The detective series Monk was created with Michael Richards in mind for the lead role. Richards turned down the part after discussions with ABC executives.
Executive producer David Hoberman revealed that the network wanted a detective with obsessive-compulsive traits and believed Richards, fresh from Seinfeld, would suit the character. Richards declined the offer, later explaining to Jay Leno that he was not ready to plan his next steps after the hit sitcom ended in 1998.
Glenn Gordon Caron issued an ultimatum to ABC to secure Bruce Willis as the lead in Moonlighting. The network had rejected the actor 11 times after auditions. Willis went on to star alongside Cybill Shepherd in the series that debuted in 1985.
Reported by AI
Larry Wilmore, creator of The Bernie Mac Show, has revealed that comedian Bernie Mac did not want the Fox sitcom named after him. Wilmore used a trick to change Mac's mind by proposing an alternative name. The series went on to run for five seasons from 2001 to 2006.
Monica Stevens, played by Bridget Regan, meets her end in season 8 of The Rookie. Creator Alexi Hawley decided it was time for the character to exit the ABC procedural.
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David Hasselhoff landed the lead role in Knight Rider after beating out Don Johnson in auditions for the part of Michael Knight.
Bill Lawrence, creator of the sitcom Scrubs, previously voiced strong reservations about bringing back the show. He worried any revival would fail to recapture the original magic and might seem like a money grab.