Is Sully alive or dead in Sullivan’s Crossing? Season 3’s biggest cliffhanger explained

Sullivan's Crossing season 3 premiered on May 14, 2025, on the CW. The finale is also on the way, premiering on July 16, 2025. Fans wanted to know if their beloved character, survived the devastating fire at the diner. The first episode of season 3, titled New Beginnings, picks up right where the second season left off. 

Sully's survival is confirmed. The details about how he managed to escape the fire are not fully explained in this episode. Sully is very much alive, and season 3 brings positive changes in his life. The season focuses on his health struggles and gradually on how he overcomes them.

As the town deals with the fire and its post-traumatic effects, the emotional core of the episode revolves around Sully’s relationship with Maggie and the community's reaction to the new developments. 

Does Sully die in Sullivan’s Crossing season 3? Details explored

Sullivan’s Crossing season 3 kicks off with a cliffhanger from the previous season, questioning Sully’s fate. The first episode answers the pressing question: Sully is alive. While Sully is certainly still among the living, the show doesn’t waste time diving into the emotional and physical toll the fire has taken on him.

Sullivan’s Crossing season 3, episode 1, New Beginnings, shows how the community is still getting over the fallout from the fire, and Sully’s survival is a significant turning point. His return also invites certain difficulties, as he faces both physical and emotional struggles. 

Sully's return and struggles with health

The opening of Sullivan’s Crossing season 3 episode 1 shows Sully making a tentative return to his life after surviving the fire. However, his health is clearly in decline. He keeps coughing severely while trying to talk to Maggie. 

Despite claiming it’s just allergies and reassuring her that the doctor gave him the all-clear, his symptoms raised alarms. Sully’s physical struggles also connect with the emotional turmoil he has been going through. 

Maggie being still upset about the miscarriage she suffered after the fire is another emotional part of the story. Maggie had been pregnant with Andrew’s child, though Sully was unaware of the fact. The fire caused the tragic loss, and Maggie is left to deal with the mess now.

Additionally, Cal’s return to town brings additional complications to Maggie’s life. While they are still together, their relationship is strained. Cal gifts Maggie a necklace as a way to connect with her. But somehow it only highlights the emotional distance. 

New love enters Sully's life to make it better

Sully, after surviving the fire, now begins to face his fear of letting go of the past. His journey gets easier and way better when Helen arrives at his doorstep. It can be said that Helen is the one who urges him to step into the future and live. Sully has always stayed close to the Crossing. Now, as a changed man, he surprises everyone by deciding to go with her on an extended trip to Ireland. 

Maggie is also taken aback by Sully’s decision. The good part of the story is that Sully now trusts others to handle things in his absence. Although it’s a bit of a risk given that Edna is recovering and Frank is supporting her, Sully feels ready to let go. 

Sullivan’s Crossing season 3 is available to stream on The CW.