It appears that the 'Brothers & Sisters' family is getting smaller by the day.

On the heels of Rob Lowe's recently announced exit, EW.com's Ausiello Files is now reporting that Calista Flockhart will see a reduction in her role next season. While the number of episodes she'll be absent from is unknown, a spokesperson for ABC said that she will remain a series regular.

So what will this mean for the Walker family, specifically Kitty and Robert? As we've seen this season, Kitty has been struggling with cancer, which has put a major strain on their at times tumultuous relationship. And while she's currently in remission, after Robert's abandoned his aspirations for Governor, we see this one of two ways: One is that Kitty's cancer could return, although we highly doubt that Robert would leave if that were the case.It appears that the 'Brothers & Sisters' family is getting smaller by the day.

On the heels of Rob Lowe's recently announced exit, EW.com's Ausiello Files is now reporting that Calista Flockhart will see a reduction in her role next season. While the number of episodes she'll be absent from is unknown, a spokesperson for ABC said that she will remain a series regular.

So what will this mean for the Walker family, specifically Kitty and Robert? As we've seen this season, Kitty has been struggling with cancer, which has put a major strain on their at times tumultuous relationship. And while she's currently in remission, after Robert's abandoned his aspirations for Governor, we see this one of two ways: One is that Kitty's cancer could return, although we highly doubt that Robert would leave if that were the case.

The more logical direction would be a resentful break-up, due to Robert's bitterness over his now squandered political career. And knowing 'Brothers & Sisters,' we can never rule out a death.

Now in its fourth season, 'Brothers & Sisters' typically draws about 9 million viewers per week, down considerably from where it was a few seasons back. Losing principle characters surely isn't going to help matters; however, it appears to be holding steady in its 10PM slot on Sundays -- well, at least for the time being.

Tell us: What do you think will happen to Robert and Kitty?