It used to happen more in the past -- a character is such a hit on a show that they are then written in as a new, permanent character.

Paul Lynde's first role on Bewitched was as Samantha's driving instructor. The powers to be knew a good thing when they saw it, and created the classic character, Uncle Arthur.

Any more?

double post

Reverend Jim was only supposed to be on one episode of Taxi, but he was so well-received that they made him a regular on the show. Same with Antonio from Wings. Both were great moves, IMHO.

Steve Urkel on Family Matters was only supposed to guest star in one episode in the First season, he was such a hit, that in the second season he was credited as a regular.

Originally posted by Brent88
Steve Urkel on Family Matters was only supposed to guest star in one episode in the First season, he was such a hit, that in the second season he was credited as a regular.

The same thing happened with Larry ,Daryl and Daryl on Newhart. They were supposed to be a one time thing but were brought back. I'm glad they were . I loved those guys!:lol:

Originally posted by Penny Lane
The same thing happened with Larry ,Daryl and Daryl on Newhart. They were supposed to be a one time thing but were brought back. I'm glad they were . I loved those guys!:lol:

Yeah, I love them too! Stephanie on Newhart was supposed to be just a guest star too, I'm fairly certain, and she became a regular cast member (and a very funny one too :)).

the 2 i can think of right now are exador from mork and minda mindy and i think paris from gilmore girls was also suppsoed be a one time guest . but im not too sure

Frasier was only signed on to Cheers for something like a 7 episode deal.
But he ended up staying with the series for 9 years, and going on to a series of his own (featuring the same character) and has made sitcom history.


Frasier's wife from Cheers, Lilith, was originally a one episode stunt, but she came back eventually as a regular.

Edward Winter first appeared in season two of "M*A*S*H" as Captain Halloran, a C.I.D investigator. The last episode of the same season he returned as his signature character Colonel Flagg, loose cannon CIA agent.

Both characters were one in the same, so I guess it was naturally assumed by the viewers that Captain Halloran was another one of Flagg's aliases.

Originally posted by HDfanLiz
Yeah, I love them too! Stephanie on Newhart was supposed to be just a guest star too, I'm fairly certain, and she became a regular cast member (and a very funny one too :)).

Stephanie (and Michael) really added a great comedic element to the show!:lol: