19 Actors who were replaced in a TV show 

Recasting in television is such a common practice, and reasons for this often include contract problems, behind-the-scenes drama, or even because a character in the show may evolve in an unexpected way. Some recasting is very subtle, while other recasting could leave viewers feeling confused or even disappointed. When an actor is replaced, even minor changes in a character can have a significant impact on the dynamics of the show. In this article, we take a look at 19 TV characters who were recast over the years and how the new faces reshaped their respective shows.

1. Janet Hubert – The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

One of the most remembered TV replacements is the abrupt transformation of Aunt Viv in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which she could hardly ignore. Janet Hubert interpreted the role more as firm and fierce in the first three seasons. But the softer, more sophisticated Daphne Maxwell Reid took her place after she allegedly had a falling out with Will Smith and experienced personal issues. Decades later, in 2020, Hubert and Smith reconciled during the show's reunion special, finally putting the drama to rest.

2. Lecy Goranson – Roseanne

Roseanne experienced a bit of musical chairs with Becky Conner. Lecy Goranson originated in the show as the sarcastic eldest daughter but left after Season 5 to attend college. Sarah Chalke replaced her with her own flavor. Goranson was brought back for later seasons, giving the show a great running gag involving the changing appearance of Becky. In 2018, when Roseanne was rebooted (later called The Conners), Goranson resumed the role full-time while Chalke joined in a new role in order to preserve the legacy.

3. Laura Benanti – Supergirl

Supergirl's mother, Alura Zor-El, was portrayed initially by Laura Benanti in the first two seasons of the series. Benanti breathed warmth and strength into the Kryptonian matriarch; she was a guide and deep emotional connection to Kara for her heritage. In Season 3, however, the role of Alura was taken over by Erica Durance, famous for her role as Lois Lane in Smallville. Durance introduced a very different energy into Alura's overall appearance, exuding more of an authoritative air.

4. Luke Grimes – True Blood

The charming vampire in True Blood season six was portrayed by Luke Grimes, although he left after his first season. The role was then handed over to Nathan Parsons in Season 7, where he brought out a different vibe for James with a more complicated and emotionally intense arc, mainly with Jessica Hamby. Well, despite changing times, Parsons was able to maintain the crux of the character but added his own flavor, and James is just not forgotten this season for the final.

5. Tom Ellis – Once Upon a Time

Robin Hood was originally portrayed by Tom Ellis in the flashback scenes of the first season of Once Upon a Time. However, the character was later recast with Sean Maguire, who took over from Season 2 onwards. This charming outlaw and hero was such an integral part of the dynamic on the show as Robin developed his romantic storyline with Regina Mills—the Evil Queen. Though Ellis and Maguire both added their own flavor to Robin, Maguire's interpretation became the series' favorite iteration of the character.

6. Alessandra Torresani – Arrested Development

"Her?" Ann Veal, George Michael's ridiculously unremarkable girlfriend on Arrested Development, was played by Alessandra Torresani in Season 1. By Season 2, Mae Whitman took over the role, playing Ann's blandness with impeccable comedic timing. The switch flew mostly under the radar of the Bluth family—aptly so, given that Ann was often treated as a forgettable thing. Whitman's performance became a fan favorite, adding depth to the running gag about Ann's unremarkable existence.

7. Jane Levy – Shameless

Mandy Milkovich, the "as tough as she is soft" love interest of Lip Gallagher, was rolled out in Season 1 with Jane Levy in the role. Levy left after the initial season due to scheduling conflicts; then, to everyone's surprise, Emma Greenwell took over, and that role dug deeper into Mandy's complex character, stretched by her toxic family and desire for a better life. While both the actresses had unique perspectives for Mandy, Greenwell's tenure was spread across several seasons.

8. Anita Barone – Friends

Anita Barone portrayed the role of Carol Willick, the ex-wife of Ross, in the pilot episode of Friends, but it was soon replaced by another actress, Jane Sibbett, in the second season. With Sibbett as Carol, this version became more vivid because the persona she depicted was friendly, co-parenting with Ross and her girlfriend, Susan. Carol's character had a lot to do with the background of Ross and brought much-needed levity to the group, especially in her relationships with Ross, Susan, and their son Ben.

9. Jake T. Austin – The Fosters

Jesus Adams Foster was redefined in The Fosters after the departure of the character Jake T. Austin, who left the show after Season 2, citing creative differences. His role was later taken over by Noah Centineo in Season 3, giving Jesus a softer, more vulnerable edge, thus helping the fans to connect to him on a different level. The change helped the show; it helped to give Centineo overnight popularity, making him an overnight sensation after his stint in the series.

10. Ed Skrein – Game of Thrones

Ed Skrein first appeared as Daario Naharis, the charming and confident mercenary leader who becomes infatuated with Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones's third season. However, Skrein left after only one season, and the character was recast with Michiel Huisman in Season 4. While Huisman's Daario was more laid-back and likable, he still retained some of the charisma and loyalty that had made Daario such a memorable presence in Daenerys's narrative. The character, regardless of who played him, was impossible to forget, even when recast.

11. Jo Marie Payton – Family Matters

Harriette Winslow, one of the strong matrons of Family Matters, was first depicted by Jo Marie Payton. Payton quit the show during Season 9 after feeling the direction that the show was taking her character did not suit her acting talents. She then was replaced by Judyann Elder, whose character was never explained for having switched in the series, which confused viewers. The change notwithstanding, Harriette was still a balancing force in the family. However, Payton's performance will always be iconic in the hearts of old-time fans.

12. Andy Whitfield – Spartacus: Blood and Sand

Spartacus: Blood and Sand had a hard time emotionally transitioning when the lead, Andy Whitfield, was diagnosed with cancer right before the second series. Whitfield portrayed the legendary gladiator in vivid intensity, but due to his health issues, he was replaced by Liam McIntyre in Spartacus: Vengeance. McIntyre had large shoes to fill in the character of Spartacus, but he definitely brought a newfound intensity and depth to the role, which did win over fans. Sadly, Whitfield passed away in 2011 and left behind strength and resilience for his fans to remember him by.

13. Jennifer Ehle – Game of Thrones

One of the very early changes in the cast of Game of Thrones was that of the austere mother of the Stark children, Catelyn Stark. The character was first portrayed by Jennifer Ehle in a few pilot episodes, but for the remainder of the series, Michelle Fairley took on the role. Fairley's slightly prickly sense of morality as she battled within herself with complicated relationships and heart-wrenching decisions made her one of the most unforgettable characters in the show.

14. Shailene Woodley – The O.C.

Kaitlin Cooper, the younger sister of Marissa Cooper, had been recast with a difference on The O.C. The first season was portrayed by Shailene Woodley, while Holland took over from Season 3 and 4. The attitude of Kaitlin as brought out by Willa Holland seemed more sarcastic and rebellious and reflected the changed dynamic of the show. Although Woodley's portrayal had its charm, Holland's version of Kaitlyn fit seamlessly into the drama-filled world of The O.C. and became an integral part of the series' later storylines.

15. Ross Butler – Riverdale

Riverdale fans would be shocked upon seeing Ross Butler for the first season, as he was replaced by Charles Melton during Season 2. Butler reportedly left the series due to prior commitments to filming 13 Reasons Why, after which Melton took over as Reggie with so much charm and charisma. With Melton now playing Reggie, fans grew very fond of it, especially seeing how his role developed and went central to some of the other plot lines that were going on.

16. Parker Bagley– Pretty Little Liars

The role was first introduced in Season 1 of Pretty Little Liars as Parker Bagley's character, Jason DiLaurentis. This character brought about some changes. But from Season 2 onward, Drew Van Acker plays it, imbuing the actor with a mysterious, darker edge on this character and, more importantly, adding drama to this complicated character. Fans welcomed the change, and the version of Jason by Van Acker became etched in the series.

17. Richard Brake – Game of Thrones

While the Night King of Game of Thrones was quite menacing, Richard Brake was yet assigned to play this role in Seasons 4 and 5. And in Season 6, Vladimir Furdik took up the role. While Brake's haunting presence created a chilling silent villain, Furdik brought with him that deeper sense of menace, especially with the iconic battles in later seasons. Furdik's imposing physicality and silent danger made the character even more iconic, cementing the Night King as one of TV's most feared antagonists.

18. Lacey Chabert – Family Guy

Meg Griffin's voice was totally changed in Family Guy. The original voice actress of Meg Griffin was Lacey Chabert, who left the role after the first season. Mila Kunis took over the iconic character from Season 2, adding a new flavor to Meg through her distinct voice and comedic timing. Meg, who is frequently overlooked, also became one of the show's most recognizable characters as viewers grew increasingly used to Kunis's self-deprecating and sardonic humor.

19. Nick Jonas – Last Man Standing

Ryan Vogelson, who was the more lovable but sometimes clueless husband of Mandy Baxter on Last Man Standing, was a role that initially belonged to pop star Nick Jonas. He left in Season 2, though, and the role was given to Jordan Masterson. In Masterson, the show finally found the laid-back, unpretentious Ryan that balanced well with Mandy. Despite the recasting, Ryan was one of the popular characters, and his weird character and funny situations added to the show's humor.