Shows That Swapped Showrunners Mid-Season—and It Shows

Frequently, TV enthusiasts notice when a series seems to take on a new feel. It could be that the tempo shifts, humor becomes more or less effective, or a previously tightly-focused show begins to veer off course. Often, this change isn’t just in your head. Sometimes during a season, there’s a leadership swap behind the scenes, and these changes can quickly become apparent on screen.

In these instances, a midseason shift in broadcasters has left distinct marks that are easily recognizable. Behind each transition lies an interesting backstory, and it’s always noticeable how things changed significantly once the new voice found their footing.

‘The Walking Dead’ (2010–2022)

In the second season, Frank Darabont stepped down and Glen Mazzara took over, with some episodes already in production. This change occurred just as the group found themselves stranded on a farm, and the show was still deciding on its pace.

Upon resuming, viewers might notice a change in pace. The second half intensified the action and amplified character disputes, opting for more dramatic clashes instead of the gradual build-up. This shift paved the way for the ensuing prison escape plot.

‘Star Trek: Discovery’ (2017–2024)

Halfway through the second season, Gretchen Berg and Aaron Harberts were no longer involved, with Alex Kurtzman taking over following the completion of the initial episodes. This change resulted in two distinct creative forces shaping different parts of the season.

Starting from there, the enigma surrounding the Red Angel became more streamlined, and the series found a more consistent pitch. As the subsequent episodes progressed, they emphasized adventure and forward motion, which made the final episode’s resolution more distinctly impactful.

‘The Nevers’ (2021–2023)

During the filming of season one, Joss Whedon stepped down, and Philippa Goslett assumed control instead. As a result, the series was eventually broadcast in two segments, making it quite evident to viewers that there had been a change in leadership during the production process.

Upon its comeback, the world-building became clearer and more focused, while the cast received equal emphasis. Instead of relying on quick one-liners, it adopted a somber tone to delve deeper into character development, providing a stronger foundation for the narrative.

‘Law & Order: Organized Crime’ (2021–present)

During the midpoint of its second season, Ilene Chaiken stepped down, and Barry O’Brien assumed control for the rest of the episodes. This transition occurred as the series was in the process of blending ongoing narrative elements with self-contained story arcs.

Following this, the cases of the week seamlessly integrated with the main plotline, creating a smoother flow. The dialogue became slightly subdued, and the narrative adopted a more methodical pace, giving the overarching villain storyline a more coherent feel.

‘Quantum Leap’ (2022–2024)

Following the initial airing of episodes for the reboot, Martin Gero took over as showrunner during the ongoing production process. This transition served as a steering adjustment even with the machinery already in motion.

After the switch was activated, the mission’s outline became clearer, and the blend of weekly adventures with the laboratory’s tension became more harmonious. The dynamics among the characters at headquarters stabilized, and the dramatic moments were delivered with greater assurance.

‘The Muppets’ (2015–2016)

Midway through the show’s season, Bob Kushell was replaced as the showrunner by Kristin Newman. Additionally, there was a shift towards a softer reboot, with a focus on a more light-hearted tone. This new direction was intended to make the series more akin to the lively spirit of classic Muppet productions.

It’s quite evident that a change has occurred. The humor became more affectionate, the off-stage conflicts lessened, and the performance started to resonate more with the classic heart and romance that fans typically associate with ‘The Muppets’.

‘NCIS’ (2003–present)

In the early stages of Season 14, the long-standing showrunner, Gary Glasberg, unfortunately passed away. As a result, CBS appointed George Schenck and Frank Cardea to take over and guide the remainder of the season. This unexpected change proved challenging for a smoothly running procedural series.

The transition maintained the show’s consistent pace, yet there was a subtle shift that some viewers may have noticed. As for the storylines, they leaned slightly towards solving cases initially, while the character-driven narratives took on a somewhat more conventional and safe approach to keep up with the regular rhythm of the series.

‘American Gods’ (2017–2021)

During the challenging second season, the showrunner, Jesse Alexander, was temporarily stepped aside as the finale was being finalized. Production hold-ups and creative disputes significantly influenced the latter part of the season’s development.

visually, the sequence unfolded as a run that subtly changed its mood in the middle; initially, the early segments appeared daring and surreal, but as it progressed, the latter part took on a more practical, plot-building approach which seemed to slow down the show’s initial energetic pace.

Share with us the mid-season change that stood out to you the most, and discuss how it impacted your viewing experience in the comment section below.

2025-08-12 10:46