Sullivan’s Crossing you are going through a very big change Scott PattersonSully’s character is being written off — but what does the shocking exit from the show mean?
Based on the book series by Robyn Carr, Sullivan’s Crossing centers near neurosurgeon Maggie (Morgan Cohen) after returning home to rural Nova Scotia to reconnect with his estranged father, Sully (Scott Patterson). A short fling turns Maggie into making plans for the future in Sullivan’s Crossing with Cal’s love (Chad Michael Murray).
Patterson previously praised his time Sullivan’s Crossing before his exit.
“It’s always exciting to go to a new place and a new project [and] with new expectations. Everyone is beautiful. The work is deep and the collaboration is real. You have a built-in audience [Gilmore Girls] and now we have an audience for Robyn Carr’s books,” he says Us Weekly in October 2023. “So it’s fun to go into something that’s established — it already has an established fan base — and I can bring my own. They can join forces and watch the show together and compare notes.”
Us broke the news in March 2026 that Patterson would not be returning as Sully.
“Every actor knows what it’s like to love a character and a story. I fell in love with Sully and there’s nothing but love for him,” Patterson wrote on Instagram at the time.
The actor revealed what made him leave in such a surprising way, adding, “The artistic difference was unacceptable and I suddenly realized sadly that the show was not something I could agree to continue with.”
Keep scrolling for an explanation of Patterson’s messy outing:
Key Players
Chad Michael Murray and Scott Patterson in ‘Sullivan’s Crossing.’
CW dataSeason 3 of the hit series, which premiered on Netflix in August 2025, ended on a shocking note when Maggie’s relationship with Cal was affected by her secret husband, Liam (Marcus Rosner), walking into town.
Elsewhere in the season, Sully took off on a getaway to Ireland with his girlfriend, while Edna (Andrea Menard) and Frank (Tom Jackson) also considered moving on from the campsite.
An idea
We broke the news in March 2026 that Scott Patterson had left the series before season 4.
“Sullivan’s Crossing Season 3 ended with Sully going to Ireland, starting a new chapter in his life. Season 4 will pick up the next day, with Sully overseas,” showrunner Roma Roth shared with Us. “Even though he’s not a reality this season, the character remains an important part of the world that has the potential to be included in future seasons if that’s consistent with the art going on.”
Scott Patterson isn’t the only Sullivan’s Crossing star to have made a shocking exit from the show. Based on the book series by Robyn Carr, Sullivan’s Crossing centers around surgeon Maggie (Morgan Kohan) after she returns home to Nova Scotia to reconnect with her estranged father, Sully (Scott Patterson). Short walk turns […]
What was said
In a lengthy statement, Patterson explained his thoughts on his exit.
“Unfortunate that they are now saying they are away from me/Sully when the truth is the complete opposite, and those who have spoken sadly are also well aware of this fact, but still choose to say otherwise,” he wrote on Instagram in March 2026. I am lucky and blessed to express and bring life. “
Patterson stood by his decision to break his silence.
“I really enjoyed Sully and championed his voice and character. The richness and depth of Sully, who book fans all know and love, is multi-layered and interesting,” he added.
The statement concluded: “Fans deserved better than to think that the portrayal of this character, me, would not only disrespect the show, but them. Ultimately, we are all fans of these characters and stories, and I will always support and defend the truth.”
Kohan once again broke his silence after his on-screen father’s shocking outing.
“[My character Maggie’s] the whole world at first [fourth] The season is not what he expected,” Kohan told Yahoo Canada in March 2026.
Kohan teased Maggie, adding, “She just got to know Cal — and it dawns on her that now you’re taking over the reins, and you’re fully involved, while your whole life is thrown up in the air again.”
The actress revealed that “part of her support system is gone” when talking about Maggie’s father, Sully, who passed away when the new season begins.
What’s Next
Sullivan’s Crossing is currently streaming on Netflix.
“I’m very excited that Sullivan’s Crossing will be returning for a fourth season,” showrunner Roma Roth said in a statement at the time about what fans can expect. “To see it touch a global audience and watch the ratings soar has been a dream come true. Season 4 will explore themes of change and change so expect a whole new set of exciting and emotional challenges for Maggie and Cal.”
