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.
The Cosby Show
The once-wholesome image of Bill Cosby took a dark turn after numerous women accused him of sexual assault, rightly tarnishing his reputation beyond repair. Despite the show’s groundbreaking success, these allegations overshadowed its legacy, leading to a reevaluation of Cosby’s contributions to entertainment.
Roseanne
A controversial tweet from Roseanne Barr in 2018, widely condemned as racist, prompted ABC to cancel the successful reboot of her sitcom, Roseanne. In light of the problematic Twitter post, the network quickly removed Barr and launched a spinoff, The Conners, without her.
Fuller House
Shocking fans to the core, Lori Loughlin’s involvement in a high-profile college admissions scandal affected her role in Fuller House, a long-standing and beloved series. While the show was already approaching its end, her legal troubles ensured she would not appear in the final season, starkly contrasting her previously cherished character, Aunt Becky.
Community
Chevy Chase’s turbulent relationship with the cast and crew of Community, particularly with creator Dan Harmon, led to his departure from the show. His difficult behavior and clashes on set were widely publicized, contributing to a significant blow to the series, which had already struggled with network support and viewership.
7th Heaven
Though they surfaced years after 7th Heaven had ended, Stephen Collins faced serious allegations of sexual misconduct that tainted his career. A leaked tape of his confession to inappropriate behavior with underage girls severely damaged the show’s legacy. Despite the lack of legal consequences, Collins’s career was irreversibly harmed, casting a shadow over the family drama.
Two and a Half Men
Charlie Sheen’s very public meltdown and subsequent firing from Two and a Half Men became one of the most notorious scandals in TV history. Erratic behavior, substance abuse issues, and conflicts with the show’s creator, Chuck Lorre, led to his replacement by Ashton Kutcher. Sadly, the one-loved series struggled to regain its footing and ended a few seasons later.
House of Cards
Once a long-standing member of the House of Cards cast, multiple allegations of sexual misconduct swiftly ended Kevin Spacey’s involvement in the show. Netflix swiftly removed him from the series, which resulted in a final season that struggled without its central character. The scandal significantly affected the quality and viewership of the show.
Growing Pains
Kirk Cameron’s transformation into a born-again Christian caused numerous behind-the-scenes conflicts on the Growing Pains set. His demands for script changes and the firing of his on-screen girlfriend, Julie McCullough, due to her Playboy past created significant tension. These actions altered the show’s dynamic and impacted its popularity.
Kevin Can Wait
A significant shake-up occurred when Kevin James decided to kill off his on-screen wife, played by Erinn Hayes, and replace her with Leah Remini. The sudden shift was jarring for viewers, and ratings quickly dropped. Canceled after its second season, the show failed to recover, demonstrating the consequences of major casting changes.
Up Late with Alec Baldwin
After he was recorded using a homophobic slur, Alec Baldwin’s talk show, Up Late with Alec, was decidedly short-lived. Despite his apology, the controversy led to MSNBC canceling the show after only a few episodes, highlighting Baldwin’s history of volatile behavior impacting his career.
Criminal Minds
After an altercation where Thomas Gibson reportedly kicked a co-executive producer, his fate was sealed, and he was swiftly fired from Criminal Minds. His abrupt exit left the show without a proper storyline for his character’s departure, which upset many fans and contributed to declining ratings.
The Good Life
CeeLo Green’s legal issues and controversial comments about sexual consent led to the cancellation of his show, The Good Life. Although the official reason cited was poor ratings, his statements and the resulting backlash likely played a significant role in the decision.
Louie
Following harrowing allegations of sexual misconduct, Louis C.K.’s acclaimed series Louie ended abruptly. FX severed ties with the comedian, and although the show was already on hiatus, it was never revived. The scandal left a tainted legacy, impacting the perception of his work.
Beverly Hills, 90210
Due to on-set conflicts, Tori Spelling’s role in getting co-star Shannen Doherty fired from Beverly Hills, 90210, caused significant disruption. Doherty’s unceremonious exit dissatisfied fans and highlighted the behind-the-scenes drama that often plagued the series.
Three’s Company
While it’s not unheard of for actors to ask for more money, Suzanne Somers’s demands for a substantial salary increase led to her being phased out of Three’s Company. Producers reduced her screen time and eventually fired her, marking a turning point from which the show never fully recovered. Her departure changed the show’s dynamic and viewer appeal.
Gossip Girl
Her character may have been popular, but Taylor Momsen’s erratic behavior and disinterest in continuing her role led to her being written off Gossip Girl. Leaving to pursue her music career, this departure affected the storyline. It contributed to the show’s uneven quality in its later seasons, demonstrating the impact of off-screen issues on narrative continuity.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Janet Hubert, the original Aunt Viv, was replaced after conflicts with Will Smith and producers. The noticeable recasting was divisive among fans and altered the show’s dynamic, reflecting how behind-the-scenes strife can influence on-screen success.
Charmed
After ongoing clashes with co-star Alyssa Milano, Shannen Doherty’s departure from Charmed significantly changed how the iconic show was run. Fans were left divided over this change, altered the series’ direction, puzzled by the new dynamics, and contributed to varying opinions on the show’s later seasons.
Modern Family
Though a brief cameo, Edward Norton’s fleeting and controversial appearance on Modern Family resulted in behind-the-scenes conflicts that influenced casting decisions. His character’s short stint became a minor yet noteworthy footnote in the series’ long run, showing the potential impact of even short-term guest roles.
