As Sullivan’s Crossing kicks off its fourth season on The CW, fans of the show are already grappling with the departure of Scott Patterson, who portrayed the beloved character Sully for the first three seasons. The announcement of Patterson’s exit in March 2026 took many by surprise, especially after his deep connection to the role and the show. In a heartfelt post on Facebook, Patterson explained that “creative differences were becoming untenable,” leading him to make the difficult decision to leave. Despite this, he expressed nothing but fondness for Sully, saying, “I fell in love with Sully and have nothing but fondness for him.”

While Patterson’s departure marks a significant change for the show, it also raises questions about the future of Sullivan’s Crossing, especially as the series evolves without one of its central figures. But there’s another potential twist that could spark excitement among fans: a crossover between Sullivan’s Crossing and Virgin River.

Both shows exist in a similar cozy, small-town universe, and the idea of a crossover has long been a fan favorite. Given Patterson’s deep roots in the world of TV dramas, where the stakes are often higher on an emotional level than on a grand, cinematic scale, the possibility of a crossover could be a way to provide closure to fans who are sad to see his departure from Sullivan’s Crossing. Even more exciting, Patterson has shown interest in a Virgin River crossover, at least in the form of a hypothetical crossover episode.

The Reason Behind Scott Patterson’s Exit

The timing of Scott Patterson’s departure from Sullivan’s Crossing raised some eyebrows, as it came just as the show was beginning to gain more traction. Patterson’s portrayal of Sully had become the heart and soul of the series, drawing viewers into his complex character arc. However, the actor clarified in his Facebook post that despite his love for the role, the creative direction of the show no longer aligned with his vision.

Patterson’s announcement resonated with many fans, who had seen him as the driving force behind the show’s success. As an actor with a proven track record—particularly for his role as Luke Danes in Gilmore Girls, a show also set in a small, tight-knit community—Patterson’s presence in Sullivan’s Crossing was a major selling point for the show. His decision to step away wasn’t easy, but it was clear that it came down to a difference in creative vision, something that every actor understands as part of the industry.

“I think 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 shared in his post. His exit is a reminder of the delicate balance actors must maintain between their passion for a role and their professional choices, which sometimes lead them down separate paths.

The Dream of a Sullivan’s Crossing and Virgin River Crossover

With Patterson’s departure, the idea of a Sullivan’s Crossing and Virgin River crossover has gained new life, as both shows share many similarities in terms of setting, tone, and themes. Both are small-town dramas that focus on relationships, personal growth, and healing, with each show exploring its characters’ emotional journeys. The fictional towns of Sullivan’s Crossing and Virgin River even seem to exist in the same world, with both series depicting rural, scenic environments where tight-knit communities rally around each other through personal and professional struggles.

It’s not a stretch to imagine that these two worlds could collide in a crossover episode, and fans have been clamoring for it for some time. In fact, the crossover idea has been so popular that even Morgan Kohan, who stars as Maggie on Sullivan’s Crossing, has expressed interest in making it happen. “I’d absolutely be up for a crossover episode,” Kohan said when asked about the possibility. This enthusiasm from the cast is only fueling fans’ dreams of seeing characters from both shows interact, share screen time, and perhaps even form new relationships.

The crossover potential between Sullivan’s Crossing and Virgin River isn’t just about fan service—it also makes narrative sense. Both shows explore similar themes, including love, loss, and the intricacies of relationships in a small-town setting. The blending of characters from Sullivan’s Crossing and Virgin River could create dynamic storylines and spark new plot possibilities. For example, Sully, with his rugged wisdom and no-nonsense demeanor, could add an interesting dynamic to Virgin River, especially in relation to the more established characters there. Imagine a scene where Sully offers advice to Jack (Martin Henderson) or even a visit from some of the characters from Virgin River to Sullivan’s Crossing—there’s a lot of potential for cross-show collaboration.

Why Patterson’s Exit Leaves a Door Open for Virgin River

While the departure of Scott Patterson from Sullivan’s Crossing leaves a hole in the series, it also opens up the possibility for him to return to a similar world. Having spent several years on Gilmore Girls and becoming synonymous with the cozy, heartfelt nature of small-town dramas, Patterson could find his way back to Virgin River if the show’s producers decide to expand his role. In fact, Patterson’s exit from Sullivan’s Crossing could be seen as a sign that he’s ready to return to a beloved role or perhaps even collaborate in some capacity on Virgin River, where the show thrives on its tight-knit relationships and welcoming community.

The ongoing discussions about Virgin River’s upcoming season—particularly the new cast members expected to join the show—have only added fuel to the crossover speculation. While Virgin River has not yet begun filming its eighth season, fans are eagerly awaiting announcements about new characters who may join the town. Given Patterson’s past success in small-town ensemble dramas, it’s not out of the question that he could be brought in for a cameo or a more substantial role. If nothing else, it would be an exciting way for both shows to maintain their sense of continuity and bring two separate but emotionally similar universes together.

The Future of Sullivan’s Crossing and Virgin River

Although Sullivan’s Crossing faces the challenge of continuing without its leading patriarch, Sully, the show will press on. With new characters and shifting dynamics, Season 4 of Sullivan’s Crossing promises to continue its emotional storytelling, focusing on the characters left behind in the wake of Sully’s departure. As for Virgin River, with or without Patterson, the show is sure to continue its streak of emotional highs and lows, bringing its characters closer together while navigating new challenges.

The idea of a crossover between these two shows may seem like a dream, but it’s one that fans are more than willing to keep alive. If Patterson’s departure from Sullivan’s Crossing leads to an eventual return to Virgin River, or if a crossover episode happens in the future, it will be a moment of magic for fans who have loved these small-town dramas for years.

For now, we’ll just have to wait and see what the future holds for both Sullivan’s Crossing and Virgin River—and whether the crossover dream becomes a reality. Until then, fans of these two beloved shows can rest assured that the emotional storytelling and compelling characters will continue to thrive.