As Virgin River fans continue to process changes both on and off screen, the conversation surrounding the future of the beloved Netflix drama has taken on new emotional weight.

With Season 7 still months away and major shifts happening behind the scenes—including the much-discussed departure of Tim Matheson, who brought warmth, authority,

and heart to the role of Doc Mullins—viewers are reflecting not only on what has been lost, but also on how the spirit of Virgin River continues to ripple outward into the wider television landscape.

While colleagues and fans alike have shared gratitude for Matheson’s immense contribution to the series, the discussion has also opened the door to something unexpected: the growing bond between Virgin River and what many now consider its “sister show,” Sullivan’s Crossing. In the absence of new Virgin River episodes, audiences have been seeking comfort in stories that echo the same small-town intimacy, emotional healing, and slow-burn romance—and Sullivan’s Crossing has emerged as a natural successor during the wait.

At first glance, the similarities between the two series are striking. Both are adapted from the works of author Robyn Carr, whose storytelling signature centers on wounded souls finding renewal in close-knit rural communities. In Virgin River, Mel Monroe arrives in town seeking solace after profound loss, only to find love, purpose, and belonging. In Sullivan’s Crossing, Maggie Sullivan follows a nearly identical emotional path: a driven professional woman derailed by personal upheaval, retreating from city life and stumbling into a transformative romance almost immediately upon arrival.

These parallels are not accidental. Carr’s universe thrives on familiarity, on the reassurance that even after devastation, healing is possible. That thematic continuity is precisely why fans of Virgin River have embraced Sullivan’s Crossing so readily—especially now, as they grapple with the reality that Season 7 of Virgin River may not arrive until late 2025 at the earliest.

With Virgin River now cemented as Netflix’s longest-running original series thanks to its Season 8 renewal, the show’s legacy feels secure, even amid cast changes. Yet Tim Matheson’s departure has undeniably left an emotional imprint. Doc Mullins was more than the town doctor; he was a moral anchor, a symbol of resilience, and a reminder that redemption is possible at any stage of life. His absence creates narrative space—space that fans are filling with speculation, nostalgia, and hope for what comes next.

It’s within this atmosphere of reflection and anticipation that talk of a crossover has gained unexpected momentum.

Morgan Kohan, the leading star of Sullivan’s Crossing, has openly expressed enthusiasm for the idea of merging the two worlds in a future storyline. Her reaction was immediate and heartfelt. “That would be so fun, why not!” she said when asked about the possibility, noting that there is nothing within the established canon that would prevent the two towns from existing in the same fictional universe.

For longtime viewers, the idea feels almost inevitable. If expansive franchises like Marvel can build interconnected cinematic universes, why shouldn’t Robyn Carr’s stories do the same? Fans have already begun imagining what such a crossover might look like: Mel Monroe and Maggie Sullivan bonding over shared experiences of loss and reinvention; Jack Sheridan and Cal Jones trading stories over beers; and perhaps most poignantly, Doc Mullins and Sully sharing wisdom, humor, and hard-earned perspective—an image made all the more bittersweet given Matheson’s exit.

The notion of a “Robyn Carr Universe” resonates because it honors what Virgin River has always done best: emphasizing connection. Even as characters come and go, the emotional truths remain constant. That continuity is what allows fans to move forward without feeling as though the heart of the series has been lost.

Timing, too, seems to favor collaboration. Both Virgin River Season 8 and Sullivan’s Crossing Season 4 have already been greenlit, leaving ample opportunity for creative crossover should Netflix choose to pursue it. While details about Virgin River Season 7 remain tightly guarded, Sullivan’s Crossing has offered clearer hints about where its story is heading—particularly in the wake of its explosive Season 3 finale.

Maggie’s relationship with Cal faces its most serious test yet after the revelation that Liam, long thought to be a closed chapter in her past, is in fact still legally married to her. The twist has shaken the foundation of Maggie’s newfound happiness, introducing themes of trust, accountability, and emotional honesty that Virgin River fans know all too well.

Kohan herself acknowledges the gravity of the situation. She believes Maggie and Cal can survive the fallout, but only if they are willing to rebuild trust from the ground up. “They’ve built such a beautiful foundation,” she explains. “But this is clearly a bombshell. It will take time, a lot of explaining, and a lot of trust—but they are so good together.”

Those words echo the emotional journeys viewers have watched unfold in Virgin River for years. They also underscore why fans feel such a strong pull between the two shows. In many ways, Sullivan’s Crossing feels like a continuation of the emotional language Virgin River pioneered—one that helps ease the sting of waiting and softens the blow of beloved characters stepping away.

As reactions continue to pour in following Tim Matheson’s departure, one thing is clear: Virgin River is not losing its soul. Instead, it is evolving, expanding, and quietly inspiring new stories that carry its essence forward. Whether through familiar faces, parallel narratives, or the tantalizing possibility of a crossover event, the world Robyn Carr created remains alive and deeply felt.

For now, fans wait—revisiting old episodes, discovering sister series, and holding onto the belief that even when change feels painful, it can lead to something meaningful. In true Virgin River fashion, endings are never just endings. They are invitations to the next chapter.