10 TV Shows That Switched Main Characters
5. The Office (US)
What is regarded as one of the most beloved television shows of recent history (and the superior to its British counterpart), The Office (US) is based in the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, with Michael Scott (played by Steve Carell) as the branch manager.
The show certainly makes the most of its diverse and entertaining cast, with some viewers tuning in solely for certain characters or subplots (i.e. the 'will-they-won't-they' between Jim and Pam) and Michael certainly earned a large following all of his own. The Office did superbly in keeping its core cast together for its entire nine-season tenure, with starring characters such as Dwight, Jim, Pam, and Stanley being constant features. Carell's, Michael Scott, however, would call it quits at the end of season 7.
There was no malice in Carell's departure from the show: he has stated previously that he always intended to see out his original contract, and his character was written out as having been offered a new job in a different state.
The Office would continue for another couple of seasons, opting against replacing Michael with a new branch manager and instead relying on the pre-established cast. Seasons 8 and 9 saw a significant drop in ratings and viewership, showing that despite its stellar ensemble cast, Michael Scott was the heart of The Office.