Why Returning Shows Like Kevin Can Wait Got Extreme Makeovers This Fall

Networks hope cast and story changes boost ratings, woo advertisers

This season, several returning series feel more like brand new shows, after undergoing significant casting and storyline overhauls to give their ratings a jolt. Kevin James’ CBS sitcom Kevin Can Wait added Leah Remini as a cast regular for Season 2, reuniting him with his King of Queens spouse—and killing off his new TV wife (Erinn Hayes) to make room.

Season 7 of Once Upon a Time features a complete storyline reboot and the departure of six cast members, including stars Jennifer Morrison and Ginnifer Goodwin.

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This story first appeared in the Oct. 9, 2017, issue of Adweek magazine. Click here to subscribe.