Here Are All The Major TV Actress Exits So Far In 2017

There was a ton of great TV throughout 2016 and it’s definitely carried over into this year. However, with so many successful shows around, there are bound to be some setbacks for a few.

Heading into the Fall 2017 season, there have already been quite a few shake-ups to some major network shows. This happens every year, to be fair. But the hurdles have been bigger this time around.

Producers have dropped out and taken each other’s places, but that’s a behind-the-camera kind of thing. Fans don’t actually see a visual absence when a showrunner steps down. They may miss their style, but the faces of the show are still the same.

Unfortunately, many of the changes this off-season have revolved around major actors. Numerous shows have parted ways with lead actresses. At least four popular shows will be without their leading ladies this fall.

Here’s what’s gone down so far:

Erinn Hayes – Kevin Can Wait

Who would want to change the #1 new comedy of the TV season? Apparently the folks behind Kevin Can Wait.

The series starred Kevin James and Erinn Hayes as a married couple, and they had great chemistry together. Many fans praised the work of Hayes throughout the first season, as they felt she was a great scene partner to James.

In the season finale, Leah Remini appeared as a guest star. As you probably know, Remini played James’ wife on the hit sitcom King of Queens.

The chemistry between the actors was still there, and the producers decided to bring Remini back as a series regular for season two. However, after that announcement was made, the story went full King of Queens as it was revealed that Hayes would not be coming back. Hayes later confirmed her departure on Twitter.

There hasn’t yet been an explanation as to why the swap was made, and Remini is said to be reprising the role she took on in the finale. 

Sophia Bush – Chicago P.D.

As far as stories go, the one surrounding Chicago P.D. is far less interesting.

Ahead of production on the show’s fifth season, it was reported that star Sophia Bush would not be returning to the series. The report stated that the decision was made by Bush, not by the creative team.

In terms of story, the departure does make some sense. Bush’s character took a job in New York at the end of the season, hinting that she could be on her way out.

There is a possibility that Bush could return in a limited manner next season, in order to wrap up the arc for the character. 

Jennifer Morrison & Ginnifer Goodwin – Once Upon A Time

It’s not often that a successful series will undergo a soft reboot heading into its seventh season, but that’s exactly what’s happening with Once Upon A Time.

Season six wrapped up the initial story that the show began telling in the pilot episode. Instead of ending, Once Upon A Time decided to go in a different direction.

Now the show will focus on the characters of Regina and Hook, rather than the family of Snow White, Charming, Emma, and Henry.

Due to the changes, Jennifer Morrison, Ginnifer Goodwin, Josh Dallas, Emilie de Ravin, and Jared S. Gilmore are all exiting the series.

Geena Davis – The Exorcist

The Exorcist was on the bubble between being renewed or cancelled after its first season on Fox, but the network believed in the horror series.

After the show was given a renewal, the network put together a list of main cast members for season two. Geena Davis – along with Alan Ruck, Hannah Kasulka, and Brianne Howey – won’t be returning.

Like Once Upon A Time, this was a creative decision for The Exorcist. The goal for the showrunners was to have a quasi-anthology style, where the trio of priests tackle a new evil each year.

This means new families in each season, saying goodbye to Geena Davis and the Rance clan.