Scott Patterson claimed major offscreen issues led to his shocking exit from Sullivan’s Crossing.
“Every actor knows what it’s like to fall in love with a character and a story. I fell in love with Sully and have nothing but fondness for him,” Patterson, 67, wrote via Instagram on Thursday, March 5.
Patterson hinted at what caused his surprising departure, adding, “The creative differences were becoming untenable and I just sadly realized that the show was not something that I could agree to continue.”
In the lengthy statement, Patterson clarified his perspective on the situation.
“It’s unfortunate that it is now being implied that they moved on from me/Sully when the fact is the complete opposite, and those who sadly already have spoken out are also fully aware of this fact, and yet chose to say otherwise,” he continued. “I was not intending to make any statement but the fans of the books and the show deserve to know the truth as I have always been respectful of those who support this industry by watching and loving these characters we are so dang lucky and blessed to portray and bring to life.”
Patterson stood by his decision to break his silence.
“I really enjoyed Sully and fought for his voice and his character. The richness and depth of Sully, whom the fans of the books all know and love, is so multi-layered and interesting,” he added.
The statement concluded: “The fans deserved better than to think the embodiment of this character, me, would just disrespect not only the show, but them. In the end, we’re all fans of these characters and stories, and I’ll always support and defend the truth.”
Us Weekly broke the news on Wednesday, March 4, that Patterson would not be reprising his role when season 4 returns.
“Season 3 of Sullivan’s Crossing ended with Sully leaving for Ireland, beginning a new chapter in his life. Season 4 picks up the next day, with Sully still overseas,” Sullivan’s Crossing executive producer and showrunner Roma Roth exclusively told Us. “While he isn’t physically present in this season, the character remains an important part of the world with the potential to be included in future seasons should that align with the ongoing creative.”
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The CW show, which is based on a book series by Robyn Carr, follows neurosurgeon Maggie (Morgan Kohan) as she returns to her hometown in rural Nova Scotia. Throughout the seasons, viewers have been introduced to her estranged father, Sully (Patterson), newcomer Cal (Chad Michael Murray) and more members of the community.
After Sullivan’s Crossing premiered on Netflix in July 2025, it found an even bigger audience. Fans, however, wondered after season 3 whether there would be cast exits after Sully left on a getaway to Ireland with his girlfriend, (Kate Vernon), and Edna (Andrea Menard) as Frank (Tom Jackson) also contemplated moving on from the campground.
Patterson previously praised his time on Sullivan’s Crossing before his exit.
“It’s always exciting to go to a new place with a new project [and] with new expectations. Everybody’s lovely. The work is deep and the collaboration is real. You’ve got a built-in audience with [Gilmore Girls] and now we’ve got Robyn Carr’s book audience,” he told Us in October 2023. “So it’s kind of exciting to come into something that’s kind of established — has already an established fan base — and I can bring mine in. They can join forces and watch the show together and compare notes.”
Us Weekly has reached out to The CW for comment.
Sullivan’s Crossing is currently streaming on Netflix. Season 4 premieres April 20 on The CW.
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