Sullivan’s Crossingis proving that Netflix viewers love their romantic dramas. At the time of writing, it’s managed tohit the #1 spot on the streamer’s Top 10 list of TV shows; the fact that it’s only been on Netflix for three days makes this even more impressive. It’s not hard to see why, asSullivan’s Crossingis the type of cozy, warm-hearted drama that excels on both streaming and network television. That’s the same approach thatVirgin Rivertook, and since that showwas renewed for an eighth season, it’s pretty clear that Netflix is going all in on romance. The fact thatSullivan’s CrossingandVirgin Riverare both based on the works ofRobyn Carr, a renowned romance novelist, doesn’t hurt. But why isSullivan’s Crossingsuch a huge hit? There areplenty of reasons,including its cast, premise, and feel-good vibes.
‘Sullivan’s Crossing’ Takes a Unique Approach to a Tried and True Story
Sullivan’s Crossingbegins at a low point for its protagonist, Dr. Maggie Sullivan (Morgan Kohan). Maggie is an accomplished neurosurgeon and has a strong relationship with her boyfriend Andrew (Allan Hawco), but it all falls apart when she’s hit with multiple lawsuits. To escape the firestorm,Maggie moves back to the titular Sullivan’s Crossing, a campground owned and operated by her father, Sully (Scott Patterson). But it’s not exactly a warm welcome: Maggie hasn’t seen Sully since she was fifteen, and he’s dealing with his newfound sobriety in addition to a precarious financial situation. While Maggie works to reconnect with her father, she also encounters local townie Cal (Chad Michael Murray), and sparks start to fly between the pair. It’s the typical “big city girl moves to a small town and finds herself” story that’s fueled many a Hallmark original, but whereSullivan’s Crossingspices things up is with the major twists regarding its story. At the end of Season 1, Maggie manages to finally get ahead of the legal issues that caused her to return to Sullivan’s Crossing, but Sully suffers a heart attack and Cal departs without telling her.Season 2ups the ante by revealing Maggie’s pregnancy, along with hints at Cal’s past and the real reason why Maggie came under fire.
These twists are saved from skewing into full-on melodrama by the cast.Kohan, Patterson and Murray have some of the best moments, especially in the emotional department.In the Season 1 finale “Sins of the Father”, Maggie asks Sully why he never came to see her, resulting in a bombshell revelation. It hits as hard as it does thanks to Patterson’s performance, which would crack even the hardest of hearts. But the best parts are when Kohan and Murray share scenes. There’slegitimate chemistry between Cal and Maggie, which makes his disappearance at the end of Season 1 that much more emotional. It also doesn’t hurt that Murray’s bringing a refined charisma to his performance as Cal, showing that the years of working onOne Tree Hillstuck with him. On top of that, the series is filmed on location in Nova Scotia, resulting in some stunning imagery that you wouldn’t expect in a soapy drama.
‘Sullivan’s Crossing’s Fate Has Been Decided Six Months After Season 2 Finale
Morgan Kohan, Chad Michael Murray, and Scott Patterson star in the CTV production.
The Success of ‘Sullivan’s Crossing’ Continues a Trend With Netflix’s Recent TV Hits
Sullivan’s Crossingis the perfect draw for Netflix, as the streamer’sfound success with romantic drama series.Virgin Riveris the best example, but there’s another series thatSullivan’s Crossingshares a lot in common with:Ransom Canyon.Much likeSllivan’s Crossing,Ransom Canyonis set in a small town, features a slow-burning romance between its two leads, and plenty of skeletons in its character’s closets. Even a less-than-welcome critical reception didn’t stop Netflix from handingRansom Canyona Season 2 renewal, showing that it’s going all in on big romance dramas. In a way,Sullivan’s Crossingis continuing the trend that other series likeGilmore Girlsstarted, becoming comfort watches among the sea of new shows and movies hitting Netflix; in a poetic twist, both Chad Michael Murray and Scott Patterson had roles onGilmore Girls.Sullivan’s Crossingis the perfect watch if you love slow-burning romance or small-town stories, and fans won’t have long to wait as Season 3 hits Netflix this April.
Sullivan’s Crossing
