10 TV Shows That Handled Actor Exits Surprisingly Well

As television shows continue for multiple seasons, it only makes sense that actors must leave for one reason or another. This can be a disappointing and messy process, but occasionally shows handle the exits surprisingly well. When there has been enough notice given to writers, an actor’s exit can be a great time to wrap up their characters’ storylines and give them a satisfying farewell that satisfies both critics and viewers. An actor’s exit from a television series does not necessarily have to be a bad thing and sometimes can help push the series in new and interesting directions.

There are some actors whose series exit are of major significance to the overall story of the show, like Michael Scott leaving The Officethat left a void that was very difficult to fill, even if his character did receive an enjoyable send-off. There are other instances where the dynamics of a character just work in the overall show, such as Mark Brendanawicz in Parks and Recreation whose departure was necessary to make room for other characters. Some actors only appear briefly, such as Anita Barone as Carol Willick in Friends, who left the show after just one appearance and whose replacement is now considered the definitive version of the character.

10 Amy Sosa Amy played by America Ferrera

Superstore (2015 – 2021)

Superstore was an ensemble-driven sitcom triumph full of likable characters, strong writing, and engaging storylines. Throughout Superstore, one of the most important characters was Amy Sosa, played by America Ferrera, who built herself up to floor assistant and eventual store manager at the Cloud 9 superstore. Ferrera left the show at the beginning of season 6 to pursue other projects and spend more time with her family. This was written into Superstore as Amy receiving a promotion and moving to California. After following Amy’s journey from a dissatisfied single mother to discovering her true potential, her exit was disappointing but appropriate, and she later returned for the series finale.

9 Gina Linetti played Chelsea Peretti

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013 – 2021)

For six seasons, Gina Linetti, played by Chelsea Peretti, entrenched herself as a vital par of the Brooklyn Nine-Nine cast. As Captain Holt’s assistant and Jake Peralta’s childhood best friend, Gina’s sudden exit in season six came as something of a surprise. Behind the scenes, Brooklyn Nine-Nine had been canceled by Fox and picked back up by NBC but the exact reasons for Peretti’s exit are somewhat shrouded in mystery. Despite this, the series handled her exit well and Gina is given a fond farewell as, true to her character, she decided her skills would be better utilized by being an online celebrity.

8 Rachel Zane played by Meghan Markle

Suits (2011 – 2019)

The circumstances behind Meghan Markle’s personal life during the time she left Suits were very well-documented. Having got engaged to Prince Harry, Markle gave up her role on the show to become a full-time member of the British Royal Family. Within Suits, her character, the paralegal Rachel Zane, got a happy ending and moved to Seattle in the season 7 finale with her husband Mike Ross. Markle’s Suits departure was not sudden, the writers had time to plan her exit as her relationship with Prine Harry became more serious, and the character of Rachel Zane was given a satisfying conclusion and send-off.

7 Steve Carell as Michael Scott

The Office (2005 – 2013)

The absence of Steve Carell as Michael Scott in the final two seasons of The Office was sorely felt, as he was one of the most beloved sitcom characters of all time. However, it must be said that the character does receive an extended goodbye that accurately reflects how important Michael Scott was to the show. During an interview on the Office Ladies podcast, Carrell said he left the show to give other cast members time in the spotlight. In season 7, episode 22, “Goodbye Michael” the character received a heartfelt farewell in an emotional send-off that ranks among the best episodes of The Office.

6 Greg Serrano played by Santino Fontana

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015 – 2019)

The musical comedy Crazy Ex-Girlfriend featured Greg Serrano, played by Santino Fontana, a love interest for the lead character Rebecca Bunch, played by Rachel Bloom. Greg was an interesting character and the obvious eventual partner for Rebecca; however, Fontana was only contracted for one season and was written out of the show at the beginning of season 2. This would lead to complications in season 4 when Greg returned to West Covina but was played by a different actor. Normally, such a drastic recasting would be impossible to explain, but due to the main character’s questionable mental stability, Greg’s new look was convincingly written into the story of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.

5 Carol Willick played by Anita Barone

Friends (1994 – 2004)

Ross Geller’s ex-wife Carol Willick was a recurring character throughout Friends, but upon rewatching, audiences will be quick to notice Carol was played by a completely different actress in her first Friends appearance in season 1. Initially portrayed by Anita Barone, she was quickly replaced by Jane Sibbett after Barone quit to pursue more full-time roles. Friends handled her exit seamlessly and although Friends is often sometimes criticized for having outdated humor and problematic storylines, the lesbian wedding between Carol and Susan on Friends would also be a groundbreaking moment for the depiction of LGBTQ+ relationships on screen.

4 Batwoman/Kate Kane played by Ruby Rose

Batwoman (2019 – 2022)

Ruby Rose joined the DC Universe after portraying Kate Kane, also known as Batwoman, in the CW superhero series. However, after just one season, Rose announced she was leaving the show and was quickly replaced by Javicia Leslie, who took over as Ryan Wilder, the new Batwoman. Rose stated her reasons for leaving stemmed from the taxing work environment and an accident she had in 2019. However, her co-star Camrus Johnson revealed there had been complaints about Rose’s onset behavior. Either way, Batwoman handled the character’s exit well and, instead of recasting her, decided to shift the focus to a new version of the hero.

3 Laurie Foreman played by Lisa Robin Kelly

That ‘70s Show (1998 – 2006)

The manipulative older sister of Eric in That ‘70s Show, Laurie Foreman was initially played by Lisa Robin Kelly before being replaced by Christina Moore in season 6. Despite never being a major part of the show, her character completely disappeared in season 3 and was said to have moved away to go to beauty school. The story of why this happened was a tragic one as, in real life, Kelly experienced the loss of her child and struggled with alcohol and substance problems. Considering the difficult behind-the-scenes circumstances, That ‘70s Show handled the character’s departure and reappearance well and Laurie returned without much note being made of her absence.

2 Frank Underwood played by Kevin Spacey

House of Cards (2013 – 2018)

Perhaps the most controversial television exit in the modern era, Kevin Spacey was forced to leave House of Cards following allegations of sexual misconduct. Spacey’s Frank Underwood was the central focus of House of Cards and to continue the series without his involvement was difficult. Frank Underwood was killed off in House of Cards and instead shifted the focus to his wife, Claire Underwood, expertly played by Robin Wright, who became the President of the United States. While the series could not entirely overcome the absence of Frank, it acted as an interesting epilogue to the political drama and handled Spacey’s exit as well as could be reasonably expected.

1 Mark Brendanawicz played by Paul Schneider

Parks and Recreation (2009 – 2015)

Parks and Recreation season 1 is very different from later seasons and one major aspect of that is the character of Mark Brendanawicz. Originally intended to be a spin-off to The Office, the show took a while to find its feet and one part of that was getting rid of Mark, the city planner. A major character in season 1, Mark became less important in season 2, and by season 3, he was gone entirely. Mark’s exit was handled well and explained by him gaining a private-sector job and leaving the department. Mark’s absence was not strongly felt as new characters like Chris Traeger and Ben Wyatt appeared to fill his void.