10 Leading Actors Who Left A TV Show But Returned For The Series Finale

Among the most fundamental parts of a TV show are its characters. For a story to work, its main actors must successfully embody their roles and win the interests and hearts of the audience. However, Some TV series last for years and their protagonists may not be able to keep up with the program’s schedule. Whether for personal or professional reasons, when a leading TV actor leaves the role, it is always a painful moment for fans who, after following him on his journey, tend to come to love the character.

Their absence creates a void. However, sometimes the same actors can surprise the audience and pay homage to the character’s arc by making one last return for the series finale. These emotional moments not only give audiences one last opportunity to shed tears (or laugh) with their favorites, but they 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 Undead is one of the defining highlights of the TV series. Rick is a complicated character: he starts as an ordinary man and evolves into a leader whose strong morals and humanity are tested by the harsh and dangerous world to which he and his friends must adapt. Lincoln brought many nuances to the character, embodying him as a fierce but deeply haunted figurehead burdened with enormous responsibilities and regrets.

Despite his popularity among fans, Lincoln left Undead after season 9. Although the series is famous for killing off even its most beloved characters, the actor’s departure from the series still came as a shock. However, as the creators were unable to kill Rick Grimes, they left hope for a possible return of the character, which happened at the end of the series, and created a spin-off centered around it.

9

Steve Carell as Michael Scott

The Office (2005-2013)

Steve Carell was the main actor and face of The office. Your character, Michael Scott won the hearts of the public and became an iconic figure on television, despite, or perhaps because of your complete lack of competence, critical thinking skills, and emotional maturity. Carell’s performance infused humor and charm into the role, and Michael’s antics and absurd behavior will always be an indelible part of what made the show a comedy masterpiece.

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 having Michael move to Colorado with Holly, his love interest, his absence was deeply felt on the sitcom. That’s why the moment he returned for the series finale will forever remain in the audience’s memory. His return with the iconic line: “That’s what she said” was a testament to the character’s legacy and allowed fans to properly say 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 wasn’t just the lead actor in Hill of a tree. He is also a narrating voice that accompanies the viewer on the bittersweet journey that his character, Lucas Scott, along with his friends, faces in the series. The story is mostly told through Luke’s highly observant perspective. This aspect should not be surprising, given the character’s inclination as a writer.

However, After season 6, Lucas and his historical love interest, Peyton Sawyer, leave the show, causing fans to mourn the loss of One Tree Hill popular and highly debated novel. Although Murray’s character got 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 by fans. Fortunately, the final season gave audiences one last glimpse of one of the most popular figures in teen drama history when Lucas returns to One TRee Hill to help her 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 series, goes through hell and misery. Her evolution from a lost high school student to a fierce, confident woman makes her journey moving and captivating. Elena’s relationships with Stephen and Damon Salvatore were pivotal to the show’s success and popularity, which made Dobrev’s departure from the show at the end of Season 6 a shocking turn of events.

The Presenters Handled the Unexpected Exit Appropriately the Vampire Diaries fashion. They also did justice to the character’s selfless nature, having the young girl sacrifice herself and fall into a deep sleep to protect her friend Bonnie, knowing that one day she will see her loved ones again. Fans have been waiting for Elena’s possible return for a long time; those expectations were met in the season finale, where Dobrev’s character finally found the closure she deserved.

6

Dianna Agron as Quinn Fabray

Joy (2009-2015)

Dianna Agron wasn’t the only original cast member to leave Happiness. However, her character was the first among the students to be demoted from regular to recurring after the show’s third season. Quinn Fabray was one of Happinessthe most tragic figures from the beginning. 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 his past. For that reason, when Season 6 aired, it was pleasantly surprising to see Agron returning in Quinn’s place to properly say goodbye along with his castmates. Quinn appears in the first two episodes of the season, as well as the highly anticipated finale, when she sings the notes of “I Lived” with the former Glee members.

5

Shelley Long as Diane Chambers

Cheers (1982-1993)

Shelley Long was the perfect complement to Health. As the main female character, Diane contrasted perfectly with her male counterpart and brought an air of intellectual sophistication and captivating arrogance to the show’s atmosphere, making her differences from the other characters fun to watch. His relationship with Sam, characterized by sarcastic banter and touching moments, was an integral part of the comically brilliant comedy.

However, Long exited the series during Season 5, leading the creators to change her character’s trajectory. His departure came as a huge shock, but Diane at least had the opportunity to pursue her dreams of becoming a writer, doing justice to the character. However, Long’s departure also caused an abrupt halt Health’ central romance. Fortunately, Long returned to the Health ending so that Diane and Sam could briefly reunite, bringing bittersweet closure to their relationship.

4

Dylan O’Brien as Stiles Stilinski

Teen Wolf (2011-2017)

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

For this reason, O’Brien’s reduced presence in Teen Wolf Season 6 is a disappointment. At the end of the series, Stiles had become too important and popular for his absence to leave a void. Teen Wolf. However, the choice appeared to be a result of O’Brien’s conflicting schedules. Fortunately, the writers and writers were able to bring Stile back for the last few episodes of the series, 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 undoubtedly contributed to the success of That 70s show with his adorable portrayal of Michael Kelso. The unmotivated and unintelligent character is just a captivating addition to the story. Popular for his handsome appearance and often clueless comments, he quickly became a fan favorite. Although his role was initially less significant, the character grew in popularity and Kutcher soon became one of the That 70s show main actors.

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

2

David Duchovny as Fox Mulder

The X-Files (1993-2018)

David Duchovny, the iconic lead actor of The X-Filesbrought to life Fox Mulder, a highly intelligent and sarcastic FBI agent dedicated to uncovering the truth behind paranormal mysteries. Mulder’s curious nature, combined with his tendency to become emotionally attached to the cases he investigates, and his relationship with Dana Scully, define the character’s charm. Mulder was a central figure on the supernatural sci-fi series for its first seven seasons, until Duchovny decided to step away from the role, significantly reducing his presence on the series.

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

1

David Boreanaz as Angel

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

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

Since the character didn’t die, there was always an opportunity for him to return and finally reconcile with the love of his life. This partially happened. In Buffy the Vampire SlayerIn the final season of Angel, Angel surprises the audience by returning at the end to help Buffy in his last battle against evil. Seeing the couple reunite for the last time is a powerful and moving moment that serves as a great conclusion to one of the most dramatic romances in TV history.