Summary
When an actor decides it’s time to leave a TV show, this might leave the creative team with the impossible task of finding a new performer to replace them. Depending on how long an actor has been on a series, this could be a huge change to the show’s character dynamic, andit might mean that audiences will notice a distinct shift in the tone and style of the story. While there have been some instances when the replacement actor’s performance went on to be considered the definitive version, in most cases, the original actors are the best.
Conversely, shows with episodic formulas can easily justify introducing a new character.
The more prominent and important a role is within the story, the more likely critics will respond poorlyto the change in casting. In shows of all genres, manyiconic TV characters would be impossible to recast. Conversely, shows with episodic formulas can easily justify introducing a new character. This is why significant changes in the cast are seen most often in sitcoms that go on for many seasons. Whether it’s because an actor had creative differences with the showrunners or external circumstances beyond the series' control, it’s a creative setback that can alter a TV show forever.
10 TV Characters Who Were Recast After Just 1 Season
Casting is important when making TV shows. However, creative differences or a lack of audience connection may prompt recasting after the show begins.
10Doris Robert As Claire Tanner - Full House (1987–1995)
Originally played by Alice Hirson
Manyreactions to the Claire Tanner recast inFull Housewere negative from the moment that Doris Roberts appeared inFull Houseseason 3.In season 1, the grandmother of the Tanner household, Claire, pays a visit to the familyafter the death of Danny’s (Bob Saget) wife. In this episode, she’s portrayed by the incomparable Alice Hirson, and it wasn’t long before the viewers and actors alike got used to her as a character. AsFull Househad so many child actors, any change in their environment for the first few seasons would be jarring.
Part of this has nothing to do with Roberts, as the character was written differently and served a different purpose when she was brought back to the show a few seasons later.
It’s not Roberts' fault that she didn’t have the same presence as Hirson, buta comforting and familiar character like a grandmother is something that’s benefited from consistency.Part of this has nothing to do with Roberts, as the character was written differently and served a different purpose when she was brought back to the show a few seasons later. However, it was a stark enough contrast that it’s impossible not to take notice of how their performances diverge.
Full House (US)
Cast
Full House (1987) is a family sitcom centered on Danny Tanner, a widowed father, who enlists his brother-in-law Jesse and best friend Joey to help raise his three young daughters in San Francisco. The series features themes of family, friendship, and humor, showcasing the everyday challenges and heartwarming moments as they navigate life together. Full House starred Bob Saget, John Stamos, and Dave Coulier.
9Donna Reed As Ellie Ewing - Dallas (1978–1991)
Originally played by Barbara Bel Geddes
With a show that’s on the air as long asDallas, it was inevitable that there would be various changes made to the lineup of the cast and characters. WhileEllie Ewing wasn’t the only character to be recast, she was one of the more significant,as Donna Reed was the wrong choice to take over for Barbara Bel Geddes. Unfortunately, real-life tragedy frequently struck the performers inDallas, and this was the case with Geddes, who had to be replaced by Reed due to health concerns for an entire season.
After she recovered, Geddes returned and finished out the show as Ellie, and perhaps it’s because Reed never got the chance to hit her stride that she isn’t well-remembered.Though Reed fought to stay in the cast, it was never in the cards for her as Geddes had been a staple of the series,and it was impossible to recapture her charm and chemistry with Ellie’s husband, Jock (Jim Davis). Though every character inDallasserved a critical purpose, Ellie was a true hallmark of the show.
Dallas
One of the most popular soap opera series of all time, Dallas aired in 1978 as a part of CBS' line up and follows the wealthy oil baron family, the Ewings, as those from within and close to them plot and scheme their way to the top of the social ladder. The series ran for fourteen seasons before it concluded in 1991.
8Dick Sargent As Darrin - Bewitched (1964–1972)
Originally played by Dick York
Unfortunately, the original Darrin, Dick York, couldn’t continue to play the character for the final three seasons because of his health, so the show pivoted to Dick Sargent.
The central relationship between Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery) and her husband Darrin is one of the most important facest ofBewitchedoutside the fantasy elements. Unfortunately, the original Darrin, Dick York, couldn’t continue to play the character for the final three seasons because of his health, so the show pivoted to Dick Sargent. Though they had similar looks and were typecast in familiar roles, something was missing from Sargent’s performance. Much of this came down toSargent and Montgomery lacking the easy chemistry she shared with York.
Little could have preventedBewitchedfrom retaining its popularity, as it was a universally beloved sitcom. However, losing York was a hit for the series, as the marital ups and downs that York and Montgomery so seamlessly portrayed became stilted in his absence. As a character,Darrin was essentially the straight man who played against Samantha’s antics,and this required a particular brand of comedic timing that Sargent couldn’t bring to the table. As time has gone by, Sargent’s portrayal has softened in many people’s eyes, andBewitchedhas lost none of its charm.
Bewitched
Bewitched is a comedic-fantasy franchise that began as a television series in 1964 with the release of the self-titled ABC series. The core concept follows a witch who falls in love with a normal man and attempts to live the life of an everyday suburban housewife - but always slips back into her old habits, occasionally using magic to deal with her issues. A film reboot/adaptation starring Will Ferrell and Nicole Kidman was released in 2005 and follows a similar plotline with a Hollywood backdrop.
7Daphne Maxwell Reid As Aunt Viv - The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air (1990–1996)
Originally played by Janet Hubert
The two actresses who took on the role of Aunt Viv inThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Airwere very close to equally skilled and compelling in their performances. However, it was just too hard to forget the first Aunt Viv, who Janet Hubert originated and created in the early seasons of the series. Though Daphne Maxwell Reid stepped into the role with ease,many of her performance choices can be attributed to what Hubert did first.She inherently had a more difficult job as the person who came second.
As the matriarch of the family,Aunt Viv is a nuanced and interesting character who plays an important role in the householddynamic. Unfortunately, afterplaying the original Aunt Viv inThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Hubert was plagued by rumors of her being difficult to work with on set, and much of this has been attributed to rumors and discrimination. Had Hubert left the show under better circumstances, her departure might not have left such a hole in the series.
6Christina Moore As Laurie - That ‘70s Show (1998–2006)
Originally played by Lisa Robin Kelly
Losing Topher Grace was the final straw forThat ’70s Show, as he played the main character, Eric, and the series lost its footing almost as soon as he left. However, before this, things began to change in season 6 when Lisa Robin Kelly, who played Eric’s sister, Laurie, was replaced by Christina Moore. While the physical characteristics of a character aren’t everything,Kelly did have an iconic look that had come to define her performance as Laurie.That ’70s Showdid little to try and bridge the gap between the past Laurie and the new one.
The particular brand of biting snark and crushing retorts that Laurie would hurl at Eric were key parts of her character.
Additionally, the biggest obstacle that Moore faced was the fact thatKelly was funnier and had stronger comedic timing.While comedy is something that can be taught with time, in many ways, it’s something that an actor is born with or isn’t. The particular brand of biting snark and crushing retorts that Laurie would hurl at Eric were key parts of her character. Kelly’s departure was one of the early signals that the heyday ofThat ’70s Showwas over.
That ’70s Show
That ‘70s Show was one of Fox’s most popular sitcoms upon its release in 1998. Starring Topher Grace (Eric Forman), Laura Prepon (Donna Pinciotti), Mila Kunis (Jackie Burkhart), Danny Masterson (Steven Hyde), Wilmer Valderrama (Fez), and Ashton Kutcher (Michael Kelso), That ‘70s Show revolves around the teens’ mishaps as they grow up in Point Place Wisconsin in the 1970s.
5Judyann Elder As Harriet - Family Matters (1989–1998)
Originally played by Jo Marie Payton
The devolution ofFamily Mattersand the way the show came to revolve almost solely around the antics of Steve Urkel (Jaleel White) is something that’s frequently discussed in relation to the series. However, the recast of Harriet Winslow took place at an awkward time and was never going to live up to the legacy left by Jo Marie Payton. Judyann Elder was in an impossible situation, andshe had little chance of winning the hearts and minds of the audience.
It was only in the last few episodes that Payton was missing fromFamily Matters,as she opted to leave without finishing the show because she felt her time on the series had come to an end. While this was well within Payton’s right, and she shouldn’t be blamed for leaving, it did put the producers in a difficult position. With only a few episodes left, Harriet couldn’t be written off the show, so there was no choice but to put in an unfamiliar actress.
Family Matters
Family Matters is a classic sitcom that follows the Winslow family, a middle-class family living in Chicago that engages in several misadventures while sharing heartfelt experiences with one another. The show tackles several major real-world issues while keeping the core of the show light at heart, and also featured the breakout role of Jaleel White as the super nerd Steve Urkel.
4Alexis G. Zall As Jackie Geary - The Goldbergs (2013–2023)
Originally played by Rowan Blanchard
As the young characters got older and began to change, it was natural that their characterization and styling would evolve.
The Goldbergsran for ten seasons and became much more successful than many critics might have initially anticipated. However, it premiered at a time when the 1980s were the most popular decade to set period TV shows in for style and aesthetic choices.One of the sweetest characters on the show was Jackie Geary,who was the childhood love interest of Adam Goldberg (Sean Giambrone), and their adolescent romance was touching to viewers of all ages.
Rowan Blanchard was the first actress to portray Jackie onThe Goldbergs, but as her star rose, Blanchard decided to leave the show and pursue other opportunities. She was replaced by Alexis G. Zall, who put her own spin on the character. As the young characters got older and began to change, it was natural that their characterization and styling would evolve. However,the adorable and shy young love between Jackie and Adam lost its sparkwhen Zall took over.
The Goldbergs
The Goldbergs is a sitcom created by Adam F. Goldberg based on his childhood experiences in the 1980s. With characters based on Goldberg’s own relatives, the show follows the dynamic of the titular family including grouchy father Murray (Jeff Garlin), doting and overbearing mother Beverly (Wendi McLendon-Covey), overconfident brother Barry (Troy Gentile), and edgy sister Erica (Hayley Orrantia). The show focuses on comedically capturing the spirit of life in the ’80s through nostalgia.
3Joe Anderson As Mason Verger - Hannibal (2013-2015)
Originally played by Michael Pitt
The beloved crime drama based on the classic bookHannibaldeveloped into one of the best TV shows of the 21st century throughout its short run. Mason Verger was one of the more horrible villains inHannibal, but this is what made him such an essential element in the series. However, playing such a terrible character takes a toll on the actor, andMichael Pitt could not return to reprise his role as Mason in the third and final season of the show.However, Hannibal, played by Mads Mikkelsen, needed him to return as an opponent.
The switch to Joe Anderson was an easy one, as Mason’s face had altered in the last installment of the show, meaning prosthetics could be used to make Anderson look more like Pitt. Of course, the most important relationship inHannibalis between Hannibal and Will Graham (Hugh Dancy), but they’re at their most dynamic when they have someone to root against. Unfortunately,Mason just wasn’t as evil or interesting in season 3.However, there’s hope thatHannibalcould come back for season 4one day.
Hannibal
Created for TV by Bryan Fuller, Hannibal is a TV adaptation/reimagining of Thomas Harris' Red Dragon novel. The show follows the exploits of FBI criminal profiler Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) and psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen) and their perpetual game of cat and mouse that unfolds over the series. When a string of murders in Minnesota requires a brilliant mind to crack the case, Will Graham is called in to investigate - but due to the intimate and terrifying nature of the crimes, he is appointed Dr. Lecter to act as his psychiatrist. The truth of Dr. Lecter is that he is Will’s target - but to complicate matters, he’s the only person that can truly understand him.
2Genevieve Padalecki As Ruby - Supernatural (2005–2020)
Originally played by Katie Cassidy
The actress who took over as Ruby would later marry Jared Padalecki and so had amazing chemistry with him as Sam. However, the first Ruby, Katie Cassidy, had a level of danger and intrigue that Genevieve Padalecki lacked.Cassidy would go on to have a more prominent role on the CW seriesArrowas Laurel Lance,so it makes sense that she would move on to bigger opportunities. Ruby was never an enormous part of the show and was only ever a recurring character, but she was noticeable enough that Cassidy’s recasting made a difference.
Since Ruby was a demon, it was normal for these characters to take on different physical forms in different seasons.
Since Ruby was a demon, it was normal for these characters to take on different physical forms in different seasons. In some ways, this kept things interesting on the show and ensured that the episodic show kept its momentum and didn’t confuse audiences with an enormous cast of recurring characters. However,as the seasons progressed,Supernaturalincorporated more season-long arcs and took bigger riskswith its plotting. It would have been interesting to see Cassidy as Ruby when this developed.
Supernatural
Supernatural is a television series that follows brothers Sam and Dean Winchester, who were raised by their father to hunt and combat supernatural entities after losing their mother to a demonic force. Traversing the American landscape in their ‘67 Chevy Impala, they face numerous paranormal threats.
10 Recast Movie Roles That Saved The Character
Recast movie roles don’t always go over well with audiences. However, there are some recasting decisions that actually saved the characters.
1Erica Durance As Alura/Supergirl’s Mom - Supergirl (2015–2021)
Originally played by Laura Benanti
Laura Benanti was the perfect choice to play Kara/Supergirl’s mother in the CW TV showSupergirl, but Benanti is an actor in high demand. As a stage performer who’s been featured in a wide array of musical theater productions,it’s unsurprising that other commitments came up and prevented her from finishing out the series as Alura.However, Erica Durance lacked the grace and gravitas that defined Benanti’s performance and made her influence on Kara clear, and her power as a leader on Krypton.
When Benanti was playing the role, she was a minor character who was shown in flashbacksand as a hologram to Kara, who believed her mother to be dead. This changed as the seasons progressed, and a Kyroptonian city is revealed to have survived, and Alura is living there. It’s then that Durance makes her appearance, and the audience can immediately tell that something is off. Where Benanti could command a room with her presence, Durance didn’t live up to this standard.
Supergirl
Supergirl made her first appearance in the comics in 1959’s Action Comics #252 and has gone on to become one of DC’s most popular characters. This TV series, which stars Melissa Benoist as Supergirl, first aired on CBS in 2015. It ran on that network for one season, before moving to the CW so it could become part of the Arrowverse - a collection of DC Comics shows that also includes Arrow, The Flash, and Legends of Tomorrow, among others. Supergirl has been part of several crossover events between all the series.
