Have you ever watched a show and thought, “This is amazing! Why did they cancel it?” Sometimes, a show gets cancelled because of the actors themselves.
Let’s look at 15 Actors Ruined Their TV Show stars whose questionable decisions led to the downfall of their hit shows.
15 Actors Ruined Their TV Show
Jeffrey Tambor and Transparent:
Tambor, who portrayed the lead character of Maura Pfefferman, a transgender woman, was accused of sexual harassment by his former assistant Van Barnes and Transparent actress Trace Lysette in 2017. Despite Tambor’s denials, Amazon made the decision to terminate his contract, a major blow to the show as Tambor’s character was central to Transparent’s narrative and themes.
The loss of Tambor’s character forced the show’s creator, Jill Soloway, to significantly rework the final season, which many felt suffered creatively without the lead actor’s presence. The fifth and final season of Transparent, which aired in 2019, received lower viewership and critical acclaim compared to previous seasons, with the abrupt ending viewed by some as anti-climactic.
Though Tambor denied the allegations, the damage was done. Facing mounting pressure and wanting to preserve the show’s legacy, creator Jill Soloway fired Tambor. Without its lead, “Transparent” was ultimately retooled into a movie with a far less enthusiastic reception.
CeeLo Green and The Good Life:
CeeLo Green’s career took a nosedive in 2014 after he pleaded no contest to a charge of furnishing a woman with a controlled substance. The incident cast a shadow over his TBS comedy series “The Good Life,” where he played a struggling musician. Things went from bad to worse when Green took to social media to make controversial remarks about sexual assault, attempting to redefine it and comparing it to a home invasion. Public backlash was swift and fierce, with Women’s Rights groups calling for the show’s cancellation. TBS, already facing declining ratings, officially pulled the plug shortly after.
Clayne Crawford and Lethal Weapon:
The action-packed reboot of “Lethal Weapon” brought together Damon Wayans and Clayne Crawford as a mismatched cop duo. Despite strong ratings, tensions reportedly simmered behind the scenes between the two leads. Crawford was accused of exhibiting hostile behavior on set, and rumors swirled of a strained relationship with Wayans. After the second season, Crawford was abruptly fired. Showrunners attempted to salvage the series by replacing him with Sean William Scott, but the magic disappeared. Wayans eventually left as well, leading to the show’s cancellation.
Kevin James and Kevin Can Wait:
Kevin James’ sitcom “Kevin Can Wait” initially featured Leah Remini as his on-screen wife Donna. However, after the first season, Remini was unexpectedly let go for “creative reasons” never fully explained. Donna’s character was then killed off, and Remini was replaced by James’ former co-star Leah Remini. This shakeup proved unpopular with fans, who disliked how Donna was handled and weren’t sold on the new dynamic. Despite James’ claims that the changes were necessary to save the show, “Kevin Can Wait” was ultimately canceled after two seasons.
Kirk Cameron and Growing Pains:
The wholesome family sitcom “Growing Pains” featured Kirk Cameron as the eldest son of Mike Seaver. Cameron, however, identified as an atheist during the show’s early seasons. As his beliefs evolved, he converted to Christianity and advocated for his newfound faith. This reportedly caused friction on set as Cameron requested script alterations and even lobbied for the firing of actress Julie McCullough (his on-screen girlfriend) due to her posing for Playboy magazine. These clashes and Cameron’s changing worldview are believed to have complicated production and strained relationships with his co-stars.
Alec Baldwin and Up Late with Alec Baldwin:
Alec Baldwin is known for his talent, sharp wit, and temper. 2013, his late-night talk show career was cut short after a public meltdown. Getting into a heated argument with a photographer following a fender bender, Baldwin was caught on camera using a homophobic slur. The incident sparked outrage, with media outlets heavily criticizing him. MSNBC, the network that aired the show, quickly decided to pull the plug after just five episodes. Even before the controversy, “Up Late with Alec Baldwin” struggled with low ratings, making its cancellation somewhat inevitable.
Louie C.K. and Louie:
4FX’s “Louie” was a unique show, a dark comedy written, directed, produced by, and starring Louie C.K. The show offered a raw and often uncomfortable look at life, with Louie playing a fictionalized version of himself. In 2017, however, Louie C.K.’s world came crashing down when multiple women came forward accusing him of sexual misconduct. These allegations, which C.K. eventually admitted to, were a huge blow to his career and public image. FX severed ties with him completely, canceling “Louie” and ending any future projects together. The controversy also made it difficult for fans to revisit the show, as the lines blurred between Louie, the character, and Louie, the person.
Kevin Spacey and House of Cards:
Netflix’s political drama “House of Cards” was a juggernaut, with Kevin Spacey delivering a powerhouse performance as the ruthless politician Frank Underwood. The show garnered critical acclaim and a passionate fanbase. However, in late 2017, Spacey faced a wave of sexual assault allegations from multiple men.
This completely overshadowed the show, and Spacey was fired from “House of Cards.” The series attempted to soldier on without him, killing off his character. The final season lacked the fire and intrigue of the previous ones, with critics and fans alike finding it a pale imitation. “House of Cards” ultimately served as a cautionary tale of how a single actor’s actions can bring down a successful show.
Charlie Sheen and Two and a Half Men:
Charlie Sheen was once the highest-paid actor on television, thanks to his role as Charlie Harper on the sitcom “Two and a Half Men.” However, his demons, particularly his struggles with substance abuse, became increasingly difficult to ignore. Multiple rehab stints led to production delays and sparked concerns about Sheen’s reliability.
The tipping point came in 2011 when Sheen launched a series of public attacks against the show’s creator, Chuck Lorre. Lorre and Warner Bros. had enough, firing Sheen from the show. Ashton Kutcher was brought in as a replacement, but the show never quite recaptured the magic it had with Sheen. While “Two and a Half Men” continued for several more seasons, it was a shadow of its former self.
Roseanne Barr and Roseanne:
In 2018, Roseanne, the popular sitcom from the 1980s and 1990s, was revived by ABC with its original star, Roseanne Barr, returning to the lead role. The revival was an immediate success, resonating with audiences and garnering strong ratings. However, Barr’s continued presence on the show would soon become a source of significant controversy.
Barr, known for her outspoken political views, sparked outrage in May 2018 when she posted a racist tweet targeting Valerie Jarrett, a former adviser to President Obama. The backlash was swift, with ABC quickly canceling the Roseanne revival in response to Barr’s offensive remarks.
The abrupt cancellation of the show was a significant blow, not just for Barr, but for the entire cast and crew who had worked to bring the revival to life. Many were left stunned and disappointed by the turn of events, with some expressing sympathy for their co-stars who were now without jobs.
ABC’s decisive action in canceling the show demonstrated the network’s intolerance for the kind of hateful rhetoric Barr had espoused. It also highlighted the power that a single controversial statement can have in today’s social media-driven landscape, where public figures are held to increasingly higher standards of public conduct.
Shannen Doherty and Beverly Hills, 90210:
Shannen Doherty was a breakout star in the teen drama “Beverly Hills, 90210,” playing the fiery Brenda Walsh. However, Doherty’s reported clashes with co-stars and production staff became increasingly difficult to manage. Rumours of on-set arguments and tension with Tori Spelling (Kelly Taylor) swirled.
Eventually, Doherty was let go from the show after the fourth season. While the series continued for several more seasons, many fans felt it lost a spark without Brenda. Doherty later acknowledged regrets about how things unfolded, and both she and Spelling eventually returned for the reboot “BH90210.”
Isaiah Washington and Grey’s Anatomy:
Isaiah Washington brought gravitas and charisma to the role of Dr. Preston Burke in the medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy.” However, in 2005, Washington used a homophobic slur while arguing with co-star Patrick Dempsey (Derek Shepherd). While Washington apologized, the incident sparked controversy.
ABC launched an investigation and instituted sensitivity training. Washington clashed further with creator Shonda Rhimes, reportedly refusing sensitivity training. He was ultimately fired from the show after the third season. The loss of Burke significantly impacted the show’s direction, particularly its exploration of Meredith Grey and Derek Shepherd’s relationship.
Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman – College Admissions Scandal:
Actresses Lori Loughlin (Aunt Becky on “Full House”) and Felicity Huffman (“Desperate Housewives”) were caught up in the infamous 2019 College Admissions Scandal. They were accused of paying bribes to secure spots for their children at prestigious universities. The public outcry was swift and fierce. Loughlin and Huffman were fired from their respective shows, Hallmark canceling Loughlin’s projects and being written out of the final season of “Desperate Housewives.” The scandal tarnished their reputations and highlighted the lengths some parents go to for their children.
Morgan Freeman and Now You See Me Franchise:
Freeman, a renowned and respected actor, was accused of inappropriate behavior and sexual harassment by several women in 2018. These allegations surfaced just as the second installment of the Now You See Me franchise, titled Now You See Me 2, was being released.
The allegations put the producers of the franchise in a difficult position. Freeman had played a central role in the first Now You See Me film, portraying the character of Michael Caine’s mentor. His character was integral to the heist-themed plot of the movies. With the allegations swirling, there were concerns about how audiences and critics would react to Freeman’s continued involvement in the franchise.
Ultimately, the producers decided to minimize Freeman’s presence in Now You See Me 2. His role was reduced, and he shared less screen time with the main cast. This was likely a strategic move to distance the franchise from the controversy surrounding the actor. However, this decision may have impacted the film’s overall cohesion and the audience’s connection to the story.
Gal Gadot and Wonder Woman 3:
While not a confirmed cancellation, there’s uncertainty surrounding the future of “Wonder Woman 3” and Gal Gadot’s portrayal of the iconic heroine. Warner Bros. has undergone significant restructuring, and reports suggest a potential shift in direction for DC Comics films. Additionally, some fans have expressed dissatisfaction with the creative direction of the “Wonder Woman” franchise. Whether Gadot returns as Wonder Woman remains to be seen, highlighting the ever-evolving landscape of superhero films and the challenges of maintaining audience interest in long-running franchises
