Globoplay, Brazil’s leading domestic streaming service and a formidable contender against international giants in one of Latin America’s most significant national markets, has announced a landmark agreement with Fremantle to acquire the acclaimed romantic drama, "Sullivan’s Crossing." This pivotal deal signifies the first opportunity for Brazilian viewers to immerse themselves in the CTV Original series, marking a strategic win for Globoplay as it continues to enrich its diverse content portfolio.
The series comes with an impressive pedigree, adapted for television by showrunner Roma Roth and based on the beloved novels of New York Times best-selling author Robyn Carr. Carr’s previous work famously inspired Netflix’s enduring hit, "Virgin River," setting a high bar for "Sullivan’s Crossing" in terms of its potential to captivate audiences with heartfelt storytelling and relatable characters. The ensemble cast features familiar faces that will resonate with drama enthusiasts, including Morgan Kohan, known for her role in "When Hope Calls," Chad Michael Murray, a household name from "One Tree Hill," and Scott Patterson, beloved for his iconic character in "Gilmore Girls." Brazilian audiences can anticipate the premiere of Season 1 of "Sullivan’s Crossing" on Globoplay, the streaming arm of the colossal Brazilian media conglomerate Globo, in March 2026.
At its core, "Sullivan’s Crossing" unfolds the compelling narrative of neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan, whose meticulously constructed life in Boston abruptly unravels. A catastrophic turn of events forces her to confront an unexpected fork in the road, where her once seamlessly aligned personal and professional paths diverge dramatically. This crisis compels Maggie to abandon her urban existence and embark on a reluctant journey back to the quaint, rural town she once called home. There, she must face her estranged father, who presides over the local outpost, and embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and reconciliation.
The 10-episode romantic drama is a poignant exploration of healing and reconnection. As Maggie grapples with long-buried traumas and unresolved emotional wounds, she gradually reacquaints herself with forgotten aspects of her identity. The series artfully weaves together universal themes that resonate deeply with viewers: the enduring power of community, the complexities of familial bonds, the transformative nature of love, and the elusive pursuit of self-fulfillment. It offers its characters the grace to evolve, find solace, and ultimately embrace a richer, more authentic way of living. This blend of emotional depth, character-driven storytelling, and picturesque settings aligns perfectly with the preferences of audiences who appreciate narratives centered on personal growth and the human spirit.
For Fremantle, a global content powerhouse, "Sullivan’s Crossing" represents another successful stride in its ambitious expansion into English-language production. Over the past decade, Fremantle has strategically invested in creating high-quality scripted content across various territories, from the UK, where it achieved critical acclaim with BBC One’s "The Responder" starring Martin Freeman in 2022, to Australia and now Canada. This initiative underscores Fremantle’s commitment to diversifying its production slate and catering to a global demand for compelling stories.
The series also exemplifies a broader trend within the global television landscape, where major players like Fremantle are making increasingly significant "mainstream swings." This strategic pivot, initiated roughly four years ago, involves investing in productions designed to capture vast audiences—a domain traditionally dominated by broadcast networks. As distributors and Video-on-Demand (VOD) platforms vie for subscriber loyalty and global reach, securing universally appealing content has become paramount. "Sullivan’s Crossing" stands as a testament to the success of this strategy. Distributed internationally by Fremantle, the series has garnered widespread appeal, having been licensed to over 180 territories worldwide. Its continued popularity is further evidenced by the upcoming premiere of Season 4 in Canada on CTV and Crave this Spring, highlighting its sustained resonance with viewers.
The acquisition by Globoplay is a significant move within the highly competitive Brazilian streaming market. As a domestic player, Globoplay faces the formidable challenge of competing with global titans like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max. Its strategy relies heavily on a combination of high-quality original Brazilian productions and the strategic licensing of popular international series that align with local audience tastes. The emotional depth and family-centric themes of "Sullivan’s Crossing" are particularly well-suited for the Brazilian demographic, which has a long-standing appreciation for narratives rich in sentiment and interpersonal drama, often seen in the country’s celebrated telenovelas.
Sheila Aguirre, Fremantle’s EVP of co-production & distribution for Latin America & Hispanic USA, expressed enthusiasm about the deal, stating, "‘Sullivan’s Crossing’ is a beautifully crafted, character-driven series with proven global success, and we’re thrilled to be bringing it to Brazilian audiences with Globo. Its themes of family, love and second chances resonate deeply, and we’re confident the series will strike a chord with Globo’s viewers." Aguirre’s comments underscore the universal appeal of the series’ core messages and Fremantle’s confidence in its ability to connect with a diverse international audience.
Echoing this sentiment, Tatiana Costa, Globo’s director of entertainment and news channels & content, emphasized the strategic importance of this acquisition for Globoplay’s overarching mission. "Bringing ‘Sullivan’s Crossing’ to Globoplay reinforces our commitment to offering an increasingly diverse catalog, embracing different storytelling styles and expanding the possibilities of connection with our audience," Costa remarked. She further added that "The series arrives to strengthen our portfolio of emotional dramas and stories that truly resonate with viewers." This highlights Globoplay’s dedication to curating a catalog that not only offers variety but also deeply engages its subscriber base through emotionally resonant storytelling, a characteristic that often defines successful content in the Brazilian market.
Roma Roth, the creative force behind the series as both creator and executive producer, shared her excitement for the show’s arrival in Brazil. "I am so excited to be sharing ‘Sullivan’s Crossing’ with Brazil, a country known for its love of romance and telenovelas. I can’t wait to see what audiences think!" Her anticipation reflects an understanding of the Brazilian cultural landscape and its affinity for romantic narratives and serial dramas, suggesting a strong potential for the series to find a devoted following. The connection to "Virgin River," another show celebrated for its romantic and small-town appeal, further bolsters this expectation.
The production of "Sullivan’s Crossing" is a collaborative effort involving several key players. Roma Roth and Christopher E. Perry, the accomplished executive producers also behind "Virgin River," lead the creative team. The series is executive produced by Reel World Management in association with Bell Media’s CTV, The CW, and Fremantle, showcasing a robust international co-production model that brings together diverse expertise and resources. Marc Tetreault, Mark Gingras, and Jason Levangie serve as producers, while Michela Di Mondo and Hilary Martin are also credited as executive producers for Fremantle. This intricate web of partnerships speaks to the global ambition and high production standards of "Sullivan’s Crossing," positioning it as a significant addition to Globoplay’s premium content offerings and a testament to the enduring power of heartfelt storytelling across borders.
