Just because an actor leaves a TV show doesn’t necessarily mean they’re gone for good. Television shows often tell stories over many years, and with large casts, it’s common for characters – even main ones – to come and go. Actors sometimes decide to pursue other opportunities after being on a show for a long time, and while this might seem like a permanent departure, it isn’t always the case.
Even well-developed characters on TV shows often have to wrap up their storylines when an actor leaves. There are many reasons why an actor might leave, and sometimes it’s unavoidable. It can feel odd to continue a show without a key player, but occasionally those actors return! While the reasons for coming back differ, it’s always a pleasant surprise and a win for fans when a beloved character reappears after leaving.
7) Steve Carell – The Office
From the start of the American version of The Office, Michael Scott, played by Steve Carell, was clearly the show’s most important character. Carell’s excellent comedic skills made Michael a huge hit with audiences and a cultural icon, helping the US version become far more popular than the British series it was based on. When Carell left after seven seasons, the show continued for two more without him as a main focus. His return for the series finale, even just for a brief appearance, was one of the most touching moments in the show’s history.
6) Nina Dobrev – The Vampire Diaries
Elena Gilbert, played by Nina Dobrev, was central to the story of The Vampire Diaries, and her character underwent a truly compelling transformation. The romantic tension between Elena and the Salvatore brothers was a key element of the show, so when Nina Dobrev decided to leave after season six, it was a significant loss. Fortunately, she returned twice – once to narrate the season seven finale, and again to make a final appearance in the show’s last episode of season eight.
5) Noel Fisher – Shameless
The British show Shameless gained a strong following in the US, thanks to its memorable characters. Noel Fisher was particularly praised for playing Mickey Milkovich, a standout supporting character who quickly became a fan favorite. Although Mickey was popular, and his relationship with Ian Gallagher was well-loved, Fisher left the show after season 5 to explore other roles. He returned for a short period in season 7, then left again, ultimately coming back for the show’s final two seasons, seasons 10 and 11, to conclude Mickey’s story.
4) Lauren Cohan – The Walking Dead
Lauren Cohan became a well-known face on The Walking Dead starting in season two. After playing a key character for several years, she initially decided not to continue with the show due to disagreements over fair pay. However, she later returned to reprise her role as Maggie for the show’s last season and now stars in the spin-off series, The Walking Dead: Dead City.
3) Damon Wayans Jr. – New Girl
Many TV fans feel that New Girl doesn’t get enough recognition as a fantastic sitcom. The show originally featured Damon Wayans Jr. as Coach, one of Jess’s roommates, but he had to leave during the first season because of his work on Happy Endings. Wayans later returned in season 3 and became a regular cast member through season 4, with occasional appearances until the series finale in 2018.
2) Patrick Duffy – Dallas
Patrick Duffy’s return to the TV show Dallas is famously considered one of the most awkward moments in television history. Duffy played Bobby Ewing from the show’s start in 1978 until 1991, with one exception. He left the show, and the writers killed off his character. However, he returned the following year with the explanation that the entire previous season had been a dream, a resolution many viewers found unsatisfying.
1) David Duchovny – The X-Files
Many consider The X-Files to be one of the most frightening science fiction shows ever made, but its popularity really came down to the strong performances and believable connection between its two main stars. David Duchovny played Agent Fox Mulder and was a key part of the show’s dynamic, though he tried to leave several times. The first time, his character was supposedly abducted by aliens, but he returned partway through the next season. He left again later, but ultimately came back to reprise the role in the 2016 revival.
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2025-12-28 22:40