10 Times TV Shows Successfully Sidelined Their Main Characters

It can be difficult for a series to flourish when its main characters are sidelined, but some shows have managed to do just fine without their leads, whether it’s for a single episode, a full season, or even longer. A beloved main character’s presence can be a source of great comfort and familiarity. When series leads are put on the back burner — especially popular ones — their absence needs to be well-written and perfectly executed. The reason for the exclusion of a main character will vary from show to show, but the end goal is to make their absence minimally disruptive for viewers.

Omitting a main character can further the plot, stop it dead in its tracks, or even completely transform a TV show moving forward. As a result, the act needs to be carefully consideredby showrunners each time it’s carried out. Some shows will do it again and again, whereas others take a one-and-done approach. Either way, it’s not a trend that’s going to stop any time soon.

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10 Solar Opposites Season 3, Episode 4 – “Hululand”

The Main Characters Are Sidelined For The Wall Story

When the Solar Opposites go on a trip, viewers are given an extended look at another group of characters. In Solar Opposites season 3, episode 4, the shrunken-down prisoners inside Jesse and Yumulack’s wall finally escape. Although the complex political situation within the wall is shown on numerous occasions, “Hululand” spends almost its entire run showing two characters’ reintegration into society after freeing themselves. The main characters return near the end of the episode, but they are painted as the villains. This setup works surprisingly well, offering a new perspective on the series’ heroes, especially since the escape sequence is revealed to be a dream, meaning the wall saga continues.

9 Scrubs – Throughout The Entire Show

Other Characters Pick Up J.D.’s Voiceovers

J.D. (Zach Braff) is the main narrator for the first eight seasons of Scrubs, with his voice-over tying together the storylines of each episode. However, there are times when the audience is permitted to listen in on the inner monologue of some of the show’s other characters. Not only do Turk and Elliot get to take the reins, but there are also episodes assigned to Dr. Cox, Dr. Kelso, and the Janitor.

There are also episodes that have an ensemble leading the charge, with audiences hearing their thoughts as they unfold. By the end of the show’s run, almost every leading and supporting actor has their turn on the voice-over track. Although J.D. still features in these episodes, his appearances are mainly to bookend the handing off of the baton to friends and colleagues. Most importantly, the installments still feel like authentic Scrubs episodes.

8 Invincible Season 2, Episode 3 – “This Missive, This Machination!”

Seth Rogen’s Character Gets More Screen Time

Mark Grayson is absent for much of Invincible season 2’s, “This Missive, This Machination!,” but that gives the audience the chance to learn more about the world of Invincible. While Mark is busy settling into college life, Invincible‘s Allen the Alien gets his name on the iconic title card. As well as detailing his origin story, the episode teaches viewers more about Allen’s role in the universe, his love life, and how he fares face-to-face with the Viltrumites. The focus eventually shifts back to Mark, but not until a partial roll of the credits implies the rest of the installment is to be considered a separate entity.

7 Frasier Season 3, Episode 13 – “Moon Dance”

This Episode Focuses Primarily On Niles & Daphne

Although Niles Crane has some prominent storylines in Frasier, it’s not often that he’s the main focus of an episode. In season 3’s “Moon Dance,” all eyes are on the title character’s brother as he takes dancing lessons from Daphne in preparation for a date. The dance lessons quickly become the highlight of Niles’ day, and he opts to continue the lessons despite his plans falling through.

Ultimately, audiences see Niles get his heart broken when he declares his feelings for Daphne mid-dance only to have her believe he was putting on a show for their surrounding onlookers. Hyde Pierce gives an even more enthralling performance than usual in this episode. Although Frasier is in a couple of scenes, these moments are mainly used to establish his absence from the installment at large.

6 The Mandalorian Season 3, Episode 3 – “Chapter 19: The Convert”

The Show Fleshed Out Dr. Pershing’s Story

Although Din Djarin wasn’t ousted from his Star Wars show to the extent Boba Fett was, he only featured in a few minutes of “Chapter 19: The Convert.” The episode instead revolved around Dr. Pershing and his attempts to continue his clone research for the New Republic on Coruscant. The Mandalorian takes on the aesthetic of something more closely resembling Andor in this episode, a Star Wars property renowned for its visual and thematic individuality. Although the episode feels like a diversion from the show at large, it’s still thoroughly engaging. It’s one of the better episodes of The Mandalorian season 3.

5 Two And A Half Men Season 9

This One Was A Permanent Change

Two and a Half Men was built at least in part around Charlie Sheen. When Sheen was pulled from the equation in 2011, it was unclear whether the show would be successful enough to continue when one of the characters referenced in the show’s title passed away. “Nice to Meet You, Walden Schmidt,” cast that doubt aside, as Ashton Kutcher replaced Charlie in the first episode of season 9. The permanent departure of an actor from a successful sitcom can damage it irreversibly. However, despite some fans openly favoring the Charlie Sheen era, Two and a Half Men enjoyed four more seasons without him.

4 The Simpsons Season 7, Episode 21 – “22 Short Films About Springfield”

The Anthology Special Was A Success

The Simpsons boasts a huge number of supporting characters, with many of them boiling down to a single gag or catchphrase. In The Simpsons season 7’s “22 Short Films About Springfield,” the long-running animated sitcom allows much of its cast to breathe — and largely without the presence of a single member of the Simpson family. The installment is one of the most famous episodes, with audiences probably remembering it mostly for Principle Skinner’s infamous steamed hams.

3 The Book Of Boba Fett – “Chapter 5: Return of the Mandalorian”

Fans Favored The Episodes Without Boba Fett

Given that he’s such a beloved character, audiences expected Boba Fett to be the unchallenged main attraction of his own Disney+ show — especially since The Book of Boba Fett only ran for one seven-episode season. “Chapter 5: Return of the Mandalorian” bucked that expectation. Although the episode very loosely tied into the story, it was essentially an episode of The Mandalorian.

Despite Boba Fett not appearing in a single second of the episode, it instantly became a fan favorite. The sneak peek into the adventures of Din Djarin between seasons of The Mandalorian was a welcome distraction from the relative monotony of The Book of Boba Fett. The same was also true of the following episode, which was also light on Boba but heavy on surprise appearances. It wasn’t just Grogu who showed up; Rosario Dawson and Mark Hamill also reprised their respective roles as Ahsoka Tano and Luke Skywalker.

2 Ted Lasso Season 2, Episode 9 – “Beard After Hours”

Coach Beard’s Night Out Was An Adventure

When Richmond loses to Manchester City in Ted Lasso season 2, Coach Beard decides to clear his head and explore London instead of commiserating with the rest of the team. His exploits go from bonding with Richmond fans to more dangerous endeavors. Beard was viewed as a catchphrase machine until “Beard After Hours,” but the season 2 installment revealed the more vulnerable parts of his persona and changed the way he was seen for the rest of Ted Lasso. Coach Beard’s backstory was a great addition to the Apple TV+ series.

1 Doctor Who Season 3, Episode 10 – “Blink”

The “Doctor-Lite” Format Proved Practical At Times

Doctor Who has sidelined the Doctor more than once, but there’s one episode that sticks out. “Blink” is the 10th episode of season 3, and David Tennant’s screen time is minimal. Most of the heroism in “Blink” falls to Sally Sparrow and her accomplice, Larry Nightingale. Although the character of the Doctor is still pivotal to the story that introduces the Weeping Angels, his appearances are mainly limited to pre-recorded footage and a brief appearance near the end of the episode.

Despite the sparing use of Tennant, the episode was a huge success and still has viewers sleeping with the lights on. The adoration for “Blink” is in large part due to the quality of Steven Moffat’s script, but the absence of the show’s protagonist plays a big part in the episode’s fear factor and overall appeal. When a character as heroic as the Doctor is absent, the odds of the day being saved feel much lower.