http://www.mentalfloss.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/435_latka.jpg

Latka Gravas was a very cute & funny character, but Andy Kaufman really didn't want to be a part of a sitcom. If he had left the show, do you think the show would've tanked or could it still have worked without him?

Remember that he wasn't in every episode.

Christopher Lloyd as Jim was a far stronger and funnier character than Kaufman.
The show could have easily continued w/o Latka.

The show could have easily done without as it proved in the episodes were Kaufman was not present. Though they did try to add more to his Latka character by giving him his alter ego (Vic Ferrari).

The show is better for his being there but it could have still been successful and funny without him.