TV Farewells: Surprising Exits and Departures in 2026
Saying goodbye to beloved characters on TV shows can be tough, and 2026 has seen its fair share of surprising exits. Fans of Virgin River were shocked to learn that characters like Mike, played by Marco Grazzini, would not be returning for the next season. Grazzini expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play Mike and thanked the cast, crew, and fans for their support.
Meanwhile, over at Sullivan’s Crossing, Scott Patterson's character Sully will also be absent from the upcoming season. The show's executive producer mentioned that while Sully won't physically be present, his character remains an important part of the show's world and could potentially return in future seasons.
Showrunner Patrick Sean Smith confirmed that Lauren Hammersley and Marco Grazzini will not be returning for more episodes of the show. Smith emphasized the importance of keeping characters with enough story potential and hinted at the possibility of introducing new characters to the series.
Scott Patterson shared that creative differences led to his departure from the show, expressing his fondness for his character Sully. He clarified that he fought for the character and respected the fans who supported the show, despite the challenges he faced.
In other TV exits, showrunner Todd Harthan left a show to focus on a new project, while Tia Napolitano departed from Fire Country after four seasons. Gina Lucita Monreal also announced her departure from NCIS, with David J. North taking over as sole showrunner.
Prue Leith announced her exit from The Great British Bake Off after nine seasons, citing the desire to explore other opportunities. Dermot Mulroney's character will be written off temporarily from Firehouse 51, with the possibility of a return later in the season.
Katie shared on Instagram that she would not be returning for season 20 of The Real Housewives of Orange County, expressing gratitude for the support she received and hinting at future endeavors. The departures of these characters and actors have left fans wondering about the future of their favorite shows.