The CW's Sullivan's Crossing is the New Gilmore Girls, And We Got Proof

We know, we know, Gilmore Girls is the immortal classic and your ultimate fall show. But if you feel like you know Lorelai and Rory's story by heart and are ready to try something new this October, here's a great alternative.

Sullivan's Crossing premieres today, October 4, on The CW. The show is based on the eponymous novel series by Robyn Carr, who also provided the source material for Netflix's popular romantic series Virgin River. In fact, the two shows share the same production team, which says a lot about the potential of Sullivan's Crossing.

Most importantly, the show's creators were clearly going for Gilmore Girls vibes, and here are just a few facts to prove it.

Shared Stars

All Gilmore Girls fans will be happy to meet two beloved cast members in the new CW show. Scott Patterson, who played Luke Danes, the owner of Luke's Diner in Stars Hollow, and Chad Michael Murray, who portrayed Tristin DuGray, Rory's classmate and brief love interest at Chilton, both star in Sullivan's Crossing.

Patterson plays the estranged father of protagonist Maggie (Morgan Kohan), a big-city doctor who is in legal trouble for her work and must return to her hometown. There she not only reconnects with her father, but also meets the arrogant but extremely handsome Cal Jones (Murray).

Early Aughts Feeling

Although Sullivan's Crossing is set in present-day Nova Scotia, the town is rural and idyllic, with an unmistakable Gilmore Girls early-aughts vibe. The yearning for the 2000s is at an all-time high these days, so that's a very welcome part of the new show.

Lower Stakes

While there were some dramatic moments in Gilmore Girls, they were perfectly balanced with humor and lightheartedness. Nothing in the main storyline is too overwhelming or dark. That's why we can watch it over and over again.

The same thing happens in Sullivan's Crossing. Although Maggie has some problems at work, the audience has faith that they will be solved in the long run and that everything will work out fine in the end.

Small-town Gem

The town of Sullivan's Crossing and its inhabitants with their 'it takes a village' mentality have a palpable similarity to Stars Hollow. There's just something comforting about the tight-knit community and the limited number of locations that all have some connection to one character or another.

Autumnal Ambience

Of course, the main reason to tune into Sullivan's Crossing right now is the warm, feel-good fall atmosphere. Even though the story takes place during the summer, it is a Canadian summer with chilly nights, rustic scenery, warm sweaters, and hot drinks.

Sullivan's Crossing Season 1, Episode 2 is set to air on The CW on Wednesday, October 11.