They tend to reach breaking points after several seasons of playing the same character. Meanwhile, the big screen beckons, singing its seductive siren songs. Ask Smits about wanderlust. Since premiering in 1990, the show has lost regular cast members George Dzundza, Christopher Noth, Paul Sorvino, Michael Moriarty, Jill Hennessy, Carolyn McCormick, Dann Florek and Richard Brooks. Another star player, Carey Lowell, will be exiting after this season.
Viewers obviously notice the changes, but keep tuning in.
But heartthrob George Clooney has said he's leaving after next season. Next season will be a real gut-check, though. Ouch, that hurts. But executive producers Barry Levison and Tom Fontana are the real stars of this show. Some shows, principally sitcoms, are star-driven to the point of no returns if the big cheese exits.