...— but she wouldn't take it

https://www.metv.com/stories/after-don-knotts-left-the-andy-griffith-show-betty-lynn-was-offered-another-storyline-but-she-wouldnt-take-it

After Knotts left the show, Lynn decided it was time to leave Mayberry.

...— but she wouldn't take it

https://www.metv.com/stories/after-don-knotts-left-the-andy-griffith-show-betty-lynn-was-offered-another-storyline-but-she-wouldnt-take-it

After Knotts left the show, Lynn decided it was time to leave Mayberry.

I love METV, but those articles! There's no way the producers would have had any interest in retaining the Thelma Lou character once Don left the series. The character was intrinsically linked to the Barney character, every time she appeared on the screen it would be a reminder of the fact that Barney was no longer a character on the series. Obviously, the producers would have had no interest in repeatedly driving that point home.

Don Knotts left the show in 1965, not 1966 as stated in the article.

I love METV, but those articles! There's no way the producers would have had any interest in retaining the Thelma Lou character once Don left the series. The character was intrinsically linked to the Barney character, every time she appeared on the screen it would be a reminder of the fact that Barney was no longer a character on the series. Obviously, the producers would have had no interest in repeatedly driving that point home.

Andy Griffith was very loyal to actors he liked, perhaps he wanted Betty Lynn to stay on?

Andy Griffith was very loyal to actors he liked, perhaps he wanted Betty Lynn to stay on?

It's true Andy was loyal, but I think his first priority was what he thought worked best for the show . There are other examples of actors/characters popular on the show and apparently liked by Griffith who found themselves phased out in the final three seasons, Hal Smith (Otis) made only two appearances during the final three seasons, Howard Morris (Ernest T) one appearance, the Darlings one appearance. Betty made one final appearance on the show in season 6 which is consistent with the others I mentioned.