All good things must come to an end, even when it comes to TV. Throughout the years, many television stars have suddenly left their roles — some choosing to leave a famous part in the past.
In September 2020, Anna Faris announced her she was leaving CBS’ Mom after starring as the lead character on the show for seven seasons.
“The past seven years on Mom have been some of the most fulfilling and rewarding of my career,” she said in a statement at the time. “I’m so thankful to Chuck [Lorre], the writers, and my amazing castmates for creating a truly wonderful work experience. While my journey as Christy has come to an end, allowing me to pursue new opportunities, I’ll be watching next season and rooting for my TV family.”
Faris never revealed the reason for her exit, and while her character was written off, the show suffered; after a few months in, Mom announced that season 8 — the first without Faris — would be its last.
Nina Dobrev also shocked fans in 2015, announcing that she would not be returning to The Vampire Diaries after season 6 came to an end. She later explained to Harper’s Bazaar that the plan all along was for her to leave after six seasons. “If anything, the fact that [leaving] terrified me drove me even more,” the Final Girls actress said in 2017. “I needed to feel that fear of, ‘Oh, my God, what if I never get a job again?’ That just made me want to work five times as hard to make sure that didn’t happen.”
Dobrev, like many actors who exit hit shows, ultimately did return, appearing in the CW drama’s series finale in March 2017. “I’m thrilled to bring this show to an end the way we always intended — with Nina back to help us say goodbye,” showrunner Julie Plec said at the time.
Scroll through the gallery below for more shocking TV exits over the years.
The actor exited CBS' long-running drama NCIS in October 2021 after more than 18 years of playing Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs. "As an executive producer and dear friend, Mark continues to be an integral part of the fabric of the show,” executive producer and showrunner Steve Binder said in a statement about the episode. “Our north star has always been staying true to our characters, and that truth has always guided the stories we tell and where those characters go. So regarding the future of Gibbs, as long-time fans of the show may have noticed over the years ... never count Leroy Jethro Gibbs out.”
Sonja Flemming/CBS
"Thank you @SHO_Billions thank you @briankoppelman @DavidLevien," Lewis tweeted in October 2021 following the season 5 finale of Billions. "A pleasure and a privilege to play Axe for 5 seasons with some of the smartest, funniest most talented cast and crew I’ve worked with. I’ll miss the Billions family. Yep, some jobs are more than just a job…. Love."
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The season 4 premiere of The Rookie started off with Makin's Officer Jackson West getting shot and killed. A body double played the character after the actor did not return for the new season. Showrunner Alex Hawley told TVLine that the writers "needed to do the best that we could to honor the character who’s been so primally a part of the show" without actually having the original cast member there for the sendoff.
ABC/Andrew Eccles
The FBI: Most Wanted star exited the CBS show in September 2021 after two seasons, writing via Instagram: "If 2020 taught me anything it’s how important family truly is. After a lot of prayer and reflection I made the difficult decision to move my growing family back to CA so our daughter could grow up with her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, just a short drive away.”
Jeff Neumann/CBS
The actress played Kat Tamin for two seasons on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, but she won’t appear in season 23. “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm Kat’s departure from the squad room,” Hyder shared via Instagram in September 2021. “The decision was made above my pay grade and wouldn’t have been my choice, but hey — that’s showbiz for ya.”
Steven Bergman/AFF-USA.COM / MEGA
After four seasons on The Resident, VanCamp left the show in August 2021 ahead of the season 5 premiere.
Guy D'Alema/FOX
Following three seasons on BBC's Doctor Who, Whittaker confirmed that she would be departing after originally making history as the first female Time Lord.
"In 2017, I opened my glorious gift box of size 13 shoes. I could not have guessed the brilliant adventures, worlds and wonders I was to see in them," the Black Mirror alum said in a statement about her exit in July 2021. "I will carry the Doctor and the lessons I've learnt forever."
Showrunner Chris Chibnall, who also announced that he would be leaving, admitted that their plan was always "three series and out."
"I can't imagine working with a more inspiring Doctor - so I'm not going to!" the writer shared in his own statement at the time.
Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock
After three seasons on the CW's Charmed reboot, Mantock announced her plans to exit in July 2021. "Playing Macy on Charmed for the last three seasons has been an immense privilege and I have so enjoyed working with our fantastic producers, creatives, cast and crew," she said in a statement at the time. "I’m incredibly grateful to The CW and CBS Studios for my time on the show and for being a brilliant support in my difficult decision to leave. Huge thanks to our fans who can look forward to, what I know will be, a spectacular fourth season."
The CW
Boone, who leads NBC's The Blacklist as Elizabeth “Liz” Keen, will leave at the end of season 8, making her final appearance on the June 23 finale, according to Deadline.
NBC
After four seasons on The Good Doctor, Thomas, who portrayed Dr. Claire Browne, announced her exit in June 2021.
"It was a really, really difficult decision, and leaving, I have to say, is a bittersweet thing for me because the last four years have been absolutely incredible," she told Deadline at the time. "Ultimately, for me, it’s about coming to the point where I think we’ve really run the gamut of different things that Claire can have gone through, and I’m now really excited to explore different creative opportunities. For me, as an actress, having versatility and creativity has been something that’s been really, really important. I’ve come from the British system where you play a role, you film it for a couple of months because seasons are only six episodes long, and then you can do something else, and I think after dedicating four years to Claire and her journey and really, really exploring the character, I am just now ready to try something new, ultimately."
ABC
Netflix announced in April 2021 that the actor would not reprise his role as Simon Basset (a.k.a. The Duke of Hastings) in season 2 of Bridgerton. “Dear Readers, while all eyes turn to Lord Anthony Bridgerton’s quest to find a Viscountess, we bid adieu to Regé-Jean Page, who so triumphantly played the Duke of Hastings,” the statement read. “We’ll miss Simon’s presence onscreen, but he will always be a part of the Bridgerton family.”
Page explained to Variety at the time that he always saw the role as “a one-season arc” since that is how it was pitched to him and his contract stated the same. “I have nothing but excitement for Bridgerton continuing to steam train off and conquer the globe,” he said. “But there is also value in completing these arcs and sticking the landing.”
Liam Daniel/Netflix
The actress exited Chicago Fire during season 9 after only 10 episodes. "Adriyan let us know she had some private reasons to leave Chicago," showrunner Derek Haas said following the exit. "To hear that as a showrunner, you absolutely respect what an actor needs." Rae added via Instagram, "I ask that you extend to me the same grace, space, and understanding you’d want in any transitional time, and realize that while it is sad, some things are really only meant for a season and that’s okay. And that I am a human and we are all growing. Great things are coming and we are all exactly where we are supposed to be."
Adrian S. Burrows Sr./NBC
Anna Faris announced her decision to leave CBS' Mom after leading the show for seven seasons. “The past seven years on Mom have been some of the most fulfilling and rewarding of my career," she said in a statement in September 2020. "I’m so thankful to Chuck [Lorre], the writers, and my amazing castmates for creating a truly wonderful work experience. While my journey as Christy has come to an end, allowing me to pursue new opportunities, I’ll be watching next season and rooting for my TV family."
CBS
After joining NCIS as Dr. Jacqueline Sloane during season 15, Bello is exiting the long-running procedural during its upcoming 18th season. Deadline reported that the actress will appear in eight episodes to wrap her character’s storyline.
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After 37 years on Days of Our Lives, Alfonso announced she was leaving the show in July 2020. Later she revealed the reason behind the exit, explaining that producers told her the character would be leaving the show for five months only to later return with a new story line.
“I was taken aback,” she told Entertainment Weekly. “It was not something that had ever been discussed, but that’s what it was. And to come back in five to six months or four to five months — whatever that time frame was — I just thought, ‘You know what? It’s time to really write a new chapter.’”
Chris Haston/NBC
In May 2020, Rose announced that she would not be returning to Batwoman after season 1 and the role would be recast.
"This was not a decision I made lightly as I have the utmost respect for the cast, crew and everyone involved with the show in both Vancouver and in Los Angeles," she said in a statement. "I am beyond appreciative to Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and Caroline Dries for not only giving me this incredible opportunity, but for welcoming me into the DC universe they have so beautifully created. Thank you Peter Roth and Mark Pedowitz and the teams at Warner Bros. and The CW who put so much into the show and always believed in me. Thank you to everyone who made season one a success."
Kimberley French/The CW
In February 2020, Ferrara announced that she will not be returning to Superstore after season 5 wraps. "As I start the next chapter for my family and career, I wish only the best, and much continued success, to my beloved Superstore family," she shared in a statement at the time.
Ron Batzdorff/NBC
At the end of The Rookie's first season, Williamson announced she would not be returning and made allegations of racial discrimination and sexual harassment on set. Production company eONe launched an investigation, which included "nearly 400 hours of interviews," and those identified "did not conduct themselves in an unlawful manner or demonstrate behavior inappropriate for the workplace." Her character, Talia Bishop, was written off the series; in the season 2 premiere, Officer Bishop had decided to leave the LAPD.
ABC
During season 4 of The Affair, Ruth Wilson’s Alison was murdered, shocking longtime viewers. Showrunner Sarah Treem revealed that she had requested to leave the show. Wilson later confirmed the news in multiple interviews, but added she was “not allowed to talk about why” she made that choice.
Jeff Neumann/SHOWTIME
Ahead of the season 5 premiere of The Affair, Showtime announced that Joshua Jackson would also not be returning to the series, as his contract was up and he chose not to return. “I still think it’s a good show, I just miss them,” Maura Tierney told Us about the final season.
Paul Sarkis/SHOWTIME
A month before season 45 of Saturday Night Live kicked off, news broke that Leslie Jones will not return to the NBC sketch comedy series. The comic joined as a cast member in 2014 and will focus on upcoming projects, including a Netflix special.
Rosalind O'Connor/NBC
Just minutes after NBC announced that Law & Order: SVU had been renewed for a history-making 21st season, Philip Winchester announced he would not be returning as ADA Stone. "Sadly for me, Peter stone and his 'the facts don’t care about you’re feelings' attitude will not be returning," he tweeted in March 2019. "A huge tip of the hat to my amazing fans and not so big of fans. You ALL make me work harder. Thank you! See you on the next adventure."
Peter Kramer/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images
In February 2019, Sheridan announced her decision to leave Dynasty, after taking the role of Alexis Carrington amid much fanfare midway through the CW reboot’s first season. “Working on the Dynasty reboot and reprising the iconic role of Alexis has been thoroughly enjoyable, but the chance to spend precious time with my terminally ill mother is more important to me right now,” the actress said in a statement to Us Weekly.
Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images
In October 2018, Eads stormed off the set of CBS’ MacGyver reboot, sources told The Hollywood Reporter in November. Although he was No. 2 on the call sheet, showrunner Peter Lenkov and producers agreed to let him out of his contract. His last episode will air in 2019.
Jace Downs/CBS
Emmy Rossum will be leaving Shameless after season 9 of the show, the actress revealed in a lengthy Facebook post on Thursday, August 30. Showrunner John Wells confirmed the news in a statement, saying that Fiona will have a “Gallagher-worthy” sendoff. “It is always bittersweet when an ensemble member decides to move out of the proverbial house, but our door will always remain open for Fiona to return home for a visit, or to move back in. I look forward to continuing the stories of this wildly unpredictable family and all of us on Shameless will miss Emmy and her wonderful Fiona,” he added.
Paul Sarkis/SHOWTIME
Madison was shockingly killed in the season 4 midseason finale of Fear the Walking Dead. “Obviously it was shocking to me and it was disappointing. It was heartbreaking,” Dickens told Entertainment Weekly about finding out her time on the show was ending.
Richard Foreman, Jr/AMC
After season 9, Rick will no longer be a part of The Walking Dead, a source confirmed to Us Weekly in May 2018. “He’s had enough of it and wants to focus his energy on movies,” the insider noted.
Gene Page/AMC
Following season 6, Raymund revealed that Gabriela Dawson will not return to Chicago Fire, as she had decided to leave the show. “I have made the decision that it’s time for me to move on to the next chapter in life,” she wrote in a goodbye letter in May 2018. Cocreator Derek Haas later tweeted that he still has hope she’ll appear again.
Elizabeth Morris/NBC
The lead of Chicago P.D. left the show suddenly after four seasons, never clearly explaining her decision. She hinted at it through Instagram in October 2017, responding to a fan question with, “I left because I wanted to. End of story.” She later added in a podcast that eventually she’ll tell her whole story. “I had to respect myself in a situation where I didn’t feel respected,” she said in December.
Mark Seliger/NBC
After her contract ended in 2015, Dobrev walked away from her leading role as Elena Gilbert on The CW’s The Vampire Diaries after season 6. “I don’t want to play a teenager anymore. I want to play adult roles and be challenged and work with great filmmakers and tell incredible stories and that has meant being really picky,” she later revealed to Harper’s Bazaar. However, she did return for the series finale of season 8.
The CW
In a shocking turn of events, ABC revealed in March 2018 that Capshaw’s Arizona Robbins and Drew’s April Kepner would be leaving the show following season 14 of Grey's Anatomy. After the announcement, showrunner Krista Vernoff took to Twitter to explain her reasoning: “It felt right creatively to wrap up their stories.”
Eric McCandless/ABC
After 15 seasons on NCIS, Perrette stepped away from the role of Abby Scuito, and her character left town. In October 2017, she said it was a decision she had made. Following her exit, she tweeted multiple times, implying that physical assaults led to her exit. “I've been supporting anti-bullying programs forever. But now I KNOW because it was ME! If it's school or work, that you're required to go to? It's horrifying. I left. Multiple Physical Assaults. I REALLY get it now. Stay safe. Nothing is worth your safety. Tell someone,” she wrote in May 2018.
Eric McCandless/CBS
After 11 years on CBS’ Criminal Minds, Moore hung up his Derek Morgan hat. “I’m leaving because I want to continue to grow as an actor,” Moore told TVLine. “I’m leaving to see what else I’m capable of."
Guy D'Alema/ABC
Fans of Blue Bloods were shocked when the season 8 premiere revealed that Linda Raegan had died in a helicopter crash. The news surprised everyone, but Carlson had decided to leave after her seven-season contract was up. "It's always a difficult decision," she told Us Weekly in November 2017.
Giovanni Rufino/CBS
Chin Ho Kelly and Kono Kalakaua did not appear in season 8 of Hawaii Five-O, as both Park and Kim walked away from the CBS drama after season 7 due to a pay dispute. Showrunner Peter Lenkov commented on their exits on Twitter in July 2017: “Both actors chose not to extend their contracts. CBS was extremely generous and proactive in their renegotiation talks. So much so, the actors were getting unprecedented raises, but in the end they chose to move on. No one wanted to see them go–they are irreplaceable.”
CBS/Mario Perez
When Kevin James couldn’t come up with a story line for season 2 of Kevin Can Wait, he decided to kill off his character’s wife, played by Hayes. “We were literally just running out of ideas,” he told the New York Daily News at the time. Hayes later was replaced by James’ former King of Queens costar Leah Remini.
CBS
After five seasons playing Rayna James, Britton decided to walk away from ABC’s Nashville. “I don't need to go into great detail about what that was, but for me, it felt like the timing was important and my No. 1 priority was the show and making sure that it was done in the right way,” she told The Hollywood Reporter at the time.
ABC/JON LEMAY
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