When Sullivan's Crossing returns with new episodes later this spring on The CW, the popular romantic drama series will be looking a little different. Weeks before the fourth season premiere on April 20, it's been confirmed that series regular cast member has left the series after three seasons.
As exclusively reported by Us Weekly, Sullivan's Crossing showrunner Roma Roth has revealed that Scott Patterson departed the series following the season 3 finale, which foretold a big change for his character. The Gilmore Girls alum has appeared in the series since the first season as one of the show's three leading stars alongside Morgan Kohan and Chad Michael Murray.
While Patterson has been confirmed to not appear in Sullivan's Crossing season 4, due to the story picking up in real time, Roth kept the door open for the actor to potentially reprise his role as Sully Sullivan in future seasons as she told Us Weekly:
"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."
In the shocking season 3 finale, which included a number of changes and one particular jaw-dropping cliffhanger, Sully made the big decision to leave the Crossing and travel to Ireland with Helen. His choice seemed brave and exciting, marking a moment when he was choosing to build a future and choose happiness. However, at the time, the decision to leave town seemed temporary.
Oftentimes, television series will send a character off on a new adventure in a season finale, but we can typically expect that character, especially if they are a major character the show is named after, to return in the next season. Obviously, that's not the case for Sullivan's Crossing as Scott Patterson will be leaving the series in conjunction with his character's departure. The season picks up the day after the season 3 finale and seemingly doesn't include any time jumps allowing for Sully's return.
As of this writing, Patterson hasn't commented on his exit from the series, though he has been posting regularly on his Instagram account about his music career and upcoming concert tour. He will be heading off on The Midnight Highway Tour beginning on April 19, which is one day before the Sullivan's Crossing season 4 premiere date, and spans US dates through May 11.
Patterson's exit was kept under wraps when The CW released the first teaser trailer for season 4. The footage from the new season focused solely on Maggie's love triangle with Cal and her husband Liam, who returned in the season 3 finale. No other characters appeared in the teaser, but who could have assumed that was suspicious? We'll be sure to share more updates as the story unfolds.