Sullivan’s Crossing Season 4 is officially scheduled to premiere on The CW on April 20, 2026. This announcement comes after a record-breaking performance for the third season, which saw the Canadian-produced drama dominate streaming charts and solidify its place as a cornerstone of The CW’s scripted programming. While fans are eager to return to the scenic landscapes of Nova Scotia, the upcoming season arrives with significant changes both in front of and behind the camera.

The series, based on the New York Times bestselling novels by Robyn Carr, has evolved from a quiet rural drama into a global streaming phenomenon. As viewers prepare for the next chapter in Maggie Sullivan’s journey, several critical updates regarding the broadcast schedule, the shocking exit of a lead actor, and the central plot conflict have emerged.

Official Broadcast and Streaming Schedule for Season 4

The rollout of Sullivan’s Crossing Season 4 follows a multi-platform strategy involving Canadian and American broadcasters. As a CTV original drama, the series maintains its tradition of premiering first in Canada before making its way to the United States and international markets.

CTV and Crave Premiere in Canada

Canadian audiences will get the first look at the new season. Season 4 is set to debut on CTV on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. For those who prefer digital access, episodes will be available for streaming the following day on Crave. The Canadian release serves as the primary window for the series, which has consistently ranked as CTV’s most-watched original drama.

The CW Premiere in the United States

For viewers in the United States, the wait will be slightly longer. The CW has confirmed that Sullivan’s Crossing Season 4 will begin airing on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET. The network’s decision to move the show to Monday nights reflects its confidence in the series' ability to anchor a competitive time slot. Following the linear broadcast, episodes will be accessible for free on The CW App the next day.

Netflix Release Projections

The "Netflix effect" played a massive role in the show's popularity boost during 2025, where it reached the No. 3 spot on the global top 10 list. While the first three seasons are currently available on Netflix in several territories, Season 4 is expected to arrive on the platform only after the full season concludes its broadcast run on The CW. Current projections suggest a late 2026 or early 2027 streaming debut for the fourth season on Netflix.

The Departure of Scott Patterson as Harry 'Sully' Sullivan

The most significant and controversial update heading into Season 4 is the departure of Scott Patterson. For three seasons, Patterson portrayed the show’s patriarch, Harry "Sully" Sullivan, providing the emotional foundation for the series and its titular location.

Reports indicate that Patterson will not return for Season 4. The actor cited "untenable" creative differences as the primary reason for his exit. This departure marks a major shift for the production, as Sully’s relationship with his daughter Maggie was the driving force behind the show’s inception.

Narrative Impact of Sully’s Absence

The Season 3 finale provided a convenient, albeit surprising, narrative bridge for this exit. In the final episodes of the third season, Sully expressed a desire to seek a new direction in his life, eventually deciding to accompany writer Helen Culver (played by Kate Vernon) on a long-term trip to Ireland.

With Sully physically removed from the crossing, the responsibility of maintaining the campground and managing the family legacy falls squarely on Maggie and Cal. This transition from a father-daughter dynamic to a focus on Maggie’s independent leadership is expected to be a central theme of the fourth season. However, the loss of a veteran actor like Patterson, known for his long-standing television career, leaves a void that the show must fill through its ensemble cast.

Plot Analysis: The Liam Davies Revelation and the Love Triangle

Season 4 picks up immediately following the staggering cliffhanger of the Season 3 finale. Just as Maggie Sullivan (Morgan Kohan) and Cal Jones (Chad Michael Murray) seemed to be moving toward a stable future, the arrival of Liam Davies (Marcus Rosner) changed everything.

The Return of the Husband

The final moments of Season 3 saw Liam arrive at the crossing and drop a bombshell: he is not just Maggie’s ex-fling or boyfriend from Boston, but her legal husband. His question, "Is that any way to greet your husband?" left Cal stunned and Maggie paralyzed.

Season 4 will explore the complexities of this marriage. Maggie had previously downplayed her relationship with Liam, treating it as a part of her past that she had outgrown. The revelation that they are still legally wed introduces a "love triangle" that is less about romantic indecision and more about unresolved history and legal entanglements.

Maggie’s New Vision

In addition to her personal turmoil, Maggie is attempting to implement a new vision for her career. Having decided to open her own medical practice within the community of Sullivan’s Crossing, she is trying to blend her high-stakes background as a neurosurgeon with the needs of a small town. Liam’s presence complicates this professional transition, as he brings with him a "shocking revelation" that threatens to upend the life Maggie has fought so hard to build in Nova Scotia.

Cal Jones and the Question of Trust

For Cal, Liam’s appearance is a test of his commitment to Maggie. Cal has always been a character who values transparency and quiet stability. Discovering that Maggie kept the full nature of her marriage a secret creates a rift that will take more than a few episodes to heal. The fourth season will follow Cal as he questions whether Maggie is truly capable of leaving her old life behind or if the "Crossing" is merely a temporary refuge for her.

Cast and Characters: Who is Returning and Who is New?

Despite the loss of Scott Patterson, the ensemble cast of Sullivan’s Crossing remains robust, featuring a mix of series regulars and intriguing new guest stars.

Returning Series Regulars

  • Morgan Kohan as Dr. Maggie Sullivan: The heart of the show continues her journey of self-discovery and professional reinvention.
  • Chad Michael Murray as Cal Jones: The stoic handyman remains a fan favorite as he navigates the challenges of his relationship with Maggie.
  • Tom Jackson as Frank Cranebear: The community elder continues to provide wisdom and stability.
  • Andrea Menard as Edna Cranebear: After her successful recovery from a brain tumor in Season 3, Edna returns to her role as a maternal figure for the community.
  • Amalia Williamson as Lola Gunderson: Lola’s storyline involving her relationship with Jacob and her professional aspirations will continue to develop.
  • Lindura as Sydney Shandon: Sydney faces new challenges in her relationship with Rafe.
  • Marcus Rosner as Liam Davies: Promoted to a more central role, Rosner’s character will be the primary antagonist/disruptor of the season.

New and Guest Stars for Season 4

The production has announced several new additions to the cast to expand the world of the Crossing:

  • Jonathan Silverman: Known for his roles in Good Girls and Weekend at Bernie's, Silverman joins the cast as Quincy Carlson, described as a "disgruntled guest" whose presence creates friction at the campground.
  • Glen Gould: Joins as Danny, a close friend of Frank Cranebear.
  • Fuad Ahmed: Plays Amir Malik, a Michelin-star chef who becomes a mentor and friend to Rob.
  • Colby Frost and Emerson MacNeil: Join as siblings Ben and Tracy Nelson, bringing a new youth-focused subplot to the series.

Returning Guest Stars

Fan favorites like Cindy Sampson (Jane), Steve Lund (Cooper), and Meghan Ory (Sedona) are also slated to make appearances, ensuring that the interconnected web of small-town relationships remains a core part of the viewing experience.

Production Background and Setting

Sullivan’s Crossing continues to leverage the natural beauty of Nova Scotia as a character in its own right. The fourth season, consisting of 10 one-hour episodes, was filmed throughout 2025 in various locations including Halifax, Hubbards, Sackville, and Mount Uniacke.

The Role of Nova Scotia

The series is deeply rooted in its Canadian setting, often filming on Mi’kmaq First Nations territories. This commitment to authentic location filming provides the show with a visual texture that distinguishes it from other "small-town" dramas filmed on backlots. The rugged coastline and lush forests of Nova Scotia mirror the internal struggles of the characters—beautiful but often harsh and unpredictable.

Adaptation from Robyn Carr’s Work

Showrunner Roma Roth, who was also behind the successful adaptation of Virgin River, continues to guide the series. While the show has begun to diverge from Robyn Carr's books to accommodate the television format and cast changes, the core themes of healing, community, and the complexity of family remain intact. Season 4 is expected to balance the "soapy" drama of the love triangle with the grounded, procedural elements of Maggie’s new medical clinic.

Subplots to Watch in Season 4

While the Maggie-Cal-Liam dynamic takes center stage, several secondary storylines will reach critical junctures in the upcoming episodes.

Edna and Frank’s Next Chapter

After the health scare that defined much of Season 3, Edna and Frank are looking toward the future. Frank’s project to turn the land given to them by Glenn into a conservation area will be a major focus. This storyline highlights the show's environmental themes and the Cranebears' role as stewards of the land.

Sydney and Rafe’s Relationship

The tension between Sydney and Rafe reached a boiling point in the Season 3 finale. In Season 4, they must decide if their relationship can survive the differences in their life goals. With Sydney’s brother Rob opening a new restaurant, the family dynamics in the Shandon household will be under more pressure than ever.

Rob’s Culinary Ambition

Rob (played by Reid Price) is entering a new phase of his life with the grand opening of his restaurant. The introduction of Amir Malik, a high-profile chef, suggests that Rob’s professional life will become much more complicated as he tries to balance his local roots with high-end culinary standards.

FAQ: Common Questions About Sullivan’s Crossing Season 4

When is the release date for Sullivan’s Crossing Season 4? The season premieres on March 22, 2026, on CTV (Canada) and on April 20, 2026, on The CW (United States).

Is Scott Patterson in Season 4? No. Scott Patterson has departed the series due to creative differences. His character, Sully, has been written out of the main storyline by traveling to Ireland.

How many episodes are in the new season? Season 4 consists of 10 one-hour episodes.

Where is the show filmed? The series is filmed on location in Nova Scotia, Canada, including areas around Halifax and Hubbards.

Will Season 4 be on Netflix? Yes, but likely not until late 2026 or early 2027, following its broadcast run on traditional television networks.

Who is the new character Quincy Carlson? Quincy Carlson, played by Jonathan Silverman, is a disgruntled guest at the Crossing who will interact with the main cast in a series of guest-starring appearances.

Summary of Season 4 Expectations

Sullivan’s Crossing Season 4 represents a turning point for the series. By moving past the central father-daughter conflict through Scott Patterson’s exit, the show is forcing its lead character, Maggie Sullivan, to truly stand on her own. The introduction of her husband, Liam, provides a high-stakes obstacle to her happiness with Cal, ensuring that the romantic tension remains at the forefront.

With a confirmed release date in the spring of 2026, fans have a clear timeline for the show's return. The combination of its successful streaming performance and its strong linear ratings suggests that Sullivan’s Crossing is poised to remain a dominant force in the romantic drama genre for years to come. Whether the show can maintain its emotional depth without its original patriarch is the biggest question facing the production as it enters this new era.