Cast Shakeups: Stars Leaving And Stars Joining Popular TV Series For Fall 2019

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The fall is always one of the busiest seasons for prime-time television! Not only are seasons changing, but so are the casts of some of TV’s most popular series as audiences prepare to welcome back their favorite shows. Some series are going to look a lot different for many different reasons. While some popular shows are adding to their impressive casts with some new stars, others have said goodbye to some of their stars in between seasons leaving a hole in the cast, meanwhile some shows have promoted recurring stars to become a bigger part of the series! From stars leaving to stars joining and more, here are the biggest cast shakeups heading into the fall 2019 TV season:

52. Leaving: Lori Loughlin – Fuller House

With a court case ongoing, Fuller House is going to be without one of its popular stars for its upcoming final season. Following the news of Lori Loughlin’s involvement in the Operation Varsity Blues scam, the actress was quickly dropped by the Hallmark Channel and reports indicated she was not expected to return to Fuller House either. After the ordeal, Netflix said there were “no plans” for Loughlin’s Aunt Becky to appear in the fifth and final season of the series, but since she was just a recurring character, her absence would not impact the final storylines.

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51. Joining: Rachael Leigh Cook – Criminal Minds

Criminal Minds is headed into its fifteenth and final season in 2020, but that isn’t stopping the iconic series from bringing in a new face for the season. She’s All That actress Rachael Leigh Cook has signed on to have a recurring role in the shortened final season, and could be a possible love interest for Matthew Gray Gubler’s Dr. Spencer Reid. Cook will portray Max, a quirky, kind-hearted, candid woman who strikes up an unusual relationship with Reid. This will of course throw a wrench into the love confession JJ shared with Reid at the end of season 14.

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50. Replacing: The Crown

Olivia Colman, Helena Bonham Carter, Ben Daniels and Tobias Menzies are all joining The Crown for the new season! As the series continues telling the stories and history of the British royal family in a dramatized fashion, many new stars have been cast to take over as the characters age. Oscar winner Olivia Colman has been tapped to play Queen Elizabeth II for season three. Meanwhile, Helena Bonham Carter has taken on the role of Princess Margaret. “My uncle was actually very close to her,” Carter explained in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. “She was pretty scary.” Additionally, Ben Daniels will be replacing Matthew Goode as Princess Margaret’s husband Antony Armstrong-Jones. Finally, Tobias Menzies will be signing on to the part of Prince Philip, taking over for Matt Smith.

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49. Leaving: Jon Seda – Chicago P.D.

The Chicago series have seen more than their fair share of stars coming and going, and now Chicago P.D. will have to say goodbye to Jon Seda. In July it was reported that Seda, who plays Detective Antonio Dawson, would not be returning as a series regular. Reports indicated that “Seda’s character on Chicago P.D. had played out,” according to Deadline. It is unclear how his character’s absence will be explained or how his storylines will wrap.

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48. Joining: Hugh Dancy – Homeland

Homeland is heading into its eighth and final season, and bringing with it Hugh Dancy, the real-life husband of star Claire Danes. According to reports, Dancy will have a recurring guest role on the final season. He is tapped to play John Zabel who is described as an astute foreign policy advisor to the President of the United States and a formidable opponent to Saul Berenson (Mandy Patinkin). The final season will find Carrie Mathison (Danes) recovering from months of brutal confinement in a Russian gulag. Her body is healing, but her memory remains fractured. Meanwhile, Saul has been dispatched to engage the Taliban in peace negotiations, and against medical advice, he asks Carrie to walk with him into the lion’s den – one last time.

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47. Promoted: Grey’s Anatomy

Fans should get prepared to see more Chris Carmack, Greg Germann, and Jake Borelli on Grey’s Anatomy this season! After a major return to television after stints on The O.C. and Nashville, Chris Carmack as Dr. Atticus Lincoln was promoted ahead of season 16 and will be romancing Amelia. As well, Greg Germann who had quite the series arc as Dr. Thomas Koracik has also been promoted to a series regular ahead of the new season.

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46. Demoted: Melanie Liburd – This Is Us

As This Is Us prepares to take fans on another wild ride of the past, present, and future of the Pearson family, they will be seeing a lot less of new star Melanie Liburd who played Zoe. After she played a significant part in Kevin’s journey in season three, their split means Liburd has been demoted for season four. “We love writing for her, so we’re always going to be looking for ways to bring her back into the story and into the fold,” showrunner Isaac Aptaker said. “But we will not be watching week-to-week storylines between her and Kevin next year.”

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45. Joining: Jenna Ortega – You

After finishing her role on Jane the Virgin, Jenna Ortega will be appearing in the second season of the Netflix hit You. The young actress has been cast as Ellie, who is described as a precocious teen girl who lives in NYC with a lack of parental supervision. She reportedly meets Joe during one of her “cons” as she enters into some sketchy business to make money.

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44. Promoted: Gavin Leatherwood – Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

After an explosive start, Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina decided to promote one its most popular newer cast members. Gavin Leatherwood who plays Nick Scratch on the popular teen series, was promoted to a series regular after being previously listed as a recurring character. Additionally, Lachlan Watson, who portrays Theo Putnam was also promoted. “#ChillingAdventuresOfSabrina stars Gavin Leatherwood and Lachlan Watson have been upped to series regular status for Parts 3 and 4!” Netflix announced in a Tweet.

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43. Leaving: Jussie Smollett – Empire

After a lot of controversy in his personal life drew unwanted negative attention to the series, it wasn’t surprising when Jussie Smollett was cut from Empire heading into the sixth and final season. After much speculation about whether or not the series would cut ties with the actor, Fox released a statement in May announcing the sixth season would be the last and there were “no plans” for Smollett, who played Jamal Lyon, on the show to return. “By mutual agreement, the studio has negotiated an extension to Jussie Smollett’s option for season six, but at this time there are no plans for the character of Jamal to return to ‘Empire,’” the network said in a joint statement with studio 20th Century Fox TV.

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42. Joining: Sterling K. Brown – The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Sterling K. Brown is a very busy star as he not only stars on the hit NBC drama This Is Us, but will also be appearing in the critically acclaimed Amazon Studios comedy The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Little details have been released about Brown’s role in the series, but he did say he had a blast being on set. “I can say that I’m in it! And I can say that I had a great time doing it,” he said. “The vibe on that set is as delightful as the This Is Us crew. Amy and Dan [Palladino] are incredible. Brosnahan is amazing.” The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel will return for its third season Dec. 6 on Amazon.

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41. Promoted: Katey Sagal – The Conners

Last season on The Conners, iconic TV actress Katey Sagal made a memorable one-episode appearance as Louise, an old friend of Dan’s, and now fans are going to be seeing more of her. It has been confirmed that Sagal will appear in 10 episodes as Louise who is now managing Casa Bonita. “We’re taking it slow,” showrunner Bruce Helford told TV Line of Dan and Louise’s courtship. “She wants a relationship. She wants romance. She is not giving up. But Dan is still having difficulty. He’s struggling with whether he’d be betraying [Roseanne] if he does move toward someone else. And can he ever find that feeling with anybody else?”

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40. Leaving: Emily Bett Rickards – Arrow

After many incredible seasons, one of television’s superhero staples is coming to an end and is doing so without one of its stars. Ahead of Arrow‘s eighth and final season, it was confirmed that Emily Bett Rickards, who has portrayed Felicity Smoak since the first season, had exited the series. “Felicity and I are a very tight two, but after one through seven we will be saying goodbye to you,” the actress wrote in an emotional social media post announcing her decision. Arrow executive producers Greg Berlanti and Beth Schwartz shared a joint statement after Rickards’ shocking decision. “We’ve had the pleasure of working with Emily since season one and in those past seven years she has brought one of TV’s most beloved characters to life. And although we’re heartbroken to see both Emily and Felicity leave the show, we’re completely supportive of Emily and her future endeavors. She will always have a family at Arrow.”

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39. Joining: Sam Witwer – Riverdale

After Chad Michael Murray’s big splash joining Riverdale last season, another new face is making its way to the small mysterious town. Sam Witwer, who previously starred on Supergirl, has joined Riverdale for season four as Mr. Chipping, a teacher at Jughead’s new prep school. “Handsome, bookish and cool, Mr. Chipping teaches creative writing at a prestigious prep school near Riverdale,” reads the official character description from The CW. “He recruits Jughead for his seminar, and while he’s eminently inspiring to his students, there’s a darkness hidden far beneath the surface.”

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38. Promoted: Jasika Nicole – The Good Doctor

It didn’t take long for The Good Doctor to solidify itself as one of the best medical dramas on TV and fans will be thrilled to know that actress Jasika Nicole has been promoted heading into season three. Nicole, who plays Dr. Carly Lever, was listed as a recurring character ahead of the season, but it seems she has been stepped up in the cast amid her character’s blossoming relationship with Freddie Highmore’s Dr. Shaun Murphy.

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37. Leaving: Colin Donnell – Chicago Med

After four seasons as Dr. Connor Rhodes on Chicago Med, actor Colin Donnell is leaving the series as a series regular. Since he is only exiting as a series regular, Donnell will appear in the season five premiere to wrap up his storylines, and is leaving the door open to return but there are no plans as of yet. It seems Donnell leaving Chicago Med has allowed him to return to Arrow in its final season, as he will once again be in the superhero series after appearing in season one as Oliver’s best friend Tommy Merlyn.

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36. Joining: Morris Chestnut – The Resident

After a successful first two seasons, The Resident is bulking up its roster before the series returns on September 24, 2019. Talented actor Morris Chestnut has been added to the cast where he will reportedly play Dr. Barrett Cain. Dr. Cain is described as a “bullish neurosurgeon who is hired by Red Rock Medical to cut down financial costs accumulated by Chastain Memorial Park Hospital. Dr. Cain is no slouch himself. In fact, he’s a phenomenal physician with an uncanny ability to solve the most nefarious medical cases.”

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35. Promoted: Katherine McNamara – Arrow

While Felicity Smoak might be out on Arrow, the same can’t be said for Mia Smoak! After Katherine McNamara joined the popular superhero series in season seven, she has signed on to the eighth and final season in an elevated role. According to reports, McNamara will be a series regular for season eight. There are also reports that The CW is brainstorming ideas for a Mia Smoak spinoff.

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34. Leaving: Jordan Bolger – The 100

As The 100 enters its seventh and final season, it will be without star Jordan Bolger, which comes as no surprise after his character, Shaw, was killed in season six. “I genuinely loved playing Shaw & will miss the cast & crew of The 100 like a hole in the head  Thank you to the most amazing fans for all your love & support since I joined the show, i appreciate it more than you can imagine,” the actor shared on Twitter confirming fans shouldn’t expect to see him back.

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33. Joining: Alexis Denisof – Legacies

With season two of Legacies premiering on October 10, 2019, the spin-off of The Originals and third series in The Vampire Diaries franchise is turning to a familiar face in the supernatural series world. Actor Alexis Denisof, best known for his role as Wesley Wyndam-Pryce on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, has been cast on Legacies as Professor Vardemus. “He is the new headmaster after a lengthy search headlined by Caroline Forbes,” showrunner Julie Plec revealed. “She has chosen a very well-respected, extremely experienced, and beloved man from England.” Denisof reveals that his character “arrives from a larger supernatural world that exists far beyond the gates of the school and brings with him a clear and very different point of view.”

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32. Promoted: Levy Tran – MacGyver

Heading into season four of MacGyver, actress Levy Tran has been promoted to a series regular. Tran as Desiree Nguyen was first introduced to the series in season three in order to make up for the loss of the show’s co-lead George Eads.

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31. Leaving: Philip Winchester – Law & Order: SVU

After two seasons on Law & Order: SVU, actor Philip Winchester is making his exit. The actor, who plays Assistant District Attorney Pete Stone made the announcement of his departure ahead of season 21 on Twitter. “Sadly for me, Peter stone and his ‘the facts don’t care about you’re feelings’ attitude will not be returning,” Winchester tweeted. “A huge tip of the hat to my amazing fans and not so big of fans. You ALL make me work harder. Thank you! See you on the next adventure.”

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30. Joining: Victoria Pedretti – You

Netflix’s You caused a huge stir with its first season starring Gossip Girl’s Penn Badgley as a murderous and manipulative stalker named Joe, and now season two has its new female lead. Victoria Pedretti, who recently starred in Haunting of Hill House, has been cast as Love Quinn, “an aspiring chef working as a produce manager in a high-end grocery store. Love is uninterested in the world of social media, branding and self-promotion, focused instead on leading an interesting life. She is also tending to a deep grief — and when she meets Joe Goldberg, she senses a shared knowledge of profound, life-changing loss.”

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29. Leaving: Rose Leslie – The Good Fight

After being a part of The Good Wife spinoff The Good Fight since the beginning, season four is going on without Rose Leslie. The actress, who played Maia Rindell, made her exit in the season three finale to start her own firm with Roland Blum. The Good Fight creators Robert and Michelle King confirmed the news in July at San Diego Comic-Con. The Good Fight is expected to return for season four in 2020.

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28. Joining: Gillian Anderson – The Crown

Along with many big names replacing seasons one and two stars on The Crown ahead of season three, another TV icon is joining the series in an important role. Gillian Anderson has been cast as former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher. “I am so excited to be joining the cast and crew of ‘The Crown’ and to have the opportunity to portray such a complicated and controversial woman,” Anderson said in a statement. “Thatcher was undoubtedly formidable, but I am relishing exploring beneath the surface and, dare I say, falling in love with the icon who, whether loved or despised, defined an era.”

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27. Leaving: Danai Gurira – The Walking Dead

After the significant loss of Andrew Lincoln, The Walking Dead is facing yet another major loss to the cast. Danai Gurira, who has starred as Michonne since the third season, announced during a panel that she was exiting the series following season 10. While she will still be present for the 10 season which premieres on October 6, 2019, she only signed on for a recurring role and therefore will only be seen in a significantly reduced capacity. “I would just like to say this has been one of the purest joys in my life,” she said. “I am very very thankful for the experience I’ve had in ways that I can’t even express right now. My heart does not leave… it doesn’t ever end, the connection between us never ends. It was a very difficult decision. It was about my calling and other things I feel called to… All I’m filled with is a lot of pain about leaving and a lot of gratitude and to all of you. I love you guys. TWD family is forever.”

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26. Joining: Thomas Doherty – Legacies

It appears Lizzie will be getting a new love interest in the upcoming sophomore season of Legacies. At San Diego Comic-Con it was revealed that Thomas Doherty had been cast for the new season as a vampire named Sebastian. “He’s a very old vampire and has some old ideas about the way things work, but Lizzie might be kind of into that,” explained Jenny Boyd who plays Lizzie. The Scottish actor is best known for his role as Harry Hook in the Descendants film franchise.

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25. Leaving: Sara Ramirez – Madam Secretary

Another series is coming to an end this year, and it will be without one of its stars. Ahead of Madam Secretary‘s sixth and final season, star Sara Ramirez revealed she had exited the series. “I know there’s a lot going on in the world. So much,” Ramirez wrote on Twitter. “And for just a quick moment I want to wish everyone at @MadamSecretary a fantastic final Season 6 @CBS! It was an honor to bring Kat Sandoval into your universe!” Heading into the final season, it seems Sandoval’s services were no longer needed because the season jumps into the future where Tea Leon’s Elizabeth McCord is the president.

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24. Joining: Jason Ritter – A Million Little Things

After his short-lived series Kevin (Probably) Saves the World, Jason Ritter is joining the ABC family drama A Million Little Things. According to reports Ritter has signed on as a recurring guest star, and details on his character are being kept under wraps. What is known is that his character has ties to Patricia’s past and his arrival in Maggie’s life will “upend everything.” A Million Little Things kicks off Season 2 on Thursday, Sept. 26.

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23. Leaving: Ashleigh Murray – Riverdale

The previous season of Riverdale made it quite clear that Ashleigh Murray’s Josie McCoy was making her way out of Riverdale, and it has been confirmed she won’t be returning to the teen drama, but that isn’t the end of Josie. Murray left the series in order to reprise her character in the newest Riverdale spinoff Katy Keene. In the new series, Josie will be seen pursuing her music dreams in New York, reconnecting with her dad, and falling in love!

Katie Yu / ©The CW / Courtesy: Everett Collection

22. Joining: Aaron Paul – Westworld

Since Breaking Bad came to an end in 2013, fans have been eagerly awaiting Aaron Paul’s big return to the small screen, and it seems it is coming with season three of Westworld. Paul has joined the sci-fi series as Caleb who is a construction worker and a co-worker of George. He also commits heists. “I’m tripping out that I’m here right now, I’m such a psychotic fan. I was shell shocked and star struck,” Paul stated of his first day on set while speaking during Westworld‘s SDCC panel. “The story that they’re telling in the first couple seasons made me look at the world through a more focused lens and it also makes me think that maybe we are all just living in a simulation.”

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21. Leaving: Jessica Parker Kennedy – The Flash

Another superhero series losing an important female character ahead of a new season is The Flash. Actress Jessica Parker Kennedy who has starred on The Flash since season four as Nora West-Allen left the series ahead of its season six premiere in October, but isn’t ruling out a possible return at some point. “With comic book characters, anything could happen. She’s gone for now, but I think that there’s always a way to bring somebody back, on a show like that, and I definitely would be happy to do something like that. But yeah, as far as I know, she’s gone, for the moment,” the actress shared.

Katie Yu / ©The CW Network / courtesy Everett Collection

20. Joining: Sara Gilbert – Atypical

Although Sara Gilbert is plenty busy after exiting The Talk to focus on the new season of her show The Conners, the actress has been confirmed to be joining the Netflix sleeper-hit Atypical. For the series, which focuses on the life of 18-year-old Sam Gardner, played by Keir Chilchrist, who is on the autism spectrum, Gilbert will play Professor Judd at Denton University which Sam applied to in season two. Professor Judd is described as a university ethics professor who is generally irritable and chronically underwhelmed, yet capable of compassion.

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19. Leaving: Afton Williamson – The Rookie

In early August, actress Afton Williamson shocked fans when she revealed she would not be returning to The Rookie for its second season after a successful first season. Fans are going to miss Williamson’s Talia Bishop on the series, but the actress revealed she made her decision to leave after experiencing racism and sexual harassment on-set. “Throughout the filming of the pilot, I experienced Racial Discrimination/Racially Charged inappropriate comments from the hair department and bullying from Executive Producers,” Williamson disclosed in a lengthy Instagram post. “During the Season, it continued along with Sexual Harassment from a recurring guest star, Demetrius Grosse, and the racist commentary & bullying from the Hair Dept. Head, Sally Ciganovich escalated into Sexual Assault at our Wrap party. The Sexual Harassment though reported directly to the Showrunner/EP remained undocumented and was not reported to HR as promised.”

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18. Joining: Thora Birch – The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead has undergone some serious shakeups in the past, and heading into season 10, things are about to change again. Among the major changes in the cast is the addition of Thora Birch. According to reports, Birch will be playing the character of Gamma who did not appear in the original comic books. “She’s a Whisperer who is fiercely protective of Alpha, and a committed believer in the Whisperer way of life,” producer Gale Hurd hinted at the new character.

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17. Leaving: Anson Mount – Star Trek Discovery

After a very highly praised turn as Captain Pike in Star Trek: Discovery, actor Anson Mount is out of the series. While the news is disappointing, it isn’t necessarily surprising considering Mount only signed a one-year contract, and it doesn’t mean the character will be done in the series. Fans of the original 1960’s series know that Captain Pike has a grim fate in which the character is portrayed as paralyzed, disfigured and mute, and could therefore be carried on by another actor in that capacity.

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16. Joining: Julie Gonzalo – Supergirl

Supergirl fans should get ready for a new face on the series. Actress Julie Gonazalo has been cast in the role of Andrea Rojas/Acrata for season five. Her character is “a polished businesswoman and heir to a Central American tech empire, Andrea Rojas is now making a hostile advance into the world of media. Unapologetic and unafraid to make waves, she also holds a mystical secret.” If Gonzalo looks familiar, she might be best known for her role as mean girl Shelby in A Cinderella Story, and Parker Lee in Veronica Mars.

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15. Leaving: Norma Kuhling – Chicago Med

Chicago Med is suffering another star loss with the exit of Norma Kuhling. After signing on to the series in season two as Dr. Ava Bekker, Kuhling was upped to a series regular season three, and is now leaving after being demoted. “Thank you Chicago Med for two amazing years. Really going to miss this family, but feeling nothing but gratitude. A huge thank you to NBC and Dick Wolf for bringing me on board, to the best cast and crew imaginable, and, finally, to the fans for making these shows what they are,” Kuhling shared on social media, confirming her departure.”Can’t wait to cheer #OneChicago on in its future seasons with you!”

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14. Joining: Katrina Law – Hawaii Five-O

After saying goodbye to her role as Nyssa al Ghul on Arrow, Katrina Law is making her way to Hawaii Five-O. Law has been cast as a series regular to play Quinn Liu, “a former staff sergeant with Army CID recently demoted for insubordination. After an explosive collision with Five-O on a case involving veterans, she soon becomes a loyal ally to the team that always has valued integrity over playing by the rules. Sharp-tongued in several languages, Quinn has a deep understanding of military culture, a mysterious past, and a deft ability to match wits with McGarrett .” Executive producer Peter Lenkov said, “We are thrilled to have Katrina join the 10th season Hawaii-Five-O as a series regular. She dazzles as Quinn, the team’s newest recruit, and viewers are going to love seeing how she first encounters McGarrett and Danny. If you know the show well, you’ll be feeling some déjà vu.”

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13. Leaving: Mehcad Brooks – Supergirl

As some new faces make their way to Supergirl, it will also be time to say goodbye to an original star. According to reports, Mehcad Brooks, who has portrayed James Olsen since the series debuted will be leaving in the first half of season five. The actor revealed he is leaving the series in order to focus on feature films and develop his own cable series, and is currently writing a book. “We love Mehcad and we’re sad to see him leave the show as a series regular, but we’re excited for both Mehcad and James Olsen’s future,” said showrunners Robert Rovner and Jessica Queller in a statement. “He’ll always be a part of our Supergirl family and we look forward to James returning to National City at some point to visit his sister and his super friends.”

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12. Joining: Henry Ian Cusick – MacGyver

With Levy Tran getting the promotion to series regular, MacGyver is also adding a new face to its cast! Actor Henry Ian Cusick has been cast for the fourth season to take on the lead role of Russ. “Russ is a handsome, quick-witted, Oxford-educated ex-Military man. A master manipulator and salesman and skilled in propaganda and lie detection with an extremely high emotional intelligence, he’s also a very wealthy man. He’s used to getting his way and not beyond enjoying the spoils of war: expensive suits, fast cars, private jets, house in Monte Carlo,” according the official character description.

Erika Doss / ©Fox / courtesy Everett Collection

11. Leaving: Rebecca Romijn – Star Trek Discovery

Anson Mount isn’t the only Star Trek: Discovery star who had a one and done contract on the show. After her season two turn as Number One, Rebecca Romijn will not be a part of the show’s third season. As mentioned, like Mount, Romijn only signed a one-year contract, and the news of her exit isn’t surprising.

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10. Joining: Eric McCormack – Atypical

If you don’t watch Atypical you should definitely check it out and catch up before season three especially as Sara Gilber won’t be the only familiar face joining the series! Will & Grace actor Eric McCormack has also been added to the cast for season three according to The Hollywood Reporter. Like Gilbert, McCormack will also play a Professor at Sam’s college. Professor Shinerock is described as a wacky art instructor who finds rather odd ways to inspire his students.

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9. Joining: Loretta Devine – black-ish

With season six of black-ish coming on October 1, 2019 fans should prepare to see a familiar face joining the cast. Emmy winner Loretta Devine has been signed on to the cast for a recurring role alongside Laurence Fishburne, but little is known about Devine’s character. Season six picks up after Fishburne’s character Pops surprised everyone by introducing his family to his new fiancee, Lynette, played by Devine.

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8. Joining: Juan Riedinger – Riverdale

If Archie Andrews already didn’t have a hard enough time with some of the adults in Riverdale having it out for him, it looks like he will have a new nemesis to watch out for. Juan Riedinger has been cast for season four in the role of Dodger. While there is limited information about the new character, it is known that Dodger will have his own issues with Archie, and his own dark sinister plots.

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7. Joining: Paget Brewster – Mom

Criminal Minds fans will see star Paget Brewster in a completely different setting this upcoming fall season! The actress has been cast a guest star for season seven of the CBS comedy Mom. “Grey short hair and still getting cast on other TV shows is extremely rewarding. Maybe Hollywood isn’t so bad…” Brewster tweeted. She later responded to a fan, revealing she had just filmed an episode of Mom. “Everyone was so welcoming, hilarious, and kind,” she wrote, tagging the cast. “I loved every second of it!” Brewster is confirmed to be guest starring in at least two episodes as Veronica Stone, Christy’s new boss at the law firm. Veronica is described as a most demanding senior partner with high expectations and a lot of energy — which she channels into yelling at poor Christy.

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6. Joining: Lisseth Chavez – Chicago P.D.

Chicago P.D. is welcoming a new face to its force ahead of season seven. Actress Lisseth Chavez has been cast to play the new role of Vanessa Rojas who is a street smart, gritty, resilient, fearless undercover cop. For now, the role is listed as recurring, but reportedly has potential to become a series regular. Chavez most recently recurred on ABC’s Station 19. She’s also known for her role as Ximena Sinfuego on The Fosters.

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5. Joining: Demi Lovato – Will & Grace

One of the most surprising entries into the upcoming seasons of popular television series is Demi Lovato. The singer has revealed that she will be appearing in the upcoming final season of Will & Grace. Lovato is scheduled to appear in three episodes as Jenny, a guarded gal who comes into the life of Will in an unexpected way. The third season is expected to air as part of NBC’s midseason lineup in 2020.

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4. Joining: Sendhil Ramamurthy – The Flash

The Flash has a brand new villain upcoming in season six, and the role went to Sendhil Ramamurthy. The actor has been cast to play Dr. Ramsey Rosso aka Bloodwork. “Dr. Ramsey Rosso, a brilliant physician with a genius intellect, and the world’s leading expert on hematological oncology,” reads The CW’s official description of Bloodwork. “A former colleague of S.T.A.R. Labs’ Caitlin Snow, Rosso rekindles their friendship after they are reunited by an unexpected event. But their longtime bond is quickly shattered when the doctor’s desire to defy the laws of nature takes him down a dark path… one that transforms Rosso from an old friend into the most chilling villain Team Flash has ever faced: the monstrous Bloodwork.”

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3. Joining: Ali Larter – The Rookie

As The Rookie says goodbye to Afton Williamson, actress Ali Larter is joining the cast for season two. According to reports, Larter is set to appear as a recurring character. Larter will play an ER doctor who has a connection to Officer John Nolan’s life before he was a police officer. “Total Ace cards. Could not be happier than to be working with this kind man, and the incredible crew that make the @therookieabc so special,” Larter wrote on Instagram about working with the show’s leading man, Nathan Fillion. “@alexihawley has been nothing but lovely and respectful. Proud to be part of this team.”

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2. Joining: Paul Adelstein – Chicago P.D.

With some faces leaving in the Chicago series, a familiar TV face is making his way to Chicago P.D. After the death of John C. McGinley’s Brian Kelton in the season six finale, Paul Adelstein has signed on as Superintendent Jason Crawford. Adelstein is best known for his role as Paul Kellerman on Prison Break, and appeared on Private Practice as Dr. Cooper Freedman and on Scandal as Leo Bergen.

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1. Joining: Jennifer Morrison – This Is Us

Season four of This Is Us is promising many brand new faces, but one star who will have a significant role is Jennifer Morrison. The former Once Upon a Time star will have a significant part in the season, but her character details are being kept a secret. Trailers for the new season show Morrison’s character in army gear meaning she could be somebody from Jack’s past. Other theories indicate that she is the mother of Kevin’s son who was shown in a surprising flash-forward scene at the end of season three.

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