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Sullivan's Crossing Review: 5 Shocking Twists That Made Season 3 Its Most Intense—And What To Expect From Season 4

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The romantic drama Sullivan's Crossing has solidified its place as a must-watch small-town series, especially following the intense, high-stakes Season 3. As of December 2025, fan buzz remains high after the show's third season concluded its run on The CW and hit Netflix, delivering major plot twists that have left the audience divided but thoroughly engaged. While critics often label the series as "soapy melodrama," the emotional core, driven by the complex father-daughter relationship between Maggie and Sully, continues to resonate deeply with viewers, proving that a heartfelt story can overcome mixed critical reception.

The latest news confirms that the Canadian-produced show has been renewed for a highly anticipated Season 4, with filming already underway in Nova Scotia, hinting at a 2026 premiere. This deep-dive review breaks down the most significant developments from Season 3, the audience's mixed reaction to the writing, and what the cast and crew are teasing for the upcoming fourth season.

The Core Cast and Character Biographies

The series, based on the novels by Virgin River author Robyn Carr, centers on a neurosurgeon's return to her childhood home.

  • Morgan Kohan as Dr. Maggie Sullivan: A highly successful neurosurgeon from Boston who is forced to return to her estranged father's campground in rural Nova Scotia after her career is derailed by a medical scandal. Maggie's journey is one of reconciliation, self-discovery, and navigating a complicated love life.
  • Scott Patterson as Harry "Sully" Sullivan: Maggie's estranged father and the owner of the titular campground, Sullivan's Crossing. Sully is a former search and rescue worker with a troubled past who struggles to reconnect with his daughter. Patterson's portrayal is often praised for bringing a grounding, emotional weight to the series.
  • Chad Michael Murray as Cal Jones: A charming, mysterious local who is a friend to Sully and becomes a major love interest for Maggie. Cal's own troubled history and search for companionship make him a pivotal figure in Maggie's decision to stay or return to her old life.
  • Tom Jackson as Frank Cranebear: A close, loyal friend to Sully and a fixture at the Crossing, often acting as a voice of wisdom.
  • Andrea Roth as Phoebe: Maggie’s mother who left Sully and the Crossing many years ago.
  • Amalia Williamson as Lola: A key recurring character whose storylines have drawn both praise and criticism from the audience for their dramatic impact.

Season 3 Review: High Drama, Polarized Fan Reactions, and Major Twists

The third season, which premiered on The CW in May 2025, was arguably the show's most intense, doubling down on the "soapy melodrama" elements that draw comparisons to its spiritual predecessor, Virgin River.

The Love Triangle Reaches a Breaking Point

The central love triangle between Maggie Sullivan, Cal Jones, and Liam was amplified in Season 3. While the chemistry between Morgan Kohan and Chad Michael Murray remains a highlight for many viewers, the constant back-and-forth has led to some fan fatigue. The Season 3 finale delivered a major cliffhanger, forcing Maggie to make a definitive choice, which is expected to have massive repercussions for the entire town in Season 4.

The Great Plot Hole Debate: Fan Criticism vs. Viewer Votes

One of the most interesting aspects of the latest season is the stark contrast between the high audience ratings and the vocal fan criticism online. The show maintained high viewer votes, with episodes consistently scoring in the 8.85–9.06/10 range, indicating strong overall satisfaction. However, dedicated fans on platforms like Reddit voiced concerns over "bad writing," "poor editing," and "plot holes," particularly regarding the handling of Edna's sickness and the storylines involving Jacob and Lola. This suggests a dedicated, but highly critical, fan base that demands more consistency in the narrative.

5 Major Plot Developments That Shocked Viewers

Season 3 was lauded for its ability to escalate the drama, with one critic noting that the season "ups the drama with major twists for Maggie" and is its "most intense" season yet. The key storylines that defined the season included:

  • Sully's Deepening Crisis: The season delved further into Sully Sullivan's troubled past and his struggle with a personal crisis, strengthening his bond with Maggie but also creating new obstacles.
  • The Boston Fallout: Maggie's medical career scandal from Boston continued to haunt her, with new characters and legal threats forcing her to confront the possibility of never returning to neurosurgery.
  • A New Family Secret: A long-buried family secret, separate from Sully's military history, was unearthed, impacting the relationship between Sully and Frank Cranebear and shaking the foundation of the Crossing community.
  • Cal Jones' Revelation: Cal’s mysterious past was finally revealed, providing context for his quiet life in the small town but also creating a barrier between him and Maggie.
  • The Unexpected Departure: A fan-favorite supporting character made an unexpected and emotional departure from the Crossing, a twist that generated significant online discussion and contributed to the "intense" feeling of the season.

What We Know About Sullivan's Crossing Season 4

The good news for fans is that the drama is far from over. In a major win for fans of Canadian drama, *Sullivan's Crossing* was officially renewed for a fourth season in mid-2025.

Filming and Release Window

As of late 2025, Season 4 is currently filming on location in Nova Scotia, the beautiful setting that gives the series its distinct, cozy-small-town vibe. While an official premiere date has not been announced by The CW, the typical production schedule suggests new episodes will begin airing in the US in the first half of 2026.

Plot Teases and New Characters

Early set photos and news from the production hint that the Maggie-Cal-Liam love triangle will continue to be a central focus, suggesting that the Season 3 finale's resolution may not be as final as viewers hoped. Furthermore, the show has announced new series regulars for Season 4, which is a strong indicator that the writers are looking to expand the world beyond the core family unit and introduce new conflicts and romantic entanglements.

Topical Authority: The Virgin River Connection

For those who enjoy the show, its success is often framed by its connection to Robyn Carr's literary universe. Much like Virgin River, *Sullivan's Crossing* masterfully blends heartfelt drama with the idyllic setting of a small town, offering a comforting escape for viewers. The show’s ability to generate high viewer votes and secure a Season 4 renewal despite mixed critical reception solidifies its status as a successful spiritual successor to the formula of cozy, character-driven storytelling.

Sullivan's Crossing Review: 5 Shocking Twists That Made Season 3 Its Most Intense—And What to Expect from Season 4
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sullivan's crossing reviews

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