Does it not feel confusing (and sometimes even worrying) to see a familiar face vanish? Throughout television history, many series have tried to carve a clear path from the beginning of the story to its respective conclusion. However, shows have had to deal with behind-the-scenes drama that had to be dealt with quickly, even if it was not handled in the most efficient manner possible.
Scheduling conflicts, creative differences, and clashes of personalities have led to controversial replacements that either improved or ruined the quality and trajectory of a given show. Formerly overlooked characters would rise to the occasion, cementing themselves as the best recasts seen on screen. On the contrary, more well-identified characters would see their fictional progress tarnished and maligned as a result of these changes.
In any scenario, these are some of the most controversial recastings widely debated on television.
10 Laurie Forman (That ’70s Show)
Christina Moore Replaced Lisa Robin Kelly
Laurie Forman, initially portrayed by Lisa Robin Kelly, was introduced as Eric’s (Topher Grace) nefarious older sister. Known for her promiscuity, manipulative tendencies, and general rudeness, Laurie would continue to stretch the imagination of what the devilish sister archetype could be on television. Throughout the show’s first five seasons, Kelly offered audiences enjoyable scenes where Laurie’s wickedness is on full display. From tormenting Eric with sneaky remarks to deceiving her parents with a smile, Laurie would be the harbinger of chaos on That ’70s Show.
A Last Season Shift
During the show’s final season, many fans highlighted a change in casting. Lisa Robin Kelly would be changed in favor of Christina Moore. The decision was made after Kelly’s experience with substance abuse proved to have major effects on her responsibilities for the show. While Moore’s performance earned a generally mixed reception, her appearance did help further her career in entertainment. Nevertheless, Lisa Robin Kelly’s performance of Laurie would remain a bright accomplishment in her legacy.
9 Reggie Mantle (Riverdale)
Charles Melton Replaced Ross Butler
Reggie, initially portrayed by Ross Butler, was introduced as the captain of the Riverdale Bulldogs and one of Archie’s (K.J. Apa’s) more competitive friends. Initially a recurring character, Reggie was largely defined by a hypermasculine persona, random acts of kindness, and his ignorance, resulting in his relationships with the main characters of the series ebbing and flowing. Throughout the show’s syndication, Reggie would be one of many characters who would experience a whirlwind of changes and bizarre encounters during high school and beyond.
A Mutually Beneficial Rearrangement
During his time on Riverdale, Butler also lent his talents to another popular, and more controversial, teen drama. Portraying Zach Dempsey in 13 Reasons Why, Butler offered audiences a more nuanced portrayal of the stereotypical jock that he also played on Riverdale.
Many considered that Butler’s decision to leave the latter for the tense Netflix drama risky was due to the poor reception towards the show’s handling of sensitive topics like suicide and sexual assault. However, the decision was seemingly beneficial for both parties. Charles Melton would replace Butler as Reggie and his performance was a balance between strong comedic moments and convincingly serious performances that fit the show’s combination of camp and drama.
8 Jesus Adams-Foster (The Fosters)
Noah Centineo Replaced Jake T. Austin
The Fosters was a Freeform (then ABC Family) drama series that followed the lives of teenagers growing up in a foster home and navigating the often overlooked realities of the American foster care system. Initially portrayed by Wizards of Waverly Place alum Jake T. Austin, Jesus Adamas-Foster (born Jesus Gutierrez) was the fraternal twin of Mariana (Cierra Ramirez) and the adoptive son of Stef (Terri Polo) and Luna (Sherri Shaum).
Due to his mother’s substance abuse and subsequent abandonment, Jesus, alongside Mariana, were taken in at five. Much of the series follows his experience living with ADHD as well as navigating the world with his anger in control.
Taking Advantage of Rising Talent
After the show’s second season, Jake T. Austin took to Twitter to announce his departure from the show, citing a desire for greater significance in the plot. With the second season finale ending in a fiery car accident, many fans believed that Jesus had perished, only to resurface later in the third season with a new face (Noah Centineo).
Fans were left dismayed by the decision, in part due to their attachment to Austin. Furthermore, Centineo’s voice and height complicate storylines surrounding cosmetic surgery, taking viewers out of the otherwise perfectly fine series.
7 Miss Ellie Ewing (Dallas)
Donna Reed Replaced Barbara Bel Geddes
Dallas sits along alongside shows like Dynasty, campy television dramas with gaudy outfits, luxurious palaces, and colorful characters bringing new excitement to each episode with their slew of schemes. Miss Ellie Ewing (initially played by Barbara Bel Geddes), the matriarch of the family, is known by many for her passion for her family, her wit, and her warm personality. Deemed the “Empress Dowager of The Lone Star State,” Ellie’s management of her family’s wealth may be described as her being a caring mother, but it is her kindness and dedication to her family that allows her to properly protect the oil business.
A Confusingly Efficient Swap
Due to health issues, Geddes would sporadically appear in the series’ twelfth season before being absent from the thirteenth, only to be replaced by Donna Reed. Many fans were taken aback by the decision, perceiving the different actresses and their respective portrayals to be too distinct. Further confusion arrived with the return of Geddes after her recovery. One of the rare cases where the original performer returns to the series, Elie Ewing’s portrayal throughout the series would stand out as the show’s most recognizable and worrying case of recasting.
6 Batwoman (Batwoman)
Javicia Leslie Replaced Ruby Rose
A show baked in controversy, the Batwoman series was one of many attempts by the CW to build upon their notable Arroweverse. Initially starring Ruby Rose, the series sees Kate Kane discover the true identity of her uncle Bruce, taking the mantle of Batwoman after his disappearance. The initial season focused on Kate’s attempts to quell discord in Gotham City. Between the formation of a security firm named ‘The Crows’ and the rise of a dangerous gang led by the maniacal Alice (Rachel Skarsten), Kate assembles a force of her own who assists her in her endeavors in ridding Gotham of crime.
A Public, Controversial Conundrum
After the first season, the show would be the source of troubling allegations, with Rose suffering an onset injury, which allegedly resulted in the studio using the employment of the crew to pressure her into returning earlier than intended. Allegations of Rose’s off-putting behavior would further complicate the likelihood of smooth filming for season 2.
The conundrum only grew more chaotic after news of Rose’s departure, resulting in Javicia Leslie taking the mantle of Batwoman by way of a new character. While the recasting managed to quell some fires, there was controversy around Leslie’s casting and its impact on the show. The series would be canceled after its third season, but Leslie would continue to reprise her role for shows like The Flash.
5 Darrin (Bewitched)
Dick Sargent Replaced Dick York
Bewitched is a classic comedy that sees Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery) navigate life as a witch married to a mortal named Darrin Stephens (initially Dick York). Constantly having to defend her love from her family, other nuisances in the magical realm, and the daily obstacles that come with life as a human, the series pokes fun at societal standards, using clever comedy to prompt reconsideration of ideals held by the status quo.
Making The Best Out Of Unexpected Restraints
Darrin, as a lead character in his own right, was a fan favorite, with him serving as a relatable face for the viewers to sympathize with as they grew more invested in Samantha’s experience among humans. However, Dick York would suffer from a physical injury that would complicate his tenure on the series. He would later be replaced by Dick Sargent, who may have provided an adequate portrayal of Darrin, but ultimately lacked the chemistry with Elizabeth Montgomery.
4 Harriette Winslow (Family Matters)
Judyann Elder Replaced Jo Marie Payton
Family Matters is one of many revered family sitcoms. Following the Winslow family, initially introduced in Perfect Strangers, the series discusses a slew of issues impacting Black American households, like the rampant racism in policing, dating, peer pressure, and the importance of communication.
The Final Nail In The Coffin
Many fans and critics attribute the decline of the show’s quality to a shift from the Winslow family and the various personalities that make up the household to the clumsy antics of Steve Urkel (Jaleel White). However, viewers have also raised issues about the recasting of Harriette (initially Jo Marie Payton) in the final eight episodes of the series. After feeling that her time on the show had come to a reasonable end, Payton was replaced by Judyann Elder, who came to complete the job, but due to the urgency of the situation, her role as the beloved matriarch was doomed from the start.
3 Spartacus (Spartacus)
Liam McIntyre Replaced Andy Whitfield
One of the more somber examples, Spartacus remains one of the most recognizable dramas on the Starz+ roster. A look into the class discrepancies and carnal delights of Ancient Roman society, the series largely followed the rise of Thracian slave-turned gladiator Spartacus.
Bringing Light To A Dark Period In Production
Originally portrayed by Andy Whitfield, Spartacus would impress audiences with its rich character development and its use of sex and violence as plot progression rather than shock value. Unfortunely, Whitfield was battling non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and passed away on September 11, 2011. Shortly after, Liam McIntyre was tapped to step up to the mantle.
While such a touchy subject and subsequent decision proved to stir some controversy, the large fanbase has gone on to embrace McIntyre while holding the memory of Whitfield in their hearts.
2 Geralt (The Witcher)
Liam Hemsworth Replaced Henry Cavill
Known for his passion and longtime role as a fan of the franchise, many fans of The Witcher were excited to hear that Henry Cavill was tapped for the role of Geralt of Rivia. Set on a fictional landmass only known as “The Continent,” the series largely follows the adventures of the titular Witcher, a monster hunter with supernatural abilities, alongside his interpersonal relationships with powerful witches like Yennefer (Anya Chalotra), charismatic bards like Jaskier (Joey Batey), and messianic princesses like Ciri (Freya Allan).
A Classic Conflict Of Reimagination
After news of creative conflicts between Cavill and the producers of the series reached the public, alongside the former’s obligations to studios like DC, it was soon reported that Henry Cavill had departed the show. Given that the basis of the conflicts allegedly stem from the accuracy of the storytelling, fans would be further dismayed by the news of his departure. When news of Liam Hemsworth‘s casting came to light, the reactions ranged from genuine skepticism to fairly negative reception.
1 Vivian Banks (The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air)
Daphne Maxwell Reid Replaced Janet Hubert
Easily one of the most notable and controversial casting decisions, The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air features a case where one of the main characters saw a recognizable change, one that left many stunned and concerned. Vivian “Aunt Viv” Banks, initially portrayed by Janet Hubert, graced the screens as the heartwarming, warm, yet respected matriarch of the Banks household. After the third season, however, Hubert was suddenly removed from the series and subsequently replaced with Daphne Maxwell Reid.
A Concerning Replacement With Grave Implications
The shift itself gave way to a litany of rumors regarding Hubert’s exit, often attributed to a feud between her, Will Smith, and Alfonso Ribero. The speculation would lead to all parties expressing varying perspectives until the 2020 reunion where Smith and Hubert held a discussion by themselves and revealed that the latter left as a result of a series of issues in her personal life.
Despite the warmhearted resolution between both parties, the recasting stands as one of the most referenced examples because of the show’s popularity, as well as its relevance in discussions surrounding colorism and the representation of darker-skinned black women in Hollywood.
