipation builds for Thunder Point, questions swirl. Will it capture the same magic as its predecessors? Can it balance the familiar warmth of Carr’s worlds with a fresh perspective? Fans are eager for a new town to fall in love with, new characters to root for, and new romances to swoon over. With Roma Roth at the helm and Carr’s rich source material, Thunder Point has all the ingredients to become the next binge-worthy obsession, potentially outshining its sister shows.
For now, viewers can revisit Virgin River and Sullivan’s Crossing on Netflix, losing themselves in the small-town charm that has made Robyn Carr a household name. As Thunder Point looms on the horizon, one thing is certain: Carr’s legacy of crafting heartfelt, romantic sagas is far from over, and her next chapter might just steal hearts all over again.
