As Sullivan’s Crossing Season 3 Release Date Approaches, Cal Learns Something About Maggie’s Past That Brings Them Closer… or Tears Them Apart

Sullivan’s Crossing, the evocative Canadian romantic drama adapted from Robyn Carr’s bestselling novels, has fans eagerly awaiting its third season, which premiered on CTV in Canada on April 27, 2025, and on The CW in the United States on May 14, 2025, airing Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET. For streaming enthusiasts, the full 10-episode season became available on Netflix in the U.S. on August 11, 2025, following the success of Seasons 1 and 2, which soared to the top of Netflix’s charts in July 2025. The series, set in the scenic Nova Scotia town of Timberlake, continues to captivate with its blend of heartfelt romance, family dynamics, and small-town intrigue. At the core of Season 3 is a pivotal revelation about Maggie Sullivan’s (Morgan Kohan) past that profoundly impacts her relationship with Cal Jones (Chad Michael Murray), threatening to either deepen their bond or fracture it irreparably. This 1,000-word article explores the Season 3 release details, the shocking discovery about Maggie’s past, and its consequences for the couple and the Timberlake community.

Season 3 Release and Viewing Options

Sullivan’s Crossing Season 3 launched on CTV in Canada, with episodes available for streaming on the CTV app and website the day after airing. In the U.S., The CW broadcast the season starting May 14, 2025, concluding with the finale, “Head to the Heart,” on July 17, 2025. Episodes are accessible on The CW’s website and app, alongside Seasons 1 and 2 for viewers catching up. Netflix’s release of Season 3 on August 11, 2025, has broadened its reach, capitalizing on the show’s growing popularity. Fans can also purchase episodes on platforms like Apple TV and Prime Video. The series’ picturesque setting and emotional storytelling, often likened to Virgin River, continue to draw global audiences, with Season 3 promising heightened drama centered on Maggie and Cal.

Recap: Maggie and Cal’s Evolving Romance

The series follows Maggie Sullivan, a neurosurgeon who returns to her hometown of Timberlake after a professional scandal in Boston. At Sullivan’s Crossing, the family campground run by her estranged father, Harry “Sully” Sullivan (Scott Patterson), Maggie reconnects with her roots and forms a bond with Cal Jones, a widower and handyman with a mysterious past. Seasons 1 and 2 built their slow-burn romance, culminating in Maggie’s confession of love to Cal in the Season 2 finale, only for a diner fire to leave Sully’s fate uncertain and Maggie grappling with her unexpected pregnancy by her ex-boyfriend, Andrew Mathews (Allan Hawco). The Season 3 trailer confirmed Sully’s survival, setting the stage for new challenges as Maggie settles into life at the Crossing while navigating her feelings for Cal.

The Revelation: Maggie’s Hidden Marriage

The most shocking twist in Season 3, revealed in the finale, “Head to the Heart,” is that Maggie is married to Liam (Marcus Rosner), a secret she kept from Cal and the entire Timberlake community. This bombshell, which deviates from the books where Maggie and Cal marry early, emerges when Liam arrives at the Crossing, claiming his place in Maggie’s life. Cal, who has been by Maggie’s side through her pregnancy and the diner fire’s aftermath, is blindsided by this revelation, which surfaces during the grand opening of Rob Shandon’s (Reid Price) new restaurant. A fan on X captured the sentiment, tweeting, “Cal’s face when he learned Maggie’s married? Heartbreaking. She kept that from him after everything they’ve been through. Is this the end for them?”

The discovery of Maggie’s marriage stems from her past in Boston, where she married Liam in a whirlwind romance before her life unraveled. Show creator Roma Roth, in a Swooon interview, explained that Maggie’s secrecy reflects her fear of losing the new life she’s built at the Crossing. The revelation forces Cal to confront feelings of betrayal, as he had opened up about his own painful past, including the loss of his wife. Morgan Kohan, speaking to Parade, hinted at the emotional complexity, noting, “Maggie’s past catches up in a way that tests her trust with Cal, but it also shows how much they’ve grown to mean to each other.”

Impact on Maggie and Cal’s Relationship

The revelation about Liam drives a wedge between Maggie and Cal, threatening the trust they’ve painstakingly built. Early in Season 3, their relationship deepens as Maggie supports Cal during a visit to his parents after his father’s illness, a trip that strengthens their emotional connection. However, Maggie’s restlessness—stemming from her decision to abandon her surgical career—creates tension, which Cal misinterprets as dissatisfaction with their relationship. When Liam’s arrival exposes Maggie’s marriage, Cal questions whether he truly knows her, leading to a heated confrontation in Episode 8, “What If.”

Yet, the discovery also has the potential to bring them closer. Maggie’s vulnerability in explaining her past—her impulsive marriage to Liam amid the chaos of her Boston life—reveals her fear of judgment and her desire to protect Cal from her mistakes. In a poignant scene, Cal grapples with his hurt but acknowledges his own guarded past, creating a moment of mutual understanding. Whether this strengthens their bond or pushes them apart remains a central question, with the finale leaving their future uncertain as Cal holds a wedding ring—possibly Liam’s—contemplating his next move.

Ripple Effects on the Timberlake Community

Maggie’s secret reverberates beyond her relationship with Cal, affecting the entire Crossing. Sully, already dealing with a shady development threatening the campground, is stunned to learn of his daughter’s marriage, further complicating their reconciliation. Frank and Edna Cranebear (Tom Jackson and Andrea Menard) offer Maggie support, with Edna’s health struggles adding emotional weight as Maggie diagnoses a deeper issue behind her vision loss. New characters, like bestselling author Helen Culver (Kate Vernon) and Fire Chief Cooper (Steve Lund), introduce fresh dynamics, with Helen’s connection to Sully hinting at a potential romance that contrasts with Maggie’s turmoil.

The community rallies around the diner’s rebuilding, but Maggie’s revelation sparks gossip, challenging her integration into Timberlake. A subplot involving Sully and Frank uncovering a land-related secret ties into Maggie’s past, as documents suggest her mother’s history may be linked to the campground’s ownership, adding layers to the season’s drama.

Fan Reactions and Season 4 Setup

Fans have taken to X to voice their shock and anticipation, with one writing, “Maggie’s marriage to Liam? Didn’t see that coming. Cal deserves better, but I’m rooting for them to work it out.” Another fan speculated, “That ring Cal’s holding in the finale—bet it’s a clue for Season 4.” The CW and Robyn Carr confirmed Season 4 in June 2025, set for a 2026 premiere with 10 episodes, promising to resolve the fallout from Maggie’s secret and explore Liam’s role further.

Conclusion

Sullivan’s Crossing Season 3, available on CTV, The CW, and Netflix, delivers a rollercoaster of emotions with Maggie’s hidden marriage to Liam shaking the foundation of her romance with Cal. The revelation, rooted in her tumultuous Boston past, tests their trust but also offers a chance for deeper connection. Set against Timberlake’s serene backdrop, the season weaves personal drama with community struggles, cementing the show’s appeal. As fans await Season 4, Sullivan’s Crossing remains a compelling exploration of love, secrets, and second chances.