10 Shows That Went Through Major Cast Changes After The Pilot Episode

These Shows Got a Major Makeover After Filming The Pilot

Not every hit TV show started perfectly. In fact, some almost looked completely different after filming their pilots. From actors who quit early to creators who made last-minute recasts and storyline tweaks, these shows prove that sometimes, change really is for the best. Here are a few iconic series that swapped out key characters before finally finding their groove.

New Girl

This is one of the most famous examples of an unexpected cast change. Damon Wayans Jr. was cast as Coach and appeared in the New Girl pilot. However, his other series, Happy Endings, was unexpectedly renewed, forcing him to honor that contract and leave New Girl. Instead of recasting, the writers introduced a new character, Winston (played by Lamorne Morris), who moved into the loft in episode two. In a delightful twist of TV fate, when Happy Endings was later canceled, Wayans Jr. returned to New Girl to reprise his role as Coach.

Gilmore Girls

In the original, unaired Gilmore Girls pilot, Lorelai’s clumsy chef and best friend was played by Alex Borstein (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel). Borstein was an ideal fit for the role, but her contract with MADtv prevented her from joining the show full-time. She was replaced by Melissa McCarthy, whose portrayal of Sookie St. James became iconic and launched her major career. As a fun nod to her involvement, Borstein made several memorable cameos throughout the series as the harpist Drella and later as the eccentric stylist Miss Celine.

Game of Thrones

The original Game of Thrones pilot is legendary for being a complete disaster that nearly doomed the series before it began. Showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss later admitted that it was “unwatchable.” The network allowed them a second chance but demanded sweeping changes including the recasting of two major roles. Jennifer Ehle, who originally played Catelyn Stark, was replaced by Michelle Fairley, and Tamzin Merchant, who portrayed Daenerys Targaryen, was replaced by Emilia Clarke. These changes proved pivotal, with both Clarke and Fairley delivering performances that became essential to the show’s identity and global success.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Another case of an unaired pilot with key differences. Joss Whedon’s original 25-minute test pilot for Buffy the Vampire Slayer featured a different actress playing Willow Rosenberg. While the network loved the show’s concept, they felt the original performance was too restrained. The part was recast with Alyson Hannigan, who infused Willow with a perfect mix of shy charm, emotional depth, and later, dark power..you know, traits that helped make the character a fan favorite and pop culture icon.

The Big Bang Theory

The original, unaired pilot for The Big Bang Theory looked very different from the version that made it to air. It didn’t even feature Penny. Instead, the female lead was a hard-edged, street-smart character named Katie, played by Amanda Walsh. Test audiences found her too abrasive and unsympathetic toward the socially awkward scientists. The creators took the feedback seriously, reworked the dynamic completely, and created Penny who was the warm, “girl-next-door” figure played by Kaley Cuoco, setting the stage for one of TV’s most successful sitcoms.

Friends

This recast happened after the aired pilot. In Friends’ first episode, “The One Where Monica Gets a Roommate,” Ross’s ex-wife Carol, who has just left him for Susan, was played by Anita Barone. Barone later revealed she left the show because she wanted a more full-time role. Starting in episode nine, Jane Sibbett took over as Carol, solidifying the character’s place in the show’s long-term storylines and perfectly matching its tone.

Firefly

The original, unaired pilot of Firefly (titled “Serenity”) had a slightly different tone and one major casting change. Inara was first portrayed by Rebecca Gayheart. After Fox executives viewed the pilot and offered feedback, creator Joss Whedon made several adjustments, including recasting Inara with Morena Baccarin. Baccarin brought a deeper warmth, poise, and emotional gravity to the role, making her portrayal unforgettable to fans of the short-lived cult classic.

Seinfeld

In the second episode of Seinfeld, “The Stake Out,” Jerry’s dad was played by actor Phil Bruns. Show creator Larry David felt that Bruns’s portrayal was too subdued and lacked the cranky, combative energy he envisioned for the character. When Jerry’s father reappeared in Season 2, he was replaced by Barney Martin, who perfectly embodied the spirited and endearingly irritable dad fans came to love.

30 Rock

Tina Fey’s original, unaired pilot for 30 Rock featured her SNL castmate Rachel Dratch as the self-absorbed and unpredictable star of “The Girlie Show.” After network testing, executives requested a more conventionally “sitcom-friendly” actress for the part. The role was retooled and given to Jane Krakowski, who nailed the blend of diva and absurdity. Fey, loyal to Dratch, gave her a variety of quirky, recurring cameo roles throughout the show’s run — a creative compromise that became one of 30 Rock’s charms.

Pretty Little Liars

In the broadcast pilot of Pretty Little Liars, Toby Cavanaugh was originally played by James Neate, and the character (then named Toby Marshall) was set to die, just as he did in the books. However, the producers saw greater potential in Toby and decided to expand his role. They recast the character with Keegan Allen beginning in episode three, transforming him into one of the show’s most beloved and enduring figures.