10 Best Actor Replacements On TV Shows

[@EmptyQuiver]

When an actor dies and they create a new character to fill the void, I wouldn’t use the term “replaced”; I think “succeeded” is a better term.

[@chuckfinley4757]

They are comparing apples to oranges to bananas here. Some of these are replacing an actor to play an existing, established character. Some are replacing a similar character. Some are just simply an entirely new character.

[@shellc]

I can't say I am a huge fan but I'm starting to think Shannon Doherty was made a scapegoat both on Charmed and on 90210. People who worked on 90210 after she left said the real mean girls on set were Jenny & Tori. Many actresses have talked about stuff they were put through by them with one even losing a job by asking to be cut from the show because Jenny was so horrible to her. As for Charmed, stuff still went down after Shannon left with the finger being pointed at Alyssa. Rose McGowan called her out for her behaviour on set, calling her toxic and two faced and crew members backed her up...yet even now, some claim Shannon was the issue.

[@johncameron4194]

I agree

[@protorhinocerator142]

I would have loved to see them bring Doherty back every now and then but they never did. They brought back their dead mother and grandmother several times, but not Prue. They could have done a Power of Four thing.

[@EuroMIX2]

@@protorhinocerator142 I'm sure if Shannon had left on good terms, they would have, but she was vehemently against them using her image at all in any episode following her departure, so it's extremely unlikely she would have agreed. The show plays this off as it being "too soon" for the other sisters to see her as it would prevent them from properly mourning and moving on (both their Mother and Grandmother had been dead for a while at this point, so for them it wasn't really a problem). It's a decent "excuse" IMO, even if once you know the behind the scenes reason, it's obvious why they had to portray it that way.

[@voutsider190]

I quit watching after Dougherty left. I hate Milano. And believe you're absolutely right

[@rathofturkey]

And you can definitely see that in Milano with her pathetic and shameless demeanor today.

[@tomwilson2804]

You missed one: Bruce Boxleitner replacing Michael O'Hare on Babylon 5. O'Hare was around season one and was written out due to mental health issues for season 2. O'Hare's character felt cardboard and unnecessarily distant from everyone, and not the type of person you think would be chosen to be a captain. Boxleitner had a completely different take on the captain character: he was personable, he had what appeared to be great chemistry with the cast, and was someone you felt you could relate to.

[@sxeptomaniac]

True, although later news does partially redeem the late Michael O'Hare in my eyes. Straczynski has said that O'Hare was suffering from a full schizophrenic break, hearing voices among other things, and struggled to keep it together until the end of the season. O'Hare was apparently worried that leaving mid-season would doom the entire series, so he held on until that point. Straczynski has said that O'Hare wanted him to let people know the truth only after his death. May he truly rest in peace.

[@protorhinocerator142]

I like how they later brought O'Hare back with the Zathras arc and he became Valen.

[@voutsider190]

He left, because he was sick

[@atlekristiansen4975]

This should have been two different lists: One where characters continued after being recast and the other where they ended a character and introduced a new one...

[@SheilaRough]

After the death of Coach, the set decorator took a photo of Gerinomo that the actor kept in his dressing trailer and hung it on the wall of the bar. In the very last scene of the series, Sam straightens the photo before turning out the lights and walking out.

[@brianartillery]

Yeah. I 'Got something in my eye' when I watched that.

[@joeyblowinski6116]

In the last episode of Ted Lasso, May the bartender straightens the same picture and then when it smash cuts to Trent the first word out of his mouth is, "Cheers!" George Wendt is the real life uncle of Jason Sudekis.

[@remohj]

I love Woody. Coach was better. Hard to believe he was only 61 when he died.

[@Maerahn]

Uncle Albert replacing Grandad in 'Only Fools and Horses!' Yeah, it might be an oldie, but the show was definitely big enough in the UK to count. Grandad was of course iconic in his dopeyness and love for Del and Rodney, but when the actor who played him, Lennard Pearce, passed away, the show made the decision not to recast another actor in the role, but to instead bring in his long-lost brother Albert (played by the wonderfully-named Buster Merryfield,) to come and live with his nephews. He was a very different character from Grandad, but hilarious in other ways, with the ongoing gag about every one of his war stories seeming to result in him being a harbinger of bad luck to all the others around him.

[@obadiahvondeath8048]

i was just thinking of Grandad and Uncle Albert! it was a bold move to keep going with a brand new character, but Only Fools became even more successful with Albert. i've heard there was an idea kicking around to bring an Auntie in, but David Jason pointed out how could they treat an old lady like they treated Grandad? i love both of them, buit think i like Grandad a little bit more, because he's more of an old git!

[@raymondparisza5094]

I feel the reason Woody “replacing” Coach works so well is that it evolved the show. Coach was the old, funny character but he also would deliver bits of wisdom to Sam and the rest. And before Woody, Sam was just a self absorbed playboy Woody came in as the fresh face farm boy forcing Sam to become that “wise man” giving advice to Woody and eventually becoming the “best friend bartender” everyone wants If Coach hadn’t passed, I don’t know if Sam’s character develops and Cheers lasts for a decade+

[@johnepperson6533]

You missed a great replacement. At the start of season 6 of MASH, David Ogden Stiers as Major Charles Emerson Winchester replaced Larry Linville as Major Frank Burns. Major Winchester was a much better and more complex character than Major Burns.

[@jeannehall6546]

Not to mention Harry Morgan as Colonel Sherman Potter replacing McLean Stevenson as Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake.

[@gryphman]

Major Winchester is probably one of my all time favorite tv performances. Such a complex character in a time when that sort of thing was exceedingly rare. David Ogden Stiers did an amazing job shifting between antagonist and protagonist. Sometimes within the same episode.

[@bobross1829]

Yep, I cannot believe they missed the MASH ones. They wanted a more complex foil for Hawkeye that could actually sometimes "beat" him where Frank Burns was just a caricature of a bad guy who always lost and was always in the wrong.

[@deborahblackvideoediting8697]

I completely agree! I always found Burns to be cartoonish and annoying, whereas Winchester became a much more complex and empathetic character than Burns.

[@DaryMatera]

Completely different dynamic however. Major Burns was the stiff-necked, spit-shined military man oddball that didn't fit with his playful anti-military rebellious roommates. "The Pros from Dover." Great contrast providing lots of drama. Winchester quickly became friends with Hawkeye and Farrell, and was more like them.

[@SouthPawArtist]

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend recasted Santino Fontana, a series regular for the 1st 2 seasons, with Skylar Astin for season 4. The recasting was addressed creatively in the show, probably the only show to have addressed a recast like so. Not having it in your list proves how underrated the show was.

[@nikg6232]

Especially when they talk about it in the live show!

[@nullunit2830]

I was hoping this one would be mentioned! And was disappointed

[@jamesscott305]

I loved the meta jokes about the change in actor, but I still prefer Santino….

[@woohooboy]

The problem with the majority of this list is that it's from shows that aired from 2000 onwards. There are many shows (pre 2000) where the replacement actor proved as popular/successful as their predecessor. 1) M*A*S*H - This show set the template where well liked characters were succeed by well liked replacements 2) Charlie's Angels - The departure of Farrah Fawcett (who was the breakout star) could have ended that series if said replacement bombed with audiences. Enter Cheryl Ladd and the rest is history 3) Night Court - This show underwent a huge turnover in cast during its early seasons (with multiple coming and goings). However, the replacements that did come on board helped strengthen the show and made it better 4) Law & Order and NYPD Blue: The ever revolving cast lineup did not hurt these shows at all. In fact, both series proved they can weather these changes successfully and still go the distance.

[@peachysbaby3088]

Once Brisco and then greene left law and order, I lost interest

[@jeannehall6546]

Jennifer Lien (pronounced: lean) was said to be already displaying signs of mental illness and, depending on who’s being talked to, either got fired or quit “Star Trek: Voyager”. She was a good actress, but apparently just couldn’t continue. Jeri Ryan, who replaced Lien, yes, there was a fear she would be seen as “eye candy (Kate Mulgrew was very afraid of this and this caused a lot of tension between the two. Also, her first husband, Jack Ryan, tried to get her to do sexual acts in public in order to help him get elected to the Senate. She refused, divorced him, and Jack’s potential political career was over.)”, but it turned out Ryan was an exceptional actress! She has since gone on to star in “Boston Legal,” “Shark,” and “Star Trek: Picard.”

[@Ceares]

lets not forget Leverage, where, huh, she was a fantastic temporary replacement for Gina Bellman.

[@newageBoundhippie]

@@Ceares I loved her in Leverage! I really hope we get a 3rd season of Leverage: Redemption & get her to come back as Tara as well as getting Mark Sheppard back as Sterling

[@ericgjovaag7958]

You may have missed the biggest one of them all: Patrick Troughton replacing William Hartnell in the lead role in "Doctor Who".

[@williammitchell4417]

Yes and no. It was a way for the BBC to keep the series going without replacing the star of the show. Unlike say Sandy Duncan replacing Valerie Harper.

[@jaygee6738]

Doesn't the doctor get replaced on a semi regular basis?

[@williammitchell4417]

@@jaygee6738 unfortunately he does now. Bill however was the first.

[@julianaylor4351]

The first use of regeneration on Dr Who. Invented because William Hartnell was too unwell, to carry on with a regular television role. He did do limited stage work after leaving, but was forced to retire. His last appearance in the Three Doctors, was recorded at his home and edited into the story via a view screen appearance, which Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee, Katy Manning and John Levene had to react to.

[@andrewmurray1550]

@@williammitchell4417 that's the point they DID change "the star of the show" in Doctor Who - coming up on 15 times (or 14 if you don't count David Tennant's 2nd tenure). Was it an after-thought that they would use regeneration to explain the recasting of the lead role.

[@KateJacksonLincoln]

From your bit about Seven/Kes - "This resulted in a new lead woman character" - Neither were ever the lead, either female or otherwise.

[@Pfisiar22]

Not 'the' lead, but certainly a lead. Seven was certainly a leading character during her time on the show. It was reasonable to assume she'd appear in any given episode of any season where she was part of the cast.

[@thatlittlevoice6354]

Dick Sargent replacing Dick York. You'd think more people would notice swapping Dicks like that.

[@marianparoo1544]

Of course everyone did. I liked the second one more.

[@SpamEggSausage]

heh heh heh heh heh mmheh, hey Butthead, you said swapping dicks

[@DavidGowers]

One of my favourite results of that swap was during the Becky Swap on Roseanne. One of the post-credit scenes had them watching Bewitched and the new Becky - Sarah Chalke - comments on the swap with something like "do they really think people aren't gonna notice something like that?"

[@theefrankguy]

Edward Hardwicke as "Dr. Watson" ("Sherlock Holmes" with Jeremy Brett). Marsha Warfield in "Night Court"!!!.

[@SheilaRough]

They replaced the female baliff 2 times because the first 2 actresses who played them both died.

[@ericthompson3982]

I completely agree that seasons 5 and 6 of Community were deeply underrated. I love the entire Hickey D&D episode (and his whole arc, honestly), the departure of Troy was handled in an appropriately heartbreaking way, Keith David is a bonkers joy, you got some really fun development on some of the peripheral characters, and the finale literally made me cry.

[@sureshmukhi2316]

Missed a lot. As was already mentioned in previous comments: MASH, Charlie's Angels, Three's Company. But how did you miss Darren of Bewitched first played by Dick York then replaced by Dick Sargent? That was major back then.

[@sureshmukhi2316]

Also, missed opportunity for a major pun...regarding two dicks. 😂

[@SpamEggSausage]

I never could tell those guys apart

[@sureshmukhi2316]

@@SpamEggSausage which guys?

[@SpamEggSausage]

@@sureshmukhi2316 the two Darens

[@sureshmukhi2316]

@@SpamEggSausage seriously? They may look like brothers but they are different.

[@darrellwoodard4535]

I can't believe that you missed M*A*S*H. They replaced 3 major characters and each time it was an upgrade. Mike Farrell (B. J. Hunnicutt) replaced Wayne Rogers ('Trapper John'), Harry Morgan (Sherman T. Potter) replaced McLean Stevenson (Henry Blake), David Ogden Stiers (Charles Emerson Winchester III) replaced Larry Linville (Frank Burns). The characters and the series were much more interesting and enjoyable to watch with each replacement. I doubt that any other series has successfully replaced 3 major characters like M*A*S*H did.

[@deborahblackvideoediting8697]

Agreed! I greatly preferred all three replacements, especially Winchester, who was a more complex and nuanced character than Burns.

[@joeyblowinski6116]

Night Court did. In fact they replaced 5 main cast characters. Only Harry, Dan, and Bull were there from start to finish.

[@DaryMatera]

@@deborahblackvideoediting8697 Disagree. I preferred the three originals over their replacements. The MASH series was so well written that the new lessor actors, who were all more restrained and less quirky than their predecessors, still fit in well.

[@deborahblackvideoediting8697]

@@DaryMatera - I totally respect your difference of opinion. But we both agree on the fact that it was a very well written show! :)

[@SpamEggSausage]

@@joeyblowinski6116 they replaced some characters several times

[@oldcdog91]

Maybe this was too before your time, but Jimmy Smits replacing David Caruso in NYPD Blue during season 2 was a great decision for the show and the mental health of cast and crew. Smits’ eventual departure was one of the most heartbreaking on tv.

[@owie4070]

Agreed

[@IrishScribbler]

I hear that there was also a lot more room on-set during season 2 as the cast no longer had to compete with the size of Caruso’s mammoth ego.

[@dicksonfranssen]

the best description I've ever read about Caruso's decision to leave the show was that his career "took off like a rocket....into the side of a mountain". I'm sorry for bringing this up but CSI Miami?

[@DaryMatera]

@@dicksonfranssen Caruso matured after his post NYPD Blue crash and was great in CSI Miami.

[@dicksonfranssen]

@@DaryMatera I didn't want to sound like I was happy he failed at something but that's probably how it came out. If he's smart, and I know he is, he's banked enough money to never have to work again. CSI Miami just wasn't my thing but it was more the writing than anything else. Too bad I don't have a tape of my only TV appearance, a kid's TV show in 1963 where the host was the same guy who later did the sports and the weather.

[@seanokeefe-editortrekkiefa9702]

Speaking of Star Trek Voyager, don't forget Kate Mulgrew replaced Genevieve Bujold whilst filming the pilot episode. Huge improvement.

[@xandercrews4729]

Ted McGinley replacing David Garrison on MWC.

[@toddnolastname4485]

But how about him replacing Richie in Happy Days? After being added as a new character to Love Boat.

[@xandercrews4729]

@@toddnolastname4485 that’s before my time

[@precious_muse]

How about when Tamara Taylor replaced Jonathan Adams on “Bones”? Or those revolving doors of “squinterns” who replaced Eric Milligan?

[@joenesvick7043]

I definitely love Tamara Taylor more than her predecessor

[@eolsunder]

me also, not only super good looking but she did a great job. Oh such a crush on that woman. @@joenesvick7043

[@genlando327plays2]

Since we're on the subject of Rob Lowe, how about Joshua Malina replacing Rob Lowe on West Wing? Not only did he successfully fill the "quirky energy" void Lowe left, his counterpoint to Richard Schiff's Toby was a joy to watch

[@heidifedor]

After the first season, the Facts of Life had a major cast overhaul. It was decided that the ensemble cast, which consisted of 7 student characters and 3 adult characters, was way too big. Two adult actors were let go as well four young actress who played the students. The character of Mrs. Garret remained because it was Charlotte Rae’s show, while the characters of Blair, Natalie, and Tootie were retained because they were the most memorable of the 7 girls. Technically 5 fired characters were then successfully replaced with just one character. Nancy McKeon was brought in as Jo Polniaczek, a foil for Lisa Welchel’s Blair. A young Molly Ringwald was one of the 4 actresses to be released, and never forgave the show.

[@kenludlow7391]

Three's Company had some amazing replacements in it's run. The characters of Terri Ralph Furley were great additions to the show.

[@9-5-VictorVictor-2]

Woody and The Coach were pretty much equal, both were perfectly entertaining characters, especially when Woody would cop an attitude.

[@cammymc1982]

Now do Worst Actor replacement on a hit TV show.

[@Ceares]

If we're going 80 sitcoms then you have to include Night Court and Marsha Warfield. Okay, Jeri Ryan as a temp replacement for Gina Bellman in Leverage. Her Tara Reid was terrific and different enough from Sophie that she changed the dynamics of the team.

[@stevpwright]

Only fools and horses replacing Grandad with Uncle Albert. Stargate SG1 replacing Daniel Jackson with Jonas Quinn

[@craigh5236]

Replacing O'Neill with Mitchell. Although that was for good reason, RDA had health problems at the time.

[@gergelykocsis9520]

​@@craigh5236 Ooooooh!... I never understood why would they do that... (honestly never thought RDA would leave the role either).

[@RossM3838]

The daughter in til death was played by four different actresses, with zero explanation until it became a running joke

[@gergelykocsis9520]

Rainbow Sun Francks replacement with Jason Momoa in Stargate - Atlantis??? I know Francks' Lt. Ford returns later as a villain, but only in a few episodes. They even switches places in the same episode. I know Ronan was meant to repeat the Tea'lc formula, but I believe he made the role his own and could freshen the often same tropes.... He didn't feel like the "Tea'lc at home".

[@toddnolastname4485]

I didn't care for Momoa's character. 'Cause he really didn't have much character. Ford was more interesting, but they didn't give him anything to do, until they did, and ruined his character in doing so.

[@RealScotticus]

Season 5&6 of Community are fantastic, and to make them.work with such radical cast changes is just incredible. Seasons 2&3 are just the absolute best, utterly incredible. Harmon-less S4 just fails on every level and you can why people switched off, but there's just so many great eps and moments when it comes back. Frankie's speech to The Dean after his Honda splurg remains a comedy highlight of all time!

[@AlfredHawthornBennyHill]

One good recasting you didn't mention is when Pat Priest replaced Beverley Owen on The Munsters. Beverley was good, but if you watch them you can see Beverley's sadness of not wanting to be on the series, come through. You should do a bad recasting if you haven't already. One example of bad recasting is when Dick Sargent replaced Dick York on Bewitched.

[@toddnolastname4485]

I thought the second Darren was an upgrade. The first had no business winning a woman like Elizabeth Montgomery.

[@wowbobwow37]

Since we never saw Frank Langella in Usher, I would have picked Michel Huisman replacing what's his name in Game of Thrones.

[@brettpikkert4746]

This is Ewan's most soulless narration ever

[@ThomasKent963]

I watch WhatCulture all the time, and almost never leave a comment, but... Y'all nailed it this time! 10/10! 100%! Well done! and Thank you!

[@jasonworlock5113]

6: Jeri Ryan replaces Jennifer Lien. The character of Seven of Nine was planned before Kes's departure was set, in fact before they started shooting the fourth season it was not the Kes that was supposed to depart the show. It was the character of Ensign Harry Kim, played by Garrett Wang, which is why his character was affected by Alien cells that were destroying his own. However, during the time between seasons three and four Garrett Wang was named one of People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People in the World. So they said 'Well we can't kill him off now, but we have to cut someone loose' and Jennifer Lien's Kes got the ax.

[@brucenatelee]

The Spartacus recasting is a perfect exmple of meeping visul consistency. They almost look alike.

[@PaulMcElligott]

Couple of other examples: Cote de Pablo replacing Sasha Alexander in NCIS. There were many changes in the Law & Order cast over the years, but Jerry Orbach coming in to replace Paul Sorvino was probably one of the best replacements in TV history.

[@bmasters1981]

One of my favorites: the late Michael Norell replacing John Smith (Smith himself replacing Dick Hammer [Richard Hammer played himself as that character]) for season 2 of Emergency! (1972-73); Norell truly made the character of Capt. Hank Stanley of Station 51 his own for the remainder of the run of that NBC medical/action series (1972-77), because he was very much calm under fire, and knew how to run a railroad when it came to directing the men who worked under him at fire and rescue scenes (especially firefighters/paramedics John Gage and Roy DeSoto [Mantooth and Tighe respectively]).

[@julianaylor4351]

Another replaced before the television series was first shown. Later to be the Eighth Doctor and Lieutenant Bush in Hornblower, Paul McGann, who broke his leg during filming of the first series of Sharpe, in an off set accident and had to replaced by Sean Bean, later to be Boromir in The Lord Of The Rings films, 006 in Goldeneye and Ned Stark in Game Of Thrones. Sharpe is the series where Sean Bean's role Richard Sharpe does get injured, but not killed, while rising from sergeant to lieutenant colonel, in the 95th Rifles regiment in the British army, of the Napoleonic wars; unlike in many of his other roles. In fact when he was the recaste lead, he had a facial injury from a stunt accident with Harrison Ford on Patriot Games. He later injured his hand in a scene from Sharpe's Regiment, while filming in an Essex nature reserve and had to go to Clacton General Hospital. Lucky nurses.

[@Joemama55122]

I dont think the replacements of chevy where that good Mike from breaking bad just played mike from breaking bad and elroy was never funny

[@aristideau5072]

I feel really sad for Jennifer Lien. A while back (2008ish) I googled her to see what she was up to because I kinda had a crush on her and OMG. Those "unspecified personal issues" were obviously mental and they left her looking totally unrecognizable just a few short years after she left the show (I would hate to see what she looks like now). From memory her erratic behavior had gotten her into legal trouble and she really needed to have been committed because she had totally lost the plot. She looked like one of those homeless ladies that push around a shopping trolley.

[@henrikharbin5521]

In my opinion, Jennifer Lien was good eat as Kes. She just shovel ed herself into a bad state. I really would have liked to see how her arc would have come out if she hadn't been ejected from Voyager.

[@philipjamesarmstrong1364]

I really enjoyed the 'accents around the world with Ewan' game, I heard, American, Irish, London and a touch of South African... I never watched 'Spordacus', and didn't think that any of the replacements were particularly 'bedd'r'...

[@Michaelthekiwi]

I'll add Larry Linville - who played Frank Burns - being replaced by David Ogden Stiers in M*A*S*H. Linville was fantastic as the foil to Alan Alda and Wayne Rogers, but his character was one dimensional as the incompetent and accident prone surgeon and didn't have any possible growth as he lacked the self-awareness to improve. Having David Ogden Stiers play the more nuanced character of Major Charles Winchester meant the pratfall comedy was phased out of the show in favour of the more subtle, dark humour that M*A*S*H became iconic for. It also meant Loretta Swit's character was unshackled and grew from being purely antagonistic to a far more sympathetic role.

[@bobhale7302]

David Marciano as Ray being replaced by Callum Keith Rennie in Due South in what might be my favourite "replacement" episode ever as Fraser seems to be the only person who has noticed the switch.

[@mirthenary]

I don't think anyone noticed Becky being replaced on Rosanne

[@SpamEggSausage]

the new Becky was too old, she looked more like Roseanne's sister than her daughter

[@julienschmitt4647]

No doctor who regeneration ? I mean not only was Patrick Troughton an amazing replacement to William Hartnell, giving a very different incarnation of the same character, but the brilliant regeneration idea carried the show up to this day. I don't see how you can top that.

[@SuperFlyCarp]

Pierce Hawthorne is an iconic tv character, and while it seems impossible to replace him? Buzz Hickey AND Elroy Patashnik were extremely welcome additions to the final two seasons of Community

[@MediocreAverage]

Lexx, with Xev Bellringer, would've been a cool niche one to include.

[@andrewmurray1550]

Probably out of scope for the video, but you could include these Film-to-TV-Show adaptations recastings: Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Kristy Swanson (Film), Sarah Michelle Gellar (TV Show). Stargate (Film) Kurt Russell (O'Neil), James Spader (Daniel Jackson), SG-1 (TV show): Richard Dean Anderson (O'Neill), Michael Shanks (Daniel Jackson). And yes "O'Neill" with two "L's" so a different character with a similar (but not the same) name?

[@lfcbpro]

Surprisingly enough, don't know if replacement directly, but Martin Mull in for George Clooney in Roseanne. Clooney was ok, but Mull was great, and being gay was a big deal in the US at the time as well, but he just had a better tit-for-tat with Roseanne I think?

[@UATU.]

Kes suffered from bad writing, bad character development and a very bad wig.

[@andrewleah1983]

The actor was a bit mental too to be fair.

[@mitchellmelkin4078]

@UATU., While I don't agree with you about the elfin look, Lien's extraordinary abilities as an actor (attested to by all of her castmates) overcame the other deficits, to make Kes a memorable and moving character, IMO.

[@TodaysDante]

Amy Yasback replaced Farrah Forke on Wings. Great move.

[@rathofturkey]

It took a 3rd marathon of Parks and Recreation to get on board with Paul Schneider in the first 2 seasons. I definitely agree he was a bland character but that could have just been lazy writing, and with a little more time and effort, he could have been a more missed character when he left. I think that was almost the case with Nick Offerman as Ron Swanson and I am so glad they fixed that. By the start of the 3rd season on the “3rd trip to Pawnee, IN”, I actually kind of missed Paul Schneider’s character and I really wish they at least tried to bring him back for the big Pawnee festival in one of the later seasons.

[@tokyodeathghoul2313]

As for Community Seasons 5&6 I absolutely loved them! Especially the introduction of Frankie Dart who quickly became my favorite character (especially during the scene in which she consoles a crying Dean Pelton while telling him how dumb he is) and If the upcoming Community movie does get made she better be in it!

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

Love your content guys

[@ChaseMC215]

Jerry Stiller will always be the best part of Seinfeld

[@steven7385]

Dick Sargent replacing Dick York on Bewitched.

[@carter358]

Was there a movie/series about Charlie's behind the scenes drama? It seems implied by this video. If so, what was it called and when did it come out?

[@thejaysusnetwork6102]

I think being 85 would have made sense given how many older, wealthy men still continue to have children with much younger women. It would have fit the character of Roderick Usher. That being said, I'm still glad that Bruce Greenwood took over the role.

[@TodaysDante]

Shannon Dokerty?

[@ballybunion9]

Seems to be a requirement: EVERY KZbin video has to have at least one word ridiculously mispronounced.

[@startrekker6913]

No Jeniffer lien was replaced cause they had to cut the budget, it was between her and Garret Wang. She did have personal issues but that was unrelated to her departure.

[@NostalgicPixel]

I was expecting to see the Boss from IT crowd get mentioned.

[@Ugolino]

Charlie sheen for Michal j. Fox.

[@williammitchell4417]

Ironic Ashton Kutcher replaces Charlie.😊

[@TheSteveStrom]

Charlie Sheen was different, but I wouldn’t say better.

[@zwordsman]

I am gonna call BS for Kes/7of9 While she filled the 'contrast to janeway' roll still. She wasn't exactly a replacement. Kes's acctress was ultimately let go due to some real problems that they couldn't work around as a production. The main issue with it wasn't 7olf9. The main iussue was that it started the decline where the show was no longer an ensomble cast. Which was its real strength tha kept it going 3 seasons. It devolved into the 7of9 show. not really jeri ryan or the character's fault. but the writers that came in just wsent "ooh skin tight suit with boob enhancements. lets make her in everything" So her addition did not benefit the show itself, it extended the ratings briefly, but season 5 is the best showcase where it suffered a bit and died a bit more. Againm not the actual character or actresses' issue. But it was ultimately the writers effectively abandoning the wider cast---which is one of the reasons the show felt so unique was it regulalyr focused on stories entirely removed from say janeway . Where other series always focused around captains or first officers. This was relly felt near the end, when a large part of the cast were citing that they no longer felt like much mor than extras. Chakotay's character was considering resigning for instance. (which Imo kind of is why they threw the random and honestly unsettling 7of9 chakotay romance....which basically ignored a lot of romantic and or sexual tension for both characters that was long since established with other characters). So.. honestly 7of9 as a whole was a damaging addition more than a helpful. IN long term sense. her charcter is a good addition and would hve been a good thing as a whole. If the writers did not become obsessed with only her and janeway stories to the neglect of a literal huge cast and the balance of story focuses that made us actually care about the stranded crew. Instead of "Starfleet in a new quadrent trying to survive, and trying to compare and fit their sense of duty in a territory that doesn't want them and the prime directive being in such conflict with the situation" to "7of9 learns a new thing about being human, janeway gives her an empathetic speech. Ignore those aliens over there or that new culture over here. Lets add more 7of9 style characters and have them interact and learn to be human. No more new quadrant stuff this is cheaper. What? no only 7of9 has a skin tight suit, no one recovered borg ever has one. why? uh.. raiting?"

[@mitchellmelkin4078]

@zwordsman, You make many standout points, some of which I won't elaborate on. However, the main ones are the following. Ryan wasn't a replacement for Lien, or anybody. Her character was conceived of by Braga and Berman a considerable period of time before Lien's personal problems increasingly made her unreliable on-set. In fact, both Wang and Lien were concurrently considered for being cut off, but not because the show's budget would no longer accommodate them with Ryan's addition. Ultimately, the severity of Lien's behavioral issues (and her absolute refusal to accept the professional help the showrunners extended) forced TPTB to fire her, but only after production had ramped up for the fourth season. Second, while her portrayal of Seven of Nine was indeed quite good (though I believe Lien's talent was an extraordinary one, rivalling any actor who's appeared in the franchise), the actual impression Ryan's presence made to the show's popular success is often misstated. Yes, there was a noticeable pickup in Voyager's ratings in its fourth season, but it didn't last long, and their course over the final three years was steadily downward, with no greater mark made than during the initial ones when Lien was part of the cast. Hardly the bust out flagship success UPN had anticipated.

[@TheVinchi69]

Well, why not

[@kellydaunis]

Bob Saget replaced another actor in Full House. They shot the original pilot with the other actor, then quickly replaced him with Bob Saget, and reshot the pilot.

[@kevinriley6320]

Aren't replacements & recasts different?. Replacements are different character different actor. Re casts are same character different actor.

[@andrewmurray1550]

The first one (Seinfeld) was Jerry's dad being played by two different actors......the Charmed example has Rose McGowan introduced in Season 4, after Shannen left, but Rose is not playing Prue. Is the video about replacement of characters (e.g. Paige replacing Prue as a principal character), or re-casting the part with a different actor? (a prime example would be the "two darrins" Dick York/Dick Sargent) in Bewitched - but even that was explained through the storylines.

[@rome8180]

Is that actually how you pronounce "Doherty"?

[@mitchellmelkin4078]

While you have properly identified the reason for Lien's departure, it isn't accurate to describe Ryan as a replacement, either intentionally or, as you put it, effectively. Seven of Nine was conceived of by Braga and Berman at a considerably earlier time, during the 3rd season's production schedule, prior to Lien's psychological problems becoming so manifest in the latter part of that year to make her an unreliable presence. Ryan was going to be on the show regardless of the disposition of Lien's situation (or Wang's for that matter). In no way was she installed at the last minute, when production began for Season 4 as you pretty clearly imply. One issue having nothing to do with the other. By the way, the name is pronounced just like the word lean, as others have mentioned below.

[@heidifedor]

I don’t remember the first Frank Constanza, but I do remember the first Morty Seinfeld.

[@johnks54]

Keith fucking David is a gem and I loved it when he was on Community

[@jeanmichaelmeme]

There's one who is important to notify Donal Finn replacing Barney Harris in The Wheel Of Time

[@starcrafter13terran]

wtf is a duggity?

[@Dirkus17]

Ahh, the celebrated WhatCulture bit of mis-pronouncing well-known names.

[@Forced2DoThis1]

Honestly. I disagree with the Spartacus replacement being a great replacement. A passable one at best.

[@jonathonhanson7278]

There is a difference between actor replacements and character replacements.

[@nixeleth]

They replaced Jerry's father in Seinfeld, too.

[@willofmanosentertainment4654]

Marilyn in the Munsters.

[@cheesepizza9143]

I liked coach and wenston on new girl

[@rozzie101]

I was ok with the Jeri Ryan audition to Trek...

[@orcafly17]

NCIS. Cote de Pablo replaced Sasha Alexander. And let's face it Ziva rules!

[@thejaysusnetwork6102]

Season 5 of Community was fantastic. Season 6, not so much.

[@W0NK042]

These aren't actor replacements, they are character replacements. An actor replacement would be a different actor playing a character previously played by somebody else.

[@anthonybeaudry1547]

First dice episode and finale are tied for best .

[@Red5x5x5]

Jeri Ryan saved Voyager.

[@franzirijillo2384]

Didn't Charlie Sheen win an EMMY for replacing Michael Jr. Fox?

[@duaynecollins9994]

I hated Kes. I didn’t mind her at first but once they started going in on the powers crap, I couldn’t stand her anymore.

[@dylanphilpott8698]

I loved mark in parks and rec shame

[@namgorf2001]

I'm sorry but I 1000% disagree with the Spartacus recasting. Liam McIntyre was way too pretty for the role. He never grasped the rough and beat down vibe that Andy Whitfield portrayed. Not to mention he was basically clean shaven the entire time which makes zero sense considering they were on the run.

[@UFO_PILOT]

Confirmed: Breaking Bad takes place in the Community universe.

[@lightscameronreaction6860]

Bruce Greenwood looks like Harvey Keitel.

[@KellyRFennig]

Also some of the more superior recastings in Threes Company: sure the show didn’t age well with some of its writing, but neither did Seinfeld. Pricilla Barnes’ Teri Alden was a good clever replacement to Suzanne Sommers’ ditzy Chrissy Snow. And moreso, Legendary Norman Fell’s Bigoted Stanley Roper being replaced by the also legendary Don Knotts’ flamboyantly gay (and polar opposite to Roper) Ralph Furley. (I guess you cater your list to the millennials ..)

[@dicksonfranssen]

This will definitely date me but I grew up with the Apple Dumpling Gang. As the TV repair man in Pleasantville Don Knotts was the perfect choice.

[@karawardlaw4090]

More like Gen Z. I'm a millennial, and I grew up watching many older shows. They never talk about pre-2000s shows on this channel

[@InnaGottaDavida]

Ralph Furley wasn't gay. He just liked to wear bold colored leisure suits which were popular in the mid to late 1970's. By the time Knotts joined the show, leisure suits had fallen out of fashion so it made the character's wardrobe seem dated and made Furley look foolish.

[@trevortimmermans6457]

i miss mark brandanowitz

[@aaron24wood]

Kry-Ten? KRY...TEN??? Why are you separating the syllables?

[@BudofSharon]

💜