TV Shows That Handled Race Swaps Perfectly (And Ones That Didn’t)

Modern television frequently reimagines classic characters by updating their backgrounds and ethnicities to reflect a more diverse world. This approach to casting has led to some of the most celebrated performances in recent memory while also creating new layers of narrative depth that did not exist in the source material. However, not every attempt to alter the racial identity of a beloved character resonates with audiences or critics. The success of these changes often depends on how well the new identity integrates into the story and respects the core essence of the original character.

‘Bridgerton’ (2020–Present)

Shonda Rhimes reimagined the Regency era of Julia Quinn’s novels by introducing a Black Queen Charlotte who elevates people of color to high society. This decision allowed for the casting of Regé-Jean Page as Simon Basset and created a visually distinct world that operates on its own historical logic. The show addresses race in a way that adds complexity to the social hierarchy without derailing the romance at its center. Critics praised this color-conscious approach for breathing new life into the period drama genre.

‘Interview with the Vampire’ (2022–Present)

The AMC adaptation transformed Louis de Pointe du Lac from a white plantation owner to a Black Creole man in early 20th-century New Orleans. This shift fundamentally altered the power dynamic between Louis and his maker Lestat while adding historical weight to his human struggles. Jacob Anderson delivers a performance that explores the specific racial tensions of the era and enriches the character’s melancholic nature. Fans of the original novels widely embraced this change as a thoughtful expansion of Anne Rice’s lore.

‘The Sandman’ (2022–Present)

Neil Gaiman personally oversaw the casting of Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Death which departed from the character’s pale appearance in the graphic novels. Her portrayal captured the warmth and kindness essential to the character while bringing a fresh energy to the role. The show also updated the character of Unity Kinkaid to deeper connect the storylines through a new lineage. These changes demonstrated how capturing the spirit of a character often matters more than adhering to physical descriptions.

‘House of the Dragon’ (2022–Present)

The showrunners cast Steve Toussaint as Corlys Velaryon and established House Velaryon as Black seafarers to visually distinguish them from the Targaryens. This decision made the lineage disputes and questions of legitimacy regarding Rhaenyra’s children immediately apparent to the audience. Toussaint commands every scene he is in and establishes the Velaryons as a formidable power in Westeros. The change served a narrative function that enhanced the clarity of the complex political conflicts.

‘Elementary’ (2012–2019)

Lucy Liu stepped into the role of Joan Watson and offered a modern grounded counterpoint to a contemporary Sherlock Holmes. Her casting removed the traditional gender dynamics often associated with the duo while avoiding a forced romance. Liu brought a distinct intelligence and agency to Watson that allowed her to evolve from a sober companion into a brilliant detective in her own right. This iteration of the partnership is frequently cited as one of the best in the history of Holmes adaptations.

‘Battlestar Galactica’ (2004–2009)

Ronald D. Moore rebooted the 1970s series and swapped the races and genders of several key characters including Colonel Tigh and Boomer. Grace Park played Boomer as an Asian woman with a complex identity crisis that became central to the show’s exploration of artificial intelligence. The casting choices helped separate the gritty military drama from its campier predecessor. These changes were pivotal in grounding the series in a more realistic and recognizable society.

‘Hannibal’ (2013–2015)

Laurence Fishburne took on the role of Jack Crawford who was originally a white character in Thomas Harris’s novels. Fishburne brought a commanding physical presence and gravitas that made him a believable intellectual equal to Mads Mikkelsen’s Hannibal. The dynamic between the two characters became a tense game of cat and mouse that anchored the series. This casting is often viewed as the definitive on-screen portrayal of the behavioral science head.

‘The Last of Us’ (2023–Present)

Pedro Pascal and Nico Parker were cast as Joel and Sarah Miller which changed the characters to have Latino heritage. This choice allowed the actors to bring a deep emotional resonance to the prologue that devastated viewers and set the tone for the series. Bella Ramsey also faced initial skepticism for not looking like the game character Ellie but won over audiences with her ferocious performance. The show proved that emotional authenticity outweighs exact physical replication of pixelated characters.

‘Watchmen’ (2019)

Damon Lindelof remix of the graphic novel revealed that the masked vigilante Hooded Justice was actually a Black man named Will Reeves. This twist recontextualized the history of superheroes in the Watchmen universe by tying it to the Tulsa Race Massacre and systemic racism. The reveal added a profound layer of tragedy and motivation to the original lore that did not exist previously. It stands as one of the most significant and thematically relevant retcons in television history.

‘Shadow and Bone’ (2021–2023)

The series updated the protagonist Alina Starkov to be half-Shu which is the fantasy equivalent of Asian heritage in the Grishaverse. This change gave Alina a tangible reason to feel like an outsider in Ravka even before she discovered her powers. Jessie Mei Li portrayed the isolation and struggle for belonging that came with her mixed heritage. The alteration deepened the character’s journey without contradicting the mechanics of the magic system.

‘Invincible’ (2021–Present)

The animated series changed the ethnicity of Mark Grayson and his mother Debbie to be Korean-American. This adjustment provided a specific cultural texture to the family dynamic and Mark’s upbringing that was absent in the comic. Steven Yeun voiced the character with a vulnerability that matched the updated background. The change felt natural and added representation to the superhero genre without feeling performative.

‘High Fidelity’ (2020)

Zoë Kravitz starred as Rob giving the story a new perspective from that of a biracial woman living in Crown Heights. The gender and race swap allowed the show to explore different nuances of heartbreak and music culture than the film or book. Kravitz brought a cool detachment masked by vulnerability that honored the spirit of the original character. Critics lamented the show’s cancellation as it had successfully modernized the source material.

‘The Flash’ (2014–2023)

Candice Patton played Iris West for nearly a decade and redefined the character for a generation of DC fans. Her chemistry with Grant Gustin became the emotional anchor of the Arrowverse across nine seasons. The show also introduced Keiynan Lonsdale as Wally West who matched the biracial heritage of the character in the modern comics. These casting choices helped the show reflect the diversity of its audience.

‘Supergirl’ (2015–2021)

Mehcad Brooks portrayed James Olsen as a confident and sculpted photojournalist rather than the nerdy cub reporter of the comics. This version of Jimmy stepped out of Superman’s shadow to become a hero named Guardian. While the characterization differed greatly from tradition it fit the tone of the CW superhero universe. The change gave James a more active role in the plot rather than just being a bystander.

‘Merlin’ (2008–2012)

Angel Coulby played Guinevere as a woman of color who rises from the station of a servant to become the Queen of Camelot. Her journey emphasized themes of class struggle and meritocracy within the Arthurian legend. The chemistry between her and Arthur grounded the show’s romantic subplot in genuine emotion. This casting paved the way for more diverse interpretations of medieval fantasy in subsequent years.

‘Lost in Space’ (2018–2021)

The Robinson family was reimagined as a blended family with Taylor Russell playing Judy Robinson. This dynamic added layers of complexity to their relationships as they navigated survival on alien worlds. Russell’s performance was a standout and highlighted Judy’s competence and protective nature. The show normalized a mixed-race family unit in a science fiction setting without making it the central conflict.

‘The Boys’ (2019–Present)

Jessie T. Usher plays A-Train who is a white character in the original comic books. The show utilizes his race to explore corporate exploitation and the need to maintain a public image in a predominantly white superhero team. A-Train’s storylines often touch on how Vought International uses his identity for marketing while ignoring his personal struggles. This change added satirical bite to the show’s critique of celebrity culture.

‘Preacher’ (2016–2019)

Ruth Negga portrayed Tulip O’Hare and brought a volatile and charismatic energy to the role. Her performance captured the dangerous unpredictability of the comic character while adding a unique charm. Negga and Dominic Cooper shared a chemistry that made their chaotic relationship believable. The casting was widely praised for elevating the character beyond her comic book origins.

‘Station Eleven’ (2021–2022)

Himesh Patel played Jeevan Chaudhary who was originally a white paparazzo in the novel. Patel transformed the character into a soulful and anxious guardian whose brief time with young Kirsten shapes the rest of her life. The show expanded his role significantly to explore themes of unexpected parenthood and survival. Viewers cited his arc as one of the most emotional and effective parts of the limited series.

‘One Piece’ (2023–Present)

The live-action adaptation cast actors of various ethnicities to match the diverse world Eiichiro Oda created. Characters like Nojiko and Lucky Roux were played by Black actors which fit seamlessly into the global adventure aesthetic. The creator personally approved these choices to ensure they captured the spirit of his drawings. The result was a vibrant cast that felt true to the manga’s themes of freedom and friendship.

‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ (2023–Present)

Leah Sava Jeffries and Aryan Simhadri were cast as Annabeth Chase and Grover Underwood respectively. Author Rick Riordan defended the casting against backlash by stating they perfectly embodied the personalities of his characters. Jeffries brought the necessary intelligence and toughness to Annabeth while Simhadri captured Grover’s nervous loyalty. The series has been renewed and indicates that the target audience embraced the new trio.

‘The Equalizer’ (2021–Present)

Queen Latifah took over the role famously played by Edward Woodward and Denzel Washington. As Robyn McCall she brings a maternal yet physically imposing presence to the role of the vigilante protector. The show uses her identity as a Black woman to explore different types of justice and community issues in New York City. It became a ratings hit by offering a fresh perspective on the procedural formula.

‘Doctor Who’ (1963–Present)

Ncuti Gatwa was cast as the Fifteenth Doctor and became the first Black actor to lead the series as the primary incarnation. His debut was met with high praise for his charisma and energy that revitalized the long-running franchise. The casting aligns with the show’s lore that the Doctor can regenerate into any form. Gatwa brings a youthful and fashionable flair that distinguishes him from his predecessors.

‘The Witcher’ (2019–Present)

The series featured a diverse cast for sorceresses like Yennefer and Fringilla which departed from the descriptions in the Polish novels. While Anya Chalotra received praise for her intensity as Yennefer the writing for other characters drew criticism. Some fans felt the world-building lacked the specific Slavic cultural context of the source material. The reception was mixed with debates often centering on how the show adapted the lore rather than the actors’ abilities.

‘The Wheel of Time’ (2021–Present)

The showrunners cast the central villagers of the Two Rivers with actors of diverse backgrounds including Rosamund Pike and Zoe Robins. This decision sparked debate among book purists who argued the isolated village should look more homogenous. However the casting allowed for a wider range of talent and reflected the vast scope of the world Robert Jordan created. The performances have generally been well regarded even as the adaptation choices remain divisive.

‘Titans’ (2018–2023)

Anna Diop faced severe harassment when she was cast as the alien princess Starfire. Early leaked set photos worsened the reaction but the final visual effects and her performance eventually won over many skeptics. Diop brought a regal and fiery demeanor to the character that honored her comic book history. Despite the initial controversy she became a fan favorite in later seasons.

‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ (2022–Present)

Amazon introduced Ismael Cruz Córdova as the Elf Arondir and Sophia Nomvete as the Dwarf Princess Disa. These additions caused a significant uproar among a vocal segment of the fanbase who claimed it violated Tolkien’s descriptions. Despite the backlash both actors delivered strong performances that expanded the visual language of Middle-earth. The show maintains that Tolkien’s world is for everyone and continues to support its diverse casting.

‘Resident Evil’ (2022)

Lance Reddick was cast as Albert Wesker in a series that deviated wildly from the video game continuity. While Reddick is a phenomenal actor the writing for Wesker baffled fans by changing him from a stoic villain into a family man. The show failed to capture the tone of the games and was cancelled after one season. The race swap was the least of the show’s problems but was caught in the crossfire of general disapproval.

‘Velma’ (2023–2024)

Mindy Kaling voiced a South Asian iteration of Velma Dinkley in this adult animated prequel. The show was universally panned not necessarily for the race swap but for the cynical and mean-spirited writing. Audiences felt the character lost her core traits of kindness and curiosity in favor of meta-humor. It serves as a prime example of how a reimaging can fail if the script does not respect the source material.

‘Troy: Fall of a City’ (2018)

The BBC and Netflix co-production cast David Gyasi as Achilles and Lemogang Tsipa as Patroclus. The decision to cast Black actors as Greek mythological heroes ignited a predictable firestorm regarding historical accuracy in mythology. The series struggled with pacing and writing which made it difficult for the casting choices to stand on their own merits. It holds a low audience score and is often cited in arguments against color-blind casting in period pieces.

‘Anne Boleyn’ (2021)

Jodie Turner-Smith played the titular English queen in a psychological thriller that aimed to re-examine her downfall. The casting of a Black actress as a real white historical figure drew immediate and intense criticism from the general public. While critics praised Turner-Smith’s commanding performance the show was review-bombed by audiences. The artistic choice overshadowed the narrative for many viewers and polarized the conversation around the series.

‘Queen Cleopatra’ (2023)

This docu-drama sparked an international incident when it depicted Cleopatra VII as a Black woman. The Egyptian government and academics criticized the show for what they termed an erasure of Egyptian history. The controversy likely contributed to low viewership and arguably the lowest audience ratings in Netflix history. This instance demonstrated the distinct difference in audience reception between fictional characters and historical figures.

‘Halo’ (2022–2024)

The series cast Danny Sapani and Olive Gray as Jacob and Miranda Keyes effectively changing the family’s ethnicity. While the actors were competent the show faced broader criticism for deviating from the Halo video game canon. Fans were more concerned with the Master Chief removing his helmet than the Keyes family race swap. Ultimately the changes did not save the show from being cancelled due to its disconnect with the core fanbase.

‘Cowboy Bebop’ (2021)

Mustafa Shakir was widely considered the best part of the show as Jet Black capturing the character’s voice and physique perfectly. However the show also reimagined other characters and plotlines in ways that felt like a pale imitation of the anime. The stylish direction could not hide the lack of soul that defined the original masterpiece. The cancellation arrived swiftly after release suggesting that aesthetic matching wasn’t enough to please fans.

‘Runaways’ (2017–2019)

Allegra Acosta played Molly Hernandez who was a race-swapped version of the comic character Molly Hayes. The change allowed the show to avoid the outdated mutant metaphors and ground her story in a different reality. Acosta brought a youthful energy that fit the ensemble cast of teenagers well. This change was largely accepted as it helped differentiate the show from the X-Men property which owned the rights to mutants at the time.

‘Utopia’ (2020)

Sasha Lane played Jessica Hyde in the American remake of the cult British classic. Her portrayal was grittier and less eccentric than the original character which alienated fans of the UK series. The show itself was criticized for its violence and timing as it was released during a real pandemic. The casting change became a minor footnote in a series that failed to capture the magic of the original.

‘Foundation’ (2021–Present)

Isaac Asimov’s novels featured a predominantly male and white cast of characters which the show updated significantly. Leah Harvey plays Salvor Hardin and Lou Llobell plays Gaal Dornick transforming them into women of color. These changes allowed the series to explore dynamic relationships and clonelines that were never in the books. While book purists took issue the general consensus is that the show successfully modernized a dry text for TV.

Share your favorite or least favorite casting changes from this list in the comments.