Sullivan’s Crossing is going through a very big change with Scott Patterson‘s character Sully being written off — but what does the shocking exit mean for the show?
Based on the book series by Robyn Carr, Sullivan’s Crossing centers around neurosurgeon Maggie (Morgan Kohan) after she moves back home to rural Nova Scotia to reconnect with her estranged father, Sully (Scott Patterson). The brief getaway turns into Maggie making plans for a future in Sullivan’s Crossing with love interest Cal (Chad Michael Murray).
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 exclusively told Us Weekly 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 broke the news in March 2026 that Patterson wouldn’t be returning as Sully.
“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 wrote via Instagram at the time.
The actor 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.”
Keep scrolling for a breakdown of Patterson’s messy exit:
The Key Players
Season 3 of the hit series, which started streaming on Netflix in August 2025, ended on a shocking note when Maggie and Cal’s relationship was affected by her secret husband, Liam (Marcus Rosner), strolling into town.
Elsewhere in the season, Sully left on a getaway to Ireland with his girlfriend, and Edna (Andrea Menard) and Frank (Tom Jackson) also contemplated moving on from the campground.
The GistUs exclusively broke the news in March 2026 that Scott Patterson exited the series before season 4.
“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,” showrunner Roma Roth shared with 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.”
In a lengthy statement, Patterson clarified his perspective on his exit.
“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 wrote via Instagram in March 2026. “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.”
What’s NextSullivan’s Crossing is currently streaming on Netflix and season 4 premieres April 20 on The CW.
“I’m absolutely thrilled that Sullivan’s Crossing is returning for a fourth season,” showrunner Roma Roth said in a statement at the time about what fans can look forward to. “Seeing it resonate with a global audience and watching the ratings climb have been a dream come true. Season 4 will explore themes of change and transformation so you can expect a whole new set of exciting and emotional challenges for Maggie and Cal.”
