What Happens to TV Characters When They Leave a Show

From The Mary Tyler Moore Show to The Big Bang Theory, Big Little Lies, and Quantum Leap, the fates of TV characters can vary widely when the series comes to an end. This article explores the different ways in which characters and their legacies continue to exist, from their reappearances to their ultimate fates.

Reappearances and Resurrections

Many sitcoms and dramas feature characters who, despite leaving the show, continue to exist in their own worlds. They may remain active and ready to return should the need arise. For example, in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, all the characters except Ted get fired and go off on their own lives, with Mary shutting off the lights. The show ends with them living their separate lives. Similarly, in Big Bang Theory, the series concludes with Sheldon and Amy back in their apartment, sharing a slice of pizza and coming to terms with their selfishness.

Notably, when a story requires a character’s death or their contract is completed, they may be removed from the show. This is seen in Seinfeld and MASH, where characters were killed off to advance the plot or as a resolution to the series. However, there are instances where characters are left in ambiguous states, such as in Quantum Leap, which left viewers frustrated with the unclear outcomes of certain story arcs.

Forgotten by Time and Networks

In most cases, characters are forgotten about quickly once the show ends. This is because the characters are the property of the studio that made the series, and their existence is only maintained if a new series starring the character is created. For example, The Jeffersons was a spin-off of All In The Family. Unless networks decide otherwise, the characters are effectively erased from the public consciousness.

After the series ends, the characters are typically only remembered in the hearts and minds of the fans. Fans keep the memory of beloved characters alive, often through discussions, fan art, and, most notably, fan fiction.

Continuing the Legacy Through Fan Fiction

While the official series typically concludes at the same time the characters’ story arcs do, many fans take it upon themselves to continue the characters’ lives. Fan fiction allows creators to explore alternate scenarios and outcomes, effectively continuing the legacy of the characters beyond the confines of the original series.

For instance, if a fan watches Criminal Minds and wants to see Penelope Garcia and Derek Morgan get together, they can write a story about it. Similarly, fan fiction bridges the gap between viewers and beloved television couples such as Buffy and Angel or Ross and Rachel. Some even imagine implied scenarios, such as an Iron Chef TV-movie for The Monkees, suggesting they’ve been living in that beach house for the last 15 years.

It’s fascinating to note that the immensely popular series Twilight may have started as fan fiction. This underscores the power of fan communities in shaping and continuing beloved TV characters' lives.

When a TV show concludes, the characters’ existence is not solely dependent on the series itself. Regardless of how the show ends, the characters’ legacies often live on in the minds of the passionate fans who continue to nurture and imagine their future adventures.