10 TV Shows That Switched Main Characters

10. The Walking Dead

Adapted from Robert Kirkman's 2004 comic book series of the same name, The Walking Dead was always Rick Grimes' story. Yes, the show had to compensate for an ever-growing cast and so Rick would be entirely missing in episodes that explored other subplots, but Rick has still featured in the second most episodes of the entire show.

After awaking from his coma and finding his family at the Atalanta camp in season 1, Rick quickly became the leader of their group, and this stayed in place the entire way through the show. Although they would enter other communities with existing hierarchies, it was Rick that all would eventually turn to keep them alive and safe.

Andrew Lincoln's performance is undoubtedly incredible, portraying Rick's joys and despairs and quickly creating a character that all TWD fans loved. Real-world responsibilities caught up with Lincoln, and his duties to his young family outweighed his ambitions with The Walking Dead.

Initially wishing to be killed off in season 8, Lincoln was convinced to stick around to give the character a proper send-off. He agreed and was last seen being choppered away to parts unknown in S09E05, and the baton for the lead role was passed on to co-star Daryl Dixon (played by Norman Reedus).