There’s a new small-town romance making waves on Netflix—and it’s already stealing hearts and topping charts. Sullivan’s Crossing, the emotional, slow-burn drama led by One Tree Hill alum Chad Michael Murray and rising star Morgan Kohan, quietly dropped on the platform July 8. Within 48 hours, it had surged past marquee titles like A Star Is Born to claim the No. 1 spot on Netflix’s Top 10.

It’s official: Sullivan’s Crossing is the latest must-watch comfort drama—and it’s arriving just in time to fill the Virgin River-shaped hole in your heart.

A Scenic Detour to Healing—and Love

Adapted from the novels by Virgin River author Robyn Carr, Sullivan’s Crossing centers on Maggie Sullivan (Morgan Kohan), a brilliant Boston neurosurgeon whose seemingly perfect life crumbles following a devastating personal and professional scandal. In an attempt to regroup, she flees to her childhood home: a remote, rustic campground in Nova Scotia run by her estranged father, Sully (played with quiet strength by Gilmore Girls icon Scott Patterson).

What’s meant to be a temporary escape quickly transforms into a soul-searching journey. Enter Cal Jones (Chad Michael Murray), a mysterious newcomer with scars of his own—and plenty of romantic potential. Their chemistry? Pure, slow-burn gold. Think Jack and Mel, but with a woodsy East Coast twist.

Rounding out the cast are Tom Jackson, Andrea Menard, Lynda Boyd, and Allan Hawco, each adding depth to a series steeped in emotion, reconciliation, and rediscovery.

Why Sullivan’s Crossing Feels So Familiar (In the Best Way)

Fans of Virgin River will feel right at home in Sullivan’s Crossing. Both series follow strong yet emotionally wounded medical professionals leaving behind high-stakes careers for small-town life and second chances. Both are set against breathtaking natural backdrops. And both are rooted in the emotional richness of Carr’s bestselling novels.

But Sullivan’s Crossing brings its own fresh take to the “healing in the woods” genre. It leans into familial drama as much as romantic entanglements, and Maggie’s complex father-daughter relationship provides a compelling emotional anchor. The series also touches on themes of forgiveness, redemption, and what it truly means to come home again.

From CW Sleeper Hit to Netflix Breakout

While Sullivan’s Crossing premiered on The CW in the U.S. and CTV in Canada, its true breakout moment came the moment it landed on Netflix. The series debuted at No. 2 and rocketed to the top spot within a day, signaling that audiences are ready—and hungry—for more of this brand of heartfelt, scenic storytelling.

This streaming success follows the show’s steady climb in the linear ratings world. Season 3 premiered in May and is currently airing on The CW, with just two episodes left before the July 16 finale. And in even better news: a fourth season is already confirmed, thanks to an enthusiastic update from author Robyn Carr herself.

The Perfect Binge Before Virgin River Returns

With Virgin River Season 7 still awaiting an official release date (though production wrapped in late June), Sullivan’s Crossing offers a perfectly timed escape. It’s everything fans love—rugged landscapes, emotional storytelling, and a cast with real chemistry—all wrapped in a warm, binge-worthy package.

So if you’re craving a new romantic drama that makes you feel like you’ve just stepped into a Hallmark card with better writing and deeper heart, Sullivan’s Crossing may be your next favorite show. Just try not to binge it all at once—you’ll want to savor it.