10 Lead Actors Who Quit A TV Show, But Returned For The Series Finale

Among the most fundamental parts of a TV show are the characters in it. For a story to work, its lead actors must successfully embody their roles and conquer the interests and hearts of the audience. However, some TV series go on for years and their leads might not be able to keep up with a show’s schedule. Whether for personal or professional motives, when a lead TV actor leaves their role, it is always a painful moment for the fans who, after accompanying them through their journey, have usually grown to love the character.

Their absence creates a void. However, sometimes, the same actors can surprise the audience and honor the character’s arc by making one last return for the series finale. These heartfelt moments not only provide the audience with one last opportunity to shed tears (or laugh) with their favorites but also bring a sense of closure to the characters’ journeys and their role in the story.

10 Andrew Lincoln As Rick Grimes

The Walking Dead (2010-2022)

Andrew Lincoln’s portrayal of Rick Grimes in The Walking Dead is one of the TV series’ defining highlights. Rick is a complicated character: He begins as an everyman and evolves into a leader whose strong moral principles and humanity are tested by the adverse and dangerous world he and his friends must adapt to. Lincoln brought many nuances to the character, embodying him as a fierce yet deeply haunted leading figure, burdened with enormous responsibilities and regrets.

Despite his popularity among fans, Lincoln left The Walking Dead after season 9. Although the series is famous for killing off even its most beloved characters, the actor’s exit from the show still came as a shock. Nevertheless, as the creators could not kill off Rick Grimes, they left to hope for a possible return of the character, which happened in the series finale, and set up a spin-off centered around him.

9 Steve Carell As Michael Scott

The Office (2005-2013)

Steve Carell was the lead actor and face of The Office. His character, Michael Scott, won the audience’s hearts and became an iconic figure on television despite, or perhaps because of, his complete lack of competence, critical thinking skills, and emotional maturity. Carell’s performance infused the role with humor and charm, and Michael’s antics and absurd behavior will always be an indelible part of what made the show a comedic masterpiece.

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When Carell left The Office after his seven-season contract expired, the disappointment among fans was palpable. Although the creators did the character justice by making Michael move to Colorado with Holly, his love interest, his absence was deeply felt in the sitcom. That is why the moment he returned for the series finale will always remain in the memory of the audience. His return with the iconic line: “That’s what she said” was a testament to the character’s legacy and allowed the fans to say a proper goodbye to one of the best series of all time.

8 Chad Michael Murray As Lucas Scott

One Tree Hill (2003-2012)

Chad Michael Murray was not only the lead actor of One Tree Hill. He is also a narrating voice that accompanies the viewers through the bittersweet journey that his character, Lucas Scott, along with his friends, faces in the show. The story appears more often than not told through the highly observant perspective of Lucas. This aspect should not come as a surprise, given the character’s inclination as a writer.

However, after season 6, Lucas and his historical love interest Peyton Sawyer leave the show, causing the fans to mourn the loss of One Tree Hill’s popular and highly debated romance. Although Murray’s character was given a well-deserved happy ending where he finally found some peace with the love of his life and followed his dreams, his exit was not well-received among the fans. Fortunately, the final season granted the audience one last glimpse at one of the most popular figures in the history of teen dramas when Lucas returns to One T ree Hill to help his best friend, Hayley.

7 Nina Dobrev As Elena Gilbert

The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017)

Nina Dobrev was the heart of The Vampire Diaries. Elena Gilbert is a beautifully complex character who, during her six seasons as part of the show, is put through hell and misery. Her evolution from a lost high school girl to a fierce and confident woman makes her journey poignant and captivating. Elena’s relationship with Stephen and Damon Salvatore was central to the show’s success and popularity, which made Dobrev’s departure from the show at the end of season 6 a shocking twist.

The show-runners handled the unexpected exit in proper The Vampire Diaries fashion. They also did justice to the character’s selfless nature, having the young woman sacrifice herself and fall into a deep sleep to protect her friend, Bonnie, aware that she will one day see her loved ones again. Fans had long hoped for Elena’s possible return; these expectations were satisfied in the season finale, where Dobrev’s character eventually found the closure she deserved.

6 Dianna Agron As Quinn Fabray

Glee (2009-2015)

Dianna Agron was not the only member of the original cast to leave Glee. However, her character was the first among the students to be demoted from a regular to a recurring presence after the third season of the show. Quinn Fabray was one of Glee‘s most tragic figures from the very start. The story of a high-school queen bee who gets pregnant at 16 and constantly faces terrible hardships was captivating to explore.

Unfortunately, Agron is also not present in the episode dedicated to Cory Monteith, which is a shame considering their past. For this reason, when season 6 aired, it was pleasantly surprising to see Agron returning in Quinn’s shoes to say a proper goodbye along with her fellow cast members. Quinn makes an appearance in the first two episodes of the season, as well as the awaited finale when she sings on the notes of “I Lived” with the former Glee members.

5 Shelley Long As Diane Chambers

Cheers (1982-1993)

Shelley Long was the perfect addition to Cheers. As the leading female character, Diane perfectly contrasted her male counterpart and brought an air of intellectual sophistication and endearing haughtiness to the atmosphere of the show, making her differences from the other characters entertaining to watch. Her relationship with Sam, characterized by sarcastic banter and heartwarming moments, was an integral part of the comically brilliant sitcom.

However, Long departed the show during season 5, prompting the creators to change her character’s trajectory. Her exit was quite a shock, but Diane was at least given the opportunity to pursue her dreams of becoming a writer, doing the character justice. Nevertheless, Long’s departure also caused an abrupt interruption to Cheers’ central romance. Fortunately, Long returned for the Cheers finale so Diane and Sam could briefly reunite, bringing a bittersweet closure to their relationship.

4 Dylan O’Brien As Stiles Stilinski

Teen Wolf (2011-2017)

Dylan O’Brien played Stiles Stilinski, one of Teen Wolf‘s lead characters. Although his role was originally less important, starting off as Scott McCall’s sarcastic best friend, Stiles’ sharp intelligence, detective skills, and wit made him a fan favorite throughout the show. Stiles became increasingly significant to the narrative and his impressive skills were often pivotal to the plot.

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For this reason, O’Brien’s reduced presence in Teen Wolf season 6 is a disappointment. By the end of the series, Stiles had become too important and popular for his absence not to leave a void in Teen Wolf. However, the choice appeared to be a result of O’Brien’s conflicting schedules. Fortunately, the writers and show-runners managed to successfully bring Stile back for the last episodes of the show, providing a sense of closure for the character and allowing him to shine one last time.

3 Ashton Kutcher As Michael Kelso

That ’70s Show (1998-2006)

Ashton Kutcher doubtlessly contributed to the success of That ‘70s Show with his lovable portrayal of Michael Kelso. The unmotivated and rather unintelligent character is only an endearing addition to the story. Popular for his handsome looks and often clueless remarks, he was quick to become a fan favorite. Although his role was initially less significant, the character grew in popularity and Kutcher soon became one of That ’70s Show’s lead actors.

However, Kutcher departed the series at the beginning of season 8, forcing his character to move to Chicago in the fourth episode. The moment marked a major change in the story’s trajectory but allowed Michael to have a strong ending to his arc, leaving as a mature young man. Fortunately, Kutcher returned for the season and series finale and reunited with his fellow castmates to bid farewell to the show.

2 David Duchovny As Fox Mulder

The X-Files (1993-2018)

David Duchovny, the iconic lead actor of The X-Files, brought life to Fox Mulder, a highly intelligent and sarcastic FBI agent dedicated to uncovering the truth behind paranormal mysteries. Mulder’s inquisitive nature, paired with his tendency to emotionally attach himself to the cases investigated, and his relationship with Dana Scully, define the character’s charm. Mulder was a central figure in the sci-fi supernatural show for the first seven seasons until Duchovny decided to step away from the role, significantly reducing his presence in the series.

Fans were naturally deeply disappointed by Duchovny’s reduced role and Mulder’s absence left a gap in The X-Files. The dynamic between the two leads is arguably half of the show’s appeal, the other half only being the supernatural mysteries. However, Duchovny returned in time to give the legendary character a proper farewell in the final episode “The Truth”. His appearance allowed a proper closure to the story, allowing him and his long-time partner Scully to finally reunite.

1 David Boreanaz As Angel

Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

Although David Boreanaz was given a spin-off, Angel’s departure from Buffy The Vampire Slayer was a heartbreaking twist, putting an end to his tumultuous yet beautiful relationship with Buffy. As a previously heartless vampire who was cursed with a soul as a punishment for his past crimes, Angel is a fascinating character. His haunting guilt and regrets gave him a lot of room for exploration and potential for growth. The choice to give him his spin-off was therefore perfectly logical.

Since the character did not die, there was always an opportunity for him to return and finally reconcile with the love of his life. That partially happened. In Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s final season, Angel surprises the audience by coming back for the finale to help Buffy in her last battle against evil. Seeing the couple reunite one last time is a powerful and poignant moment that serves as a grand conclusion to one of the most dramatic romances in TV history.