10 TV Shows That Killed Off Their Biggest Stars

For the first three seasons of Homeland, the show hinged on the relationship between CIA agent Carrie Mathison (Clare Danes) and Damien Lewis' brilliant Nicholas Brody.

For three seasons, the question of whether Brody, a former marine once held captive by al-Qaeda, had been turned by the terror group fueled the show. With its mystery, intensity and Lewis' towering performance, it was an absolute joy to watch.

Unfortunately, it couldn't be sustained, and in the third season Brody is found guilty of treason and hanged in Iran, despite Carrie trying everything to save him, knowing he was innocent.

With that, Lewis left the show and Homeland continued for six more years without him. It struggled to keep itself afloat after that, but ultimately ended up being consistently entertaining and compulsively watchable.

Homeland still stands as one of those great shows that can keep themselves going to a high standard even after losing their biggest actor.