The “Gilmore Girls” alum gives his first statement about his surprising departure from the drama, citing “creative differences.”

Scott Patterson breaks silence on Sullivan’s Crossing exit: ‘The fans deserved better’

The "Gilmore Girls" alum gives his first statement about his surprising departure from the drama, citing "creative differences."

By Sarah Hearon

March 5, 2026 3:10 p.m. ET

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Scott Patterson as Sully on 'Sullivan's Crossing'. Credit:

Michael Tompkins/The CW/Freemantle/Courtesy Everett

What’s *Sullivan’s Crossing*…without Sully? Fans of The CW-slash-Netflix drama series are about to find out with news of Scott Patterson’s shocking departure ahead of season 4, which he hints did not go down the way he was hoping.

“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 begins in a statement released on Thursday. “The creative differences were becoming untenable and I just sadly realized that the show was not something that I could agree to continue.”

One day prior, *Us Weekly* broke the news of Patterson’s exit via a statement from showrunner and executive producer Roma Roth.

“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. 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,” Roth said.

The *Gilmore Girls* alum seemingly takes issue with Roth’s regards.

“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,” Patterson’s statement continues. “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.”

He notes that he “really enjoyed Sully and fought for his voice and his character,” adding, “The richness and depth of Sully, whom the fans of the books all know and love, is so multi-layered and interesting.”

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Patterson concludes, “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.”

*Sullivan’s Crossing*, based on the novels by Robyn Carr of *Virgin River* fame, stars Morgan Kohan as neurosurgeon Maggie, who returns to her hometown to reconnect with her estranged dad, Sully (Patterson), amid a medical lawsuit. The Canadian show, which also stars Chad Michael Murray as Cal, is co-produced by CTV and The CW, but actually has its biggest fandom on Netflix.

Scott Patterson as Sully Sullivan and Morgan Kohan as Maggie Sullivan on 'Sullivan's Crossing'.

©2023 Fremantle

After being surprised by Sully’s decision to leave for Ireland with off-again, on-again flame Helen (Kate Vernon), another wrench is thrown into Maggie’s personal life in the season 3 finale when her ex-husband arrives just as she commits again to Cal (Murray).

The official logline for season 4 reads: “Maggie Sullivan’s life at the Crossing is finally taking shape having decided on a new direction for her career and a renewed commitment to Cal. That is, until Maggie’s ex-husband, Liam (Marcus Rosner), arrives with a shocking revelation which only upends Maggie’s life once again and causes Cal to question whether Maggie will ever truly be able to leave her past behind.”

*Sullivan’s Crossing* returns to The CW on April 20, with the show typically streaming new episodes on Netflix not long after its 10-episode network run. (Netflix has yet to announce when season 4 of *Sullivan’s Crossing* will be released on its platform.)

Original Article on Source

Source: “EW Drama”