23 stars who walked away from their successful TV shows

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  • Many big-name actors have walked away from the series that helped make them famous.

  • After 15 years of playing Alex Karev, Justin Chambers left ABC's "Grey's Anatomy."

  • Jim Parsons' departure from CBS's "The Big Bang Theory" led the series to its final season.

On Friday, Padma Lakshmi announced she's leaving "Top Chef" after 20 seasons.

Padma Lakshmi at the Blossom Ball Endometriosis Foundation of America on March 20, 2023, in New York City.
Padma Lakshmi has hosted "Top Chef" for years.urora Rose/Variety via Getty Images

On Friday, Lakshmi announced on Twitter that she'd be leaving "Top Chef."

She called the decision "difficult" and wrote, "I feel like it's time to move on and need to make space for Taste the Nation, my books and other creative pursuits".

Lakshmi hosted the cooking competition for 17 years and 20 seasons and also served as an executive producer.

 

Barbie Ferreira exited "Euphoria" ahead of the third season.

maddy kat euphoria season 2 episode 5
Barbie Ferreira as Kat on "Euphoria."Eddy Chen/HBO

The actress, who played Kat on the HBO series, announced her departure on an Instagram story.

Per NBC, she wrote, "After four years of getting to embody the most special and enigmatic character Kat, I'm having to say a very teary-eyed goodbye."

"I hope many of you could see yourself in her like I did and that she brought you joy to see her journey into the character she is today," she continued. "I put all my care and love into her and I hope you guys could feel it. Love you Katherine Hernandez."

Ahead of her departure, there was speculation about on-set drama between the actor and "Euphoria" creator Sam Levinson — but Ferreira shut the rumors down in a March 2022 interview with Insider's Olivia Singh.

Jesse Williams left "Grey's Anatomy" after 12 seasons of playing Jackson Avery.

Jackson Avery Grey's Anatomy
Jesse Williams as Jackson Avery on "Grey's Anatomy."Gilles Mingasson/ABC via Getty Images

In 2021, Williams left "Grey's Anatomy" after 12 seasons of playing Jackson Avery.

Avery was originally introduced as a recurring character on season six and later became a lead person on the show.

"I will forever be grateful for the boundless opportunities provided me by Shonda, the network, studio, fellow castmates, our incredible crew, Krista, Ellen and Debbie," Williams said in part of his statement to Deadline.

In February 2020, America Ferrera announced she'd be leaving "Superstore."

America Ferrera superstore
America Ferrera on "Superstore."Screengrab via Superstore/NBC

In February 2020, Ferrera, who is the lead on and executive producer of NBC's "Superstore," announced she'd be leaving the show after its fifth season.

"The last five years on 'Superstore' have been some of the most rewarding, enriching and enjoyable years of my career," the actress said in a statement obtained by CNN. "Producing, directing and acting with this wonderful cast and crew has given me opportunities to grow as a person and storyteller. I'm so grateful to my partners at NBC and Universal Television for the support and belief they have always placed in the show, and I'm most thankful to the brilliant Justin Spitzer for creating the funny, smart and relevant world of 'Superstore' and inviting me to be a part of it."

The actress played Amy on the show — and "Superstore" has already been renewed for a sixth season.

Ferrera made a brief appearance on season six, though, since the filming of the fifth season was cut short amid COVID-19 concerns.

After 15 years of playing Alex Karev, Justin Chambers left ABC's "Grey's Anatomy."

Karev
His character was written off in a way that made many fans angry.ABC

Chambers first began playing Alex Karev on the medical drama in 2005, and he's one of few cast members who's remained on the show since its first season.

"There's no good time to say goodbye to a show and character that's defined so much of my life for the past 15 years," Chambers said in a January 2020 statement obtained by The Wrap. "For some time now, however, I have hoped to diversify my acting roles and career choices. And, as I turn 50 and am blessed with my remarkable, supportive wife and five wonderful children, now is that time."

According to TV Line, his last episode aired in November, though fans did not know at the time that would be the final time they'd see Karev.

That said, Chambers did a voiceover a few episodes later in what was his character's official farewell — and many fans called it the worst goodbye a character on "Grey's" has ever had.

Chelsea DeBoer (neé Houska) left "Teen Mom 2" after over a decade.

Chelsea Houska DeBoer
Chelsea DeBoer was an original cast member.Jeff Botari/Getty Images

After 10 seasons and 11 years, Chelsea DeBoer walked away from MTV's "Teen Mom 2."

In a November 2020 Instagram post, the star said she was parting with the show "on the best of terms." She also said she and her partner, Coel DeBoer, want to focus on different business endeavors.

The "Teen Mom 2" season-10 virtual reunion was DeBoer's final episode.

DeBoer, had been on the show since 2011. Prior to appearing on "Teen Mom 2," she was on an episode of MTV's "16 and Pregnant."

 

In July 2020, Tamera Mowry-Housley left "The Real" after six seasons.

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Tamera Mowry-Housley isn't the first "The Real" cohost to leave the show.Paras Griffin/Getty Images

After being a cohost on the talk show "The Real" for six seasons, Mowry-Housley left the series in July 2020.

She announced her departure on Instagram, writing, "For seven years, my home and heart has been at The Real. The friendships that I've made there will last a lifetime, and the people that I've had the blessing to interview have changed my life for the better."

She continued, "I'm so proud of what all the ladies and I have accomplished there, including two well-deserved NAACP Image Awards and a Daytime Emmy. However, all good things must come to an end, and it's with a bittersweet smile that I announce that I am moving on from The Real."

The show's former cohost Amanda Seales also left "The Real" earlier that year.

"I have arrived because my contract is up at The Real and I did not renew it because it doesn't feel good to my soul to be at a place where I cannot speak to my people the way they need to be spoken to and where the people who are speaking to me in disparaging ways are not being handled," she said during an Instagram Live, according to NBC News.

 

Kourtney Kardashian left "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" after over a decade.

kourtney KUWTK
Kourtney Kardashian called the show "toxic."YouTube/E! Entertainment

After nearly 18 seasons, the mother of three made the decision to step back from the E! series and focus on her kids and her other interests.

"I have been filming the show non-stop for 14 years … I was feeling unfulfilled and it became a toxic environment for me to continue to have it occupy as much of my life as it was," she told Vogue Arabia in July. 2020. "Privacy is something I have come to value and finding that balance of private moments with being on a reality show is hard."

She said after leaving the show she's going to continue working and put "energy into that which makes me happy."

"I just decided to spend more time as a mom and put more of my energy there," she told People magazine in November 2019, speaking on her decision to step back from the show.

 

In September 2020, Anna Faris announced her departure from "Mom."

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Allison Janney and Anna Faris on "Mom."Robert Voets/CBS

In September 2020, Faris announced that she wouldn't be returning to the CBS comedy "Mom" for its eighth season. Allison Janney would remain as the sitcom's lead.

"The past seven years on 'Mom' have been some of the most fulfilling and rewarding of my career," Faris said in a statement, per The Wrap. "I'm so thankful to Chuck, the writers, and my amazing castmates for creating a truly wonderful work experience. While my journey as Christy has come to an end, allowing me to pursue new opportunities, I'll be watching next season and rooting for my TV family."

 

Skeet Ulrich decided not to return to "Riverdale" for the show's fifth season.

fp jones riverdale
Skeet Ulrich as F.P. Jones.The CW

Skeet Ulrich, who played F.P. Jones on "Riverdale" for multiple seasons, announced he was leaving The CW show in 2020.

According to Comicbook.com, in an Instagram live video, Ulrich said he decided to leave the show because he "got bored creatively."

"Riverdale" creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa told Entertainment Weekly that he's still leaving room for Ulrich to potentially return to the show.

In 2019, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi announced she's "retiring" from "Jersey Shore: Family Vacation." She later came back.

jersey shore snooki
The original "Jersey Shore" made her a household name.MTV

In December 2019, long-time "Jersey Shore" star Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi announced she was "retiring" from the MTV reality show, reported Us Weekly.

"OK, you guys, I love you so much, and don't hate me for my decision, but I have to do what's best for me at the moment, and I am retiring from 'Jersey Shore,'" she said on her podcast,"It's Happening With Snooki & Joey," which she hosts with her friend Joey Camasta.

"I am not coming back to [the show] for a season four, if there is one. And there's a lot of reasons why, but the main reason is really … I'm just like, I just can't do it anymore," she added.

The reality star went on to say that she has tried to quit the show many times and that she really wants to spend more time with her three kids and husband, Jionni LaValle.

"Jersey Shore" first aired in 2009 and Polizzi has starred on a number of the series' spinoffs including "Jersey Shore: Family Vacation" and "Snooki & JWoww."

She returned to the show in 2021.

Kal Penn left "House" to join the Obama administration.

Kal Penn House doctor hospital
Kal Penn was on the show for two seasons.Heal & Toe Films

After playing Dr. Lawrence Kutner on "House" for two seasons, Penn temporarily left Hollywood for the White House in 2007.

When Penn became an associate director for the Obama administration's Office of Public Liaison, his character on "House" was killed off.

Jim Parsons' departure from "The Big Bang Theory" led the series to its final season.

sheldon cooper big bang theory
Of course, Jim Parsons isn't the only actor to make the difficult decision to leave a hit show.Michael Yarish/Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

"The Big Bang Theory" star Parsons decided that after 12 seasons it was time for him to say goodbye to Sheldon Cooper and the CBS sitcom.

Even a deal that would have reportedly nabbed the actor more than $50 million over two years couldn't convince the actor to stay.

In a lengthy and heartfelt post on Instagram, Parsons thanked everyone involved with the show, as well as the fans. "I will miss all of you and all of this more than I can say and more than I can know at this time," he wrote.

After his departure was announced, CBS decided it would end "The Big Bang Theory" after 12 seasons, too.

 

 

Mischa Barton had enough of playing Marissa Cooper on "The O.C."

Mischa Barton
Mischa Barton said she didn't believe there was anything left for her character to do.CW

After three seasons of drama, Barton was tired of playing Marissa Cooper.

After her character's death, the actress told "Access Hollywood" in 2006, "My character has been through so, so much and there's really nothing more left for her to do."

Later, Barton admitted that she wasn't having a very good time on the show.

"I think I just got to the point where I was like, 'I'm not sure I'm enjoying this anymore,'" she said in a segment taped for "Dancing With the Stars" in 2016.

Christopher Meloni walked away from "Law and Order: SVU" after 12 years.

Christopher Meloni Law and Order
Christopher Meloni ended his role as Detective Elliot Stabler.Wolf Films

In May 2011, Meloni decided it was time to turn in his badge and leave Detective Elliot Stabler behind after salary negotiations hit a wall, according to The New York Times.

T.R. Knight made the decision to leave "Grey's Anatomy" after his screen time was drastically reduced.

George Grey's Anatomy Knight
T.R. Knight's character was missed by many fans.ABC

After five seasons of playing Dr. George O'Malley on "Grey's Anatomy," Knight made the decision to leave the medical drama at the peak of the show's popularity.

In 2009, the actor told Entertainment Weekly that he experienced a "breakdown in communication" with show creator Shonda Rhimes and was upset to see his character receive less screen time.

Dave Chappelle walked away from "The Chapelle Show" and a $50 million deal with Comedy Central because "it didn't feel right."

The Chappelle Show
Dave Chappelle said it just didn't feel right to continue.Comedy Central

In 2006, Chappelle left his own successful sketch-comedy show after three seasons.

"And I think that that was a irreconcilable moment for me," he said in a 2017 interview with "CBS This Morning." "That I was in this very successful place, but the emotional content of it didn't feel anything like what I imagined success should feel like. It just didn't feel right."

Adam Brody left a recurring role on "Gilmore Girls" to star on "The O.C."

gilmore girls adam brody
Adam Brody wasn't on the show for very long.The CW

When Brody was cast as Seth Cohen on "The O.C" it meant leaving behind a recurring role on "Gilmore Girls" as Lane Kim's boyfriend Dave Rygalski.

After Brody left in 2003, his character's departure was explained by having Dave leave for college in California.

David Caruso left "NYPD Blue" four episodes into the show's second season.

David Caruso and Dennis Franz NYPD Blue
David Caruso (right) reportedly wanted higher pay.Steven Bochco Productions

In 1994, Caruso famously walked away from cop drama "NYPD Blue" after a little over one season to pursue a film career.

Though some reports said he left after salary negotiations went sour.

According to Entertainment Weekly, Caruso was reportedly asking for $100,000 per episode, which was more than double the $40,000 per episode salary he received for season one.

Topher Grace said he left "That '70s Show" after seven seasons because he didn't need the money.

eric forman topher grace that 70s show
Topher Grace played Eric Forman on "That '70s Show."FOX

In 2018, Grace told Indiewire that after portraying Eric Forman for seven seasons he was financially stable enough to leave the show.

"For me, five or six years ago, I looked around at my life and I had just met the woman who is now my wife. I was feeling really confident and good, and it occurred to me that I was really lucky to have been on a sitcom for a lot of years. I realized then that I didn't really need a lot more money," he told the publication in 2018.

Jared Padalecki left "Gilmore Girls" for a lead role on "Supernatural."

Gilmore Girls
Jared Padalecki played Rory's love interest, Dean.Netflix

"Gilmore Girls" proved to be a great stepping stone for Padalecki, who left the series in 2005 after five seasons when he landed a lead role on "Supernatural."

The actor's exit from "Gilmore Girls" was quick and he was happy to get some "closure" when he made a cameo on the series' Netflix revival in 2016.

Jerry Seinfeld famously walked away from a $5 million-per-episode deal to continue starring on "Seinfeld."

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Jerry Seinfeld wanted to end the show while it was still going strong.NBC

After nine seasons of playing a fictionalized version of himself, Seinfeld walked away from his NBC sitcom.

"I wanted to end the show on the same kind of peak we've been doing it on for years," he told The New York Times in 1997. "I wanted the end to be from a point of strength. I wanted the end to be graceful."

Sandra Oh left "Grey's Anatomy" when she felt like she had accomplished everything she wanted to.

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Sandra Oh was a main character on "Grey's Anatomy" for 10 seasons.Matt Sayles/AP

After playing Dr. Cristina Yang for 10 seasons, Oh said goodbye to "Grey's Anatomy" in 2013.

In a 2018 interview with Vulture she explained that she "felt like I did all I wanted to do."

"I didn't feel like, 'Ugh, that's all I can do, I've done everything.' It was more than that. It was actually, dare I say it, a sense of satisfaction," she added.

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