Actors Who’ve Left The CW Through the Years: Ruby Rose, Lindsey Morgan and More Surprising Exits

Credit: Colin Bentley/The CW; Rebecca Brennen/The CW; The CW

Actors Who’ve Left The CW Through the Years: Ruby Rose, Lindsey Morgan and More Surprising Exits

Signing off! Over the years, fans of The CW have been shocked to see their favorite actors leave hit shows before their finales. In May 2020, Ruby Rose exited Batwoman after playing the superhero for one season. The decision caught many people off guard, and the former Australia’s Next Top Model cohost reflected on her “very difficult” departure. “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," Rose said in a statement to Variety at the time. The Australia native later went into detail about what prompted her step back, claiming that her experience on The CW series wasn't always positive. “Enough is enough,” Rose wrote via her Instagram Story in October 2021. “I’m going to tell the whole world what really happened on that set… I will come for you so what happened to me never happens to another person again. And so I can finally take back my life and the truth. Shame on you.” In her lengthy social media posts, the Orange Is the New Black alum accused showrunner Caroline Dries — as well as the production company’s Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter — of contributing to her alleged mistreatment after she sustained an injury on set. Rose previously detailed her health scare, which happened as a result of a stunt. “To everyone asking about my new Pez dispenser scar on my neck… A couple of months ago I was told I needed an emergency surgery or I was risking becoming paralyzed,” she wrote via Instagram in September 2019. “I had herniated two discs doing stunts, and they were close to severing my spinal chord. I was in chronic pain and yet couldn’t feel my arms.” While addressing her exit in October 2021, the Pitch Perfect 3 star alleged that it was not her choice to walk away from the role of Kate Kane. “I DO NOT QUIT,” she wrote via social media. “I followed orders, and if I wanted to stay, I was going to have to sign my rights away.” At the time, Warner Bros. seemingly confirmed that the studio chose to let Rose go. “The truth is that Warner Bros. Television had decided not to exercise its option to engage Ruby for season 2 of Batwoman based on multiple complaints about workplace behavior that were extensively reviewed and handled privately out of respect for all concerned," a statement read. Following Rose's departure, Javicia Leslie was recast as Ryan Wilder, who takes over as Batwoman in season 2. The show was renewed for season 3, which concluded in March 2022. Batwoman has not yet been picked up by The CW. Scroll down for all the most shocking exits from The CW shows: [podcast_block]

Credit: Colin Bentley/The CW; Rebecca Brennen/The CW; The CW

Actors Who’ve Left The CW Through the Years: Ruby Rose, Lindsey Morgan and More Surprising Exits

Signing off! Over the years, fans of The CW have been shocked to see their favorite actors leave hit shows before their finales. In May 2020, Ruby Rose exited Batwoman after playing the superhero for one season. The decision caught many people off guard, and the former Australia’s Next Top Model cohost reflected on her “very difficult” departure. “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," Rose said in a statement to Variety at the time. The Australia native later went into detail about what prompted her step back, claiming that her experience on The CW series wasn't always positive. “Enough is enough,” Rose wrote via her Instagram Story in October 2021. “I’m going to tell the whole world what really happened on that set… I will come for you so what happened to me never happens to another person again. And so I can finally take back my life and the truth. Shame on you.” In her lengthy social media posts, the Orange Is the New Black alum accused showrunner Caroline Dries — as well as the production company’s Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter — of contributing to her alleged mistreatment after she sustained an injury on set. Rose previously detailed her health scare, which happened as a result of a stunt. “To everyone asking about my new Pez dispenser scar on my neck… A couple of months ago I was told I needed an emergency surgery or I was risking becoming paralyzed,” she wrote via Instagram in September 2019. “I had herniated two discs doing stunts, and they were close to severing my spinal chord. I was in chronic pain and yet couldn’t feel my arms.” While addressing her exit in October 2021, the Pitch Perfect 3 star alleged that it was not her choice to walk away from the role of Kate Kane. “I DO NOT QUIT,” she wrote via social media. “I followed orders, and if I wanted to stay, I was going to have to sign my rights away.” At the time, Warner Bros. seemingly confirmed that the studio chose to let Rose go. “The truth is that Warner Bros. Television had decided not to exercise its option to engage Ruby for season 2 of Batwoman based on multiple complaints about workplace behavior that were extensively reviewed and handled privately out of respect for all concerned," a statement read. Following Rose's departure, Javicia Leslie was recast as Ryan Wilder, who takes over as Batwoman in season 2. The show was renewed for season 3, which concluded in March 2022. Batwoman has not yet been picked up by The CW. Scroll down for all the most shocking exits from The CW shows: [podcast_block]

Credit: Bettina Strauss/The CW

Jordan Elsass ('Superman & Lois')

In August 2022, Warner Bros. Television confirmed that the role of Jonathan Kent would be recast after Elsass' surprising exit.

“Jordan Elsass has notified the Studio that he will not be returning to Superman & Lois for Season 3 due to personal reasons,” the network told Variety in a statement ahead of season 3. “The role of Jonathan Kent will be recast.”

Credit: Shane Harvey/The CW

Jesse L. Martin ('The Flash')

In April 2022, Deadline confirmed that Martin would be leaving the superhero show after eight seasons, signing on as the lead in NBC's The Irrational.

Credit: Colin Bentley/The CW

Nick Zano ('Legends of Tomorrow')

In March 2022, Zano confirmed that he would not return to the show after playing Nate Heywood for five seasons.

“It’s with a grateful, appreciative, full heart I say goodbye to my Legends family. It’s been the absolute most insane, fulfilling experiences I’ve ever had BUT the time has come for Nate/Steel to say goodbye to the greatest, most loyal, most ride or die, fan base,” the What I Like About You alum wrote via Instagram at the time. “To all my show siblings … the ever-evolving list of talented people, I have our bonds locked in forever, thank you, love you.”

Credit: The CW

Kaylee Bryant ('Legacies')

After playing Josie Saltzman from 2018 to 2021, Bryant revealed that she was stepping away from the role.

"As a fan of The Vampire Diaries universe myself, thank you to The CW and Warner Bros. TV for giving me this opportunity," the Florida native said in a December 2021 statement. "I am so grateful to the fans and will love them always and forever for welcoming and accepting me into this world. [My character] Josie has helped so many beautiful humans feel comfortable in their sexuality, and I hope her legacy lives on so that one day everyone feels free to love whoever they want regardless of gender."

Credit: Rebecca Brennen/The CW

Lindsey Morgan ('Walker)

During season 2 of Walker, Morgan opened up about her decision to leave The CW series. 

“After much thoughtful consideration and introspection, I have made the incredibly difficult decision to step away from my role as Micki Ramirez on Walker for personal reasons, and I am eternally grateful to have the support of the producers, CBS Studios and The CW in allowing me to do so,” the 100 alum said in a statement in October 2021. “The opportunity to play Micki has truly been a blessing as has working alongside the incredible cast and crew of this terrific series. Please know that I will continue to root for my TV family and wish them all the best.”

Credit: The CW

Mark Consuelos ('Riverdale')

In October 2021, showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa confirmed that Consuelos would no longer appear as Hiram Lodge. 

“From the moment Mark joined us, he was up for literally anything, a hundred percent committed to making Archie’s life a living hell,” Aguirre-Sacasa told Deadline about the actor's four-year run on the series. “And what’s funny is, Mark couldn’t be more different from Hiram. A classy pro and the sweetest guy, always looking out for everyone. We wish Mark the best and hope this isn’t the last we’ve seen of Hiram Lodge.”

Credit: Colin Bentley/The CW

Madeleine Mantock ('Charmed')

The Charmed reboot introduced viewers to Mantock, who later left the series after three seasons. 

"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 in July 2021. "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."

Credit: Katie Yu/The CW

Carlos Valdes ('The Flash')

In May 2021, showrunner Eric Wallace revealed that Valdes and Tom Cavanagh were stepping down from their roles on the show.

“Tom and Carlos have been an integral part of our show for seven seasons, and will be greatly missed,” Wallace said in a statement at the time. “Both are incredible talents who created beloved characters that fans and audiences around the world have come to love. Which is why we are happily keeping the door open for return appearances.”

Credit: Katie Yu/The CW

Tom Cavanagh ('The Flash')

During an interview with TV Line, Cavanagh gushed about the legacy that his character, Reverse Flash, would leave behind in The Flash universe. 

"I think we’re always aware that that guy, the antihero, the guy’s real nemesis is always going to be out there lurking, which allows me to leave the show without completely leaving the show, in a good way," he said in May 2021. "It’s always a little more heartbreaking to leave a thing that you’ve spent a lot of time doing when you know that it’s game over and you’re not going to see anybody again. This is kind of the best of both worlds, and I’m grateful for that."

Credit: The CW

China Anne McClain ('Black Lighting')

After the show was officially canceled, the Disney alum noted that season 4 would be her last “regardless of if it went on or not,” confirming her exit.

“What I did know and have known along with the rest of the cast since before we even started shooting this season is that I am leaving the show. And was leaving the show. This was going to be my last season," she said via an Instagram video in November 2020.

During the lengthy clip, McClain hinted that her departure wasn't always planned.

“There’s been a lot to happen over this quarantine, and I’m not talking about the PC side of it,” she said, referring to the COVID-19 pandemic. “God is moving me in more than one way than just this show. It’s bigger than this show. I’m doing God’s work now and I’m not doing anything else.”

She concluded: “I’m not leaving because I had a terrible time working at The CW. I like the CW. I like [CW network president] Mark Pedowitz, I like [Warner Bros. president] Peter Roth, [executive producer] Berlanti, I love [showrunner] Salim [Akil], I always will. He gets it. And people that actually know me they know why I make the decisions that I make.”

Credit: Colin Bentley/The CW

Ruby Rose ('Batwoman')

In May 2020, Rose announced that she would not be returning to Batwoman after season 1, and the role was later 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."

Credit: Robert Falconer/The CW

Skeet Ulrich ('Riverdale')

In February 2020, the Scream star confirmed that he wouldn't continue playing F.P. Jones on the Archie comic-book inspired series.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the friendships I’ve made on Riverdale, and I will miss seeing everyone on a daily basis,” Ulrich told TVLine in February 2020. “I’m proud to have been part of such a talented group of people, in front of the camera and behind. But I’ve decided that it’s time for me to move on to explore other creative opportunities.”

Credit: Robert Falconer/The CW

Marisol Nichols ('Riverdale')

Nichols' departure was announced by Aguirre-Sacasa alongside Ulrich's. “Part of life in Riverdale — and part of growing up — is saying goodbye to people. I’m grateful to Skeet and Marisol for their incredible work on the show these last four years, and we all wish them well on their future endeavors," the writer told TV Line. "F.P. and Hermione will never be far from our hearts. And, of course, they’re always welcome back in Riverdale.”

Credit: Quantrell D. Colbert/The CW

Nicollette Sheridan ('Dynasty')

In February 2019, Sheridan announced her decision to leave after playing Alexis Carrington since the show's debut. “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,” she told Us Weekly at the time.

Credit: Mark Hill/The CW

Nathalie Kelley ('Dynasty')

After her one-season stint as Cristal, Kelley confirmed that she wasn't returning to the Dynasty set. 

“I haven’t read anything for season 2. I know that I end up with a gunshot wound and in a fire at the end of season 1, and I know that I won’t be filming season 2,” the Unreal alum explained to E! News in June 2018. "I won’t be returning for season 2."

Ana Brenda Contreras was later cast as Kelley's replacement — but she also left after one season. Daniella Alonso took over for Contreras in 2019.

Credit: The CW

Ross Butler ('Riverdale')

In May 2017, Charles Melton was recast in the role of Reggie after Butler left the series.

“We love what Ross did with the role of Reggie, but because of his commitments to other projects, we couldn’t use him nearly as much as we would have liked,” Aguirre-Sacasa told TVLine. “[Next season], we want more Reggie on our show — he’s Archie’s rival! — and because Ross is unavailable to come back to Riverdale, we’re looking for a new Reggie. Those are big shoes to fill, but we’re confident we can find an actor who is as funny and sexy as Ross. And of course we all wish Ross the best.”

Credit: The CW

Santino Fontana ('Crazy Ex-Girlfriend')

In 2016, Fontana confirmed that he wouldn't be coming back as Greg after signing a one-year contract with the series. “It was a really tough decision, and it had a lot to do with my family and my base in New York," he told Vulture at the time.

Skylar Astin was later recast as Rebecca (Rachel Bloom)'s love interest during season 4.

Credit: Bettina Strauss/The CW

Calista Flockhart ('Supergirl')

After Supergirl moved from CBS to The CW in 2016, Flockhart decided not to continue as Cat Grant. She made several guest appearances until the series wrapped in 2021.

Credit: Moviestore/Shutterstock

Nina Dobrev ('The Vampire Diaries')

Dobrev announced her exit from the supernatural teen drama after playing Elena Gilbert for six years.

“I’ve just spent the most beautiful weekend on Lake Lanier in Georgia with my own TVD Family, the cast and crew of The Vampire Diaries,” the Degrassi alum wrote via Instagram in 2015. “I want to be the first to tell you that it wasn’t just a holiday celebration, it was a goodbye party. I always knew I wanted Elena’s story to be a six season adventure, and within those six years I got the journey of a lifetime.” 

Two years later, Dobrev returned to wrap up Elena's story during the series finale.

Credit: The CW

Claire Holt ('The Originals')

Holt left The Originals in 2014 after playing Rebekah Mikaelson for one season.

“As far as I’m concerned, this is a temporary hiatus,” the Australia native said during an appearance at PaleyFest. “I’m taking a little vacation in the sun, but I’m going to return to my New Orleans family. I am so not ready to let go of the Mikaelsons. I hope that there’s many more stories to tell.”

Holt continued to make appearances on The Originals and its spinoff series Legacies.