12 Shows Like Sullivan's Crossing You Must See

Created by Roma Roth based on an eponymous novel by Robyn Carr, ‘Sullivan’s Crossing’ tells the story of accomplished neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan (Morgan Kohan), who has a run-in with law enforcement while attending a prestigious dinner in Boston in her honor. While the details of her troubles are not revealed, she is seen moving to the quaint community of Sullivan’s Creek within the town of Timberlake in eastern Canada. It is the place where she was born, and where she returns to reconnect with her estranged father, Harry Sullivan (Scott Patterson), and her childhood friends. When Maggie meets young local charmer California Jones (Chad Michael Murray), sparks begin to fly.

The Canadian romantic drama on CW is about a woman taking a step back from the fast life and getting back in touch with her roots while also experiencing a slow-burn romance. It is a warm and comforting watch. If the narrative has you hooked, here are some more shows similar to ‘Sullivan’s Crossing’ for you to consider for your next watch.

12. Northern Rescue (2019)

‘Northern Rescue’ by Mark Bacci, David Cormican, and Dwayne Hill follows John West (William Baldwin), a search and rescue commander from Boston, Massachusetts. After the death of his wife, Sarah (Michelle Nolden), John and his three children move to his rural hometown of Turtle Island Bay in Ontario, Canada. Staying with Sarah’s sister, Charlie Anders (Kathleen Robertson), John and the children process their grief in their own ways. Similar to ‘Sullivan’s Crossing,’ the protagonist removes himself from the bustling city life and returns to his roots in Canada in an effort to rebuild his life.

11. October Road (2007-2008)

Developed by André Nemec, Scott Rosenberg, and Josh Appelbaum, ‘October Road’ centers around Nick Garrett (Bryan Greenberg), who did not return home to Knights Ridge, Massachusetts, for a decade after going backpacking in Europe. At present, he is a successful author and screenwriter living in New York City, whose agent has booked him for a seminar in his hometown. While he is elated at the opportunity, Nick soon realizes that his feelings are not shared by the people he left behind, including his family, his girlfriend Hannah (Laura Prepon), and his best friend Eddie (Geoff Stults). He embarks on a mission to win them over while also fighting writer’s block. Much like Maggie Sullivan, Nick has a lot to deal with in the aftermath of leaving his hometown behind.

10. Cedar Cove (2013-2015)

Based on Debbie Macomber’s eponymous book series, ‘Cedar Cove’ by Bruce Graham is set around the picturesque titular town, where Olivia Lockhart (Andie MacDowell) serves as a municipal court judge. While she usually has a sunny disposition, she has issues to deal with, including her divorce from her husband following the death of their son. The couple also shares a daughter, who struggles to find her place in society. In her professional sphere, Olivia is frequently challenged by cutthroat developer Warren Saget (Brennan Elliott). ‘Cedar Cover’ paints an intricate picture of life in a small town, much like ‘Sullivan’s Crossing.’

9. Doc Martin (2004-2022)

From the mind of Dominic Minghella, ‘Doc Martin’ revolves around the titular Dr. Martin Ellingham (Martin Clunes), an acclaimed vascular surgeon at Imperial College London. After contracting an unfortunate case of haemophobia, or fear of blood, Martin gives up his practice of surgery and moves to the Cornish village of Portwenn, where he grew up with his Aunt Joan (Stephanie Cole) at a local farm. He takes up the position of the only general practitioner in the village and is soon frustrated by the state of infrastructure with which he is forced to work. However, like Maggie Sullivan, Martin prepares himself to embrace the rural experience.

8. Wildfire (2005-2008)

Helmed by Michael Piller and Christopher Teague, ‘Wildfire’ is about Kristine “Kris” Furillo (Genevieve Cortese), a troubled teenager in search of a new life after being released from a detention center. Noticing her talent with horses, volunteer and local trainer Pablo arranges a job for her at a family-operated ranch. In the new environment, Kris faces challenges to overcome, which are compounded by the owners of the farm flirting with financial ruin. The teenager does her best not only to maintain the farm, but also to get them back to a respectable position in the world of horse racing. Kris adapting to the new rural life is reminiscent of what Maggie Sullivan goes through in ‘Sullivan’s Crossing.’

7. Everwood (2002-2006)

‘Everwood’ by Greg Berlanti follows Dr. Andrew “Andy” Brown (Treat Williams), a widower and father of two who leaves his job as one of Manhattan’s top neurosurgeons to move to the titular small town of Colorado with his children. As they settle into ‘Everwood,’ Andy and the children process their grief of losing their wife and mother. Free from the burden of a demanding job, the doctor also gets to spend more time with his children. As with Maggie Sullivan in ‘Sullivan’s Crossing,’ the shift brings a profound change in the life of the Brown family.

6. Firefly Lane (2021-2023)

Based on the novel of the same name by Kristin Hannah, ‘Firefly Lane’ by Maggie Friedman chronicles the lives of childhood best friends Kate Mularkey (Sarah Chalke) and Tallulah “Tully” Hart (Katherine Heigl). Since becoming neighbors on the titular street at the age of 14, the two girls have navigated through life’s ups and downs together. Now in their 40s, Kate finds herself trying to get back to work while going through a divorce, while Tully is the host of a daytime talk show. But as always, they have each other’s backs. The show captures the heart of ‘Sullivan’s Crossing’ by exploring how childhood relationships flourish over time.

5. When Calls the Heart (2014-)

Adapted from Janette Oke’s ‘Canadian West’ book series, ‘When Calls the Heart’ by Michael Landon Jr. and Brian Bird is set in the early twentieth century and centers around Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow), daughter of an affluent shipping magnate. Securing her first job as a teacher, Elizabeth moves to Coal Valley, a small coal-mining town in Western Canada. A challenging endeavor for the high-society girl, she goes through them all and charms everyone in the region with her bright demeanor. However, North-West Mounted Police Constable Jack Thornton (Daniel Lissing) remains displeased with her as he is assigned for her protection. Similar to Maggie Sullivan, Elizabeth rebuilds her life in a scenic yet challenging rural setting in the series.

4. McLeod’s Daughters (2001-2009)

Created by Posie Graeme-Evans and Caroline Stanton, ‘McLeod’s Daughters’ revolves around half-sisters Claire (Lisa Chappell) and Tess McLeod (Bridie Carter), who inherit their father’s cattle station in South Australia following his demise. Estranged for two decades, Tess mars the reunion between the sisters by announcing her intention to share her half of the estate. Unable to buy her out, Claire convinces Tess to change her initial stance, and the two decide to run the station together. Much like ‘Sullivan’s Crossing,’ the plot is set rolling with Tess’s return to her rural roots.

3. Chesapeake Shores (2016-2022)

John Tinker and Nancey Silvers developed ‘Chesapeake Shores’ based on the eponymous novel series by Sherryl Woods. The narrative follows Abby O’Brien Winters (Meghan Ory), a successful career woman and divorced mother of two living in New York City. Upon receiving a panicked phone call from her younger sister, Abby returns to her hometown of Chesapeake Shores, Maryland. There, she faces the challenge of bringing together her fractured family while also saving her sister’s inn from foreclosure. She also comes across her first love, Trace Riley (Jesse Metcalfe), whom she had left behind. From Abby leaving home to her return, the narrative overlaps much with ‘Sullivan’s Crossing.’

2. Sweet Magnolias (2020-)

Sheryl J. Anderson adapted Sherryl Woods’ eponymous novel series to the show ‘Sweet Magnolias,’ about three childhood best friends from Serenity, South Carolina. Maddie Townsend (JoAnna Garcia Swisher) is a recently divorced mother of three who is trying to rejoin the workforce, Dana Sue Sullivan (Brooke Elliott) is a chef who owns a restaurant, and Helen Decatur (Heather Headley) is a successful attorney. The trio names their group Sweet Magnolias and faces life’s challenges together. They share some of Maggie Sullivan’s experiences as middle-aged women living in their quaint hometown.

1. Virgin River (2019-)

Created by Sue Tenney, ‘Virgin River’ follows Melinda “Mel” Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge), a nurse and midwife who moves to the remote town of Virgin River from Los Angeles following a personal tragedy. She takes up a job as an assistant to the town’s only doctor, Vernon Mullins (Tim Matheson), and soon makes herself indispensable with her skills. Sparks fly when Mel meets Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson), a local bar owner and former Marine who suffers from PTSD. Both ‘Virgin River’ and ‘Sullivan’s Crossing’ are based on novels written by Robyn Carr. As such, they appear similar in tone, capturing the beauty as well as the challenges of country living in narratives full of hope and second chances.

12 Shows Like Sullivan’s Crossing You Must See