TV Stars Who Left Hit Shows

Credit: HBOMAX

TV Stars Who Left Hit Shows

It’s never easy to say goodbye, even if it’s a television goodbye. While no TV show can last forever – well, Law & Order: SVU is in the running – the cast doesn’t always stay as long. Many actors choose to leave after their contracts end. Some give the networks a lengthy heads-up, while others just seem to up and vanish, leaving the writers to scramble (see below!). Regardless, the show must go on. One of the most talked about exits was in May 2017, when Sophia Bush decided to leave Chicago P.D. after season 4. She played the lead role of Detective Erin Lindsay on the NBC drama and was written out of the show with a cliffhanger – her character was offered a job in New York to join the FBI. Many thought this could mean she would pop up on Law & Order: SVU – another show written by Dick Wolf which has done a crossover with P.D. before – but over the years, it was made apparent that was not happening. In multiple interviews since her exit, Bush explained that she went to her bosses between the third and fourth seasons and told them if things didn’t “drastically” change, she would be leaving at the end of the year. Then, in December 2018, she opened up about the decision while on Dax Shepard’s “Armchair Expert” podcast. “I quit because, what I’ve learned is, I’ve been so programmed to be a good girl and to be a work horse and be a tug boat, that I have always prioritized tugging the ship for the crew, for the show, for the group, ahead of my own health … My body was, like, falling apart, because I was really, really unhappy,” she revealed, before later adding she felt “ignored” and recalled the time she told a coworker, “I feel like I was standing butt-naked, bruised and bleeding in the middle of Times Square, screaming at the top of my lungs and not a single person stopped to ask if they could help me.” She also referenced the show as “a consistent onslaught barrage of abusive behavior.” Bush noted: “You start to lose your way when someone assaults you in a room full of people and everyone literally looks away, looks at the floor, looks at the ceiling, and you’re the one woman in the room and every man who’s twice your size doesn’t do something.” For more TV stars who walked away from hit shows, scroll through the gallery below.

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Kelly McCreary

McCreary, who was introduced as Dr. Maggie Pierce on season 10 of Grey’s Anatomy, announced in March 2023 that she was exiting the medical drama. 

"After nine seasons, I am saying goodbye to Maggie Pierce and her Grey Sloan family,” she said in a statement to Entertainment Tonight at the time. “It has been a tremendous honor to be a part of such a legendary television institution as Grey’s Anatomy. I will always be grateful to Shonda Rhimes, Krista Vernoff and ABC for the opportunity, and to the incredible fans for their passionate support.” 

She continued: “To spend nine years exploring a character inside and out, while reaching a global audience with impactful stories, is a rare gift. It has afforded me an opportunity to collaborate with, learn from and be inspired by countless brilliant artists both in front of and behind the camera. Playing Maggie Pierce has been one of the true joys of my life and I leave with profound gratitude for every step of this journey. I am excited for this next chapter, and what the future holds."

Following news of her departure, Vernoff released her own statement about McCreary’s time on the hit ABC series. 

"Kelly McCreary is a writer’s dream come true; brilliant, nuanced, thoughtful and kind. We will deeply miss her and her beautifully crafted Dr. Maggie Pierce,” the showrunner told the outlet.

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Ashley Nicole Black

The A Black Lady Sketch Show star’s departure was announced in October 2022. Black, who has played various characters since the show’s 2019 premiere, won’t return for season 4.

“We are forever indebted to our sister, Emmy winner Ashley Nicole Black, whose contributions as a writer and performer on A Black Lady Sketch Show for three seasons have made an indelible mark on our series and in comedy history,” series creator and star Robin Thede said in a statement to Variety. “She will always be a part of our family and we are rooting for her as she continues on her path of greatness.”

Black, meanwhile, confirmed her exit via social media that same day. “I am so happy that the fantastic Black Lady Sketch Show team will be back for a new season,” she wrote. “While I made the difficult decision to leave the show, I can’t wait to watch what they come up with!”

Credit: Lori Allen/NBC

Jesse Lee Soffer

The Chicago P.D. star confirmed in August 2022 that he will exit the series during season 10. “I want to thank the incredible fans for their unwavering support during the past 10 years and want to express my deepest gratitude to Dick Wolf and everyone at Wolf Entertainment, Peter Jankowski, Matt Olmstead, Derek Haas, Michael Brandt, Rick Eid, Gwen Sigan, NBC, Universal Television, my fellow castmates and our incredible crew,” he said in a statement to Variety.

Soffer, who has played Detective Jay Halstead since the show’s 2014 debut, added: “To create this hour drama week after week has been a labor of love by everyone who touches the show. I will always be proud of my time as Det. Jay Halstead.”

Credit: Virginia Sherwood/NBC

Kelli Giddish

Giddish announced in August 2022 that following a 12-season stint on Law & Order: SVU at Detective Amanda Rollins she was leaving the long-running drama. “Playing Rollins has been one of the greatest joys and privileges of my life. I’ve been so fortunate to be a part of the Law & Order family for the last 12 years,” she wrote via Instagram. Giddish first appeared on the NBC series in 2007.

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Miguel Gomez

FBI: Most Wanted lost another cast member ahead of season 4, Deadline reported in June 2022. Gomez, who played Special Agent Ivan Ortiz for two seasons, was noticeably absent from the season 3 finale, which aired one month prior.

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Lina Esco

Esco announced in May 2022 that she was leaving S.W.A.T. after playing officer Christine “Chris” Alonso for five seasons. The actress, who made her TV directorial debut during the show’s fifth season, noted in a statement that she was exiting the drama to “pursue new creative endeavors.”

She continued: “This is one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make. I’m forever grateful to my S.W.A.T. family – my fellow cast, writers, and producers – for an incredible journey. To the amazing S.W.A.T. fans, you are the heart of the show. I can’t thank you enough for your support and for walking beside me through all of Chris’ journey!”

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Gavin Leatherwood

The actor appeared in all but one episode of HBO Max's The Sex Lives of College Girls season 1, but he decided not to return as Kimberly's (Pauline Chalamet) love interest, Nico Murray in season 2. 

“It was such an incredible experience. I think Mindy is brilliant and the cast, everyone’s lovely,” Leatherwood exclusively told Us in March 2022. “But with so many amazing opportunities out there, we want to keep spreading our wings and leading ourselves to other projects so that’s the move.”

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Mark Harmon

Harmon, who played Leroy Jethro Gibbs for 18 years on NCIS, hung up his detective badge in October 2021. In the episode, Gibbs told his partner Special Agent Timothy McGee (Sean Murray) that he did not want to return to the bustling city and felt a “sense of peace” in Alaska.

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Julian McMahon

McMahon wrapped his three-season tenure as Jess La Croix on FBI: Most Wanted in March 2022.

“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,” he said in a statement at the time. “These ongoing conversations have given us an opportunity to orchestrate a seamless and productive way for me to leave the show.”

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Maia Mitchell

The Australia native played Callie Adams Foster on The Fosters for five seasons before revisiting her character on its Good Trouble spinoff. She confirmed her exit in March 2022 on the second episode of season 4. Her character left sister Mariana (Cierra Ramierez) in Los Angeles as she took a job working for the ACLU in Washington D.C.

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Emily VanCamp

After joining the show during its 2018 debut, the Marvel actress exited The Resident in August 2021 ahead of the season 5 premiere.

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Nathaniel Arcand

After two seasons on FBI: Most Wanted, Arcand confirmed that he wouldn’t be reprising his character, Agent Clinton Skye, in season 3.

“Moving On. Moving Forward. Don’t Look Back,” the Heartland actor wrote via Instagram in June 2021. “#movingon #movingforward #dontlookback #clintonskye Must Say Bye. Bye.” The actor was noticeably absent from the crime drama for most of season 2.

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Emily Wickersham

After joining NCIS during Season 11, Wickersham confirmed her exit from the show after her character, Bishop, left for a top secret undercover mission.

“Hangin this hat and jacket up. What a great ride it’s been,” the actress captioned behind-the-scenes photos highlighting her time on the CBS series via Instagram in May 2021. “This cast, this crew, are top notch. I can’t say enough kind words about this group that I’ve had the pleasure of working with for close to 8 years now and 172 episodes later.”

She added: "This business is finicky and weird and consistency is a rarity. I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of a show where I got to show up and act and laugh and learn with wonderful people. A moment in time I surely won’t forget. Thank you CBS and NCIS for including me in a part of television history. Time goes fast. Eat it up but chew slowly. ❤️”

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Renee Felice Smith and Barrett Foa

After 10 years and 11 seasons playing NCIS: Los Angeles’ Nell Jones, the actress said goodbye to her character and castmates during the May 2021 episode, “A Tale of Two Igors.” The episode also marked the end of her costar Barrett Foa’s time as Eric Beale following 12 seasons on the crime drama.

“I will miss the people. I will miss the people greatly. I've made lifelong friendships here. I essentially spent kindergarten through 11th grade with these people,” Smith told Entertainment Tonight after her final episode aired. “When you think of it like that, it's kind of wild to think about the breadth of time, but I just want to say I'm so thankful for our audience. I'm thankful for them praising Nell, for respecting her intelligence. I've always been cast as the funny friend, but with Nell, I got to play so much more.”

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Rege-Jean Page

The actor skyrocketed to fame after Bridgerton became the most-watched series in Netflix’s history. However, he opted not to return for season 2. “It’s a one-season arc. It’s going to have a beginning, middle, end — give us a year,” Page recalled to Variety in April 2021 of his conversations with producers about his role as Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings. “[I thought] ‘That’s interesting,’ because then it felt like a limited series. I get to come in, I get to contribute my bit and then the Bridgerton family rolls on.”

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Jesse Metcalfe

“A new season of Hallmark Channel’s highly popular scripted series Chesapeake Shores is returning this summer. Jesse Metcalfe, who plays Trace Riley, has decided to leave the show,” Hallmark Channel told Us Weekly in a statement in March 2021. “His character’s storyline will wrap up early in season five.” Metcalfe portrayed musician and contractor Trace Riley on the drama from 2016 to 2021. The network noted, however, that he is still a “valued member of the Crown Media family” and will continue appear in Hallmark movies, including his Hallmark Movies & Mysteries film series, Martha’s Vineyard Mysteries.

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Lauren Graham

The Gilmore Girls alum exited Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist during the show’s season 2 premiere in January 2021. Graham played Joan, Zoey Clarke’s (Jane Levy) boss throughout the first season of the NBC series. "I would have loved to have had more of her in season two," showrunner Austin Winsberg told The Hollywood Reporter of Graham’s departure. "Unfortunately, the character of Joan was a victim of COVID scheduling. Lauren had committed to doing another show [The Mighty Ducks series on Disney+] that was supposed to be done shooting by the time we went into production. But the pandemic changed all of that and both shows ended up shooting at the same time. So, there was just no way for her to do both." Fans may not have seen that last of Graham, however, with Winsberg adding, “The door is always open for Lauren and Joan to return, and nothing would make me happier.”

Credit: CBS

Anna Faris

Anna Faris exited CBS' Mom in September 2020 after leading the show for seven seasons alongside Allison Janney. “The past seven years on Mom have been some of the most fulfilling and rewarding of my career," Faris 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."

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Courtney Hope

In August 2020, Hope announced her departure from The Bold and the Beautiful after three years playing Sally Spectra. “An abrupt ending to a monumental journey. The last three years have been amazing, and though I do not know what the future holds this chapter of Sally has sadly come to an end,” she explained via Instagram. I love my @boldandbeautifulcbs cast and crew and will miss everyone dearly, but await the day we may all play again. Some things are out of our control, and I thank the fans for your support through it all! Until then, I revel in new beginnings and everything the future has in store. 🙌🏼✨ Love you all.”

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Maria Bello

After joining NCIS in season 15, the actress will be leaving the crime show during the upcoming 18th season, Deadline reported in July 2020. Her character, forensic psychologist Jacqueline “Jack” Sloane, is set to wrap up her story line with eight episodes.

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Greg Vaughan

The actor announced his exit from Days of Our Lives in July 2020 after eight years playing Eric Brady. “I’ve finished my reign at Days,” he said during an episode of the “That’s Awesome! With Steve and Bradford” podcast. Vaughan explained that he was “taking a break” from the NBC soap opera after uncertain renewal negotiations. He added that he thought his time on the show “was coming to an end anyway.”

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Kristian Alfonso

The actress announced in July 2020 that she would be leaving Days of Our Lives after starring in the soap opera for 37 years. She first appeared on the series in 1983 as the character Hope Williams Brady. "I feel blessed and honored to have been invited into people's homes for over three decades," Alfonso wrote via Instagram. "However, it is now time for me to write my next chapter. I will not be returning to Days when it resumes production in September. I've already filmed my last episode several months ago."

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Ruby Rose

Batwoman fans were shocked at the end of season 1 when Rose announced that she would not be returning for future seasons.

"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 in May 2020. "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: ABC/John Fleenor

Justin Chambers

The actor shocked Grey’s Anatomy fans in January 2020 when he announced he was leaving the long-running medical drama after 16 seasons.

“There’s no good time to say goodbye to a show and character that’s defined so much of my life for the past 15 years,” Chambers, who played Dr. Alex Karev since season 1, said in statement. “For some time now, however, I have hoped to diversify my acting roles and career choices. And, as I turn 50 and am blessed with my remarkable, supportive wife and five wonderful children, now is that time. As I move on from Grey’s Anatomy, I want to thank the ABC family, Shonda Rhimes, original cast members Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson and James Pickens, and the rest of the amazing cast and crew, both past and present, and, of course, the fans for an extraordinary ride.” 

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Adam Levine

Ahead of season 17, Levine decided to quit The Voice; he was a coach for the first 16 seasons and won three times. “After 16 seasons, Adam Levine, our beloved coach and friend, has decided to leave The Voice,” host Carson Daly announced on the Today show in May 2019. “Adam was one of the original coaches that launched the show, winning the competition three times and inspiring many of the artists he worked closely with over the years.”

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Emily Bett Rickards

The actress announced in March 2019 that she would be leaving Arrow at the end of season 7. “Felicity and I are a very tight two,” she wrote via Instagram. “But after [seasons] one through seven we will be saying goodbye to you.” Rickards’ Felicity Smoak, who worked as a hacker on Team Arrow before falling for and eventually marrying Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell), became a series regular during season 1 after a guest appearance. The CW confirmed earlier in March that season 8 would be Arrow’s last.

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Chris Meloni

After 12 seasons of playing Elliot Stabler on Law & Order: SVU, Christopher Meloni decided to walk away from the longtime hit drama. Although he abruptly left after the season 12 finale was filmed, leaving writers scrambling to address it in season 13, he has stayed close to the cast and crew and is open to return for the series finale – whenever that may be.

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Josh Charles

When Josh Charles’ contract was up following season 5 of The Good Wife, he decided to step away from the CBS drama. His character, Will Gardner, was shockingly shot and killed during the show. The show continued for two more seasons and his ghost appeared in the series finale. 

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Katherine Heigl

“It’s what I wanted.” That’s what Katherine Heigl said after wrapping on Grey’s Anatomy midway through season 6. She left to spend more time with her family, specifically her then newly-adopted daughter, but the exit wasn’t without its drama. In 2008, she made a statement that she wanted to be out of an Emmy consideration because the writing of her character wasn’t good enough. Ellen Pompeo also spoke out about her departure in a 2016 interview. “You could understand why she wanted to go — when you’re offered $12 million a movie and you’re only 26. But Katie’s problem is that she should not have renewed her contract,” Pompeo told the New York Post at the time. “She re-upped, took a big raise and then tried to get off the show. And then her movie career did not take off.” Heigl’s character, Izzie Stevens, has never returned to the series.

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Andrew Lincoln

The Walking Dead fans were shocked when Andrew Lincoln decided to exit the AMC hit after nine seasons, in order to spend more time with his family. However, after his final episode, the creator revealed he had signed on for several Rick Grimes-centric films in the coming years.

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Nicollette Sheridan

After starring in The CW’s Dynasty reboot for a season and a half, Nicolette Sheridan announced she would not return for the third season in order to take care of her terminally ill mother. 

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Sophia Bush

As stated above, Bush left Chicago P.D. after four seasons, ending her contract early. In numerous interviews since, she’s explained that she was unhappy with the conditions on the set. However, she remains close with many members of the cast.

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Steve Carrell

After seven seasons of The Office, Steve Carrell decided to leave the hit NBC sitcom, explaining at the time that since his contract was up, he wanted to take the chance to spend more time with his family. The show continued for two more seasons and he made a surprise appearance on the 2013 series finale.

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Amy Carlson

Amy Carlson made her last Blue Bloods appearance on the season 7 finale – but no one knew that fact until season 8 premiered and revealed that her character, Linda Raegan, was killed in a helicopter crash. She told Us Weekly in November 2017 that it was a “difficult decision” to leave the series.

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Chad Michael Murray and Hilarie Burton

Following six seasons of One Tree Hill, lead stars Chad Michael Murray and Hilarie Burton – whose characters Lucas Scott and Peyton Sawyer were married on the teen drama – decided to exit the series. Murray later returned for a cameo in season 9, the show’s final season. Burton did not return. In 2017, she spoke out in an interview with Variety detailing sexual assault allegations against showrunner Mark Schwahn, which was a part of her decision to say goodbye to the show.

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Jennifer Morrison

After six seasons playing Emma Swan, Jennifer Morrison decided to leave ABC’s Once Upon a Time in order to transition into more directing roles and taking on new opportunities. “I’m just at an age and a time in my life where I want to be home, I want to be with my family and my friends, to have a chance to have a personal life for a while, and also wanted to be available to do other creative things,” she told Deadline in 2017. However, she did make an appearance in the May 2018 series finale.

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Mischa Barton

At the end of The O.C.’s third season, Mischa Barton’s character was killed off after she told Fox she wanted to leave the show. The show continued for another season before its cancellation in 2007. Nine years later, she opened up about the decision. "I think I just got to the point where I was like, 'I'm not sure I'm enjoying this anymore,’" she said while competing on season 22 of Dancing With the Stars. "I just felt like I was in a machine and I couldn't really get off. So it was time to step back. So I went back to England and it was just a year of real self-exploration.”

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Nina Dobrev

At the end of season 6, Nina Dobrev decided to leave The Vampire Diaries – where, at one point she was portraying three different characters – in order to take on more adult roles. She returned two seasons later for the series finale. 

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Jonathan Taylor Thomas

After seven and a half seasons on Home Improvement, Jonathan Taylor Thomas exited the sitcom midway through the eighth and final season in order to focus on school. (He enrolled in Harvard University and later, Columbia University.) He did not return for the finale, appearing only in old footage.

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Connie Britton

Midway through season 5 of CMT’s hit show Nashville, Connie Britton exited the series in order to do new things creatively. Her character, Rayna James, was killed off, but she did return for the 2018 series finale in a flashback, performing one last time with Deacon Claybourne.

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Emmy Rossum

In March 2019, Emmy Rossum made her final appearance on Shameless in the season 9 finale. The actress revealed months prior she had decided to leave the series, however showrunner John Wells made sure Fiona’s story line was left open-ended, in case Rossum decided to later return. “I think she's so central to the family and to the show that we'll certainly keep her progress abroad alive. Some of it will depend on Emmy and if she wants to do a scene or a phone call here or there. It was so emotional with her leaving,” he told The Hollywood Reporter in March 2019.

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Shemar Moore

After spending 11 years as Derek Morgan on Criminal Minds, Shemar Moore announced he was leaving in 2016 in order to see what other roles he was capable of playing. However, he returned in seasons 12 and 13 as a guest star.

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Monica Raymund

At the end of season 6, Monica Raymond revealed in an Instagram post that she was not returning to Chicago Fire following her contract's end. Her character, Gabby Dawson, took a job in Puerto Rico. She made one final surprise appearance during the season 7 premiere. However, cocreator Derek Haas remains hopeful that one day, she will return.