The CW Renews ‘Sullivan’s Crossing’ for Season 4 as Romantic Drama Soars to Global Success on Netflix
In a resounding vote of confidence, The CW has officially renewed its hit romantic drama Sullivan’s Crossing for a fourth season—just weeks after the series became a streaming sensation on Netflix. The announcement comes as the series continues to build momentum both on traditional broadcast and in the digital realm, proving that small-town stories still have a powerful pull in the global content race.
Originally debuting on Canadian network CTV before landing on The CW in the U.S., Sullivan’s Crossing gained steady viewership across its first three seasons. But it wasn’t until Netflix acquired streaming rights that the show truly exploded in popularity. According to Deadline, Seasons 1 and 2 racked up more than 3 million views and 22 million hours watched in their first week on the platform—catapulting it into Netflix’s Top 10 globally.
With Season 3 wrapping its run on The CW on July 16 and a massive new audience discovering the series on demand, the renewal for Season 4 feels less like a gamble and more like a natural next step.
Romance, Redemption, and Scenic Escapes
Sullivan’s Crossing, based on Robyn Carr’s bestselling book series of the same name, follows Maggie Sullivan (Morgan Kohan), a brilliant Boston neurosurgeon whose seemingly perfect life crumbles after a professional scandal. Forced to take a step back, she returns to her remote hometown in rural Nova Scotia, where she reconnects with her estranged father, Sully (played by Gilmore Girls alum Scott Patterson), and crosses paths with Cal Jones (Chad Michael Murray), a rugged newcomer with secrets of his own.
The show blends slow-burn romance with emotional family dynamics and the healing power of nature—something viewers seem to crave more than ever in the current media landscape.
“Sullivan’s Crossing has found its audience because it speaks to something timeless,” said showrunner and executive producer Roma Roth. “People want stories with heart. They want to believe in second chances, in love, and in the beauty of starting over.”
The CW’s Strategic Win
The CW’s renewal of Sullivan’s Crossing comes at a time when the network has been recalibrating its programming strategy. With its original shows facing stiff competition from streaming giants and cable networks, CW executives have turned to high-quality co-productions with international appeal—and Sullivan’s Crossing is a perfect example.
“This is exactly the kind of show that aligns with our vision,” said CW President Heather Olander. “It’s smart, emotional, cinematic, and resonating with viewers in a big way—not just in North America, but around the world.”
Season 4 is expected to begin filming later this year in Nova Scotia, with most of the principal cast expected to return. While there are still questions about the future of Chad Michael Murray’s character, Cal, early reports suggest Murray is in negotiations to continue his role.
Netflix’s Power Boost
While Sullivan’s Crossing was already building a loyal fanbase on The CW, its addition to Netflix took things to another level. The show’s relatable characters, cozy setting, and binge-worthy romance drew in fans of similar hits like Virgin River and Sweet Magnolias, both of which also originated from book series and exploded thanks to streaming.
Netflix has become a critical piece in the success story of shows like Sullivan’s Crossing, which may have been overlooked or underappreciated in traditional linear programming. For Roth and her team, the platform gave the show a second life—and an entirely new audience.
“We saw a surge of interest almost immediately,” Roth said. “Netflix has changed the game, and we’re thrilled to see Sullivan’s Crossing connecting with fans on such a massive scale.”
What to Expect in Season 4
Season 3 ended with several emotional cliffhangers: Maggie facing a major decision about her medical career, Cal confronting the ghosts of his past, and Sully dealing with the consequences of a long-held family secret. Season 4 promises to expand the world even further, introducing new characters, deeper conflicts, and more sweeping views of the Nova Scotian countryside.
According to insiders, the upcoming season will dive further into Maggie’s internal struggle between the life she left behind and the one she’s rebuilding. Romance will remain at the heart of the story, but fans can also expect some unexpected twists—and perhaps even a long-awaited Virgin River crossover event, as both shows are based on Robyn Carr’s universe.
The Road Ahead
With Sullivan’s Crossing now firmly established as a breakout hit, all eyes are on Season 4 to deliver even more of the emotional storytelling that viewers have come to love.
Whether you’re watching for the romance, the family drama, or just the cozy charm of a town that feels like home, one thing is certain: Sullivan’s Crossing has found its place in viewers’ hearts—and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
