Thread by @AlanSarapa

The thread where I name replacement characters on shows. Someone left and they filled the void with another character. Now here's a picture of Michael Evans Behling for no reason:

Chase replacing Nathan on #GH. Ryan Paevey decided to leave and they didn't want to recast Nathan so they hired Josh Swickard as Chase. Nathan and Chase are essentially the same character. The kind cop with abs and dark hair. They perform the same function.

Rebecca replacing Diane on Cheers. Probably one of the most famous examples of a replacement character. Shelley Long left and they needed someone to replace that dynamic with Ted Danson's Sam. I haven't seen every episode of Cheers, but from what I saw I liked Diane more.

Paige replacing Prue on Charmed. Even decades later there are still people pissed about Prue dying and Paige coming on as the replacement sister. Not that Paige is hated by the fanbase, but the consensus is it would have been better to keep Shannen as Prue.

Marcus replacing Harrison on Scandal. Columbus Short had personal issues so Shonda Rhimes fired him and hired Cornelius Smith Jr. as Marcus to fill the void. Shonda isn't a stranger to having to create replacement characters.

Arizona replacing Erica on Grey's Anatomy. For whatever reason, Shonda Rhimes didn't see it for Brooke Smith as Erica playing Callie's love interest. So they abruptly fired her and brought in Jessica Capshaw as Arizona. Though we can probably guess why which is unfortunate.

Finn replacing Will on The Good Wife. They introduced Finn in the very same episode Will had his dramatic exit. That is ballsy way to introduce a replacement character. Though Finn as a replacement character was a bit of a waste given he never fucked Alicia.

David replacing Jason on Criminal Minds. Mandy Patinkin thought the show was gross and decided to leave. Though if you don't want to in a violent procedural, don't sign up for one. They got Joe Mantegna who is in the same wheelhouse as Mandy to be the new lead.

Tess replacing Lex on Smallville. Characters don't have to be the same gender to perform the same function on a show. Michael had enough after 7 seasons so they brough Cassidy Freeman as Tess to be the antagonist series regular. Tess would also turn out to be Lex's sister.