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.
Based on one of the most successful and popular comic books of all time, AMCโs The Walking Dead captures the ongoing human drama following a zombie apocalypse. The series, developed for television by Frank Darabont, follows a group of survivors, led by police officer Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln), who are traveling in search of a safe and secure home. However, instead of the zombies, it is the living who remain that truly become the walking dead. The Walking Dead lasted for eleven seasons and spawned several spinoff shows, such as Fear the Walking Dead and The Walking Dead: World Beyond.
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- Release Date
- October 31, 2010
- Seasons
- 11
- Showrunner
- Frank Darabont , Angela Kang , Scott M. Gimple , Glen Mazzara
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: “Thatโs 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.
Set in the fictional town of Tree Hill, North Carolina, One Tree Hill chronicles the complicated and intertwined lives of its residents. Following half-brothers and rivals Lucas and Nathan Scott as they compete both for positions on their school basketball team and for the affection of their fellow students, Tree Hill’s community is built around community spirit and the complex workings of the ever-growing Scott family.
- Cast
- Chad Michael Murray , James Lafferty , Hilarie Burton , Paul Johansson , Sophia Bush , Barry Corbin , Craig Sheffer , Bethany Joy Lenz , Moira Kelly
- Release Date
- September 23, 2003
- Seasons
- 9
- Showrunner
- Mark Schwahn
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.
Based on the novels by L.J. Smith, The Vampire Diaries is a story about the developing love triangle between Elena Gilbert and two vampiric brothers, Stefan and Damon Salvatore. Set in the town of Mystic Falls, Virginia, the show follows the trio from high school through college as they battle for one another’s affection.
- Cast
- Nina Dobrev , Ian Somerhalder , Steven R. McQueen , Paul Wesley , Kat Graham , Michael Trevino , Michael Malarkey , Zach Roerig , Candice King , Matthew Davis
- Release Date
- September 10, 2009
- Seasons
- 8
- Showrunner
- Julie Plec
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.
In order to escape the stressful reality of high school, a group of misfits decides to join William McKinleyโs glee club. Foxโs Glee was created by Ian Brennan, Brad Falchuk, and Ryan Murphy, with Leah Michele, Jane Lynch, and Matthew Morrison leading the cast. The series ran for six seasons between 2009 and 2015 and won six Primetime Emmys.
- Cast
- Dianna Agron , Chris Colfer , Jessalyn Gilsig , Jane Lynch , Jayma Mays , Kevin McHale , Lea Michele , Cory Monteith , Matthew Morrison , Amber Riley
- Release Date
- May 19, 2009
- Seasons
- 6
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.
One of the most well-known American sitcoms of the 1980s and 90s, Cheers is primarily set in Boston at the Cheers bar, and features and ensemble cast that includes Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Rhea Pearlman, Kelsey Grammer, and George Wendt. Danson’s Sam Malone acts as the bar’s proprietor, and episodes depict the lives of Cheers’ staff and patrons during the bar’s operating hours. The series ran for 11 seasons and gave rise to popular spin-off shows such as Frasier.ย
- Release Date
- September 30, 1982
- Seasons
- 11
- Showrunner
- James Burrows , Glen Charles , Les Charles , Ken Estin , Sam Simon , David Angell , Peter Casey , David Lee , Bill Steinkellner , Cheri Steinkellner , Phoef Sutton , Tom Anderson , Dan O’Shannon
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 โ70s 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.
That โ70s Show was one of Foxโs most popular sitcoms upon its release in 1998. Starring Topher Grace (Eric Forman), Laura Prepon (Donna Pinciotti), Mila Kunis (Jackie Burkhart), Danny Masterson (Steven Hyde), Wilmer Valderrama (Fez), and Ashton Kutcher (Michael Kelso), That โ70s Show revolves around the teensโ mishaps as they grow up in Point Place Wisconsin in the 1970s.
- Release Date
- August 23, 1998
- Seasons
- 8
- Showrunner
- Gregg Mettler
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.
The X-files takes the police procedural formula and applies it to sci-fi mysteries. Conspiracy theorist Fox Mulder and skeptic Dana Scully team up to solve cases surrounding alien invasions and other unexplained, paranormal phenomena.
- Cast
- Gillian Flynn , David Duchovny , Robert Patrick , Annabeth Gish , Mitch Pileggi
- Release Date
- September 10, 1993
- Seasons
- 11
- Showrunner
- Chris Carter
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 Slayerโs 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.