Sullivan’s Crossing: How a Canadian Drama Became a “Life-Preserver in Tumultuous Times”

For Canadian showrunner Roma Roth, television is more than just entertainment — it’s a refuge. Her latest series, Sullivan’s Crossing, has become a breakout hit at home and abroad, with Roth describing it as a “life-preserver in tumultuous times.” The small-town family drama, set against the rugged beauty of Nova Scotia, is giving Canadian landscapes and stories a global platform, while offering audiences the comfort of familiarity and hope.

A Canadian Story, Set in Canada

Roth, born in London, Ont., is already known internationally as the executive producer behind Virgin River, the soapy Netflix hit shot in British Columbia. With Sullivan’s Crossing, she wanted to go one step further. Instead of Canada doubling as somewhere else — a common practice in film and television — Roth was determined to showcase the East Coast for what it is.

“I wanted to show that you could create a series that was successful being set in Canada as Canada,” Roth explained in a recent interview. “If people can watch shows like Squid Game in Korean, then they can watch a show that’s set in Canada and appreciate the beauty of Halifax and Nova Scotia.”

Based on a Colorado-set book series by author Robyn Carr, Sullivan’s Crossing reimagines the story for a Canadian context. The series follows Maggie (Morgan Kohan), a former neurosurgeon from Boston who returns to Timberlake, a fictional Nova Scotia town, where she must confront her strained relationship with her father Sully (Scott Patterson) while developing a new bond with local resident Cal (Chad Michael Murray).

Scenery as a Character

From Halifax’s colorful North End to the iconic lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove, the series treats Nova Scotia’s coastline as more than just a backdrop — it’s a character in its own right. Wide shots of the Atlantic crashing against rocky shores are intercut with warm, vibrant scenes of small-town life, creating a contrast that has captured viewers’ imaginations.

Roth says the scenery isn’t just eye candy. It reinforces the themes of resilience and renewal that define the series. “The East Coast feels timeless and authentic,” she said. “It’s the perfect place to set a story about second chances, healing, and finding connection.”

Ratings Success at Home and Abroad

The gamble is paying off. According to Bell Media, Sullivan’s Crossing was the most-watched Canadian drama of the 2023–24 broadcast year with its second season. Data from Numeris shows that early episodes of Season 3 have continued that trajectory, ranking it as the number one Canadian drama currently on CTV.

International audiences are also taking notice. The first two seasons were recently added to Netflix, instantly expanding the show’s reach to millions of viewers around the world. In the United States, the series airs on The CW, giving it a primetime platform south of the border.

Comfort TV for a Restless World

For Roth, part of the show’s appeal lies in its ability to provide comfort during uncertain times. In a world dominated by divisive politics and relentless headlines, she has deliberately kept Sullivan’s Crossing apolitical.

“It’s supposed to be a show that’s a life-preserver in tumultuous times for people,” she explained. “We’re trying to give the audience journeys with the characters that they can identify with and connect with. The goal is to walk a fine line between aspirational television and meaningful, deep storylines.”

That balance — heartfelt drama without heavy-handed social commentary — is what makes the show an “evergreen” comfort watch, according to Roth.

A Long Career in Television

Roth’s path to Sullivan’s Crossing has been shaped by decades in the industry. As head of Reel World Management, she has developed and financed feature films and television projects across genres, from thrillers to romantic comedies. But it’s in character-driven dramas where she has found her greatest success.

Her work on Virgin River proved that audiences worldwide are hungry for heartfelt storytelling rooted in community. With Sullivan’s Crossing, she’s doubling down on that formula — but this time with an unapologetically Canadian identity.

Challenges Behind the Scenes

Despite the accolades, Roth’s journey hasn’t been without controversy. Earlier this year, she was expelled from the Writers Guild of America after being accused of working during the union’s five-month strike in 2023. Roth denied the allegations, saying she only works under the Writers Guild of Canada’s jurisdiction. The WGA has not commented further.

While the dispute cast a shadow, it has not slowed Sullivan’s Crossing’s momentum. Fans remain focused on the series itself, and Roth continues to emphasize its core mission: connection and comfort.

Looking Ahead

With Season 3 underway and Netflix exposure breathing new life into the first two seasons, the future of Sullivan’s Crossing looks bright. Viewers can expect more sweeping shots of Nova Scotia’s landscapes, more heartfelt family drama, and more quiet reminders that sometimes the best stories are the simplest.

For Roth, the takeaway is clear: Canadian stories, when told authentically, can resonate globally. “If audiences can see themselves in these characters, and at the same time see the beauty of Canada,” she said, “then we’ve done what we set out to do.”