6 TV Shows That Never Recovered After Losing a Major Character

It’s always a letdown when a popular character leaves a TV show, but it’s especially frustrating when the show isn’t as good afterward. We get attached to characters over time, so hearing one is leaving often makes viewers worry about the show’s future. It’s even worse when a character is simply gone for good, leaving fans concerned about where the story is headed.

It’s true that losing a key character can be tough for a TV show, but sometimes a show actually improves afterward. Similarly, a show can bounce back when a beloved character returns. Viewers naturally hope shows maintain their quality when actors leave, but that doesn’t always happen.

‘Misfits’

Simon & Alisha

Although Nathan leaving the show is often seen as the start of Misfits‘ downfall, the real turning point was actually the deaths of Simon and Alisha. Their time travel story arc was compelling, and even knowing Simon will eventually die doesn’t lessen the emotional impact. Alisha’s death is particularly shocking, especially since Simon only vaguely suggests something bad might happen to her – no one anticipates her violent end. What makes it even more surprising is that their relationship hadn’t even fully developed yet when she died.

As a huge fan of Misfits, it always felt like the show hinted at Simon and Alisha having a much longer, happier relationship than they actually did. Honestly, things just weren’t the same after their storyline. It was like the show lost its heart. Characters started disappearing left and right – Kelly was gone quickly, and soon, almost everyone from the original group was replaced. Eventually, Curtis was the only one left from the very beginning, and even he didn’t stick around for long. Looking back, I think the show really hit its stride with Simon and Alisha’s romance, and it’s still so frustrating that they never got the ending they deserved.

‘The Office’

Michael Scott

NBC

Many fans say The Office declined after Michael Scott left, but it’s not as terrible as some claim. Seasons 8 and 9 do have some surprisingly good moments and genuinely funny episodes, though the show never quite reaches the heights it did with Steve Carell. After Michael moves to Colorado with Holly at the end of Season 7, the show spends the rest of that season figuring out its new direction.

While Will Ferrell is a funny actor, his character DeAngelo Vickers doesn’t really resonate with viewers because he’s not particularly endearing. The later seasons of The Office also introduce too much chaos with storylines like Sabre being sold, David Wallace regaining ownership, and the release of the documentary. Plus, Andy’s personality changes drastically, and the show just feels overly busy, even for its usual pace. Many fans think the show could have improved if Dwight had been made manager immediately after Michael left.

‘Community’

Troy Barnes

NBC

Even after Pierce Hawthorne left, Community continued, but the show never truly bounced back from losing Troy Barnes. Separating Troy and Abed felt like a letdown for viewers and the characters, and as we’ve seen with other shows, losing multiple key cast members, especially close together, often leads to a drop in quality. However, it wasn’t just Troy’s departure that affected Community; the consequences of his leaving also had a significant impact.

As the original study group dwindled to just five members—and then four after Shirley’s departure—Community tried to compensate by introducing new characters. While Ian Duncan (played by John Oliver), Buzz Hickey, Elroy Patashnik, and Frankie Dart were all good additions, they couldn’t fully replace those who left. The upcoming Community movie will bring back Troy, which is exciting, but it doesn’t change the fact that the show’s later seasons weren’t as strong as the earlier ones.

‘That ’70s Show’

Eric Foreman

Fox

Sitcoms with large casts often suffer when a main character leaves, but a strong supporting cast can usually keep the show going. This seemed to be true for That ’70s Show, which had a great ensemble, but the writing in the eighth season was surprisingly weak. Even with Eric’s departure, Season 8 could have been just as good as previous seasons, but unfortunately, it wasn’t.

The show introduced Randy late in the series, and his sudden disappearance after Donna’s breakup felt awkward. He mostly existed to explain things to the audience, and while he seemed inspired by Eric, the attempt wasn’t successful. Similarly, Kelso left the show early, Hyde faded into the background, and Jackie’s storyline shifted unexpectedly when she started liking Fez. Eric Foreman’s exit likely wasn’t the sole reason for the show’s decline, but it certainly contributed, and his short appearance in the finale didn’t really fix things.

‘Torchwood’

Ianto Jones

BBC

There are several issues with Torchwood Season 4, or Miracle Day, but many fans believe the death of Ianto Jones is what ultimately damaged the show. Some mistakenly recall Ianto as a minor character in Season 1, but he actually plays a central role in a deeply moving story about his relationship with Lisa, a woman who’s been partially converted into a Cyberman. His romantic connection with Jack is also a major draw for viewers and contributed significantly to the show’s popularity.

Ianto was a great sci-fi character whose ending felt particularly unfair, especially so close after the deaths of Tosh and Owen. By the end of Children of Earth, the Torchwood team was almost completely different. Miracle Day tried to fill the void left by those characters with Rex and Esther, but those new additions weren’t developed enough or engaging enough for viewers to truly care about them. While Torchwood remains a beloved show for many, it’s understandable why it never got a fifth season.

‘The Mentalist’

Thomas McAllister/Red John

CBS

Many fans were surprised and remain confused about The Mentalist continuing with a seventh season. After a long pursuit, Patrick Jane finally uncovers the identity of the serial killer Red John: Sheriff Thomas McAllister of Napa County. Throughout the series, Patrick’s primary goal is to find Red John, so it seemed logical that the show would end when he defeated the villain. However, that didn’t happen. Season 7 of The Mentalist had difficulty holding viewers’ attention because Patrick no longer had the driving force of seeking revenge for his wife and daughter.

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Season 7 of The Mentalist jumps ahead in time, finding Patrick and Teresa living in Texas after going into hiding following McAllister’s death. However, the show shifts from a suspenseful drama to a more typical police show, which feels abrupt. This season feels less like a continuation of the series and more like a spin-off or a way to wrap things up. While McAllister’s exit isn’t a major loss, the absence of the menacing presence of Red John is definitely noticeable.

Whether losing a major character hurt these TV shows is up for debate. While many shows experience some impact when a character leaves, viewers often disagree on just how much of a difference it makes. Do you think these shows managed to stay strong after a key character departed? Or can you think of other shows that never quite recovered from losing someone important?

2026-01-14 21:39