Fact check: Is Sullivan's Crossing connected to Virgin River?

Clip from Sullivan
Clip from Sullivan's Crossing (Image via Instagram/@sullivanscrossingtv)

Sullivan's Crossing and Virgin River share a notable connection, likely explaining the similarities in their plots and characters. Both series are based on romantic novels of the same names by renowned author Robyn Carr, which fans of both shows recognize.

With Virgin River fans eagerly anticipating new episodes, the connection to Sullivan's Crossing adds to the excitement. In Virgin River, the story is about Melinda Monroe's trip to a small town in California. While in Sullivan's Crossing, Maggie Sullivan goes back to the house she grew up in Nova Scotia.

Both series offer a deep dive into personal transformation and community bonds.


How is Sullivan's Crossing connected to the Virgin River?

Shared author and source Material

Carr's novels provide the foundation for both TV series, infusing them with similar themes of community, love, and personal growth. Fans of Virgin River often find themselves drawn to the series due to the familiar storytelling style and emotional depth characteristic of Carr's writing.

Characters and plot overlaps

Virgin River fans might recognize familiar faces and plot structures. Sullivan's Crossing features Lauren Hammersley and Lynda Boyd as Connie and Phoebe, who also star in Virgin River as Charmaine and Lilly.

This crossover in casting enhances the sense of connection between the two series. Additionally, both shows share Roma Roth as an executive producer, further tying their production and creative direction together.

Read more: 10 shows to watch while waiting for Sullivan's Crossing season 3


Character journeys

Both series center on strong female protagonists experiencing significant life changes. Melinda Monroe moves to Virgin River to start again.

Maggie Sullivan returns to her childhood home amid professional turmoil to reunite with her estranged father and rediscover herself. Both shows revolve around personal transformation and reconciliation.

Also read: Who does Maggie end up with in the books?


Community and relationships

Robyn Carr's books are renowned for their emphasis on community and interpersonal relationships. This theme is vividly portrayed in both TV adaptations. Virgin River and Sullivan's Crossing showcase tight-knit communities where characters rely on one another, forming deep bonds despite their differences. This portrayal of community support and resilience is a significant draw for viewers of both series.

Reception and fan response

Fans of Virgin River have warmly embraced Sullivan's Crossing, often describing it as a "Virgin River dupe". This positive reception underscores the shared appeal of Carr's storytelling.

Viewers appreciate the continuity of emotional, character-driven narratives that both shows offer. The familiarity in themes and character arcs makes it a natural extension for those waiting for new episodes of Virgin River.


Each has a varied setting and plot, but the core ideas and emotional depth are the same.

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