Scott Patterson, well-known for his role as Harry “Sully” Sullivan in the popular series *Sullivan’s Crossing*, will be noticeably absent in the show’s fourth season. Patterson’s departure follows the recent announcement from showrunner Roma Roth, who confirmed that the character will be absent due to a storyline that sees Sully travelling to Ireland.
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The fourth season of *Sullivan’s Crossing* is set to premiere on the CW on April 20, 2026, and while many fans are eager to see the next chapter unfold, they will miss a pivotal character. Roth, speaking to PEOPLE, explained that Patterson would not reprise his role, adding that Sully’s journey to Ireland marks a significant change for the narrative.
Patterson himself took to social media to elaborate on his exit from the series, citing “creative differences” as the reason for his decision to leave. He expressed his profound attachment to the character of Sully, stating, “I fell in love with Sully and have nothing but fondness for him.” The actor noted that his passion for the role had led to a deep connection, which made the separation particularly difficult.
The actor has been part of *Sullivan’s Crossing* since its inception in 2023, portraying a father attempting to reconnect with his estranged daughter, Maggie, played by Morgan Kohan. Although the absence of Sully is expected to alter the dynamics of the show, Roth assured fans that the character would still be relevant and acknowledged throughout the season, even if he is not physically present.
According to Roth, Sully’s departure to Ireland is more than a mere plot twist; it represents a new chapter in his life, moving forward with his girlfriend, Helen Culver, portrayed by Kate Vernon. She described the fourth season as picking up immediately after Sully’s departure, emphasising that his influence will remain woven into the fabric of the series, keeping hope alive for a potential return in future seasons.
The reaction from the show’s cast regarding Patterson’s exit has been supportive. Kohan reflected on the challenges faced by her character now that Sully is no longer part of the world of *Sullivan’s Crossing*. She noted that Maggie’s situation at the start of the season is drastically different from what she envisioned, highlighting the emotional ramifications of Sully’s absence.
Chad Michael Murray, who plays Maggie’s love interest Cal Jones, echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that such departures are part and parcel of long-running series. He maintained that the storytelling remains true to the essence of the show despite the significant change. “Sully is still a big part of the fourth season,” he asserted, indicating that the character’s legacy will continue to have an impact on the unfolding narrative.
As for Patterson’s future projects, while he might not be part of *Sullivan’s Crossing* moving forward, he has other ventures lined up. The actor will appear in several upcoming films, including *The Sons of Summer*, *Rogue*, and *Liberty*. Additionally, Patterson is also pursuing his passion for music, currently touring with his band on the “Midnight Highway Tour.”
With the fourth season of *Sullivan’s Crossing* set to premiere soon, fans are left pondering the impact of Sully’s exit while also looking forward to how the narrative will evolve in his absence. As the series continues to develop its characters and explore new storylines, the echoes of Sully’s presence will undoubtedly linger in the hearts of viewers.