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Kapil Talwalkar won't be in Night Court season 2, here's why Neil is no longer in the show

In a surprising move, Kapil Talwalkar won't be returning to Night Court Season 2! Why is he leaving and what happens to Neil?

By Michael Weyer

NIGHT COURT -- "Pilot" Episode 101 -- Pictured: (l-r) Melissa Rauch as Abby Stone, Kapil Talwalkar as Neil -- (Photo by: Jordin Althaus/NBC/Warner Bros. Television)
NIGHT COURT -- "Pilot" Episode 101 -- Pictured: (l-r) Melissa Rauch as Abby Stone, Kapil Talwalkar as Neil -- (Photo by: Jordin Althaus/NBC/Warner Bros. Television) /
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Night Court is about to start its sophomore season on NBC. However, one notable face from the reboot will be absent! Why is this popular character not coming back? 

The original Night Court was one of NBC’s biggest hits of the 1980s. Beginning in 1984, it focused on the hijinks of a New York courthouse that somehow drew in a pack of weirdos, overseen by the quirky Judge Harry Stone (Harry Anderson).

The series ended in 1992 after a nine-season run. While Anderson himself sadly passed away in 2018, the series retained its popularity in reruns on syndication. In early 2023, a reboot finally aired with Melissa Rauch as Harry’s daughter, Abby Stone, now taking over her dad’s courtroom. 

Aiding her was original cast member John Larroqutette, reprising his role as prosecutor Dan Fielding, now a defense attorney. Another prominent face was Kapli Talwalkar as court clerk Neil. Often in charge of handling this nutty courtroom, Neil and Abby had a good bond that grew as the season went along. 

Indeed, the season ended with Abby’s engagement falling apart and the hints that she and Neil might begin a romance. Which is why it’s so surprising that word has come that Talwalkar won’t be returning for Season 2. 

Why is Neil leaving Night Court? 

Deadline broke the surprising news of Talwalkar's departure just days before the season 2 premiere airs (the series did have a Christmas-themed episode airing in December). The only reason given is that the producers are going in a new creative direction. 

It is common for a TV series to make changes from one season to the other, especially for a new reboot show like Night Court. It sounds like the showrunners want the series to be more like the original Night Court which focused less on the private lives of the characters than the whacky happenings in the courtroom. 

There’s no word on whether Talwalkar will be around for the first episode of season 2 or if Neil has just left with barely any explanation. It’s also unclear if a new character will be cast to replace him. 
It’s a bit jarring to see the potential Abby-Neil romance ending so soon, but it means Night Court season 2 will be absent one face when it premieres.

Night Court Season 2 premieres Tuesday, Jan. 2 and 8/7c on NBC and streaming on Peacock.

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