It’s always surprising when TV shows replace actors, and these seven changes really came as a shock. Writers create characters, but actors bring them to life. Because of this, recasting doesn’t always succeed – Liam Hemsworth recently experienced this on Netflix’s The Witcher. However, sometimes a new actor fits the role so well that viewers quickly forget the original, like when Sarah Chalke joined the cast of Roseanne.
As a movie buff, I always think it’s the subtle things actors do – the little choices they make – that really make a character their own. It’s hard to even imagine if someone else had taken over a famous role mid-way through, like if Captain Kirk had been replaced after just one season of Star Trek, or Bryan Cranston hadn’t played Walter White all the way through. It just wouldn’t feel right! Sometimes though, these things happen for reasons that aren’t always obvious, and it’s beyond anyone’s control.
7) Laurie Forman in That ’70s Show
First up is the sitcom That ’70s Show, which notably had to replace the actress who played Laurie Forman. Lisa Robin Kelly originally played Eric’s sister for the first three seasons. While Laurie wasn’t present for all of season four, Kelly did make a guest appearance in season five.
Christina Moore took over the role of Laurie when she reappeared in season six, before the character left the show. Unfortunately, Kelly’s battle with alcoholism resulted in her leaving the series.
6) Darrin Stephens in Bewitched
One of the most well-known cast changes in television history happened on Bewitched. Dick York, who played Darrin Stephens, left the show after five seasons and was replaced by Dick Sargent. York had injured his back while working on a different project, which caused problems and delays during the fifth season, ultimately leading to the recast.
5) Jimmy Olsen in Lois & Clark
Over the years, many actors have played Superman, but it’s unusual to see the same character played by different actors within a single storyline. The TV show Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman did this when they replaced Michael Landes, who played Jimmy Olsen, with Justin Whalin after the first season. The show’s producers felt Landes looked too much like Dean Cain, who played Superman, and decided to bring in Whalin instead.
4) Daario Naharis in Game of Thrones
Ed Skrein was the first actor to play Daario Naharis on the hugely popular TV show Game of Thrones. It was unexpected, then, that the show replaced him with Michiel Huisman during season 4. HBO never explained the reason for the change, but Skrien has hinted that “politics” were behind the decision (according to Entertainment Weekly), though he hasn’t shared any further details.
3) Becky Conner in Rosanne
Sitcoms often feature actors being replaced, and the show Roseanne is a prime example. Lecy Goranson played Becky Conner for the first five seasons. Then, in season six, Sarah Chalke took over the role because Goranson wanted to go to college. But the story doesn’t end there – it gets even more complicated.
During the eighth season of the show, Lecy Goranson would reprise her role as Becky whenever her college commitments allowed. When she was unavailable, Sarah Chalke stepped in. This back-and-forth between actresses playing Becky happened throughout the season and even became a joke on Roseanne, acknowledging that there were two Beckys. Chalke played Becky for the entire ninth season, but Goranson returned when the show was revived.
2) Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher
It’s rare for a lead actor to be replaced in a popular, ongoing TV series, but Netflix’s The Witcher recently did just that. Henry Cavill, known for his role in Man of Steel, played Geralt of Rivia in the show’s first three seasons and was a fan favorite. However, he was unexpectedly replaced by Liam Hemsworth for the fourth season.
While Henry Cavill hasn’t explained exactly why he left The Witcher after season 3, the show’s creator, Lauren Schmidt Hissrich, described it as a mutual decision, with Cavill wanting to pursue other acting opportunities. Following the announcement of his departure, rumors surfaced suggesting Cavill disagreed with the show’s creative direction, but these haven’t been officially confirmed. He remains a fan of The Witcher franchise.
1) Aunt Vivian in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
One of the most famous and surprising changes in television history happened on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air with the character of Aunt Vivian. Janet Hubert originally played Aunt Viv for the first three seasons, but when the show returned for its fourth season, Daphne Maxwell Reid had taken over the role, shocking many viewers.
The change in actresses playing Aunt Vivian was jarring for viewers, as the new actress had a completely different appearance and personality. The show never officially explained the switch at the time, which made it even more surprising.
There were reports that Hubert was fired from The Fresh Prince, fueled by comments from Will Smith suggesting she was envious of his success (according to Vanity Fair). However, it later came out that Hubert was offered a contract that prevented her from taking on any other acting jobs while she was on the show. She refused to sign the contract, and that’s why she left.
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2026-01-04 19:12