The Lamest Ways Characters Have Been Written Out of TV Series

While we often talk about memorable character exits and admirable endings in television series, some writers and producers have sadly opted for the absolute weakest methods. Here are a few notoriously bad character exits that have left fans scrolling through reruns with a tinge of disappointment.

Three’s Company: Terri’s Exit

Three’s Company decided to switch its major cast members for its sequel, leaving a trail of underwhelming character exits. Bradley ‘Jack’ Carrington, a bougie and wealthy character, landed an obviously manufactured dream girl. However, one exit stands as a highlight of the weak endings: Terri.

In a bizarrely insensitive plot device, Terri announced her dream of running a medical aid clinic on a remote island, tending to the needs of the poor sick natives, and then promptly left for Hawaii. Her exit was accompanied by awkward, forced laughter, showing a complete lack of respect for her character and the show’s remaining storyline.

Nickelodeon’s Las Vegas: Fake Shemps

While some character exits are simply disappointing, others are outright bizarre and annoying. Nickelodeon’s Las Vegas, created and produced by Gary Scott Thompson, experimented with a cheap and unoriginal way to handle a character exit. When Shemp (one of the Three Stooges) passed away, they opted to use what is affectionately called 'fake Shemps.' This technique involved using stock audio bits and a supporting cast member standing in, without their back to the camera, repeating a few recognizable catchphrases.

Thompson employed this tactics too much, making it a running gag for two seasons. The utility of this trick conveniently disappeared once James Caan, the show’s central figure, decided to leave Las Vegas. The show struggled, and eventually, the series was moved to a time slot where ratings inevitably plummeted. The fake Shemps strategy backfired, turning off fans and contributing to the series' eventual cancellation.

Happy Days: Chuck’s Disappearance

Another example of the worst way to write a character out of a series is illustrated by little Chuck Cunningham in Happy Days. Chuck was the son of Howard and Marion, and older brother to Ritchie and Joanie. After his first season, the character disappeared completely, as if he had never existed. Howard and others in the show continued to mention that they had two children, but Chuck was not mentioned. This abrupt and complete absence also included complete neglect in future episodes, leading to confusion and a sense of erasure for the character's fans.

While some series have delivered powerful and impactful exits, these examples remind us of the pitfall of cheap or thoughtless character departures, which can significantly detract from the quality and memorability of a TV show.