For an entire season Pedro Pascal’s Joel Miller struggled for a long time with survivin’ on The Last of Us. And though he kept finding something to fight for, he finally lost that battle on the HBO series’ April 20 episode.
And while his death maybe shouldn’t have felt shocking—after all, it went down exactly as it did in The Last of Us Part II, the 2020 video game season two is based on—seeing Joel impaled by former Fireflies member Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) as revenge for the death of her father was still a lot. “I’ve never experienced anything like I did that day where I stepped onto set in full makeup and then killed the vibe completely as soon as anyone set their eyes on me,” Pascal recalled of the experience to Entertainment Weekly. “This kind of shock and heartbreak…it was weird to be on the receiving end of that. It’s like the extreme version of, ‘Is there something on my face?’ I really could see this sort of grief take over everyone’s look in their eyes.” As for his feelings on the matter, “I get killed a lot,” he joked, referencing the parts he played on Game of Thrones and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. “I like to die.” Because, of course, Joel isn’t the first beloved character to meet an untimely end.
After nearly eight seasons of battling the survivor’s guilt from losing his entire family in a fire, it simply made sense for Peter Krause’s Bobby Nash to be killed off on 9-1-1’s April 17 outing. “It didn’t feel arbitrary, because if you track the tragic arc of his character, of where he started, and how he came to LA looking for atonement, it just makes a kind of tragic sense for his character in a way it wouldn’t for another character,” showrunner Tim Minear told Variety of the decision. Plus, “Bobby’s death affects every single character’s story in a way that really no other character death would.” And it’s far from the first onscreen death to leave fans floored and just a bit devastated. From Grey’s Anatomy’s Meredith Grey (sorta) to Yellowstone’s John Dutton, check out more stars who exited stage left from the small screen.
Have you noticed lately that some of your favorite stars are suddenly disappearing from hit TV shows? It’s not just your imagination. Hollywood has been buzzing with exits from iconic series like The Last of Us, 9-1-1, and Grey’s Anatomy. But why are so many big names walking away? Let’s dive deep into the real reasons behind this shocking trend.
The Great TV Exodus: What’s Fueling It?
Changing Career Goals
Sometimes, stars just want more. After years tied to the same character, many actors dream of new creative challenges. They crave variety, much like anyone who’s stuck eating the same meal every day!
Contract Disputes and Pay Battles
Money talks — and sometimes it screams. Contract negotiations can get messy, with stars demanding better pay, more perks, or more control. When deals fall through, exits happen.
Creative Differences with Producers
Imagine working on a group project where nobody agrees. That’s showbiz. Stars and producers often clash over storylines, character development, or even the show’s direction, leading to an early goodbye.
Burnout and Mental Health Priorities
Working 14-hour days for years can take a toll. Many actors are now prioritizing their mental health over fame, choosing self-care instead of constant hustle.
Why Stars Left The Last of Us
The Pressures of Huge Expectations
The Last of Us became a cultural phenomenon overnight. With sky-high expectations and critical eyes on every move, some actors found the pressure overwhelming.
Long-Term Commitment Fears
The show’s massive success hinted at multiple seasons. But some actors didn’t want to lock themselves into a years-long project, preferring flexibility for future roles.
Creative Burnout
The intense, emotional storytelling took a heavy emotional toll on the cast. After pouring their hearts out for a season, some simply needed a break.
What’s Happening on 9-1-1
Network Shake-Ups
When 9-1-1 switched networks from Fox to ABC, it caused a domino effect. Contract renegotiations, shifts in production, and corporate decisions led to uncertainty.
Desire for Fresh Opportunities
Some stars felt they had told their character’s story and were ready to explore new acting ventures — from movies to new TV roles.
Behind-the-Scenes Drama
Let’s be honest — not every workplace is sunshine and rainbows. Rumors of behind-the-scenes tensions may have contributed to key departures.
Why Grey’s Anatomy Keeps Losing Its Stars
The Weight of Long-Term Roles
Grey’s Anatomy has been running for nearly two decades. Staying on a show that long can feel like Groundhog Day for actors.
Exploring New Horizons
Several actors left to pursue directing, producing, or new creative paths that weren’t possible while tied to the show’s demanding schedule.
Contract Fatigue
After countless contract renewals and pay renegotiations, some stars just decided enough was enough.
Other TV Shows Seeing Major Exits
The Rise of Streaming Opportunities
Actors are now flooded with offers from Netflix, Prime, and Hulu. The streaming boom means stars have way more choices, and many are jumping ship for cooler, fresher roles.
The Pandemic Effect
COVID-19 changed everything. With shutdowns and safety concerns, many actors re-evaluated their careers and life goals.
The Hidden Toll of Stardom
Missing Personal Milestones
Working nonstop on a TV show means missing birthdays, anniversaries, and important life events. Many stars simply got tired of missing out.
Health and Family Priorities
Several actors cited wanting to spend more time with family or focusing on their health as reasons for stepping away.
Audience Reactions: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Mixed Feelings from Fans
Some fans are heartbroken. Others are excited to see new blood join their favorite shows. It’s a mixed bag, to say the least.
Social Media Uproar
Every time a big exit is announced, Twitter and Instagram practically explode. Fans love to speculate, theorize, and sometimes rage online.
The Impact on TV Shows
Ratings Roller Coaster
Big exits can cause ratings to plummet — or sometimes, surprisingly, spike due to renewed interest.
New Opportunities for Fresh Talent
While it’s tough to say goodbye, new actors often bring fresh energy and new storylines to beloved series.
Can TV Shows Survive Major Star Departures?
Reinventing the Formula
Smart shows pivot quickly, introducing new characters and plot twists to keep things exciting.
Loyal Fanbases Hold Strong
Some shows have such diehard fans that they survive almost anything — yes, even losing beloved stars.
What This Means for the Future of TV
More Short-Term Contracts
Expect to see more flexible contracts where actors can commit season-by-season instead of multi-year deals.
Rise of Anthology Series
Limited series and anthologies like American Horror Story are gaining popularity because they don’t require long-term commitments.
Final Thoughts: Change Is the New Normal
Change can feel like a punch to the gut when it involves your favorite character leaving, right? But in the wild world of TV, change is inevitable. Stars move on, shows evolve, and new favorites emerge. And hey, sometimes, a fresh start brings even better stories!
