Sullivan's Crossing Creator Steps Down as Showrunner Before Season 5

Roma Roth, creator of Sullivan's Crossing, is stepping down as showrunner ahead of a season 5 that hasn't yet been renewed.

Sullivan's Crossing is navigating a turbulent stretch: its creator, Roma Roth, has stepped down as head writer and showrunner ahead of a potential fifth season, according to a Deadline report published Tuesday, July 7. Floyd Kane is set to replace her in the day-to-day leadership role. Roth will not disappear from the project entirely — she is staying on as an executive producer. The shakeup comes on the heels of cast departures that have already drawn attention to the CTV and The CW drama series. The show has not yet been formally renewed for a fifth season by The CW, adding uncertainty to the leadership transition. Sullivan's Crossing, based on Robyn Carr's novel series, has built an audience on both the Canadian network CTV and The CW in the United States. The combination of a showrunner change, prior cast exits, and an unconfirmed renewal makes the road to season 5 notably unsettled.

Why it matters

Showrunner changes, especially when a series creator steps back, can significantly affect a show's creative direction and continuity. The unconfirmed renewal status means the series' future on The CW remains open.

What's next

Viewers and industry watchers should look for a formal season 5 renewal announcement from The CW.

Key facts

Bias & framing notes

Both outlets cite Deadline as the origin of the story, meaning this is effectively one primary source being reported downstream. US Magazine provided more concrete detail (naming Floyd Kane as replacement and specifying Roth's retained EP role), while Just Jared's coverage was paywalled or truncated. The core facts — Roth's exit, Kane's appointment, no renewal yet — are consistent between sources.