The cast of "Sullivan's Crossing" season three, from left to right, Tom Jackson, Scott Patterson, Morgan Kohan, Chad Michael Murray and Andrea Menard, are seen in an undated handout photo. Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Bell Media
Canada’s scenic East Coast is getting its small-screen moment thanks to Sullivan’s Crossing, a heartfelt drama led by executive producer Roma Roth. Known for her success with Virgin River, Roth is determined to show global audiences that Canada itself can be the star of the show.
In a bold shift from the American setting of the original book series by Robyn Carr, Roth reimagined Sullivan’s Crossing in the fictional town of Timberlake, Nova Scotia. The story follows Maggie, a former Boston neurosurgeon played by Morgan Kohan, as she rebuilds her life and relationships alongside love interest Cal (Chad Michael Murray) and her father Sully (Scott Patterson).
Nova Scotia Steals the Spotlight
From the striking shores of Peggy’s Cove to the colourful streets of Halifax’s North End, the series captures the raw beauty of Canada’s East Coast. Roth sees this as an opportunity to reframe how Canadian landscapes are portrayed internationally.
“If viewers can watch a Korean series like Squid Game with enthusiasm, they can embrace a series proudly set in Canada,” Roth said. She believes it's time the world experiences Canadian stories in Canadian settings—unfiltered and authentic.
Ratings Soar as Romance Sparks
Season 2 became the most-watched Canadian drama on CTV for the 2023–24 season. Early episodes of Season 3 are already topping Canadian drama charts. The first two seasons also landed on Netflix recently, bringing the show to a broader audience. In the U.S., it airs on The CW.
Season 3 opens on the aftermath of a dramatic diner fire from the previous season’s finale. While the characters survive, emotional scars linger—and tensions rise. Roth teases a “spicy” season ahead, with Maggie and Cal’s relationship intensifying and new characters entering the fold.
Stars Embrace Evolving Roles
Michael Murray, known for roles on One Tree Hill and Gilmore Girls, said fans are connecting with his role in Sullivan’s Crossing like never before. He notes a growing fanbase in the U.S. and believes the show’s calming, heartfelt tone is its secret weapon.
Kohan shared her excitement about her character’s evolving romance. “We finally get to explore the relationship deeply—its joy, its flaws, and the real questions about love’s endurance,” she said.
Controversy Clouds Roth’s Achievement
Despite the show’s success, Roth faces turbulence off-camera. She was expelled from the Writers Guild of America (WGA) for allegedly working during the 2023 writers’ strike. The decision, upheld by vote on May 9, came after evidence surfaced suggesting she was involved in writing during the strike period.
Roth strongly denies the accusation. She insists Sullivan’s Crossing is a Canadian production that did not involve struck companies. “It’s disheartening to see a union turn on its own,” she wrote in a statement. Roth claims it was her twin sister, Rosana Roth, who was photographed in the writers’ room.
Despite the controversy, Bell Media stands by her. A spokesperson confirmed that Roth’s expulsion has no effect on Season 3 and expressed continued support for her role in the series.
A Show Made for Turbulent Times
For Roth, Sullivan’s Crossing is more than a TV show—it’s a comfort zone for viewers. “It’s a life-preserver in tough times,” she said. The series balances emotional depth with hope, offering stories that resonate without diving into divisive topics.
As Season 3 unfolds, fans can expect more heartfelt moments, deeper relationships, and a strong sense of place. With Roth’s vision and Nova Scotia’s beauty, Sullivan’s Crossing continues to carve its path as Canada’s drama with a soul.
