No matter how much we love their characters, when actors exhibit problematic behavior, it can sometimes lead to the downfall of even the most beloved TV shows. Whether it was an outright scandal or a turbulent working relationship, there are numerous examples of an actor’s actions leading to the decline or end of a popular series. Here are 19 times an actor’s off-screen behavior impacted their on-screen success.
Stranger Things
Blending 1980s nostalgia with supernatural thrills, Stranger Things quickly became a global sensation. The story, set in the small town of Hawkins, Indiana, follows a group of kids who uncover a dark parallel universe known as the Upside Down. Memorable characters like Eleven and Sheriff Hopper and a gripping plot have made this show a cultural touchstone.
The Crown
The Crown offers an intimate look at Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, portraying her personal and political challenges with nuance. Renowned for its meticulous attention to detail and stellar performances by Claire Foy and Olivia Colman, each season covers different periods of the Queen’s life, captivatingly depicting the British monarchy.
BoJack Horseman
BoJack Horseman made waves in the animation genre for its dark humor and emotional depth. It follows the life of a washed-up sitcom star in Hollywood while tackling themes like addiction, mental health, and the search for meaning. Will Arnett’s voice acting and sharp writing make this series a unique and thought-provoking experience.
Orange is the New Black
The award-winning Orange is the New Black is based on Piper Kerman’s memoir and explores women’s lives in prison. With smart political commentary, the show expertly depicts the diverse backstories of its characters, addressing serious social issues with both humor and gravity. It’s no wonder this blend of character development and social commentary has garnered widespread acclaim.
Narcos
Narcos provides a dramatic portrayal of the rise and fall of Pablo Escobar and the Medellín cartel, portraying a darkly thrilling world with nuance and depth. Using a mix of documentary footage and dramatized scenes, the series offers an intense look at the drug trade’s impact on Colombia and the world, with Wagner Moura’s portrayal of Escobar adding to the show’s gripping narrative.
Black Mirror
Delivering 27 unique episodes and six seasons, Black Mirror presents standalone episodes that delve into futuristic and often dystopian scenarios. Often exploring the dark side of technology, each story addresses issues such as surveillance, social media addiction, and virtual reality.
House of Cards
One of Netflix’s pioneering original series, House of Cards, set a high bar for political dramas. Following the manipulative Frank Underwood, portrayed by Kevin Spacey, this sophisticated show offers a stark look at political corruption. Its complex characters and sharp writing made it a landmark series.
Money Heist
Known as La Casa de Papel in Spanish, Money Heist follows a group of robbers as they execute a heist on the Royal Mint of Spain. The intricate plot, high tension, and emotional depth have made it a global phenomenon. Characters like the Professor and Tokyo have become iconic, and the series keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its twists.
Ozark
Ozark centers on financial planner Marty Byrde, who, in a fit of panic, relocates his family to the Ozarks after a money-laundering scheme goes wrong. Jason Bateman and Laura Linney deliver standout performances in this dark and intricate crime drama, which has earned critical acclaim for exploring crime, family, and survival.
The Queen’s Gambit
The Queen’s Gambit tells the story of chess prodigy Beth Harmon and stars Anya Taylor-Joy in a compelling performance. Set during the Cold War, this one-of-a-kind series combines captivating storytelling with a visually striking style.
Bridgerton
Produced by Shonda Rhimes, Bridgerton is a period drama set in a reimagined regency-era London. Following the Bridgerton family, the show explores love, scandal, and high society themes. Its diverse cast, sumptuous costumes, and engaging plotlines have made it a hit with modern audiences.
The Umbrella Academy
This series follows a dysfunctional family of adopted superhero siblings who reunite to solve the mystery of their father’s death and prevent an impending apocalypse. Featuring an array of eccentric characters, The Umbrella Academy’s loveable blend of action, humor, and emotional depth has made its own contribution to an over-saturated genre.
Sex Education
Sex Education revolves around Otis, a socially awkward teenager who starts an underground sex therapy clinic at his school. This unique premise delivered four seasons of humor and sensitivity while addressing issues of sexuality, relationships, and identity.
Lupin
Lupin offers a modern retelling of the classic French story about Arsène Lupin, a gentleman thief and master of disguise. Starring Omar Sy as Assane Diop, the series combines clever heists, suspense, and social commentary.
The Haunting of Hill House
Interweaving two timelines, Mike Flannigan’s The Haunting of Hill House follows a family dealing with traumatic experiences linked to their sinister house. In one fell swoop, this series redefined the horror genre with its emotional depth, atmospheric tension, and intricate storytelling.
Dark
This German sci-fi thriller explores the aftermath of a child’s disappearance in a small town, fleshing out themes of time travel, family secrets, and interconnected destinies. Dark’s complex narrative and haunting atmosphere have garnered a dedicated fanbase, meaning it will go down in sci-fi horror history.
You
Following the obsessive and dangerous Joe Goldberg, You explores themes of obsession, technology, and identity. Our protagonist is played expertly and hauntingly by Penn Badgley. His chilling performance morphs Joe into a complex and unsettling character who is frequently challenged and intrigued by the women around him.
Mindhunter
Mindhunter dives into the early days of criminal psychology and profiling at the FBI with meticulous attention to detail and strong performances that make it a standout crime drama. Based on true events, the series follows agents as they interview serial killers to understand their motives, uncovering dark truths about the human condition.
