10 TV Shows That Never Recovered After Losing A Main Character

[TMC]

https://screenrant.com/tv-shows-main...e-not-recover/

Numerous television shows had to pivot after one or a few main characters left, and some series were worse off because of the character exits.

One of the most devastating moments in a television show is when a main character prematurely leaves, and, unfortunately, for a handful of projects, their exits led to the series' downfalls. It's never easy to say goodbye to beloved fictional characters. But, sometimes, it's beyond anyone's control, and other times, their leaving resulted from creative decisions that the writers and producers likely regretted later on.

Whether the character exits led to tragic deaths or job opportunities in other towns, it hurts all the same. However, when a television production removes one of the key pieces that keep the ship moving, it can lead to a disappointing ripple effect that destroys the show. Many series have lost their main characters, but these ten shows were never the same after their exits.

10
The Walking Dead (Glenn Rhee)

The Walking Dead fans who read the comics might have suspected that Glenn's death was coming, but the way it happened was beyond shocking. Season 6 ended on a cliffhanger after the Saviors captured the main characters and forced them onto their knees. Negan played a game of "eeny, meeny, miny, moe" before landing on his victim and beating them to death. However, the audience didn't learn who he killed until the season 7 premiere, and it turned out to be Abraham. It seemed like Glenn was in the clear, but then Daryl punched Negan, and the villain decided to kill another one of them. Negan's choice was Glenn.

Following Glenn's death, the AMC series started to go downhill. The show's ratings and viewership numbers began to steadily decline, with a difference of almost five million viewers between the season 7 premiere and its second episode. Some fans started boycotting The Walking Dead after Negan brutally murdered Glenn, not only because they were mad that one of their favorite characters died but also because the series was dragging on boring storylines and recycling previous plot points. The Walking Dead finally ended after season 11, and at that point, the show was a shell of what it once was.

9
The Office (Michael Scott)

Whether viewers loved or hated him, Michael Scott was the heart and face of The Office. So when Steve Carell announced that he would exit the comedy series during its seventh season, it was clear that the show would never be the same without his iconic character. The NBC mockumentary was never able to find a stable replacement for Michael, even though they brought in the likes of Will Ferrell and James Spader to play new Regional Managers. Even when Dwight and Andy switched off as the boss, no one could ever fill the hole that Michael left after he exited the series.

8
The Vampire Diaries (Elena Gilbert)

As frustrating as Elena Gilbert could be, it was disheartening to learn that Nina Dobrev was exiting The Vampire Diaries after season 6. Elena, Stefan, and Damon were the faces of the CW teen drama, and it would be a completely different show without any of them. Nevertheless, The Vampire Diaries' writers and producers tried to push forward with only Stefan and Damon at the forefront of the series. But the storylines in seasons 7 and 8 were muddled and boring. Thankfully, Dobrev returned for the series finale, which, all-in-all, turned out to be a satisfying ending for the popular show.

7
The OC (Marissa Cooper)

One of the most pointless deaths on a teen drama television series was Marissa Cooper's in The OC. Marissa had been an important character since the pilot, but Mischa Barton wanted to leave, and creator Josh Schwartz felt Marissa needed to exit with a bang. So in the season 3 finale, Marissa's ex-boyfriend, Kevin, was angry at her for rejecting him, so he got drunk and followed Ryan and Marissa. Kevin repeatedly rammed his car into theirs, causing it to go off the road. Ryan survived the crash, but Marissa died from her injuries in his arms.

Following Marissa's death, The OC only lasted one more season before FOX canceled it. The show's ratings severely dropped after the season 3 finale as viewers were disappointed and shocked by Marissa's exit. The OC never recovered from killing off one of its main characters, and to this day, it's easier just to imagine that the series ended before the season 3 finale.

6
One Tree Hill (Lucas Scott & Peyton Sawyer)

Lucas Scott, Nathan Scott, Peyton Sawyer, Brooke Davis, and Haley James Scott were the best parts of One Tree Hill, and once any of them left, its downfall was unavoidable. The good news is that the WB/CW series had six great seasons with its core five, and fans only had to manage three without two of them. However, it was still heartbreaking when Chad Michael Murray and Hilarie Burton exited the series.

Lucas and Peyton got their happy ending and rode off into the sunset together with baby Sawyer, and that arguably should have been the One Tree Hill series finale. The writers and producers tried to go on without them, but it was obvious in the season 7 premiere that the show was irrevocably different after Lucas and Peyton were gone. Lucas briefly returned once during an episode in season 9, but it did little to satisfy viewers. One Tree Hill ended after season 9, but the best seasons will always be the earlier ones with Lucas, Nathan Peyton, Brooke, and Haley.

5
Two And A Half Men (Charlie Harper)

Theoretically, it would be difficult for any television series to continue after one of its title namesakes leaves. The popular CBS sitcom Two and a Half Men centered around brothers Charlie and Alan Harper (two men) and Alan's son Jake (a half of a man). The show lasted for almost eight seasons with the three characters, but in the middle of production, CBS fired Charlie Sheen following a turbulent back-and-forth between the actor and the producers.

The season 9 premiere killed Charlie and introduced his replacement — Walden, played by Ashton Kutcher. While Two and a Half Men initially saw a boost in ratings due to the behind-the-scenes drama, viewership eventually decreased. Similar to Michael Scott, Charlie was a controversial character, but he was also a big part of what made Two and a Half Men successful. The comedy series lasted four more seasons before ending in 2015 with season 12.

4
Glee (Finn Hudson)

After most of the Glee Club members graduated during the season 3 finale, Glee never figured out how to continue the series with them as adults while balancing the stories of the remaining characters still in high school. Season 4 was the beginning of the end, but when Cory Monteith died, and the writers subsequently killed off Finn in season 5, it was clear that Glee had reached the point of no return. Finn was arguably the heart of the show, and without him, the FOX series was never the same.

3
That '70s Show (Eric Forman)

Like many other television shows on this list, That '70s Show doesn't work without any of its core group. So when Topher Grace exited the series after season 7, it was only a matter of time before it came to an end. The writers tried to replace Eric Forman with Randy, but the chemistry between Randy and the friend group never felt right. Plus, when the writers made Randy and Donna get together, it was like a punch in the stomach since Eric and Donna were such an iconic couple. Ultimately, That '70s Show ended after season 8, but thankfully, Eric returned for the series finale, and all was right in the world.

2
Superstore (Amy Sosa)

Right before the COVID-19 pandemic, America Ferrera announced that she was leaving Superstore at the end of its fifth season. However, due to production delays, the actor decided to return at the beginning of season 6 to give closure to Amy Sosa's story. Although Superstore featured an ensemble cast, Amy was undoubtedly the main character, so her departure was a low moment for the series. Even though the writers tried their best to adjust to her exit, the show never recovered, and NBC canceled it. The good news is that Ferrera returned for the final episodes of season 6, and Amy and Jonah got their happy ending.

1
Teen Wolf (Stiles Stilinski)

Teen Wolf constantly attempted to make do without Dylan O'Brien's Stiles Stilinski, but it's difficult for a show to recover after losing its heart and soul. Stiles was a fan favorite due to his humor, relatability, and friendship with Scott. But O'Brien took a step back from the MTV series during season 6, and Stiles barely appeared in the episodes, even though the actor was credited as a series regular for most of the season. The first half semi-worked since Stiles' disappearance is what drove the plot forward, but his noticeable absence in the second half contributed to one of the most forgettable storylines of the show.

The people behind Teen Wolf even tried to make a movie without Stiles, which didn't work. They should know by now that Teen Wolf isn't the same without Stiles, and they can't continue the franchise if O'Brien doesn't want to return. Sometimes, television shows are better off ending than trying to go on after a main character leaves.

[stevea]

Two and a Half Men was tailor made for Sheen. It took 4 seasons to kill the show without him. It was probably a combination of losing him, and the increasingly bizarre storylines.

[merlinjones]

Petticoat Junction
Alias Smith and Jones
Happy Days
The Waltons
Bewitched

[Merry24]

Dennis the Menace-Joesph Kearns

8 Simple Rules-Jon Ritter

[Mr. Television]

Originally Posted by Charles Knox

Who died on Happy Days?

Ron Howard left.

[Frank Gannucci]

Originally Posted by stevea

Two and a Half Men was tailor made for Sheen. It took 4 seasons to kill the show without him. It was probably a combination of losing him, and the increasingly bizarre storylines.

Not to mention that the show was in its 12th season when they ended, they lost the actor who played the kid (can’t remember the name off hand) and the show was REALLY on life support.”

[Edward216]

Originally Posted by Frank Gannucci

Not to mention that the show was in its 12th season when they ended, they lost the actor who played the kid (can’t remember the name off hand) and the show was REALLY on life support.”

Angus T. Jones.

Ed.

[Frank Gannucci]

Thank you.

[Chocolate Moose]

Newsradio

the one with John Ritter, I forget the name

[Frank Gannucci]

Originally Posted by Chocolate Moose

Newsradio

the one with John Ritter, I forget the name

8 Reasons For Not Dating My Teenage Daughter.

[scotchnh2o]

Originally Posted by Frank Gannucci

8 Reasons For Not Dating My Teenage Daughter.

8 Simple Rules For Dating My Teenage Daughter...

[Frank Gannucci]

Originally Posted by scotchnh2o

8 Simple Rules For Dating My Teenage Daughter...

My mistake. Sorry.

[24/7 reruns]

Originally Posted by Mr. Television

Ron Howard left.

Ahh, but Chuck left first