Popular TV Shows That Have Recast Characters: From 'Riverdale' and 'Friends' to 'The O.C.' and Beyond

TV shows may come and go, but what about characters … can they be replaced? Technically, yes.

In some cases, a casting change happens before fans even notice there’s a difference. Other shows poke fun at the fact that an actor has left the show and they’ve added a new person in their place.

Following season 1 of Riverdale, the CW was forced to recast the role of Reggie Mantle when actor Ross Butler had a conflict with the filming schedule. Charles Melton slipped into the role beginning with season 2.

In the case of The O.C., some fans remember Shailene Woodley as Marissa Cooper’s (Mischa Barton) little sister Kaitlin Cooper, but others think of Willa Holland when they recall the early ‘00s drama.