18 Behind-the-Scenes Feuds That Changed a Show’s Direction

Grueling hours, personality mismatches, and pranks gone wrong can completely alter the course of a show—even from behind the scenes. Producers have to adjust to tensions, either by creatively filming actors separately or even choosing between two feuding actors. Fans become enamored with the storyline, and when it shifts abruptly, they're left wondering what happened.

Often, when this occurs, ratings drop. Fans are loyal to their characters, and if they see a replacement, they're immediately put off. While some shows went on to see success after a change like this, others couldn't stay above water and were eventually cancelled. Discover 18 behind-the-scenes feuds that changed a show's direction!

To compile this list, 247 Tempo reviewed several sources, including Vulture, Business Insider, IMDb, Entertainment Weekly, and Screen Rant.

The show was beloved by fans, and the feud between Shannen Doherty and Alyssa Milano led to Doherty's character being removed entirely from the show. Producers said they were backed into a wall and had to choose between the two. Fans were devastated as the show centered around the three of them together. Later, Rose McGowan was introduced, which completely altered the story.

Rumors swirled about a feud between David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson despite their chemistry on screen. When not acting, tensions between them were high. It was to the point they wouldn't speak to one another. Eventually, Duchovny quit the show, the story took a different direction with new characters, and it was cancelled.

The feud behind the scenes was reported to be between the rest of the cast and Teri Hatcher. However, in modern reports, the actresses, including Eva Longoria, explain that it was sexist reporting, meant to pit women against one another. Nevertheless, fans still felt something was awry with the characters and how the show came to an end.

Actor Charlie Sheen and the creator of the show, Chuck Lorre, were reported to have a falling out in 2011. Sheen did not mince words about it, and it led to him being fired. Of course, the show needed a lead, and Ashton Kutcher was cast.

A prank gone wrong began the feud when Shannen Doherty went a bit too far with fellow actress Jennie Garth. After continuous tension, Doherty was phased out. Her character, Brenda Walsh, eventually went to acting school overseas.

Rumors about Lea Michele's diva behavior circulated through the tabloids. She was allegedly at fault for creating a hostile work environment. This led to the show's producers shifting focus to highlight other characters.

Things got physical on the set of the show when Thomas Gibson got into it with a writer/producer. First, he was suspended and later fired. He was written out of the show, which changed the show as his character, Aaron Hotchner "Hotch," was beloved by fans.

David Caruso departed from the show when he felt undervalued, and his demands for higher pay were denied. Detective John Kelly was replaced by Detective Bobby Simone, who was played by Jimmy Smits.

When two actresses can't get along but neither leaves the show, producers have to get creative. In this case, Julianna Marguiles and Archie Panjabi were unable to be in the same room together. This altered the story's narrative, and the final reunion was filmed with a twist. They were in separate locations.

The revival excited fans, but they soon realized that Kim Cattrall was absent, which felt like a disappointing blow to the show's continuation. The feud between her and Sarah Jessica Parker was long-standing, and reports surfaced that it was due to salary disputes.

The absence of Frank Darabont, the show's creator, became evident when the show's tone and direction shifted. He was committed to quality, but AMC wanted to reduce the budget. They ended up firing him.

This feud lasted for 30 years between Ted Danson and Kelsey Grammer. They were filming at the time and had a nearly-unforgivable falling out. However, years later, they realized the argument was minor and they reconciled.

When two lead actors walk away from a show like this, you can expect ratings to drop. Fans become accustomed to familiar faces and develop a sense of loyalty to them. However, Tom Wopat and John Schneider were displeased with royalties, and did well proving their point.

With the kind of on-screen chemistry shared between Lorelai and Luke, you'd think Lauren Graham and Scott Patterson would have been the best of friends in real life. However, they were not close, and there were rumors of a feud. However, they've denied it.

Hugh Laurie, who played House, and Lisa Edelstein, who played Cuddy, reportedly had behind-the-scenes tensions that writers used to play into their on-screen dynamic. Ultimately, however, Edelstein left the cast.

Walking away from the show was easier said than done for Farrah Fawcett. She left for a season due to disagreements with ABC but was contractually obligated to perform and had to guest-star in several more episodes.

The exchanges with Damon Wayans and Clayne Crawford escalated, and Crawford was eventually fired. He had created a hostile work environment, verbally assaulting his co-star as well as the crew and other cast members.

The working conditions were not up to par, and the schedule was much too demanding for the cast of the show. Bruce Willis later admitted that he and Cybil Shepherd didn't get along. The schedule didn't allow for the greatest relationship.

A feud between Will Smith and the original Aunt Viv, Janet Hubert, resulted in an abrupt shift in the cast. While she was still Aunt Viv in the show, the actress on screen changed to Daphne Maxwell Reid, which was jarring for fans.