Sullivan’s Crossing is one of those shows that masterfully blend emotional storytelling, small-town charm, and relatable characters. Against a stunningly picturesque yet complicatedly flawed world, the series follows the story of Maggie Sullivan.
What begins as a reluctant homecoming quickly becomes a deeply personal journey of healing, forgiveness, and unexpected romance. The show gets the viewers emotionally fully invested, thanks largely to excellent performances by Morgan Kohan and Scott Patterson and a setting that somehow feels both cozy and intense.
Whether you're just beginning your Sullivan's Crossing journey or looking back on your favorites, these 10 episodes of Sullivan's Crossing will remind you why this heartfelt drama continues to resonate with so many fans.
10 Best episodes from Sullivan’s Crossing that will keep you hooked
1. Coming Home (Season 1, Episode 1)

This episode starts with a bang. Maggie Sullivan makes her way to her hometown after her broken life in Boston. From there, it is not at all easy. The reunion with her estranged father, Sully, is testy, and somehow their meeting with Cal hints at something special.
What made this first episode so successful is the raw emotion that draws it in fast. Kohan is quietly stellar in her portrayal of Maggie, and this mixture of medicine and family conflict makes for a very fine series opener.
2. Boiling Point (Season 1, Episode 6)

Rising tension in Boiling Point as Sully's state of mind and body are weakening. Maggie sees a strange side of her father, which thrusts her into a caregiver role for which she is unprepared. And so Cal's silent support gains fodder. The show has this ingenious way of marrying emotional storytelling with terrible real-world situations: addiction, regret, and second chances.
This episode will deepen the natural bond between Maggie and Cal. The acting is lightweight but powerful; it feels very personal to me.
3. Second Chances (Season 1, Episode 7)

Following a local funeral, emotions run high in this beautifully written episode. Maggie begins to reconsider things in her career, relationships, and sense of self. Following this, a heartfelt chat with Cal brings along a very subtle but extremely powerful change between them. The whole town is still mourning, serving as the backdrop for healing and contemplation.
You feel everyone growing in this episode, especially Maggie. This is the turning point for her character, and the episode ends on a question about whether she'll finally allow herself to stay.
4. Can’t Help Falling (Season 1, Episode 9)

In this episode, Maggie gets sucked back into the medical field when an emergency strikes at the camp. Her instincts are triggered, and Cal sees her in a whole new light. There is also a lovely moment where Sully drops his guard and gives us a glimpse of how far he has come. The writing in this episode is crisp, and the tension is palpable.
It also constructs the romantic subplot pleasantly and credibly. What is new in this is how the series combines life-or-death stakes and emotional development. You can't help but root for Maggie, both as a doctor and a daughter.
5. Sins of the Father (Season 1, Episode 10)

The Season 1 finale ties all the emotional strands together. Maggie returns to Boston to deal with the consequences of her past, but first delivers a teary goodbye to Cal and Sully. Meanwhile, Cal grapples with his own family skeletons. It's an emotionally charged episode, and the acting is excellent. The conclusion doesn't provide easy solutions. So, it feels realistic and authentic.
Sophisticated use of flashbacks provides depth to Sully's history. This episode demonstrates that Sullivan's Crossing is not merely romance or drama; it's learning to be at peace with your own history.
6. Guilt Trip (Season 2, Episode 1)

Season 2 begins with a gut blow. Sully ends up in the hospital, and Maggie is dropped into a whirlwind of guilt and anxiety. It's raw, messy, and yet also full of love and small-town kindness. Maggie returns to the people who care, even while her past continues to tug on her. What makes the episode work is the emotional realism.
The action is slower, but it leaves space to breathe and feel. Cal also starts to take a more lead role, suggesting greater things to come. It's a great comeback that reveals how much this show cares about character.
7. Eye of the Storm (Season 2, Episode 4)

A literal storm isolates Maggie and Cal with each other, and there are sparks—both emotionally and literally. With nowhere to turn, they're finally pushed to confront all they've been pushing around. The storm outside is echoed in the emotional tension within, which makes for a very visually and emotionally strong episode.
No huge plot turns here, but the frankness between the two leads is welcome. It's a subdued episode, but one that lingers. Fans particularly enjoyed Morgan Kohan and Chad Michael Murray's chemistry in this one. It's quite possibly one of the most intimate episodes of the series.
8. Revelations (Season 2, Episode 6)

Secrets come tumbling down in "Revelations." Maggie learns horrific truths about her stepfather, and it shakes everything she believed. The episode approaches trauma sensitively, never going for drama's sake. Sully's ability here indicates how far he's come from Season 1.
What makes this episode special is its emotional layering. It's not one reveal, but a ripple effect through characters. Cal, too, has a strong moment of clarity about his future. If you’re looking for an episode that challenges characters while pushing the story forward, this is the one to watch.
9. Misunderstandings (Season 3, Episode 5)

This episode is all about timing being off. Maggie and Cal disagree over misunderstandings, and external pressures compound the problem. It's infuriating in the best sense because you so desperately want them to get it right. Sully, on the other hand, attempts to reconcile with some of his own past choices. The show gets real here, how little things can snowball into huge divides.
What makes it work is the good dialogue and rich performances. It's also a reminder that love stories are not always tidy, that healing can be complicated. But the tension holds you to the screen.
10. Blindsided (Season 3, Episode 8)

Sullivan’s Crossing, in "Blindsided," a mysterious illness in the community re-wraps Maggie's doctoring skills in the spotlight. But the actual twist comes from a surprise health issue with someone close to her. The pace is fast, and the stakes are higher than usual. Cal and Maggie have to work together, and their relationship feels closer than ever.
What sets this episode apart is the suspense; it's half medical drama, half emotional rollercoaster. It's an excellent example of how the show can change gears without sacrificing its heart. The cliffhanger at the end? You won't see it coming.
Sullivan’s Crossing is more than just returning home-it is repairing what has been broken, finding unexpected love, and growing while going through the toughest moments of life. These Sullivan’s Crossing 10 episodes showcase the soul of the series-from the most emotionally intense scenes to quiet-likethat stay in your mind.
The show stays on the emotional high road, whether it's Maggie's journey in healing or Sully's quest for redemption.