Are you buzzing with excitement for Season 4 of Sullivan’s Crossing, the Canadian romantic drama stealing hearts on Netflix and The CW? Hold off on jumping straight in, because skipping the pivotal details from Season 3 will leave you lost in the emotional whirlwind of this hit series. Based on Robyn Carr’s bestselling novels—also the mastermind behind Virgin River—Sullivan’s Crossing weaves a rich tapestry of family drama, love, and healing. Season 3, which aired from March to May 2025, ended with jaw-dropping twists that set the stage for Season 4’s anticipated 2026 premiere. From Maggie Sullivan’s dark secrets to relationships teetering on the edge, we’re spilling all the tea on the must-know moments from Season 3 and why they’re crucial for Season 4. Get ready—this is an emotional, unmissable ride!

Sullivan’s Crossing: A Journey from City to Small Town

Before diving into Season 3, let’s recap the heart of the series. Sullivan’s Crossing follows Maggie Sullivan, a brilliant neurosurgeon from Boston whose life unravels after a medical scandal forces her to flee to her childhood home in Sullivan’s Crossing, Nova Scotia. There, she reconnects with her estranged father, Sully, who runs a rustic campground, and meets Cal Jones, a mysterious stranger with a troubled past. Starring Morgan Kohan as Maggie, Chad Michael Murray as Cal, and Scott Patterson as Sully, the show blends romance, family ties, and personal redemption in a way that’s hooked millions.

Seasons 1 and 2 laid the groundwork: Maggie grapples with her past, rebuilds her bond with Sully, and sparks a slow-burn romance with Cal. But Season 3 cranks up the drama with shocking revelations, fractured relationships, and cliffhangers that left fans reeling. Missing these details will make Season 4, set to pick up with a time jump, feel like a puzzle with missing pieces. Let’s unpack the key moments you can’t skip.

Maggie’s Dark Secret: The Ex-Husband Bombshell

Season 3 dives deep into Maggie’s past, and one detail you absolutely can’t miss is the bombshell about her ex-husband, Liam. In the finale, Maggie reveals she was once married to Liam, a secret she kept buried since returning to Sullivan’s Crossing. His sudden reappearance throws her budding romance with Cal into chaos, stirring up old wounds and unanswered questions. Liam, a charismatic but troubled businessman, brings baggage from their failed marriage, hinting at a connection to the medical scandal that upended Maggie’s career.

This twist is critical because it sets up Season 4’s emotional core. Liam’s return isn’t just a plot device—it’s a catalyst for Maggie’s inner conflict, forcing her to choose between her past with him and her future with Cal. Fans have speculated online about why Maggie never mentioned Liam earlier, with some wondering if he played a role in her Boston downfall. Season 4, expected to feature a time jump of several months, will likely explore the fallout of this revelation, making it essential to understand Liam’s impact to follow Maggie’s arc.

Fractured Relationships: Rob, Jane, and Family Drama

Season 3 doesn’t just focus on Maggie—it weaves rich subplots with supporting characters that are vital for Season 4. One key detail is the crumbling marriage of Rob and Jane. Rob, Sully’s close friend and a campground regular, struggles to balance work and family, leading to a dramatic ultimatum from Jane in the finale: change or they’re done. This tension sets up a major storyline for Season 4, likely exploring themes of marriage and sacrifice, a hallmark of Robyn Carr’s storytelling.

Another unmissable moment is Sully’s family arc. After finding love with Helen, Sully decides to take a long trip to Ireland, leaving the campground’s future uncertain. This cliffhanger is huge—Sully is the heart of Sullivan’s Crossing, and his absence could spark conflicts over who takes charge. Season 4 is expected to delve into the campground’s fate, possibly with a health scare for Sully, so missing his Season 3 journey will leave you disconnected from the stakes.

Edna and Frank’s story also packs a punch. Edna, Frank’s wife, faces a health crisis, and Season 3 ends with Frank vowing to stand by her. Their love story, a touching nod to devotion in later years, sets up an emotional arc for Season 4, likely showing the outcome of Edna’s health battle. Skipping this detail means missing the heart of the show’s supporting cast.

Cal Jones: A Mysterious Past and Uncertain Future

Cal Jones, Maggie’s love interest, is a fan favorite, and his Season 3 arc is packed with details you can’t ignore. His backstory—a wrongful conviction that cost him his law career—gets murkier with a new revelation: ties to a secretive organization. The finale ends with Cal receiving a cryptic phone call, hinting that his past is catching up. This moment is crucial for Season 4, which is set to unravel Cal’s history, potentially with a more action-driven plot.

Cal’s romance with Maggie also hangs in the balance. Their chemistry peaks in Season 3, but Liam’s return creates a love triangle that leaves Cal questioning his place. If you miss their emotional highs and lows—like Cal’s love confession met with Maggie’s hesitation—you’ll be lost when Season 4 dives into their rocky dynamic. The phone call cliffhanger, especially, is a game-changer, setting up a thrilling arc you need context to fully grasp.

Big Themes: Healing and Forgiveness

Season 3 isn’t just about drama—it’s a deep dive into healing and forgiveness. Maggie’s reconciliation with her mother, Phoebe, after years of estrangement, is a standout moment, mending old wounds tied to family secrets. This sets up Season 4’s potential for a larger family reunion, making it a must-know detail to appreciate the emotional stakes. Skipping it means missing the show’s heart.

Mental health also takes center stage through Lola, Rob’s daughter, who battles depression. Season 3 ends with her choosing to seek help, a cliffhanger that promises a powerful arc in Season 4. This storyline, rich with Robyn Carr’s signature humanity, adds depth to the series, and overlooking it will dim the impact of Lola’s journey.

Why Season 3 Is Essential for Season 4

Season 3 is the bridge to Season 4, with cliffhangers like Liam’s return, Sully’s departure, and Cal’s mysterious call shaping the next chapter. The time jump in Season 4 means you need Season 3’s context to follow the fallout—whether it’s Maggie’s love triangle, the campground’s future, or Cal’s past. The show’s roots in Robyn Carr’s novels ensure these twists are deliberate, building to a climactic Season 4.

Skipping Season 3 means missing the emotional layers of Maggie’s growth, Cal’s secrets, and the supporting cast’s struggles. The love triangle alone, fueled by Liam’s arrival, is set to dominate Season 4, and without it, you’ll miss the stakes. Plus, the show’s focus on healing and mental health, woven through every character, makes Season 3 the emotional backbone of the series.

Conclusion: Don’t Skip Season 3 Before Season 4!

Sullivan’s Crossing isn’t just a drama—it’s a heartfelt journey of family, love, and redemption. Season 3’s key moments—Liam’s bombshell, Rob and Jane’s rift, Sully’s trip, Cal’s secrets, and themes of healing—are non-negotiable for diving into Season 4. With a 2026 premiere looming, packed with bigger twists, you’ll want every detail to savor the ride. Fire up Netflix or The CW and catch up on Season 3 now. Trust us—those small moments will make Season 4 unforgettable!