Why Did Scott Patterson Leave ‘Sullivan's Crossing'?
Sullivan's Crossing is back for Season 4, but without a major cast member. Scott Pattersonleft the series ahead of the new season.
Patterson was an OG cast member on Sullivan's Crossing, playing Harry "Sully" Sullivan since Season 1. However, when Season 4 premiered, Maggie (Morgan Kohan) revealed that her dad, Sully, had left The Crossing.
The reason for Patterson's exit from Sullivan's Crossing depends on whom you ask. Showrunner Roma Roth broke the news that the Gilmore Girls star was exiting the series ahead of the new season.
Roth explained that the reason was simply storyline-dedicated since Sully ended Season 3 by agreeing to go on a trip to Ireland with his girlfriend, Helen (Kate Vernon). Patterson, though, has a different version of why he left 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. The creative differences were becoming untenable and I just sadly realized that the show was not something that I could agree to continue," he shared in an Instagram post breaking his silence on his exit.
Patterson explained that the implication that his departure was a storyline reason for Sully was unfortunate. He called what was being told as the opposite of the truth, calling it sad that people who know the truth have changed the narrative.
Related: Is a ‘Virgin River' and ‘Sullivan's Crossing' Crossover in the Works?
"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," the actor expressed.
The Gilmore Girls fan favorite ended his statement by sharing his love for playing Sully, especially since the show is based on the Sullivan's Crossing books by Robyn Carr. Patterson praised the richness of the character of Sully on the show and in the books.
Sullivan's Crossing fans were the reason Patterson felt the need to make sure Sully was portrayed correctly and to let them know why Sully and Patterson are no longer on the show.
The new season has introduced a couple of new characters to help fill the void left by Patterson and Sully. Maggie's ex-husband, Liam (Marcus Rosner), plays a key role in the season as his return means major drama for her and Cal (Chad Michael Murray).
'80s actor Johnathan Silverman has joined Sullivan's Crossing Season 4, playing a grumpy and disgruntled camper at The Crossing.
Sullivan's Crossing airs Mondays at 8/7c on The CW.
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This story was originally published April 27, 2026 at 7:00 PM.