It’s an exciting time to be a Sullivan’s Crossing fan, with the beloved romantic drama already looking ahead to its next chapter.

The series has gone from quiet success to one of television’s most talked-about comfort dramas, and the momentum doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. Just as season 4 made its long-awaited arrival on Netflix, viewers received another major reason to celebrate after producers confirmed that Sullivan’s Crossing will officially return for a fifth season.

The renewal came before many fans had even finished binge-watching the latest episodes, highlighting just how much confidence the network has in the adaptation of Robyn Carr’s bestselling novels. Production is expected to begin in Nova Scotia later this summer, meaning work on the next installment is already moving faster than many anticipated.

Season 4 wrapped up with an emotional finale that left audiences with just enough answers to feel satisfied while introducing several new questions that could define the future of the series. Cal’s heartfelt proposal to Maggie delivered one of the show’s most romantic moments to date, but the couple’s journey is clearly far from over. Their possible decision to care for young Tracy has also introduced a life-changing responsibility that could reshape everything they had imagined for their future together.

With so many storylines left unresolved, anticipation for season 5 is already building—even if those involved with the show aren’t entirely sure what’s coming next.

Interestingly, one of the people most eager to discover the future is leading man Chad Michael Murray himself.

During a recent interview with Good Housekeeping, Murray admitted that he has yet to receive any concrete details about the upcoming season. Unlike many productions where actors are given early outlines, he confessed that he’s currently just as curious as everyone else, joking that he has “no idea what we’re doing in season 5.”

While the scripts remain under wraps, there are already plenty of clues pointing toward where the writers may take the story.

Although an official premiere date has not yet been announced, the show’s production history offers a fairly reliable roadmap.

Filming is expected to begin in Nova Scotia within the next few weeks. Previous seasons have typically spent several months in production before entering post-production, eventually premiering in Canada during the spring.

If that pattern continues, viewers could reasonably expect season 5 to debut sometime in March or April 2027 on Canadian television before making its way to American audiences shortly afterward through The CW.

Netflix viewers may have to wait a little longer, as recent seasons have only arrived on the streaming platform after their traditional broadcast run concluded. While no release schedule has been officially confirmed, many fans expect a similar rollout next year.

Until then, audiences will likely be treated to behind-the-scenes photos, cast updates and occasional production announcements as filming progresses.

Because cameras have not started rolling, there is currently no teaser or official trailer available for season 5.

The first footage will likely arrive several months before the eventual premiere, giving fans their first glimpse at how Maggie and Cal’s story continues after the dramatic finale.

Until then, viewers are relying on interviews with the cast and producers to piece together what the future might hold.

Fortunately for longtime viewers, most of the series’ familiar faces are expected to come back.

Morgan Kohan is widely expected to reprise her role as Maggie Sullivan, continuing the emotional journey of the talented neurosurgeon whose return home transformed her life.

Chad Michael Murray should once again return as Cal Jones, whose romance with Maggie has become the emotional heart of the series.

Tom Jackson and Andrea Menard are also anticipated to return as Frank and Edna Cranebear, two of the community’s most beloved characters whose warmth has become central to the show’s comforting atmosphere.

Lindura is expected back as Sydney Shandon, while supporting cast members including Reid Price, Dakota Taylor and Fuad Ahmed are all likely to continue their respective storylines.

However, not every character’s future appears quite so certain.

Scott Patterson, who portrayed Maggie’s father Sully during the early seasons, exited before season 4 after revealing that creative differences had made continuing with the series impossible. Based on his previous comments, a return currently appears unlikely.

Another question mark surrounds Amalia Williamson, who has portrayed Lola Gunderson since the very beginning of the show. The actress has explained that scheduling conflicts created by her role in You’re Killing Me may affect her availability, although she has repeatedly expressed her affection for the cast and crew and said she would happily return if circumstances allow.

Her comments have given fans hope that Lola could still appear in some capacity should production schedules align.

The season 4 finale arguably set up more possibilities than any previous ending.

The biggest development centered on Maggie and Cal potentially becoming caregivers for Tracy after her foster family was suddenly unable to continue looking after her.

Rather than serving as a simple emotional twist, the storyline has the potential to redefine the couple’s relationship entirely. Taking responsibility for a child would challenge them in ways they’ve never experienced, forcing both characters to confront questions about commitment, family and the future they truly want together.

Chad Michael Murray has already described the cliffhanger as the perfect launching point for season 5, suggesting that it opens the door to countless emotional stories.

The actor has also spoken openly about where he’d personally like to see Cal’s character evolve.

After years of struggling with the emotional scars left by his difficult relationship with his own father, Murray believes Cal is finally ready to embrace the idea of parenthood instead of fearing it.

He recently explained that he’d love to watch Cal genuinely look forward to becoming a father—a dramatic shift for a character who previously resisted the possibility because of his painful childhood experiences.

That emotional growth could become one of season 5’s defining themes.

Murray has also suggested another possibility that would dramatically change the show’s usual dynamic.

Rather than continuing to portray Cal as one of Sullivan’s Crossing’s dependable protectors, the actor proposed a storyline in which Cal himself becomes seriously ill or injured, forcing the rest of the community to rally around him.

Such a development would allow viewers to see an entirely different side of the character while giving Maggie the opportunity to become his primary source of strength.

The idea would also reinforce one of the series’ recurring messages—that true family is built through mutual care rather than independence.

Another unresolved issue involves Cal’s complicated family history.

Murray has hinted that the show may eventually need to fully address the legacy of Cal’s father and the lasting emotional impact that relationship continues to have on his life.

Exploring those unresolved feelings could help explain many of Cal’s fears while offering meaningful closure before the next stage of his relationship with Maggie begins.

Perhaps above all else, though, the actor hopes the central romance can finally enjoy a period of happiness.

After multiple seasons filled with misunderstandings, personal struggles and emotional setbacks, Murray has expressed his wish for Maggie and Cal to spend an entire season united instead of constantly overcoming internal conflicts.

Rather than creating drama through secrets or dishonesty, he hopes the series will allow the couple to face external challenges together as equal partners.

Whether the writers choose that direction remains to be seen.

For now, nearly every major plot point surrounding season 5 remains firmly under wraps, and no official story details have been confirmed.

Even so, with production preparing to begin, a talented cast expected to return and countless emotional threads waiting to be explored, Sullivan’s Crossing appears well positioned to continue the heartfelt storytelling that has turned it into one of television’s most beloved romantic dramas. Fans may still have months to wait before new episodes arrive, but the road back to the Crossing has already begun.