10 TV Shows That RECAST Major Characters
5. Harriet Winslow - Family Matters
Jo Marie Peyton's appearance as elevator operator Harriette Winslow in Perfect Strangers eventually resulted in her co-starring in her own spin-off. And with that, the classic Family Matters debuted on ABC in 1989, placing the spotlight on Harriette's entire family (and soon afterwards, their nerdy neighbour).
Fast-forward six years later and the veteran actress had grown weary of her role on the sitcom, believing it had jumped the shark. Though she reportedly asked to leave multiple times throughout seasons 7 and 8, she was talked into sticking around for a little longer. Finally, when the show moved to CBS, she agreed to stick around provided she could leave midway through the eighth season - which she ultimately did.
Upon her departure, the role was recast as Judyann Elder joined the show with the intention of bringing Harriette to life for at least one more season. Unfortunately falling ratings and a baffling timeslot shift resulted in CBS cancelling the long-running show only eight episodes after Elder came on-board.