Published Apr 18, 2026, 3:01 PM EDT
Lorianne Palinkas has been a reality television writer for Screen Rant for four years. After teaching middle school English for twenty years, she knows a thing or two about high drama, complicated alliances, and even singing competitions. Growing up in New York City gave her a solid foundation in the arts and culture.
Sullivan's Crossing season 3 ended with a major cliffhanger as Liam Davies, a man claiming to be Maggie's husband, shook up the storyline, but it was Scott Patterson's real-life exit from the CW drama series that had the potential to derail the show. Thankfully, that didn't happen, as Sullivan's Crossing season 4 still feels like home, despite the fact that Sully is gone.
In March 2026, the creative team behind Sullivan's Crossing announced that Patterson wouldn't be returning in season 4 as Harry "Sully" Sullivan because his character traveled to Ireland with his love interest Helen Culver (Kate Vernon), but the door was open for him to come back. The actor later stated that he left the show due to creative differences, which seemed to indicate that he wasn't interested in returning.
Although Sully's absence is felt by the Sullivan's Crossing characters as they adjust to life at the Crossing without him, viewers won't miss him much, as the storylines for season 4 turn their attention away from him and toward the relationship drama and soul-searching stories that fans have come to expect from the show. After watching episodes 1 and 2 of Sullivan's Crossing season 4, it's evident that the addition of some new characters, plus the focus on old favorites, makes this installment of the show its best yet.
Sullivan's Crossing Season 4 Is As Quiet & Cozy As Ever
From the catchy theme song, "Time and Time Again" by WILD, which feels like a warm hug, to the peaceful, calming scenes of the gorgeous landscapes of Timberlake, Sullivan's Crossing season 4 is like visiting an old friend. The show is also as quiet and cozy as it's ever been. In a television world full of flashy cop shows, harrowing medical dramas, and soul-sucking reality TV, Sullivan's Crossing is as much of an escape for viewers as it is for the characters who spend their time there.
Sullivan's Crossing is as much of an escape for viewers as it is for the characters who spend their time there.
Sullivan's Crossing season 4 leans into its strengths by continuing to focus on small-town life. Although its two main characters, Dr. Maggie Sullivan (Morgan Kohan) and Cal Jones (Chad Michael Murray), are transplanted city people, they've adapted to their surroundings by embracing slow living. Kohan and Murray continue to excel at portraying characters who are learning to be mindful and intentional as they move from their fast-paced city lives to a quieter existence at the Crossing.
During the first two episodes of Sullivan's Crossing season 4, it's easy to see why Maggie wants to open a family practice in Timberlake, rather than return to her job as a neurosurgeon in a big city. Small-town life is portrayed as idyllic, rather than hokey, and it would make anyone want to drop everything and move to Timberlake.
Relationship Drama Doesn't Disappoint In Sullivan's Crossing Season 4
Although Sullivan's Crossing is one of television's quieter shows, it doesn't mean that it's boring. In fact, in the first two episodes of the season, relationship drama abounds. The show wastes no time explaining the true nature of the relationship between Maggie and Liam (Marcus Rosner), and jumping right into how his arrival might affect her romance with Cal. Although a possible secret husband might be seen as a tired soap opera-ish trope, Sullivan's Crossing's fresh take on it spices up the show.
While viewers have seen a love triangle between Cal, Maggie, and her ex-boyfriend, Andrew Mathews, in the past, Liam already appears to be a much more likable and sympathetic character than Andrew, so the storyline feels very different from the previous one, which was frustrating due to Andrew's consistently bad behavior. Viewers know that Maggie had strong feelings for Liam, so it's interesting to see her reaction to his arrival at the Crossing so unexpectedly. The secret husband storyline might not be so original, but the truth about Maggie and Liam's relationship certainly is.
Issues plague some of Sullivan's Crossing's other major romances as well, including Sydney Shandon (Lindura) and Rafe Vadas (Dakota Taylor), whose opposite views on marriage put a strain on their relationship. In addition, Lola Gunderson (Amalia Williamson) and Jacob Cranebear (Joel Oulette) are still dealing with their long-term relationship, which was only beginning when he had to return to graduate school in Alberta.
Even Sullivan's Crossing's most solid couple, Edna (Andrea Menard) and Frank Cranebear (Tom Jackson), face an obstacle as he becomes very overprotective of her during her brain surgery recovery. However, their pure love for each other is still one of the show's most beautiful stories. It was also refreshing to see that, unlike some other major events on the show that became plot points rather than impactful storylines, Sullivan's Crossing season 4 is addressing the hardships that come from recovery from a major illness by highlighting both Edna's physical and emotional struggles after her brain surgery, rather than having her magically heal overnight.
Family relationships also come to the forefront of Sullivan's Crossing season 4 as the Shandons, Rob (Reid Price), and Sydney, navigate running their brand-new restaurant. In addition, Rob must make a difficult decision when his son, Finn (Zayn Maloney), receives a major opportunity.
A major bright spot for Sullivan's Crossing season 4 is that there is no more drama between Maggie, Lola, and Sydney, but instead a representation of strong female friendship that was sorely lacking in previous seasons of the show. Williamson shines in this softer version of Lola, whose vulnerability has redefined her character. Maggie, Lola, and Sydney's friendships demonstrate that women don't have to be put against each other on television, but instead can support one another and lift each other up.
New Characters Integrate Naturally Into Sullivan's Crossing Season 4
As Sully leaves the Crossing, some new characters have arrived in Timberlake. Instead of seeming out of place or pushed into the spotlight, they integrate naturally into the cast. While the initial concern for some fans was that Liam would take over the show, Rosner's presence doesn't overshadow anyone. In fact, Liam was just what Sullivan's Crossing needed as he breathes new life into the series and reveals a new side of Maggie as well.
In addition, Colby Frost makes his debut as Ben Nelson, a young man who helps take care of his sister, Tracy (Emerson MacNeil), while Jonathan Silverman portrays Quincy Carlson, a disgruntled camper at the Crossing. Ben is an especially complex character, and Frost does an expert job of conveying to the audience that there are two conflicting stories happening at once with Ben: what he says and what he's thinking, through the emotions he shows on his face.
Silverman, an accomplished comedic actor, brings some levity to the Crossing as the curmudgeonly Quincy. He's an expert at comic relief, but his storyline serves more of a purpose than simply making viewers laugh. All of these characters bring something new and different to the series, and they don't feel forced upon the audience.
Sullivan's Crossing season 4's strong first two episodes prove that the series has finally found its stride after its first three seasons. While the show has often been criticized for its sometimes ridiculous storylines that don't go anywhere, and its frustrating characters who exasperate fans with their poor decisions, season 4 has gotten off on the right foot in episodes 1 and 2. It leaves viewers wanting more and wondering what will happen next. Sullivan's Crossing is at a crossroads, but it seems to be headed in the right direction.
New episodes of Sullivan's Crossing season 4 air Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on The CW starting on April 20.
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