TV Series That Gave Second Chances to Controversial Figures

The entertainment industry is known for its volatility, yet it also possesses a remarkable capacity for forgiveness when talent or ratings are involved. Television has frequently served as a rehabilitation ground for public figures facing scandals ranging from legal troubles to professional misconduct. Casting directors and showrunners often take calculated risks on controversial names in hopes of sparking viewer interest or capitalizing on a redemption narrative. These productions provided a platform for actors and personalities to rebuild their careers after significant falls from grace.

‘Ally McBeal’ (1997–2002)

Robert Downey Jr. joined this popular legal dramedy during a period of intense personal struggle involving substance abuse and legal issues. His portrayal of Larry Paul revitalized the show and earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor. The series provided him with a stable environment to showcase his undeniable talent when major film studios were hesitant to hire him due to insurance concerns. This role is often cited as the first major step in the long road to his eventual comeback as a global superstar.

‘Stranger Things’ (2016–Present)

Winona Ryder was one of the biggest stars of the 1990s before a highly publicized shoplifting arrest and subsequent hiatus stalled her career. The Duffer Brothers cast her as Joyce Byers, a frantic mother searching for her missing son, which reintroduced her to a new generation of viewers. Her performance was critically acclaimed and reminded audiences of her emotional range and screen presence. The massive success of the Netflix series effectively relaunched her career in Hollywood.

‘The West Wing’ (1999–2006)

Rob Lowe faced a significant career downturn following a scandalous videotape incident and a string of box office disappointments in the late 1980s. Aaron Sorkin cast him as Sam Seaborn, the deputy communications director, which allowed Lowe to transition into more mature, dramatic roles. The character became a fan favorite and re-established Lowe as a viable leading man for television. This opportunity paved the way for his sustained success in subsequent sitcoms and dramas.

‘Ugly Betty’ (2006–2010)

Vanessa Williams resigned from her position as Miss America in 1984 following a photo scandal, which initially threatened to derail her entertainment aspirations. While she found success in music, her role as the villainous Wilhelmina Slater cemented her status as a television powerhouse. The character allowed her to display comedic timing and command the screen as a formidable antagonist. This role proved that her talent far outweighed the controversy that had occurred decades prior.

’30 Rock’ (2006–2013)

Alec Baldwin was dealing with a contentious divorce and a damaged public reputation due to aggressive behavior with the press. Tina Fey cast him as Jack Donaghy, a role that leveraged his intimidating persona for comedic gold. The show transformed his image from a volatile actor to a beloved sitcom star, earning him two Emmy Awards. It demonstrated that self-awareness and humor could be effective tools for public image rehabilitation.

‘Anger Management’ (2012–2014)

Charlie Sheen was fired from the hit sitcom ‘Two and a Half Men’ after a chaotic public meltdown and disparaging comments about the show’s creator. FX quickly capitalized on the media frenzy by ordering this sitcom, which broke ratings records upon its premiere. The series allowed Sheen to return to a familiar sitcom format while playing a character that loosely mirrored his public perception. It gave him a lucrative platform immediately following one of the most publicized firings in television history.

‘The Continental: From the World of John Wick’ (2023)

Mel Gibson faced years of Hollywood exile following anti-Semitic remarks and domestic violence allegations. His casting as the ruthlessly villainous Cormac in this ‘John Wick’ prequel series marked a significant return to a high-profile mainstream franchise. The decision sparked debate among critics and audiences regarding the industry’s readiness to forgive his past transgressions. Despite the backlash, the role placed him back in the center of a major action property.

‘Mr. Robot’ (2015–2019)

Christian Slater had struggled to maintain the stardom he achieved in the early 1990s due to various legal issues and a string of cancelled shows. His casting as the mysterious title character in this techno-thriller earned him a Golden Globe and critical resurgence. The complex role required a nuanced performance that reminded the industry of his acting capabilities. It successfully transitioned him from a former teen heartthrob to a respected character actor.

‘Orange Is the New Black’ (2013–2019)

Natasha Lyonne experienced severe health issues and legal troubles related to addiction that nearly ended her life and career in the mid-2000s. Jenji Kohan cast her as Nicky Nichols, a character with a history of drug abuse that paralleled Lyonne’s own experiences. The role was widely praised for its authenticity and wit, making her a standout in the large ensemble cast. This series served as the launchpad for her subsequent success as a creator and lead in ‘Russian Doll’.

‘The 100’ (2014–2020)

Isaiah Washington was notably fired from ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ following the use of a homophobic slur on set. After a period of working in smaller independent projects, he returned to network television as Chancellor Jaha in this sci-fi drama. The role kept him as a series regular for several seasons and allowed him to rebuild a presence on The CW. It marked his first stable, long-term television gig since the controversy that derailed his previous momentum.

‘Mike Tyson Mysteries’ (2014–2020)

Mike Tyson has a criminal record that includes a rape conviction and a history of violence inside and outside the boxing ring. Adult Swim created this animated series that featured Tyson voicing a fictionalized version of himself solving Scooby-Doo style mysteries. The show embraced the absurdity of his public persona and ran for four seasons. It played a crucial role in softening his image and transitioning him into a pop culture novelty figure.

‘Sick Note’ (2017–2018)

Lindsay Lohan faced years of tabloid scrutiny, legal issues, and reliability concerns that made her uninsurable for many productions. This British comedy series cast her in its second season as the daughter of the protagonist’s boss. It was one of her first scripted television roles in years and offered her a chance to work in a comedy ensemble. The appearance signaled her attempt to return to acting after a long period of reality TV and personal struggles.

‘Suits’ (2011–2019)

Katherine Heigl joined the cast of this legal drama in its eighth season after gaining a reputation in Hollywood for being difficult to work with. Her previous comments about writers and directors had alienated many industry decision-makers and stalled her film career. Stepping into an established hit show allowed her to demonstrate professionalism and talent in a stable environment. The role of Samantha Wheeler offered her a path back into the good graces of network television.

‘Charmed’ (1998–2006)

Shannen Doherty was fired from ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ amid reports of on-set conflict and friction with castmates. Producer Aaron Spelling gave her a second chance by casting her as Prue Halliwell in this supernatural drama. The show became a massive hit and proved she could still lead a successful series despite her past reputation. Although she eventually left this show under controversial circumstances as well, the initial hiring was a major vote of confidence.

‘The Undoing’ (2020)

Hugh Grant had largely stepped away from Hollywood following a transition from romantic comedies and a decades-old arrest scandal. His role in this HBO limited series showcased a darker, more dramatic side of his acting range. Critics praised his performance as a charming doctor hiding a sinister secret. The project revitalized his standing in the United States and opened the door for more complex character work.

‘Last Man Standing’ (2011–2021)

Tim Allen spent time in federal prison for drug trafficking before his fame, but he faced new scrutiny later in his career for his political views. This sitcom was revived by Fox after being cancelled by ABC, largely due to its appeal to a conservative demographic that felt underserved. Allen used the platform to maintain his status as a sitcom icon despite polarization in the media. The show’s longevity proved his enduring popularity with a specific segment of the audience.

‘Master of None’ (2015–2021)

Aziz Ansari stepped back from the public eye after a sexual misconduct allegation surfaced against him in 2018. He returned with a third season of his Netflix series, titled ‘Moments in Love’, which shifted focus to other characters but retained his creative direction. The season was seen as a quiet, artistic response to his hiatus and a way to re-enter the industry on his own terms. It allowed him to continue his work as a creator without immediately thrusting himself back into the comedic spotlight.

‘Extra’ (1994–Present)

Billy Bush was fired from the ‘Today’ show after the release of the infamous Access Hollywood tape involving Donald Trump. After a period of exile, he was hired as the host of this syndicated entertainment news program. The role put him back in the interview chair and allowed him to resume his career in broadcasting. He framed the opportunity as a chance to learn and grow from the incident that cost him his previous high-profile job.

‘The Good Doctor’ (2017–2024)

Felicity Huffman served prison time for her involvement in the nationwide college admissions bribery scandal. She was cast in a guest arc on ‘The Good Doctor’ as a lawyer, marking her first acting role since the controversy. The producers stated they wanted to hire her based on her acting pedigree rather than her personal mistakes. This appearance was designed as a soft re-entry into the acting world for the Emmy-winning actress.

‘When Hope Calls’ (2019–Present)

Lori Loughlin was also a central figure in the college admissions scandal and lost her roles on the Hallmark Channel and Netflix. She returned to acting in this spinoff of ‘When Calls the Heart’ on the GAC Family network. The network sought to capitalize on her fanbase from the original series by offering her a way back to the screen. It marked a definitive return to the family-friendly genre she had dominated prior to her arrest.

‘Search Party’ (2016–2022)

Kathy Griffin stated she was blacklisted by Hollywood after posing for a controversial photo involving a mask of Donald Trump. The dark comedy series ‘Search Party’ cast her in a recurring role as a conspiracy theorist in its later seasons. The role leaned into her frantic energy and provided her with a scripted platform when unscripted offers had dried up. It was a rare acting opportunity for the comedian during a time of professional isolation.

‘Black-ish’ (2014–2022)

Chris Brown has been a polarizing figure since his assault on Rihanna in 2009, yet he has maintained a music career. The sitcom ‘Black-ish’ cast him in a guest role as a rapper, a move that drew criticism from some viewers but support from the cast. The showrunners defended the decision as an opportunity to work with a talented performer. It gave Brown a prime-time network television appearance outside of music performances.

‘Empire’ (2015–2020)

Naomi Campbell has faced multiple assault convictions and lawsuits throughout her career regarding her treatment of employees. Lee Daniels cast her as Camilla Marks in this musical drama, utilizing her fashion icon status and icy demeanor. The role allowed her to transition further into acting and expanded her presence on American television. The show often embraced dramatic, larger-than-life figures, making her a fitting addition to the cast.

‘Sons of Anarchy’ (2008–2014)

Courtney Love has battled substance abuse and legal issues publicly for decades, often overshadowing her artistic output. Creator Kurt Sutter cast her in the final season of this biker drama as a preschool teacher, a role that played against her grunge typecasting. Her performance was praised for its surprising nuance and discipline. The role offered her a chance to be taken seriously as a dramatic actress on a critically acclaimed series.

‘Cooking with Paris’ (2021)

Paris Hilton became a global phenomenon following a leaked sex tape, but she reinvented herself as a DJ and business mogul. Netflix gave her this cooking show which allowed her to lean into her “dumb blonde” persona with a wink to the audience. The show was part of her efforts to reclaim her narrative and present a more mature, yet still campy, version of herself. It capitalized on 2000s nostalgia and her enduring celebrity status.

‘Great News’ (2017–2018)

Nicole Richie rose to fame alongside Paris Hilton and faced her own legal issues, including a DUI arrest. Tina Fey produced this sitcom which cast Richie as a hip, modern news anchor. The role showcased her comedic timing and ability to mock her own public image. It solidified her transition from a reality TV wild child to a legitimate comedic actress.

‘The Masked Singer’ (2019–Present)

Nick Cannon made anti-Semitic comments on his podcast that resulted in his firing from ViacomCBS properties. However, Fox decided to keep him as the host of ‘The Masked Singer’ after he issued apologies and engaged in dialogue with Jewish leaders. The network’s decision to retain him allowed him to keep one of the most visible hosting gigs on television. His continued presence on the show demonstrated the network’s willingness to accept his rehabilitation efforts.

‘The View’ (1997–Present)

Whoopi Goldberg has faced suspension from the show for controversial comments regarding the Holocaust. Despite the suspension and public backlash, she was brought back to the moderator chair. The network valued her long-standing relationship with the audience and her role as the show’s anchor. Her return highlighted the show’s tendency to weather internal controversies to maintain its panel dynamic.

‘Dancing with the Stars’ (2005–Present)

Paula Deen was cast on the competition show after her cooking empire collapsed due to her admission of using racial slurs. The show provided her with a massive platform to appeal directly to American households and attempt to soften her image. While controversial, her casting followed the show’s pattern of hiring figures seeking redemption. It served as her first major step back into the public eye following her cancellation.

‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ (2007–2021)

Kim Kardashian was known primarily as a friend of Paris Hilton before a sex tape was leaked without her consent. Ryan Seacrest and E! developed this reality series that turned the scandal into a launchpad for a global empire. The show allowed her to control her own narrative and move past the initial controversy to become a business mogul. It is the definitive example of a TV series turning a controversial figure into a mainstream superstar.

‘Dog the Bounty Hunter’ (2004–2012)

Duane “Dog” Chapman was briefly taken off the air after a private phone call featuring him using racial slurs was leaked. A&E eventually returned the show to the schedule after he made public apologies and met with civil rights leaders. The network decided that his fanbase and ratings were strong enough to warrant a second chance. He continued to produce content for television for many years after the incident.

‘Gotham’ (2014–2019)

Paul Reubens, known as Pee-wee Herman, faced a career-ending scandal in 1991 due to an indecent exposure arrest. Decades later, ‘Gotham’ cast him as Elijah Van Dahl, the father of the Penguin. The role was a nod to his appearance in the 1992 ‘Batman Returns’ film and was celebrated by fans. It was one of several roles that marked his gradual re-acceptance by the industry before his passing.

‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ (2000–2024)

Michael Richards destroyed his career with a racist tirade at the Laugh Factory in 2006. Larry David featured Richards in the seventh season of ‘Curb’, which centered on a ‘Seinfeld’ reunion. The show addressed the incident directly through meta-humor, allowing Richards to confront the elephant in the room. It was a rare instance of a show using the actor’s real-life controversy as a plot point for their return.

‘Arrested Development’ (2003–2019)

Jeffrey Tambor was fired from ‘Transparent’ following sexual harassment allegations, but he appeared in the fifth season of ‘Arrested Development’. Netflix and the show’s creator stood by the decision to include him to finish the family’s story. The cast promoted the season, though the promotional tour became controversial itself due to the allegations. His inclusion allowed him to reprise his signature role of George Bluth Sr. one last time.

‘Melrose Place’ (1992–1999)

Traci Lords entered the mainstream entertainment industry after a scandal involving her participation in adult films while underage. Spelling Television cast her as Rikki ledang in this primetime soap, validating her transition to legitimate acting. The role helped distance her from her past and proved she could handle dramatic material. It remains one of the most successful crossovers from the adult industry to mainstream television.

‘Entourage’ (2004–2011)

Andrew Dice Clay had been largely ostracized by the mainstream industry for his offensive comedy style in the early 90s. This HBO series cast him as a fictionalized, desperate version of himself trying to revive his career. The role was sympathetic and highlighted his acting ability beyond his stage persona. It led to a career renaissance, including a role in ‘A Star Is Born’.

Tell us which comeback story surprised you the most in the comments.