2026 Shocking TV Outings: Grey’s Anatomy, Virgin River

It’s never easy saying goodbye to your favorite characters unexpectedly – and 2026 has marked a shocking departure from our TV screens since Grey’s Anatomy to Virgin River.

Virgin River fans were surprised when the runner Patrick Sean Smith many confirmed characters were dropped from the show after season 7. Marco Grazzini spoke about his shocking departure as Mike before production began on the next installment of the Netflix series.

“Character departures are very common in this business — especially on a long-running and beloved series like Virgin River,” Grazini, who has been on the show since season 2, shared in a statement. “It was a great opportunity to play for Mike for six seasons.”

Grazzini said he has “nothing but love for the cast, crew and especially the amazing fans who make this show so important,” adding, “I’m excited about this new chapter in my career.”

Meanwhile, over at Sullivan’s Crossing, Us Weekly he released the news that Scott Patterson it won’t be in season 4.

“Sullivan’s Crossing Season 3 ended with Sully going to Ireland, starting a new chapter in his life. Season 4 will pick up the next day, with Sully overseas,” Sullivan’s Crossing executive producer and showrunner Roma Roth told us exclusively earlier that month. “Even though he’s not a reality this season, the character remains an important part of the world that has the potential to be included in future seasons if that’s consistent with the art going on.”

Keep scrolling for the most shocking TV outings from 2026:

Kevin McKidd and Kim Raver (‘Grey’s Anatomy’)

The buyers announced their respective exits in March 2026.

“Grey’s Anatomy has been a huge chapter in my life, both creatively and personally, and I’m so grateful for everything the show has given me over the years,” McKidd said in a statement. “Playing Dr. Owen Hunt and directing the show have both shaped me tremendously, and I’ve been privileged to work with an extraordinary group of people throughout that time. I’m especially grateful to Shonda Rhimes for creating Owen, and for the encouragement she gave me as I ventured into directing.”

He continued: “As that chapter closes, I look forward to what lies ahead—creating new work, telling new stories and taking everything I’ve learned into the next phase of my career.”

Raver also broke his silence on the news.

“Playing Dr. Teddy Altman will always hold a dear and special place in my heart. Sixteen years ago, I had the incredible privilege of stepping into this role thanks to the vision of Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers,” he wrote in his statement. “Since that day, it has been a true gift to express the incredible words of Shonda and our brilliant writing team. … To the fans – your unwavering dedication and support is the reason this show stays strong. Thank you for making this my magical place and my home.”

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 further episodes of the show.

“For me, I’m just trying to look at the length of the show and make sure that the characters that we keep have enough of a story engine to keep them going,” Smith told Deadline. “So I can’t say that there are certain characters planned, but I think we’ll have to start – as the characters go through their studies – make decisions and bring in new blood.”

Scott Patterson (‘Sullivan’s Crossing’)

After Us confirmed Scott Patterson’s exit, the actor said serious off-screen issues led to his shock departure.

“Every actor knows what it’s like to love a character and a story. I fell in love with Sully and there’s nothing but love for him,” Patterson wrote on Instagram. “The artistic differences were unacceptable and I realized sadly that the program was not something I could agree to continue.”

Patterson explained his perspective on the situation.

“It is unfortunate that it is now being said that they are from me/Sully when the truth is completely the opposite, and those who have spoken sadly are also well aware of this fact, but still choose to say otherwise,” he continued. “I didn’t mean to make a statement but the fans of the books and the game deserve to know the truth as I have always respected those who support the industry by watching and loving these characters. We are very lucky and blessed to play them and live.”

In a statement, Patterson stood by his decision to break his silence.

“I really enjoyed Sully and championed his voice and character. The richness and depth of Sully, who book fans all know and love, is multi-layered and interesting,” he added. “The fans deserved better than to think that the portrayal of this character, me, would not only disrespect the show, but them. In the end, we are all fans of these characters and stories, and I will always support and defend the truth.”

Todd Harthan (‘High Power’)

News broke in March 2026 that showrunner Todd Harthan had left the show to focus on the upcoming live-action adaptation of Christopher Paolini’s book series, The Legacy Cycle. The adaptation – titled Eragon – is directed by Paolini and Harthan will serve as co-star alongside Todd Helbing.

Noah B. Taylor and Owen Painter (‘Wednesday’)

Wednesday’s cast was not announced in a press release about season 3 of the hit Netflix series.

Tia Napolitano (‘Fireland’)

Showrunner Tia Napolitano left Fire Country in season 4 after being on the show since its debut on CBS.

“Tia was instrumental in helping to both create and direct Fire Country, which became not only a top-rated series, but 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.

Napolitano released his own statement, which read, “I’m so proud of the past four seasons of Fire Country. All my thanks to our cast, crew, writers, producers, fans, and CBS and CBS Studios. It’s been a great ride!”

Gina Lucita Monreal (‘NCIS: Origins’)

CBS confirmed in January 2026 that co-showrunner Gina Lucita Monreal is leaving the show at the end of the current season. David J. North will remain and will serve as the sole runner from now on.

“Gina has been an important 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 him for helping launch and direct NCIS: Origins, and bringing these amazing characters and stories to life. We look forward to working with him again in the future on new projects, and know that the creative foundation he helped build will continue to thrive.”

Monreal issued his own statement about the sudden exit. “It’s been a huge honor in my career to write ‘NCIS: Origin’ alongside my amazing showrunner and friend David North,” he wrote. “I want to thank Amy Reisenbach, David Stapf, and everyone at CBS Network and Studio for their support.”

He continued: “To have this opportunity to work with Mark Harmon, Sean Harmon, our writers, and the best actors in the business – how lucky am I? I can’t wait to see what this extraordinary team cooks up for Season 3.”

Prue Leith (‘The Great British Bake Off’)

After nine seasons, Prue Leith announced her exit in January 2026.

“After nine series and judging over 400 challenges, I have decided to step down as a judge on The Great British Bake Off,” he wrote on Instagram. “Bake Off has been an amazing part of my life over the past nine years, I truly love it and I’m sure I’ll miss working with my fellow judges Paul, Alison and Noel and the teams at Love Productions and Channel 4.”

Leith noted that it felt like the “right time” for him to step down, adding, “I’m 86 years old to be fair! … There’s a lot I’d like to do, at least spend the summer enjoying my garden. Whoever joins the team, I’m sure they’ll love it as much as I do.”

Dermot Mulroney (‘Chicago Fire’)

Deadline confirmed in January 2026 that the story will erase Dermot Mulroney’s character – for now. Rob Morgan will replace him at Firehouse 51 but Mulroney has a chance to return at the end of the season.

Katie Ginella (‘Real Housewives of Orange County’)

“After two seasons as a cast member on RHOC, the network has decided to move forward with season 20 without me,” Katie wrote on Instagram in January 2026 about her future on The Real Housewives of Orange County. “Although it’s disappointing, it’s not at all surprising after seeing how season 19 played out.”

The reality star continued, “I’m incredibly grateful for the love and support I’ve received – it’s been seen, heard and deeply appreciated. Representation is important, and I’m proud to be honest, even when it wasn’t easy. This chapter may be closing, but my voice and my story don’t end here. Love, Katie.”