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Parting ways with beloved TV characters can be quite a jolt, and 2026 has been no exception, with a surge of unexpected exits from popular shows like Sullivan’s Crossing and Virgin River.
Fans of Virgin River were taken aback when showrunner Patrick Sean Smith revealed that several characters would not be returning after the conclusion of season 7. Among those exiting is Marco Grazzini, who surprised viewers with the announcement of his departure from his role as Mike before the filming of the next season of the popular Netflix series began.
“Character exits are quite common in this industry, particularly in long-standing and cherished series like Virgin River,” said Grazzini, who joined the cast in season 2, in a statement. “Playing Mike for six seasons has been a marvelous experience.”
Grazzini expressed his gratitude, saying he has “nothing but love for the cast, crew, and especially the incredible fans who make the show so special,” and added, “I’m looking forward to this new chapter in my career.”
In television, even the best series face inevitable changes. Throughout the years, numerous TV stars have either left their roles abruptly or have been unexpectedly written out. Back in September 2020, Anna Faris announced her departure from CBS’s Mom, where she had been the lead character, illustrating that even major stars are not immune to sudden exits.
Meanwhile, over at Sullivan’s Crossing, Us Weekly broke the news that Scott Patterson won’t be in season 4.
“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,” Sullivan’s Crossing executive producer and showrunner Roma Roth exclusively told Us earlier that same month. “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.”
Keep scrolling for more shocking TV exits from 2026:
Lauren Hammersley and Marco Grazzini (‘Virgin River’)
Showrunner Patrick Sean Smith confirmed in March 2026 that Lauren Hammersley and Marco Grazzini will not be returning for more episodes of the show.
“For me, I’m just trying to look to the longevity of the show and making sure that the characters that we’re keeping have enough story engine in them to keep going,” Smith told Deadline. “So I can’t say there are any specific cast shakeups planned, but I think we will have to start to — as characters run their course — make some decisions and bring in some new blood.”
Scott Patterson (‘Sullivan’s Crossing’)
Chad Michael Murray and Scott Patterson in ‘Sullivan’s Crossing.’ The CW
After Us confirmed Scott Patterson’s exit, the actor claimed major offscreen issues led to his shocking departure.
“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 wrote via Instagram. “The creative differences were becoming untenable and I just sadly realized that the show was not something that I could agree to continue.”
Patterson clarified his perspective on the situation.
“It’s unfortunate that it is now being implied that they moved on from me/Sully when the fact is the complete opposite, and those who sadly already have spoken out are also fully aware of this fact, and yet chose to say otherwise,” he continued. “I was not intending to make any statement but the fans of the books and the show deserve to know the truth as I have always been respectful of those who support this industry by watching and loving these characters we are so dang lucky and blessed to portray and bring to life.”
In the statement, Patterson stood by his decision to break his silence.
“I really enjoyed Sully and fought for his voice and his character. The richness and depth of Sully, whom the fans of the books all know and love, is so multi-layered and interesting,” he added. “The fans deserved better than to think the embodiment of this character, me, would just disrespect not only the show, but them. In the end, we’re all fans of these characters and stories, and I’ll always support and defend the truth.”
Todd Harthan (‘High Potential’)
News broke in March 2026 that showrunner Todd Harthan exited the show to focus on the upcoming live-action adaptation of Christopher Paolini’s YA book series The Inheritance Cycle. The adaptation — titled Eragon — is cocreated with Paolini and Harthan will serve as coshowrunner alongside Todd Helbing.
Noah B. Taylor and Owen Painter (‘Wednesday’)
Noah B. Taylor as Bruno, Emma Myers as Enid Sinclair in episode 203 of Wednesday Netflix
The Wednesday cast members weren’t announced in a press release about season 3 of the hit Netflix series.
Tia Napolitano (‘Fire Country’)
Showrunner Tia Napolitano left Fire Country in season 4 after being on the show since it premiered on CBS.
“Tia has been instrumental in helping both build and steer Fire Country, which not only became a top series, but is also the foundation of a growing universe,” CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach and CBS Studios President David Stapf said in a joint statement in January 2026. “We’re grateful for all her contributions and tireless work, and look forward to collaborating with her on future projects.”
Napolitano released her own statement, which read, “I am beyond proud of the past four seasons of Fire Country. All of my gratitude to our cast, crew, writers, producers, fans, and of course CBS and CBS Studios. It’s been a beautiful ride!”
Gina Lucita Monreal (‘NCIS: Origins’)
CBS confirmed in January 2026 that co-showrunner Gina Lucita Monreal is departing from the show at the end of the current season. David J. North will remain and will serve as sole showrunner from now on.
“Gina has been an important beloved member of the ‘NCIS’ family for many years,” CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach and CBS Studios President David Stapf said in a joint statement. “We are incredibly grateful to her for helping launch and steer NCIS: Origins, and bringing these incredible characters and stories to life. We look forward to working with her again in the future on new projects, and know the creative foundation she helped build will continue to thrive.”
Monreal released her own statement about the surprise exit. “It’s been the biggest honor of my career to write NCIS: Origin’ alongside my incredible co-showrunner and friend David North,” she wrote. “I want to thank Amy Reisenbach, David Stapf, and everyone at CBS Network and Studio for their support.”
She continued: “To have had this opportunity to work again with the incomparable Mark Harmon, Sean Harmon, our writers, and the best cast and crew in the business — how lucky am I? I can’t wait to see what this extraordinary group cooks up for season 3.”
It is never easy for fans to unexpectedly say goodbye to their favorite characters — and 2025 has featured an influx of shocking departures from our TV screens. Euphoria went through several cast changes after a lengthy delay between season 2 and 3. In addition to Angus Cloud‘s 2023 death, Storm Reid exited the show […]
Prue Leith (‘The Great British Bake Off’)
After nine seasons, Prue Leith announced her exit in January 2026.
“After nine series and judging more than 400 challenges, I have decided to step down as a judge on The Great British Bake Off,” she wrote via Instagram. “Bake Off has been a fabulous part of my life for the last nine years, I have genuinely loved it and I’m sure I’ll miss working with my fellow judge Paul, Alison and Noel and the teams at Love Productions and Channel 4.”
Leith noted that it felt like “the right time” for her to step away, adding, “I’m 86 for goodness sake! … There’s so much I’d like to do, not least spend summers enjoying my garden. Whoever joins the team, I’m sure they’ll love it as much as I have.”
Dermot Mulroney (‘Chicago Fire’)
Deadline confirmed in January 2026 that a story line would write off Dermot Mulroney’s character — for now. Rob Morgan will take over his position at Firehouse 51 but Mulroney does have the chance to return at the end of the season.
Katie Ginella (‘The Real Housewives of Orange County’)
Katie Ginella Trae Patton/Bravo
“After two seasons as a cast member on RHOC, the network has decided to move forward with season 20 without me,” Katie wrote via Instagram in January 2026 about her future on The Real Housewives of Orange County. “While disappointing, it’s not entirely surprising after seeing how season 19 played out.”
The reality star continued, “I’m incredibly grateful for the love and support I received — it was seen, felt and deeply appreciated. Representation matters, and I’m proud to have shown up authentically, even when it wasn’t easy. This chapter may be closing, but my voice and my story don’t end here. Love, Katie.”