If you’ve seen Virgin River, then Sullivan Crossing will give you an instant sense of déjà vu. From the opening scenes, it carries the same cozy-small-town vibe, heartfelt drama, and mix of romance and personal struggles. And honestly, I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about it yet.
The story centers on Maggie Sullivan, a young neurosurgeon whose life suddenly spirals after a series of professional and personal setbacks. In the beginning, we see her in the emergency room, forced to step in when no other doctor can be found. Two patients arrive almost simultaneously: a teenager in critical condition and another with a compounded leg fracture. The urgency and intensity of the moment highlight Maggie’s skill and dedication, but it also serves as the setup for everything that follows. When she later accepts a prestigious award, her career takes a shocking hit after serious trouble erupts with her boss. Suddenly, her picture-perfect life is in shambles.
Looking for an escape and perhaps a reset, Maggie drives to Timberlake, Nova Scotia, where she ends up at Sullivan Crossing, a rustic campground owned by her father, Sully. It’s here that the show really leans into that Virgin River energy small-town healing, emotional baggage, complicated family ties, and of course, the slow-burn romance. Enter Cal Jones (played by Chad Michael Murray), the handsome but mysterious love interest who carries his own secrets and scars. It’s predictable, but that doesn’t mean it’s not enjoyable.
For me, the problem isn’t the cast. In fact, the performances are the strongest part of the show. Scott Patterson, who many remember fondly as Luke from Gilmore Girls, is warm and grounded as Sully. His relationship with Maggie feels authentic, layered with both estrangement and affection. Patterson brings a gravitas that makes the scenes at the campground feel lived-in and real.
Chad Michael Murray is another highlight he’s charming but doesn’t overplay it, offering just enough intrigue to keep viewers curious about where his story will go.
The issue, at least so far, lies in the writing. The setup and execution feel almost too familiar, as though the creators leaned heavily on the Virgin River formula without trying to push boundaries or explore fresh angles. The emotional beats land, but they don’t surprise. You can almost predict when the conflicts will hit and how the resolutions will unfold. For fans of comfort TV, this might actually be a good thing it’s safe, easy to watch, and hits all the expected marks. But for those of us looking for something new, it leaves you wishing the show dared to be different.
That said, there are still reasons to give Sullivan Crossing a chance. The Nova Scotia setting is gorgeous, offering sweeping natural backdrops that make the series visually appealing. The father-daughter storyline between Maggie and Sully has real potential for depth if the writers lean into the messy history between them. And while the romance plot is predictable, the chemistry between Maggie and Cal is strong enough to keep viewers invested.
Ultimately, I think this show is still in the process of finding its identity. Right now, it feels like a cousin to Virgin River similar DNA but not yet standing on its own two feet. If it can shift away from the copycat vibes and dig deeper into its characters, it has the foundation to become something more meaningful.
So while I’m not entirely sold yet, I’m not writing it off either. With its talented cast and heartfelt premise, Sullivan Crossing has the pieces in place it just needs to discover its own voice.