Justin Chambers, America Ferrera, and the 30 most shocking TV exits of all time
By Mads Lennon
30. Chicago Fire: Monica Raymund
Many fans were tremendously upset when Monica Raymund decided to leave the series after seven seasons. Those who were hardcore fans of the Dawson and Casey romance found the pill a particularly bitter one to swallow. Gabby exited the show for a noble cause, to help aid the many people in Puerto Rico affected by the hurricane.
She and Casey wind up not speaking to each other for months while she continuously extended her trip. Eventually, Gabby asked Casey to come with her, before realizing that his home was always going to be in Chicago. The two parted amicably, but a lot of people were unsatisfied with her ending.
Gabby did return to visit the show in season eight, and it’s possible that Raymund could reprise her role again in the future.
29. One Tree Hill: Hilarie Burton & Chad Michael Murray
When One Tree Hill was still airing, no one knew about what was going on behind-the-scenes with showrunner Mark Schwan.
Unfortunately, the One Tree Hill era was long before the #MeToo movement. Chad Michael Murray and Hilarie Burton’s characters were two of the show’s leads. At least they had finally gotten together, tied the knot, and even had a baby. However, off-screen problems with Schwan resulted in Burton leaving the show.
It shocked fans at the time, although no one knew the real reason until years later. Murray’s reasoning was less clear, it seemed like he didn’t see much reason for Lucas to stick around without Peyton there. On the plus side, the two leaving together gave the writers and fans the opportunity to see a happy ending for the infamous Leyton ship.
Watching the show now, it’s a little harder to see Peyton leave, knowing everything Burton faced during her years working on the series.