Shocking TV Exits Through the Years

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Shocking TV Exits Through the Years

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. [jwplayer ctOAEisP-zhNYySv2] 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.

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Padma Lakshmi

In June 2023, the Top Chef host surprised fans with the announcement that she is departing the series after 17 years. "After much soul searching, I have made the difficult decision to leave Top Chef," Lakshmi wrote via Instagram at the time, one week before the season 20 finale. "Having completed a glorious 20th season as host and executive producer, I am extremely proud to have been part of building such a successful show and of the impact it has had in the worlds of television and food. After 17 years, many of the cast and crew are like family to me and I will miss working alongside them dearly."

The cookbook author added that she plans to focus on her other projects, including her Hulu docuseries. "I feel it's time to move on and need to make space for Taste the Nation, my books and other creative pursuits," she wrote. "I am deeply thankful to all of you for so many years of love and support. Sincerely, Padma."

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Phoebe Dynevor

Ahead of season 3, Dynevor confirmed that she wouldn't be reprising her role of Daphne Bridgerton in the next installment of the hit Netflix series.

“Sadly not in season 3. Potentially in the future,” she told Screen Rant in January 2023, when asked about future “exciting dynamics” for her character in the upcoming episodes. “But season 3, I'm just excited to watch as a viewer.”

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Henry Cavill

In a shocking announcement, Cavill revealed in October 2022 that he is leaving The Witcher ahead of season 4 — and is passing the the torch to Liam Hemsworth, who will replace him as Geralt of Rivia.

“My journey as Geralt of Rivia has been filled with both monsters and adventures, and alas, I will be laying down my medallion and my swords for Season 4,” the Superman actor shared via Instagram. “In my stead, the fantastic Mr. Liam Hemsworth will be taking up the mantle of the White Wolf. As with the greatest of literary characters, I pass the torch with reverence for the time spent embodying Geralt and enthusiasm to see Liam’s take on this most fascinating and nuanced of men. Liam, good sir, this character has such a wonderful depth to him, enjoy diving in and seeing what you can find.”

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Michael Fishman

The Connors will be down one character in season 5, TVLine reported in August 2022. Fishman, who played Darlene and Becky’s younger brother DJ, will not be in the ABC sitcom moving forward. The actor first played the role from ages 6 to 15 on the original Roseanne and returned as a series regular for the first four seasons of the revival.

Jayden Rey, who plays DJ’s daughter Mary, will no longer appear as a full-time cast member, but she is expected to guest star on the fifth season of The Connors.

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Barbie Ferreira

In August 2022, the actress confirmed her departure from Euphoria after two seasons.

“After four years of getting to embody the most special and enigmatic character Kat, I’m having to say a very teary-eyed goodbye,” Ferreira wrote via her Instagram Story. “I hope many of you could see yourself in her like I did and that she brought you joy to see her journey into the character she is today. I put all my care and love into her and I hope you guys could feel it.”

Credit: Bettina Strauss/The CW

Jordan Elsass

News broke in August 2022 that the Superman & Lois star would not be returning to reprise the role of Jonathan Kent on season 3 of The CW series.

Credit: Nelly Kiss/CBS

Christiane Paul

The actress’ fate on FBI: International seemed up in the air when season 1 came to an end after her character, Europol agent Katrin Jaeger, was promoted to oversee all of Western Europe. In July 2022, TVLine reported that Paul would in fact be exiting the show. The role of the FBI’s Fly Team liaison will be filled by Eva-Jane Willis, who will portray new Europol agent Megan “Smitty” Garretson.

Credit: Jasper Savage/Hulu

Alexis Bledel

The Gilmore Girls alum is set to depart Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale ahead of season 5. The forthcoming season has yet to premiere on the streaming platform. Bledel notably starred as Ofglen/Emily in the series since its 2017 debut.

“After much thought, I felt I had to step away from The Handmaid’s Tale at this time. I am forever grateful to Bruce Miller for writing such truthful and resonant scenes for Emily, and to Hulu, MGM, the cast and crew for their support,” Bledel told Variety in a May 2022 statement.

Credit: Virginia Sherwood/NBC

Anthony Anderson

News broke in May 2022 that the actor opted not to continue on Law & Order after signing a one-year deal for season 21.

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Charlotte Spencer

After Sanditon's season 2 finale aired in April 2022, showrunner Justin Young confirmed that Spencer will not reprise her role as Esther in the period series’ third season.

“I think where we leave her at the end of season 2 she’s got everything she’s ever wanted. She’s happy, married, and now she has a child that she adores, so I think that’s the end of Esther’s story as far as I’m concerned," he told Decider at the time.

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Frank Langella

According to Deadline, the Oscar nominee was let go from his starring role as Roderick Usher in Netflix’s Fall of the House of Usher — a limited series inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe — after an investigation into his behavior. The outlet reported that he had been involved in “unacceptable conduct” and the show would recast his part. Langella has not publicly addressed the situation.

Credit: George Burns Jr/NBC

Kristen Hager

TVLine reported in April 2022 that the actress, who joined Chicago Med as Dr. Stevie Hammer during season 7, was not returning to the procedural drama. Hager made her One Chicago debut during the season premiere. After 14 episodes, her story line wrapped up in March 2022.

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Francia Raisa, Emily Arlook, Chloe Bailey, Luka Sabbat, Halle Bailey and Jordan Buhat

The Grown-ish season 4 finale saw Zoey Johnson (Yara Shahidi) and her classmates finally graduate from Cal U. However, their graduation subtly alluded to the departure of six beloved characters.

“Francia, Emily, Chloe, Halle, Luka and Jordan will always be a part of the ‘-ish’ family. This new season isn’t a goodbye, we are just expanding the world; there will always be an open door for them to return,” season 5 showrunners Zakiyyah Alexander and Courtney Lilly told Deadline in a statement in March 2022. “For season 5, we’re excited to dive deeper into the storylines of Zoey, Aaron (Trevor Jackson) and Doug (Diggy Simmons) in their post-grad adventures and welcome a new dynamic class to Cal U, including Junior (Marcus Scribner).”

Credit: Liam Daniel/Netflix

Ruby Stokes

Despite plans to have her Bridgerton character, Francesca, have a bigger role on season 2, the actress had to leave the show after just three episodes of filming. According to showrunner Chris Van Dusen, the actress had a scheduling conflict with another Netflix series, Lockwood & Co.

“I love Francesca, but we lost her midway through Season 2,” Van Dusen told TVLine in March 2022. “After exhausting all other options, she unfortunately had to come out due to reasons beyond our control. Perhaps Season 3 will be the charm.”

Credit: Freeform/Christopher Willard

Maia Mitchell

The Australia native, who played Callie Foster on The Fosters for five seasons before starring on the spinoff show alongside Cierra Ramirez, announced that she was leaving Good Trouble in March 2022 via Instagram. "While I have been so beyond fortunate to have this career and a job that I love, with not an iota of regret, for some time I have suppressed a gravitational pull to return home to Australia to be closer to my nearest and dearest," she wrote following the season 4 finale, which saw her character leave Los Angeles for a new job in Washington D.C.

After thanking the show's fans for their support and the cast and crew for understanding, Mitchell added that she still holds Good Trouble close to her heart. "I'm so thrilled that I now hold the title of Good Trouble's newest biggest fan," she wrote. "I cannot wait to see what the team has in store for what I know will be another incredible season!"

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Nick Zano

Zano, who played Nate Heywood on the CW’s Legends of Tomorrow since season 2, departed during the March 2022 season 7 finale.

“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.”

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Jorja Fox

The actress will not reprise her role as Sara Sidle in CSI: Vegas season 2. William Petersen exited previously — though he remains an executive producer — and Fox didn't want to force the Sara and Grissom to split.  

"I have decided not to ‘Sidle up’ for CSI Vegas. For me CSI has always been a love story. The story that people can find love in the darkest of places and times," Fox, who spent 15 years on the original CSI, shared via Twitter in January 2022. "And the story that love, even in the darkest of places and times, can expand and grow roots and endure. I personally just can’t split Sara and Grissom up again. So goes Grissom ... So goes Sara. Wherever they go, they belong together."

Credit: Mark Schafer/CBS

Julian McMahon

The FBI: Most Wanted star announced the March 8, 2022, episode of the legal drama will be his last after nearly three seasons playing Jess LaCroix.

“Over the past few months, the producers of FBI: Most Wanted and I have had discussions about my departure from the show in favor of additional creative pursuits and the transition of my character Jess LaCroix,” McMahon said in a statement to Deadline. “These ongoing conversations have given us an opportunity to orchestrate a seamless and productive way for me to leave the show.”

He added, "I would like to express the gratitude and admiration I have had working with Dick Wolf and Peter Jankowski. I’m extremely proud of the work we have done together and put the development of this show, and my character Jess, at the top of my professional experience list. I wish the show, and its cast & crew, the greatest success in the future. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to play Jess; he is a good man.”

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Kaylee Bryant

The Legacies star announced in December 2021 that she was leaving the Vampire Diaries spinoff behind after three years. "As a fan of The Vampire Diaries universe myself, thank you to The CW and Warner Bros. TV for giving me this opportunity," the actress said in a statement after her final episode aired. "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."

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Jeff Garlin

In December 2021, Jeff Garlin addressed his behavior on the set of The Goldbergs amid an ongoing set investigation. In a Vanity Fear feature, the Babylon actor said he had not been fired amid speculation that he allegedly engaged in a “pattern of verbal and physical conduct that made people uncomfortable.”

“There was no … Nothing physical by any stretch of the imagination. And the verbal part was a joke that was completely missed — because I like this guy. I like his wife. I’ve worked with them for years," he explained at the time. "I will say the joke was missed and I apologize to him. If someone misses a joke, that’s unfortunate to me. I don’t like it.”

He added: “My opinion is, I have my process about how I’m funny, in terms of the scene and what I have to do. They feel that it makes for a quote ‘unsafe’ workspace. Now, mind you, my silliness making an unsafe workspace — I don’t understand how that is. And I’m on a comedy show. I am always a kind and thoughtful person. I make mistakes, sure. But my comedy is about easing people’s pain. Why would I ever want to cause pain in anybody for a laugh? That’s bullying. That’s just uncalled for.”

Later that month, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that Garlin left the series in the middle of its ninth season.

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Lindsey Morgan

The actress announced in October 2021 that she would be leaving Walker during season 2. “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,” she said in a statement. “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: Sonja Flemming/CBS

Mark Harmon

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.”

Credit: The CW

Mark Consuelos

The Riverdale star said goodbye to the CW series in October 2021 after four years of playing "hunky villain" 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,” showrunner Robert Aguirre-Sacasa told Deadline following the season 5 finale. “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.”

He continued, “We wish Mark the best and hope this isn’t the last we’ve seen of Hiram Lodge.”

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Damian Lewis

"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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Titus Makin

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.

Credit: Jeff Neumann/CBS

Kellan Lutz

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.”

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Jamie Gray Hyder

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.”

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Emily VanCamp

After four seasons on The Resident, VanCamp left the show in August 2021 ahead of the season 5 premiere.

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Jodie Whittaker

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.

Credit: The CW

Madeleine Mantock

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."

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Megan Boone

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.

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Antonia Thomas

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."

Credit: Liam Daniel/Netflix

Rege-Jean Page

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.”

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Adriyan Rae

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."

Credit: CBS

Anna Faris

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."

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Maria Bello

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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Kristian Alfonso

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.’”

Credit: Kimberley French/The CW

Ruby Rose

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."

Credit: Ron Batzdorff/NBC

America Ferrera

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.

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Afton Williamson

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.

Credit: Jeff Neumann/SHOWTIME

Ruth Wilson

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.

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Joshua Jackson

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.

Credit: Rosalind O'Connor/NBC

Leslie Jones

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.

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Philip Winchester

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."

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Nicollette Sheridan

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.

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George Eads

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.

Credit: Paul Sarkis/SHOWTIME

Emmy Rossum

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.

Credit: Richard Foreman, Jr/AMC

Kim Dickens

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.

Credit: Gene Page/AMC

Andrew Lincoln

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.

Credit: Elizabeth Morris/NBC

Monica Raymund

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.

Credit: Mark Seliger/NBC

Sophia Bush

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.

Credit: The CW

Nina Dobrev

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.

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Jessica Capshaw and Sarah Drew

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.”

Credit: Eric McCandless/CBS

Pauley Perrette

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.

Credit: Guy D'Alema/ABC

Shemar Moore

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."

Credit: Giovanni Rufino/CBS

Amy Carlson

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.

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Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park

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.”

Credit: CBS

Erinn Hayes

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.

Credit: ABC/JON LEMAY

Connie Britton

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.