Sullivan's Crossing gets new showrunner as CW renewal pending
Sullivan's Crossing creator Roma Roth is stepping down as showrunner ahead of Season 5, with Canadian writer-producer Floyd Kane (Diggstown) taking over day-to-day leadership as head writer. Roth remains an executive producer. CTV has already renewed the drama; The CW's U.S. Season 5 pickup is still being finalized, sources tell Deadline.
The behind-the-scenes shake-up lands as the Robyn Carr adaptation faces cast turnover and an uncertain American broadcast future. For fans tracking Roma Roth on Sullivan's Crossing, the leadership change is the latest signal that Season 5 will look different on and off screen.
Key Takeaways
- Roma Roth is leaving the showrunner role after four seasons but stays on as an executive producer.
- Floyd Kane, known for Diggstown, assumes head writer and day-to-day showrunning duties for Season 5.
- CTV renewed the series; The CW has not officially picked up Season 5 yet, though talks continue.
- Filming is set to begin later this summer in Nova Scotia, with Morgan Kohan and Chad Michael Murray returning.
- Scott Patterson is not currently expected to return as Sully after his Season 3 exit.
Why Is Roma Roth Leaving Sullivan's Crossing?
Deadline reports that Roth, who created the series and served as showrunner since its 2023 premiere, is stepping down from the managerial role ahead of Season 5. She will no longer run the writers room day to day, but her creative vision is expected to continue shaping the show.
The outlet also notes long-running rumors that the set has not been a harmonious work environment, with some issues reportedly tied to Roth's showrunner style. Roth additionally executive produces Netflix's Virgin River, another Robyn Carr adaptation, which may factor into her reduced on-set role.
Who Is Taking Over as Showrunner?
Floyd Kane, the Canadian writer-producer behind Diggstown, is succeeding Roth as head writer and assuming day-to-day leadership. Kane's appointment marks the first major leadership change for a series that has aired four seasons on The CW as its first-window U.S. home.
TVLine confirmed the transition, noting that Roth will remain credited as an executive producer while Kane steers Season 5's creative execution. Production is scheduled to start later this summer in Nova Scotia.
Will The CW Renew Sullivan's Crossing for Season 5?
Canadian broadcaster CTV ordered a fifth season about a month ago during its upfront announcements. However, The CW has not officially renewed the romantic drama for U.S. audiences. Sources told Deadline that a Season 5 pickup is still being finalized.
Season 4 premiered on The CW on April 20 and wrapped its 10-episode run last month. Until The CW confirms, U.S. viewers are watching renewal developments closely alongside other streaming and TV alerts.
What Does the Cast Shake-Up Mean for Season 5?
Morgan Kohan and Chad Michael Murray are set to lead the returning cast. Scott Patterson, who played Harry "Sully" Sullivan alongside them for three seasons, departed after Season 3 amid public statements about creative differences.
Deadline reports there are no current plans for Patterson to return, though Roth had reportedly approached him about a possible Season 5 comeback before both issued conflicting statements. In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly, Kohan reflected that Patterson's absence "shakes things up in a nice way" and opens new story opportunities, even as fans continue debating the behind-the-scenes rift.
With a new showrunner, pending CW renewal, and a slimmed-down core cast, Sullivan's Crossing enters Season 5 at a crossroads — one that could redefine the series for its loyal audience.