TV is in a weird state of limbo right now. The summer series are just starting but production for the fall slate is also starting to wind up. As such, some big casting news has broken lately, mainly concerning exits of series regulars from popular series. NCIS and Criminal Minds are once again down a major member of their casts. Meanwhile, Netflix’s A Series of Unfortunate Events is amassing an impressive slate of TV character actors for season 2.

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Jennifer Esposito Exits NCIS

Jennifer Esposito’s short stint at NCIS is coming to an end. The actress who was brought onto the show in the season 14 premiere as a series regular, following the departure of Michael Weatherly in the season 13 finale, will not be back for season 15. Deadline reports that Esposito’s character Special Agent Alexandra “Alex” Quinn was conceived by NCIS‘ late showrunner Gary Glasberg, who died early into the airing of season 14. For season 15 the show plans to move in a different direction from what Glasberg intended and that is why Esposito has been let go.

“It was a great experience,” Esposito said about her time on NCIS. “I could not have asked for a better opportunity than to work with the NCIS cast and producers.” Quinn’s character was involved in one of season 14 finale’s cliffhangers receiving two mysterious calls from her mother. It is likely that these calls will be used to end her arc on the show. 


Criminal Minds Loses Another Series Regular

Criminal Minds is still not done hemorrhaging cast members. Variety reports that the relatively new series regular Damon Gupton, who played Walker, will not be back for season 13. Gupton made the announcement himself on his Twitter account, replying to a post by athlete Tyvis Powell. 

 

Gupton was brought on to Criminal Minds after the notable exit of Shemar Moore in season 12 and the surprise exit of Thomas Gibson after accusations of physical altercations involving the actor. Whereas Moore asked to leave the show and Gibson was fired, Gupton is reportedly exiting due to a creative decision. Walker, among with several other characters, was involved in a deadly car crash cliffhanger in the season 13. This news seems to suggest that Gupton’s character will not survive.

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The previously reported contract disputes involving series regulars Kirsten Vangsness and A.J. Cook are still ongoing. It is unclear if either actress will be back. It is possible that Gupton won’t be the only series regular who won’t return for season 13. 

Nathan Fillion, Tony Hale and More Join A Series of Unfortunate Events Season 2

According to a Variety A Series of Unforunate Events season 2 will be full of some very familiar faces. It is reported that Castle alum Nathan Fillion and Veep star Tony Hale are just a few of the recognizable actors who will be season 2 of the Netflix adaptation. In addition to Fillion and Hale, Sara Rue, Lucy Punch and Roger Bart will also join the series.

There are no details on their characters yet. If season 2 of A Series of Unfortunate Events follows season 1, fans can expect the actors to show up in one or two episodes. In season 1 it typically took no more than two episodes for the series to adapt one book from Lemony Snicket’s novels on which the series is based. 

Which of these casting announcements impacts you the most? Are you upset to learn that Gupton and Esposito are leaving Criminal Minds and NCIS? Are you looking to watching Nathan Fillion on A Series of Unfortunate Events? 

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(Images courtesy of CBS)

Derek Stauffer

Contributing Writer, BuddyTV

Derek is a Philadelphia based writer and unabashed TV and comic book junkie. The time he doesn’t spend over analyzing all things nerdy he is working on his resume to be the liaison to the Justice League.