We have exciting news if you’re a Virgin River or Gilmore Girls fan! New details about the Sullivan’s Crossing TV series (a new romantic series from the same team that brought you Virgin River) have been recently announced, including specifics on the cast and crew.
Reel World Management, in collaboration with CTV, Crave, and Fremantle, produces the all-new original Canadian series currently filming on location in beautiful Nova Scotia. The romantic drama is based on the New York Times bestselling novels from Robyn Carr (Virgin River) and has an all-star cast, including Scott Patterson (Gilmore Girls) and Chad Michael Murray (One Tree Hill).
Fremantle will handle international distribution outside of Canada for the new original drama.
But before I share what we know about the new series below, I’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about the books!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HOW TO READ THE SULLIVAN’S CROSSING SERIES IN THE BEST ORDER
Sullivan’s Crossing is a lovely book series to read from the author of the Virgin River series, especially if you’re looking to catch up before the TV show premieres.
Robyn Carr has five books in the series, and the best way to read them is in chronological order. The genres are Romance, Contemporary Fiction, Small Town and Rural Fiction, and Women’s Fiction.
OFFICIAL SULLIVAN’S CROSSING BOOK SERIES DESCRIPTION
Sullivan’s Crossing Book Series:
Join Robyn Carr, high in the Rocky Mountains, at the crossroads of the Colorado and Continental Divide Trails, where campers and hikers, bikers, rock climbers, fishermen and nature lovers refuel, refresh and recharge. Strangers warm by the fire of a general store passed down through the generations, an outpost now owned by a friendly guy named Sully. People tend to hang out on the store’s wide front porch, so pull up a chair. The beer’s cold, the air’s fresh, and the company’s good.
If good, old-fashioned comforting books set in small towns with a side of romance are your cup of tea, then Sullivan’s Crossing might be for you!
#1 WHAT WE FIND
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Virgin River series explores the healing powers of Colorado as one woman seeks the happiness she’s long been missing.
Maggie Sullivan knows she needs to slow down and the best place to do that is Sullivan’s Crossing. The campground and charming general store at the crossroads of the Colorado and the Continental Divide Trails belong to Maggie’s eccentric father, Sully, and she longs to indulge in his simple way of life.
But when Maggie must take responsibility for the Crossing, a quiet and serious hiker, Cal Jones, offers to lend a hand. Maggie is suspicious—until she discovers the true reason for his deliberate isolation.
Though Cal and Maggie each struggle with loss and loneliness, the time they spend together gives them hope for something brighter on the horizon…if only they can learn to find peace and healing—and perhaps love—with each other.
Season one of Sullivan’s Crossing will likely focus on the events of this novel – but perhaps change slightly to fit into a TV format – much like Virgin River.
#2 ANY DAY NOW
Sullivan’s Crossing is a rustic campground at the crossroads of the Colorado and Continental Divide trails that welcomes everyone—whether you need a weekend getaway or a whole new lease on life. It’ ’s a wonderful place where good people face their challenges with humor, strength and love.
For Sierra Jones, Sullivan’s Crossing is meant to be a brief stopover. She’s put her troubled past behind her but the path forward isn’t yet clear. A visit with her big brother Cal and his new bride, Maggie, seems to be the best option to help her get back on her feet.
Not wanting to burden or depend on anyone, Sierra is surprised to find the Crossing offers so much more than a place to rest her head. Cal and Maggie welcome her into their busy lives and she quickly finds herself bonding with Sully, the quirky campground owner who is the father figure she’s always wanted. But when her past catches up with her, it’s a special man and an adorable puppy who give her the strength to face the truth and fight for a brighter future. In Sullivan’s Crossing Sierra learns to cherish the family you are given and the family you choose.
#3 THE FAMILY GATHERING
The Family Gathering captures the emotionally charged dynamics that come with being part of a family. Readers will laugh and shed a few tears as they discover what it means to be loved, supported and accepted by the people who mean the most.
Having left the military, Dakota Jones is at a crossroads. With his brother and one sister happily settled in Sullivan’s Crossing, he shows up hoping to clear his head before moving on to his next adventure. He’s immediately drawn to the down-to-earth people and the seemingly simple way of life.
But Dakota is unprepared for how quickly things get complicated. As a newcomer, he is on everyone’s radar—especially the single women in town. While he enjoys the attention, he’s really only attracted to the one woman who isn’t interested.
When the Jones siblings all gather for a family wedding, the four adults are drawn together in a way they never were as children. In the struggle to accept each other, warts and all, the true nature and strength of their bond is tested. They come to realize that your family are the people who see you for who you really are and love you anyway. And for Dakota, that truth allows him to find the home and family he’s always wanted.
#4 THE BEST OF US
In Sullivan’s Crossing, #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr has created a place where good people, powerful emotions, great humor and a healthy dose of common sense are the key ingredients to a happy life. Sullivan’s Crossing brings out the best in people. It’s a place you’ll want to visit again and again.
Dr. Leigh Culver loves practicing medicine in Timberlake, Colorado. It is a much-needed change of pace from her stressful life in Chicago. The only drawback is she misses her aunt Helen, the woman who raised her. But it’s time that Leigh has her independence, and she hopes the beauty of the Colorado wilderness will entice her aunt to visit often.
Helen Culver is an independent woman who lovingly raised her sister’s orphaned child. Now, with Leigh grown, it’s time for her to live life for herself. The retired teacher has become a successful mystery writer who loves to travel and intends to never experience winter again.
When Helen visits Leigh, she is surprised to find her niece still needs her, especially when it comes to sorting out her love life. But the biggest surprise comes when Leigh takes Helen out to Sullivan’s Crossing and Helen finds herself falling for the place and one special person. Helen and Leigh will each have to decide if they can open themselves up to love neither expected to find and seize the opportunity to live their best lives.
#5 THE COUNTRY GUESTHOUSE
An emotional and triumphant novel about new beginnings and the fierce power of a mother’s love…
When Hannah Russell suddenly becomes guardian to a five-year-old, she’s terrified she’s not up to the challenge. She and Noah need to get to know each other, so she rents a country house on a lake in rural Colorado.
When they arrive at the house, they are greeted by the owner, a handsome man who promises to stay out of their way. But his clumsy Great Dane, Romeo, has other ideas. Noah immediately bonds with the lovable dog, and Owen Abrams can’t help but be drawn out of his solitude by his guests.
As life throws challenges at this unlikely trio, they are tested in ways they never thought possible. All three will discover their strengths and, despite their differences, they will fight to become a family.
You can find out more about the books on Robyn Carr’s official website.
ABOUT ROBYN CARR
“A recipient of the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award from the Romance Writers of America association, a RITA® Award-winner, and Nevada Writers Hall of Fame inductee, Robyn Carr is bestselling author of more than 60 books author including the Virgin River series.
Carr’s book titles, including the Sullivan’s Crossing series, have sold over 35 million copies worldwide and have been translated into 19 languages in 30 countries. Many of Carr’s novels have found a place on the New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher’s Weekly bestseller lists, with 11 of her titles taking the #1 spot.”
DETAILS ABOUT THE SULLIVAN’S CROSSING TV SERIES
OFFICIAL TV DESCRIPTION OF SULLIVAN’S CROSSING
In SULLIVAN’S CROSSING, Neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan (Kohan) has her world turned upside down when a scandalous incident throws both her personal and professional life into turmoil. She leaves her life in the city and returns to Sullivan’s Crossing, a rural campground and outpost nestled amongst the sweeping vistas and cliffs she once called home, where her estranged father, Sully Sullivan (Patterson), still looks after the day-to-day operations catering to hikers, bikers, and mountain climbers.
The 10-episode, hour-long romantic drama sees Maggie navigating her complicated present and confronting her painful past as she attempts to reconnect with a side of herself she had long ago forgotten. Tackling issues including family, community, conflict, loss, and love in a realistic and purposeful way, SULLIVAN’S CROSSING is a series about healing, letting go, and ultimately, opening yourself up to a world of new opportunities.
KEY CASTING DETAILS
In the lead role of Maggie Sullivan is Morgan Kohan from Transplant and When Hope Calls.
The other two main stars include Chad Michael Murray from One Tree Hill as Cal Jones (the romantic lead) and Scott Patterson (Luke from Gilmore Girls) as Sully Sullivan, Maggie’s estranged father.
Also rounding out the cast is actor and folk singer Tom Jackson (Outlander) as Frank Cranebear; Andrea Menard as Edna Cranebear; Lynda Boyd from Virgin River and The Republic of Doyle as Phoebe Lancaster; fan-favorite Allan Hawco from The Republic of Doyle as Andrew Mathews; and Amalia Williamson from Northern Rescue as Lola Gunderson.
All in all, it seems like the perfect casting for the popular book series – especially Scott Patterson as Sully Sullivan, a character with similarities to Luke Danes.
PRODUCTION DETAILS
The series is executive produced by Reel World Management in connection with CTV and Fremantle and is executive produced by Roma Roth and Christopher E. Perry, two of the Executive Producers from Virgin River. Roma Roth is the showrunner of the series.
Justin Stockman, Vice-President of Content Development & Programming from Bell Media, says, “We cannot wait to bring this honest and powerful adaptation to life alongside our fantastic producing partners, and Reel World Management and Fremantle… Led by a star-studded cast, we know viewers will fall in love with the story and characters, and make Sullivan’s Crossing a must-watch series.”
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Showrunner and Executive Producer Roma Roth is “excited to once again be working with author Robyn Carr to develop an emotionally compelling series that will resonate with her dedicated global fan base.”
In an article from The Hollywood Reporter, Roth also adds that when she “first approached Robyn Carr to adapt her Virgin River books into a dramatic series, it was our goal to develop programming that would connect with an audience on a deeply emotional level.”
And relating to Sullivan’s Crossing, Roth continues that they “are excited to be continuing our successful relationship with Ms. Carr by adapting her best-selling Sullivan’s Crossing novels into another high-quality series that will appeal to and help augment her extensive dedicated and loyal fan base.”
Ultimately, viewers should expect the series to become available worldwide and not just in Canada to reach that dedicated fan base.
BEHIND THE SCENES
While not much information has been announced about the TV series, actor Scott Patterson has revealed some intriguing behind-the-scenes details that will surely excite all the Gilmore Girls and Virgin River fans!
Meet Sully Sullivan – Played by Gilmore Girls’ Scott Patterson (Aka Luke). According to Scott Patterson:
Here are a few snippets from Patterson’s official Facebook and Instagram pages (make sure to follow his pages as he’s revealing lots of exciting tidbits):
- Instagram Post: “Own an outpost. In the woods. By a lake. With a dock. Mysteries. Hidden pasts. Stuff happens. Lots. Of. Stuff. Happens.”
- Another Post: “If Luke & Lorelai never hitched he’d have left the country broken, found a mountain, established an ouvtpost, flipped his cap around, placed nose to grindstone, accepted reality, heal….maybe…. Sully Sullivan is born.”
- Third Post: “Sully Sullivan 1999 vs present day. What happened to the smile? So. Many. Things. Happened.”
Click on the links above to see the photos and complete posts with intriguing clues! They’ll get you pumped up for the new series!
Author Robyn Carr also revealed some juicy information on her Instagram.
Meet your new rom-dram TV obsession! 😍 #SullivansCrossing is the next TV series to come from the author and team behind #VirginRiver. 💚 💙
The new 10-ep show will star #MorganKohan as a neurosurgeon who goes back to the rural campground where she grew up to reconnect with her father (#ScottPatterson) and maaaybe fall in love with #ChadMichaelMurray 👀
Sigh! This sounds sooo good! Make sure to follow Robyn Carr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for future behind-the-scenes announcements.
HOW MANY EPISODES WILL THERE BE OF SULLIVAN’S CROSSING?
As previously mentioned in the official synopsis from the press release, Sullivan’s Crossing will have ten episodes in season 1, each episode 1-hour long. The episodes will stream and air in both English and French.
SULLIVAN’S CROSSING RELEASE DATE
No official announcement has yet been announced on the release date in Canada (or worldwide), but it is set to premiere on CTV sometime in 2023. Hopefully, the show will also release in the United States and worldwide – perhaps on Netflix – like its sister series, Virgin River.
I will update this post when more information concerning the release date is announced.
How excited are you for the Sullivan’s Crossing TV show? Have you read the book series before? What do you hope to see in this adaptation? Let us know in the comments!
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I am soooo excited to see that these stories are going to be made for the screen. I just gobbled them all up last month, and they are some of my all-time favorites now. I love the family aspect and how everyone there looks out for each other. I love the location too! Scott Patterson as Sully is perfect!!! He pulls the stories together and has to be a strong, (and big hearted) lead.
There really could be no better casting than Scott Patterson as Sully!