Full Breakdown
Sullivan’s Crossing Faces Leadership Shift Ahead of Season 5 Amid Renewal Uncertainty
7/8/2026, 2:20:03 PM
Season-5 Leadership Transition and Production Plans
Series creator Roma Roth has stepped down as head writer and showrunner of the CTV-CW drama *Sullivan’s Crossing*. Canadian writer-producer Floyd Kane, known for CBC’s *Diggstown*, assumes day-to-day leadership as Head Writer. Roth stays on as executive producer while developing a new 10-episode CTV series, *Thunder Point*, also based on Robyn Carr novels. Filming for Season 5 is slated to begin later this summer in Nova Scotia, with returning leads Morgan Kohan (Maggie Sullivan) and Chad Michael Murray (Cal) confirmed. No current plans exist for co-lead Scott Patterson (Sully) to return after his departure following Season 3.
Background: Series Origin and Recent Success
*Sullivan’s Crossing* adapts Carr’s romance novels and debuted on CTV in Canada and The CW in the United States. The show has become The CW’s most-watched series and a Netflix hit; Season 4 concluded on the network on 22 June 2026, entered Netflix on 30 June, and entered the U.S. daily Top 3 for TV series. In its opening week on Netflix, the new season ranked #6 on the English-language series chart globally, earning 3 million U.S. views.
Key Figures and Production Partners
- Roma Roth – Creator, executive producer, also executive producer of Netflix’s *Virgin River* (Season 8).
- Floyd Kane – New Head Writer; creator of *Diggstown* and recent executive producer of *Recipe for Romance* and *The Ridge*.
- Morgan Kohan – Lead actress (Maggie Sullivan).
- Chad Michael Murray – Lead actor (Cal).
- Scott Patterson – Former co-lead (Sully), absent since Season 3.
- Production entities – Reel World Management, Bell Media’s CTV, The CW, Fremantle.
Timeline of Recent Developments
- May 2026 – CTV announces renewal for Season 5 during upfronts.
- June 2026 – Season 4 wraps on The CW (22 June).
- June 30 2026 – Season 4 debuts on Netflix, climbs to U.S. Top 3.
- July 2026 – Deadline reports Roth’s departure as showrunner and Kane’s appointment; CW renewal still pending.
- Summer 2026 – Filming for Season 5 scheduled to commence in Nova Scotia.
Viewership Data and Ratings
- Season 4’s Netflix debut generated 3 million U.S. views in its first week.
- The new season achieved a #6 position on Netflix’s global English-series chart during its opening week, despite U.S.-only availability.
Official Statements & Responses
The network confirmed CTV’s renewal but indicated that The CW’s decision on a U.S. pickup remains under negotiation. Roth’s continued executive-producer role suggests her creative influence will persist. Patterson publicly cited “creative differences” as the reason for his exit, emphasizing that the show’s direction no longer aligned with his expectations.
Criticism & Opposition
Industry observers have long reported tension on set, attributing some discord to Roth’s showrunner style. Patterson’s March statement highlighted an “untenable” creative environment, and sources described a “behind-the-scenes rift” that contributed to his departure. The lack of a confirmed CW renewal adds uncertainty for U.S. audiences.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- CW renewal status: Sources confirm CTV’s renewal but note that The CW’s final decision is still pending, with no public timeline.
- Patterson’s return: While Roth reportedly approached Patterson about a possible return, both parties issued statements indicating no plans for his re-engagement, leaving the exact terms of the discussion unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
> “The creative differences were becoming untenable and I just sadly realized that the show was not something that I could agree to continue,” — Scott Patterson, Actor
What’s Next for Season 5
Production is expected to start in late summer 2026, with post-production leading to a 2027 release on CTV. The CW’s final decision on U.S. broadcast rights will determine whether the season reaches American audiences simultaneously or via delayed streaming. Audience anticipation centers on the cliffhanger ending of Season 4, which sets up a new narrative arc for Maggie and Cal under Kane’s leadership.
