In a move that has thrilled fans across North America, The CW announced on July 16, 2025, the renewal of its hit romantic drama Sullivan’s Crossing for a fourth season, set to premiere in 2026 with a 10-episode run. The decision comes on the heels of the show’s explosive success on Netflix, where it skyrocketed to the No. 1 spot on the streamer’s U.S. Top 10 TV Shows list, amassing 3 million views and 22 million hours watched in its first week alone. This Canadian import, originally airing on CTV in 2023 and picked up by The CW for U.S. audiences, has captured hearts with its blend of small-town charm, emotional depth, and romantic intrigue, drawing comparisons to Netflix’s own Virgin River. As the series prepares for its next chapter, its meteoric rise raises questions about the evolving landscape of television, where streaming platforms amplify traditional broadcasts.
Based on the bestselling novel series by Robyn Carr, Sullivan’s Crossing follows Maggie Sullivan (Morgan Kohan), a neurosurgeon whose life unravels after a legal scandal forces her to return to her childhood home in Timberlake, Nova Scotia. There, she reconnects with her estranged father, Harry “Sully” Sullivan (Scott Patterson), who runs a rustic campground called Sullivan’s Crossing. The series weaves a tapestry of family drama, personal redemption, and romance, particularly through Maggie’s evolving relationship with Cal Jones (Chad Michael Murray), a mysterious handyman with a troubled past. The show’s ensemble cast, including Tom Jackson, Andrea Menard, and Amalia Williamson, adds depth to its heartwarming yet dramatic narrative, set against the stunning backdrop of the Canadian Maritimes.
The CW’s decision to renew Sullivan’s Crossing was, in the words of network president Brad Schwartz, an “easy” one. The show ranks among the network’s top three programs in both total viewership and the coveted 18-49 demographic, with Season 3 averaging 453,000 live viewers and peaking at 526,000 on May 28, 2025. Its streaming success on The CW app, where it was the most-watched show in June with a 13% increase in monthly unique users, further solidified its value. But it’s the Netflix effect that has propelled the series to new heights. After Seasons 1 and 2 dropped on the platform on July 8, 2025, the show briefly outranked Netflix’s Squid Game to claim the No. 1 spot, a feat Schwartz described as proof of the show’s universal appeal. “We developed a big hit, and audiences are finding it wherever,” he told Deadline.
The show’s creator, Roma Roth, who also serves as an executive producer on Virgin River, expressed gratitude for the renewal, emphasizing its resonance with global audiences. “I’m very excited and extremely grateful to have supportive partners who understand the value of producing comfort programming,” Roth said. The series, a co-production between Canada’s Bell Media, Fremantle, and The CW, has found a sweet spot in delivering what Roth calls “a life-preserver in tumultuous times”—a cozy, emotional escape that balances romance with themes of healing and community.
Season 3, which concluded on The CW on July 16, 2025, with the episode “Head to the Heart,” left fans on edge with a cliffhanger. The finale saw Maggie grappling with a shocking revelation from her past, while Sully, inspired by a surprise visitor, contemplated a new direction for his life. The grand opening of a new restaurant brought the ensemble together, but not without tension, as relationships faced critical turning points. Fans on social media, particularly on X, have been vocal about their excitement, with posts like, “OMG, that finale! Can’t wait for Season 4 to see what happens with Maggie and Cal!” and “Sully’s arc is EVERYTHING. Thank you, CW, for the renewal!” The show’s 90% audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 7.2 IMDb score reflect its broad appeal.
The success of Sullivan’s Crossing highlights a growing trend in television: the synergy between traditional networks and streaming giants. While the show airs first on The CW in the U.S. and CTV in Canada, its Netflix debut introduced it to millions, driving viewers back to The CW app, where streams surged 153% after the streaming launch. Schwartz sees this as a model for the future, noting, “Success on Netflix drives audiences to The CW for Season 4.” With Season 3 set to hit Netflix in August 2025, anticipation is already building for how the show’s streaming momentum will shape its next chapter.
As Sullivan’s Crossing gears up for Season 4, questions linger about its narrative trajectory. With five books in Carr’s series, there’s ample material to explore, but Roth has teased a “big shoe drop” that will unfold in the new season, promising more twists to keep viewers hooked. The cast, led by Kohan, Murray, and Patterson—whose past roles in One Tree Hill and Gilmore Girls have bolstered the show’s marketing—remains a draw. Supporting players like Tom Jackson and Andrea Menard, who bring authenticity to their roles as Frank and Edna Cranebear, have also won praise for their relatability and cultural nuance.
The renewal underscores The CW’s commitment to “heartland” programming that resonates with Middle America, particularly its female audience, who gravitate toward the show’s warm, cozy vibe. Yet, its global reach—airing on M-Net in Africa, Voyo in the Czech Republic, and Stan in Australia—proves its universal appeal. As the television industry navigates a fragmented landscape, Sullivan’s Crossing stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling that blends romance, redemption, and resilience. With Season 4 on the horizon, fans are ready to return to the Crossing, where every episode feels like a warm embrace in an uncertain world.
