Actors: Anita Barone, Jane Sibbett
Carol, Ross’s ex-wife and the mother of his son Ben on Friends, was originally played by Anita Barone in her first appearance during Season 1. Barone left the show to pursue other opportunities, and Jane Sibbett was recast in the role.
Sibbett’s portrayal of Carol brought a softer and more nuanced dynamic to the character, particularly in her interactions with Ross and her wife, Susan. The recast was so seamless that many fans don’t even realize the role was played by two different actors.
Actors: Richard Allen York, Richard Sargent
A tale of two Richards led to this highly talked about Bewitched switch. York was originally the beloved Darrin Stephens, a mortal married to his witchy housewife, Samantha. He carried on in the role for five seasons. However, abruptly in season six, York was replaced by Sargent—without explanation to fans or showrunners.
Audiences wondered why Darrin had been replaced. The truth is actually far tamer than fiction—York had been injured early in his career and was addicted to painkillers. After an on-set collapse, York was replaced by Sargent, and his career never recovered.
Actors: Amanda Walsh, Kaley Cuoco
Initially, Amanda Walsh played the role of Penny in the original unaired pilot of The Big Bang Theory. Her version of Penny was quite different from the character we know today—she was a hard-edged, sarcastic character named Katie. After the pilot didn’t resonate with test audiences, the show was retooled, and Kaley Cuoco was cast as Penny.
The character was rewritten to be sweeter, more approachable, and closer to her Nebraska roots. Cuoco’s Penny became a beloved character, serving as the heart of the show and the perfect foil to Sheldon’s eccentricities and Leonard’s awkwardness. This casting switch is often credited as a key factor in the show’s massive success.
Actors: Lecy Goranson, Sarah Chalke
In one of the most memorable TV switcheroos, Becky Conner got changed mid-series. In season 5, actress Lecy Goranson decided to go to college. The writers decided to write her out by having Becky elope with her boyfriend. Sarah Chalke stepped into the role in season 6 when the writers brought the couple home.
Chalke continued in the role until season 8, when Goranson became available to play the character part-time. So, the Beckys continued to change. There were lots of one-line gags about Becky looking different, and eventually, both actresses showed up for the reboot, The Conners. Goranson took back the Becky role and Chalke took another.
Actors: Wayne Northrop, Drake Hogestyn, Josh Taylor
In one of the longest-running soap operas of our time, Roman Brady’s character was originated in 1981 by actor Wayne Northrop. As the retired police chief of fictional town Salem, Roman encountered his share of conspiracies, spying and dubious encounters with ex-wives through his family business--the Brady Pub.
However, for reasons unknown, Roman was recast and Drake Hogestyn took over the reigns of the feisty John Black/Roman Brady. During this time, the series climbed out of a ratings slump due to a fantastic storyline and the hot, new actor. Oddly enough, Northrop returned to the series as “John Black” and Drake Hogestyn remained as Roman. Fast forward 20 years, and the character is now played by Josh Taylor, and Northrop plays a different character altogether. Only in the soaps, folks!
Actors: Bea Benaderet, Irene Ryan
The role of Granny, the feisty matriarch of The Beverly Hillbillies, was initially played by Bea Benaderet in the unaired pilot. However, when the series was picked up, Benaderet was cast as Cousin Pearl, and Irene Ryan stepped into the role of Granny.
Ryan’s performance became iconic, with her fiery energy and comedic timing stealing every scene. The recasting allowed Benaderet to shine in a recurring role while giving Ryan the opportunity to craft one of television’s most memorable characters.
Actors: Lou Ferrigno, Ted Cassidy
This is one of those shows where two actors played the same character but no one was replaced or fired. Actor Bill Bixby played scientist Dr. David Banner who was exposed to high levels of gamma radiation.
However, when the mild-mannered Dr. Banner gets mad, then that anger triggers a transformation into a 7 ft green creature called the Incredible Hulk. In his Hulk form, the character was played by bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno.
Actors: Barbara Bel Geddes, Donna Reed
In a series full of questionable characters doing questionable deeds, Miss Ellie was the matriarch, moral center, and voice of reason for the Ewing clan. However, in season eight of Dallas, Miss Ellie's original actress, Barbara Bel Geddes, was replaced by Donna Reed, and fans went crazy with rumor and speculation.
Was it salary demands? Backstage fights? Actually, Bel Geddes left the show for medical reasons--she had heart surgery and couldn’t continue on with the show at that time. However, after one season, Bel Geddes recovered and was ready to work again, which meant that Reed got the boot, which led to a nasty legal battle between her and the show.
Actors: Tasmin Merchant, Emilia Clarke
Daenerys Targaryen, one of the most pivotal characters in Game of Thrones, was originally played by Tamzin Merchant in the unaired pilot. While Merchant’s performance was considered competent, the pilot itself was poorly received by network executives. When the show was reworked, Emilia Clarke was cast as Daenerys, and her portrayal became iconic.
Clarke brought a balance of vulnerability, resilience, and intensity to the Mother of Dragons, earning critical acclaim and numerous award nominations. Her performance is widely regarded as a cornerstone of the show’s success. This casting change underscored the importance of finding the right actor to capture a character’s essence.
Actors: Pamela Sue Martin, Emma Samms
In a show filled with drama and hijinks already, replacing the main character of Fallon Carrington Colby turned out to be a huge ordeal. Originated by Pamela Sue Martin, she was a staple of Wednesday night drama until season four. Martin left, wanting to pursue new things.
At that time, Emma Samms (formerly of General Hospital fame) stepped into the rol,e and the character was spun-off into a series called The Colbys. Cancellation sent Samms back to Dynasty, where other characters had already come and gone.
Actors: Julie Newmar, Lee Meriwether, Eartha Kitt
Wanna get a DC comics nerd all hot and bothered? Ask them who a better TV Catwoman was in the 1960’s. Newmar was known for her sultry turn as the Cat due to her statuesque form that made her a larger-than-life cultural dreamboat.
However, she was replaced in the movie version by Lee Meriwether and appears as a love interest on the show. However, when Newmar left the show, the scrumptious Eartha Kitt stepped in and filled the role admirably. RAWR!
Actors: Santino Fontana, Skylar Astin
Santino Fontana originated the role of Greg Serrano, Rebecca Bunch’s sarcastic and self-deprecating love interest in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Fontana played Greg for the first two seasons, but his departure from the show led to the character being recast with Skylar Astin in Season 4.
The show cleverly explained the change by addressing Greg’s transformation, stating that Rebecca now sees him differently after years apart. Astin brought a different energy to the role, infusing Greg with optimism and maturity. The recasting allowed the show to explore Greg’s character development while also leaning into its meta-comedic style.
Actors: George Morgan, William Christopher
You’d absolutely be right to say that you only know one Father Mulcahy, who was played in the series by William Christopher. However, what you may not realize is that a different actor, George Morgan, was originally slated to be Father Mulcahy.
For whatever reason, MASH executives were quiet about it, and Morgan was replaced with Christopher. The only thing not replaced? George Morgan’s picture in the opening credits with William Christopher’s name.
Actors: Janet Hubert-Whitten,Daphne Maxwell Reid
On The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Will Smith saw himself starring opposite Janet Hubert-Whitten for three seasons before a sudden change happened. Citing personal reasons, Hubert stepped away from the show, but the rumor mill went bonkers with the news that Aunt Viv and The Fresh Prince had serious run-ins on set.
It took a full 27 years before Will Smith and Janet Hubert-Whitten would speak again, at which point Hubert disclosed an abusive marriage during season three shooting. Daphne Maxwell Reid stepped into the role of Aunt Viv, and people adored her.
Actors: Shannon Chochran, Linda Purl
When we first meet Pam Beesly’s mom, it’s in season two of The Office when Helene visits her daughter during the episode "Sexual Harassment". Pam’s mother was played by Shannon Cochran as a more or less a quick, minor character. Writers didn’t plan to go to this depth again. Until Jim and Pam got married--and Chochran wasn’t available.
Enter Linda Purl, the new Helene Beesly, whom Michael Scott ends up dating during a hilarious season six storyline. Thank goodness for Jim and Pam that the relationship ended, because neither of them wanted to call Michael "Dad".
Actors: John Posey, Bob Saget
In the original unaired pilot of Full House, John Posey played the role of Danny Tanner, the widowed father at the heart of the show. However, after the pilot was filmed, producers decided to replace Posey with Bob Saget.
Saget’s warm yet goofy portrayal of Danny became central to the show’s enduring appeal. His chemistry with the cast and his ability to balance heartfelt moments with comedy made him one of TV’s most beloved dads. The decision to recast paid off, as Saget’s Danny Tanner remains a pop culture icon.
Actors: Tim Dunigan, Dirk Benedict
There’s nothing better than the A-Team coming to your rescue. Now you may be scratching your head and saying – wait a minute. Dirk Benedict was ALWAYS the Faceman I knew. And you’d be right except for the pilot. Actor Tim Dunigan was the original smooth-talking con known as Lt. Peck.
The reason? Tim Dunigan was far too young to be a veteran of the Vietnam War and looked even younger on camera. Series creator Stephen J. Cannell finally got his way, and Dirk Benedict stepped into the role.
Actors: Lily Nicksay, Lindsay Ridgeway
In Boy Meets World, Morgan Matthews, Cory's younger sister, was originally portrayed by Lily Nicksay during the first two seasons. After a brief absence, the character returned in season three, recast with Lindsay Ridgeway, who played Morgan for the rest of the series.
The recasting was done to age the character and adjust her tone, with Ridgeway’s portrayal being more comedic and outspoken compared to Nicksay’s sweeter, more innocent version. This shift aligned with the show's evolving humor and allowed Morgan to have a more active role in family dynamics as the series progressed into its later seasons.
Actors: Mark Hamill, Grant Goodeve
While you know him as Luke Skywalker, Mark Hamill also spent a short amount of time playing David Bradford on Eight is Enough. He was cast in the pilot and ready to play David Bradford, the most rebellious of the kids.
Before he could flip his trusty lightsaber on, Hamill was replaced by Grant Goodeve, as the pilot wasn’t exactly what Hamill wanted, and a car crash gave him an out. Good thing that Hamill had a little movie called Star Wars to focus on!
Actors: Clayton Moore, John Hart
In this action-packed series from the '50s, a Texas Ranger who is left for dead, found by a Native American, and returned to health, wears a mask in order to challenge the lawless people of the American West. The series ran for 9 years and over 5 seasons. Clayton Moore was THE ultimate masked Lone Ranger, riding high atop his trusty steed Silver, yelling “Hi-yo Silver, away!"
However, a nasty contract dispute between Clayton Moore and the producers led to Moore being replaced by actor John Hart. Audiences weren’t keen on that switch and no one accepted Hart as “The Masked Man” for the last season. Producer George Trendle sold the rights to Jack Wrather, who immediately rehired Moore to take his rightful place in the saddle.
Actors: Alessandra Torresani, Mae Whitman
Mae Whitman became synonymous with the character Ann Veal, George Michael’s devout and painfully bland girlfriend, on Arrested Development. However, Ann was originally played by Alessandra Torresani in her first appearance.
The recast worked in the show’s favor, as Whitman’s comedic deadpan delivery made Ann an unforgettable running joke. Often referred to as “Her?” or “Egg,” Ann’s lack of charisma became a source of endless hilarity. Whitman’s subtle performance ensured that Ann stood out as a recurring gag in the Bluth family’s chaotic world.
Actors: Kelly Jean Peters, Candice Azzara, Sally Struthers
Many people don’t know that All in the Family first went to ABC—where Norman Lear brought his sleeper hit. In the first pilot, Archie Bunker’s daughter Gloria was played by Kelly Jean Peters and Michael a.k.a. Meathead was played by Tim McIntire. ABC rejected the pilot, citing lack of chemistry between them.
Lear tried again with a second pilot—this time casting Candice Azzara as Gloria and Chip Oliver as Michael. ABC was still not happy and passed on the show, selling it to CBS. Lear shot one last pilot, casting Sally Struthers as Gloria and Rob Reiner as Michael, and the rest is television history!
Actors: 13 different actors
Dr. Who is a science fiction television program broadcast by the BBC since 1963. The program is about the Time Lord (a.k.a. The Doctor), who is an alien that appears to be human. He explores the universe in a time-traveling spaceship called TARDIS, which looks like a blue British police box. As with all time-traveling aliens, the Doctor works to eliminate unsavory foes in the universe, save civilizations from being wiped out, and help people in need.
Since the beginning of the series, there have been 13 actors credited with being The Time Lord and a host of "guest doctors" as well. Here are the actors and their tenure: William Hartness (1963-66), Patrick Troughton (1966-1969), John Pertwee (1970-1974), Tom Baker (1974-1981), Peter Davison (1982-1984), Colin Baker (1984-1986), Sylvester McCoy (1987-1989), Paul McGann (1996), Christopher Eccleston (2005), David Tennant (2005-2010), Matt Smith (2010-2013), Peter Capaldi (2014-2017), and the lone woman, Jodie Whittaker, who has played The Time Lord since 2018.
Actors: Maura Tierney, Lauren Graham
In the original pilot of Parenthood, Sarah Braverman was played by Maura Tierney. However, Tierney had to step away from the role due to health issues, and Lauren Graham was brought in to replace her. Graham’s performance as the struggling single mother of two added a relatable charm and wit to the show.
Her chemistry with the rest of the ensemble cast helped solidify the family dynamics that became the heart of the series. Fans often credit Graham’s portrayal as a key reason for the show’s emotional resonance.
Actors: Nicholas Gonzales, Kevin Alejandro
In the Lucifer pilot, Detective Daniel "Dan" Espinoza was originally portrayed by Nicholas Gonzales. However, when the series was picked up, Kevin Alejandro was cast as Dan for the remainder of the show.
This recasting brought a new dynamic to the character, with Alejandro delivering a more nuanced and comedic portrayal that helped define Dan's complex relationships with the main characters, particularly Lucifer. Gonzales’ brief appearance was replaced due to creative decisions as the series evolved from its initial pilot to the full production run.
Actors: Jake T. Austin, Noah Centineo
In The Fosters, Jesus Adams Foster was originally portrayed by Jake T. Austin. After season two, Austin left the show, and the role was recast with Noah Centineo starting in season three. Austin's departure was due to creative differences and his desire to pursue other opportunities.
Centineo brought a different energy to the role, gaining praise for his portrayal of Jesus, particularly as the character matured and dealt with more complex issues in later seasons. The recasting allowed the character's storyline to continue seamlessly, with Centineo's performance helping to maintain the show's emotional depth.
Actors: Rachel Dratch, Jane Krakowski
Jenna Maroney, the self-absorbed actress on 30 Rock, was originally played by Rachel Dratch in the unaired pilot. When the show was retooled, the role was recast with Jane Krakowski, while Dratch stayed on as a recurring player in various roles.
Krakowski’s portrayal of Jenna leaned heavily into the character’s absurd narcissism and diva tendencies, adding a new layer of hilarity to the series. Her performance was critically acclaimed, with many citing her comedic timing as one of the show’s highlights. The recast allowed 30 Rock to find its unique tone, making Krakowski an integral part of its success.
Actors: Shailene Woodley, Willa Holland
In The O.C., Kaitlin Cooper, the younger sister of Marissa Cooper, was first portrayed by Shailene Woodley during the show's first season. After a brief absence, the character was recast with Willa Holland beginning in season three.
The recasting occurred as the show's writers decided to age Kaitlin and give her a more prominent role in the storyline. Holland's portrayal brought a rebellious, edgier dimension to Kaitlin, which contrasted with her earlier depiction as a more innocent child. This shift allowed the character to explore more mature themes and relationships as the series progressed.
Actors: Lisa Robin Kelly, Christina Moore
Laurie Forman, Eric’s manipulative older sister on That '70s Show, was first played by Lisa Robin Kelly. Kelly portrayed Laurie in the first five seasons, but due to personal struggles, she left the show. Christina Moore took over the role in Season 6, though the character’s prominence diminished after the recast.
Fans often note that Kelly’s performance had a sharper edge and brought a unique charm to Laurie’s scheming ways. While Moore delivered a competent performance, the switch was noticeable, and Laurie’s character arc was eventually phased out.
Actors: Ed Skrein, Michiel Huisman
In Game of Thrones, Daario Naharis was first portrayed by Ed Skrein in season three. However, the role was recast, with Michiel Huisman starting in season four.
The official reason for the change was Skrein's scheduling conflicts, though some fans speculated that creative differences might have also played a role. Huisman’s portrayal of Daario shifted the character’s demeanor, presenting a more grounded and less flamboyant version compared to Skrein's initial performance. The recasting allowed Daario’s storyline with Daenerys Targaryen to continue, though some viewers noted the noticeable change in the character’s on-screen presence and personality.
Actors: Alexandra Krosney, Amanda Fuller
In Last Man Standing, Kristin Baxter was originally portrayed by Alexandra Krosney during the first season. However, starting in season two, the role was recast with Amanda Fuller. The show's producers made the change to age the character slightly and to take the character in a different direction, reflecting her more mature role as a young mother.
Fuller's portrayal brought a more grounded and serious tone to Kristin, aligning with the show's evolving dynamics. The recasting allowed for a deeper exploration of Kristin's relationship with her family and her personal growth throughout the rest of the series.
Actors: Molly Ephraim, Molly McCook
In Last Man Standing, Mandy Baxter was originally portrayed by Molly Ephraim for the first six seasons. However, after the show was canceled and later revived by Fox for season seven, Ephraim chose not to return, citing scheduling conflicts and other career opportunities.
The role was recast with Molly McCook, who brought a different interpretation of Mandy, with a slightly more refined and less quirky personality compared to Ephraim’s version.
Actors: Eve Plumb, Brooke Shields
In That '70s Show, Pam Burkhart, the mother of Jackie Burkhart, was initially portrayed by Eve Plumb in season one. However, the role was later recast with Brooke Shields, who appeared as Pam in seasons six and seven.
The recasting brought a different energy to the character, with Shields portraying Pam as a glamorous, free-spirited woman who causes tension due to her romantic involvement with Bob Pinciotti, Jackie’s neighbor. Shields' version of Pam contrasted with Plumb’s more understated portrayal, aligning with the show’s comedic tone and contributing to new storylines involving Jackie and Bob’s relationship dynamics.
Actors: Luke Grimes, Nathan Parsons
In True Blood, James Kent was first portrayed by Luke Grimes in season six. However, prior to season seven, Grimes left the show due to creative differences, specifically concerning the character’s evolving storyline and romantic relationship with Lafayette.
The role was recast with Nathan Parsons for the final season. Parsons brought a slightly different energy to James, continuing his relationship with Lafayette while deepening the character's emotional complexity.
Actors: Ross Butler, Charles Melton
In Riverdale, Reggie Mantle was originally portrayed by Ross Butler during the first season. However, due to scheduling conflicts with his role in 13 Reasons Why, Butler left the show after season one. The role was recast with Charles Melton starting in season two.
Melton brought a new dynamic to Reggie, emphasizing the character's brashness and humor, while expanding his role in the show's storyline. The recasting allowed Reggie to become a more prominent figure in the series, particularly in his relationships with the core characters, including Archie Andrews and Veronica Lodge.
