TMC
02-27-2017, 09:12 PM
http://nypost.com/2017/02/27/how-tv-shows-recover-when-a-star-dies/?utm_source=zergnet.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=zergnet_1502784
In 2003, John Ritter (http://www.avclub.com/article/these-actors-didnt-survive-their-last-tv-roles-255390) died of an aortic dissection, shortly before his 55th birthday, while filming the ABC series “8 Simple Rules.” Ritter’s death was written into the series, with his character, Paul Hennessy, collapsing in a grocery store. James Garner and David Spade appeared in guest-starring roles to fill in the gap following Ritter’s departure, but the ratings fell, with the show slipping from 42nd to 50th place. It was cancelled in 2005.
In 2003, John Ritter (http://www.avclub.com/article/these-actors-didnt-survive-their-last-tv-roles-255390) died of an aortic dissection, shortly before his 55th birthday, while filming the ABC series “8 Simple Rules.” Ritter’s death was written into the series, with his character, Paul Hennessy, collapsing in a grocery store. James Garner and David Spade appeared in guest-starring roles to fill in the gap following Ritter’s departure, but the ratings fell, with the show slipping from 42nd to 50th place. It was cancelled in 2005.