Some TV exits are more shocking than others.
There are several reasons for that, but some of them just come so out of the blue that it seems there is more to the story than meets the eye.
Have a look below at the 13 most shocking TV exits!
Nina Dobrev – The Vampire Diaries
Two vampires were fighting for Elena Gilbert’s heart on The Vampire Diaries. The producers had to get creative when Dobrev announced her departure at the close of Season 6. “I don’t want to play a teenager anymore. I want to play adult roles and be challenged and work with great filmmakers and tell incredible stories and that has meant being really picky,†she later revealed to Harper’s Bazaar. Dobrev did return two years later for the series finale.
Ruth Wilson – The Affair
Wilson played Alison on this Showtime drama. During Season 4, however, the character was murdered. Showrunner Sarah Treem later said that Wilson asked to exit the series, but Wilson countered by saying that she was not allowed to talk about why she decided to exit. Still, fans were stunned at the loss of someone who was such an integral part of the story.
Nicollette Sheridan – Desperate Housewives
Sheridan departed Desperate Housewives under the most shocking of circumstances: Her character was killed off in a freak accident. Behind the scenes, however, it emerged that she had a falling out with series creator Marc Cherry and it was reported that he slapped her.
Emmy Rossum – Shameless
Rossum played Fiona, the central character and glue that held all of the other characters together. However, the actress announced her departure ahead of the ninth season finale. But the show is in a bit of an uncertain place as it gears up to launch its first season without its leading lady.
Kim Dickens – Fear the Walking Dead
Fans were up in arms when it was revealed that Kim’s character, Madison was dead. It was not a mutual decision between the actress and the new showrunners, however. “Obviously it was shocking to me and it was disappointing. It was heartbreaking,†Dickens told Entertainment Weekly about finding out her time on the show was coming to an end.
Monica Raymund – Chicago Fire
Raymund’s Dawson got the off-screen exit treatment when the actress opted to not renew her contract. Her final arc was less than satisfying as a result.
Sophia Bush – Chicago PD
Bush left Chicago P.D. four years into a seven-year contract. It took a while for some of the reasons behind the decision to come out. She later said that she felt trapped on the series and that she was not happy due to various things behind the scenes.
Jessica Capshaw – Grey’s Anatomy
Capshaw was let go from the hit ABC medical drama, but she did get an ending storyline.
Sarah Drew – Grey’s Anatomy
Drew was most definitely not laughing when she was given the boot from Grey’s Anatomy after a decade in the role of April Kepner.
Pauley Perrette – NCIS
Perrette departed NCIS after 15 seasons. Following that, she suggested in several tweets that she was physically assaulted. “I’ve been supporting anti-bullying programs forever. But now I KNOW because it was ME! If it’s school or work, that you’re required to go to? It’s horrifying. I left. Multiple Physical Assaults. I REALLY get it now. Stay safe. Nothing is worth your safety. Tell someone,†she wrote in May 2018. It was also revealed that she was feuding with NCIS lead Mark Harmon.
Erinn Hayes – Kevin Can Wait
Erinn Hayes was ousted from the series when it was renewed for a second season. She was later replaced by Kevin James’ King of Queens co-star Leah Remini. The series was subsequently canceled.
Andrew Lincoln – The Walking Dead
The show’s leading man was written out during the ninth season. His exit paved the way for the introduction of The Whisperers, becoming the best-reviewed season in years.
Clayne Crawford – Lethal Weapon
There was a lot of controversy surrounding Crawford’s exit when he was replaced following bad behavior o the show’s set. The show replaced him with Seann William Scott, but it only lasted one more season.