These 8 actors hated their own TV shows – and weren’t afraid to say it

It’s astonishing to see how numerous prominent American TV personalities have not hesitated to criticize, or even disparage, the shows that propelled their fame and fortune.

Instead of “Media training,” let’s call it “Interview Preparation for Spontaneous Communicators.” These individuals are comfortable sharing their thoughts openly, even when it might come at the expense of those who provide support or resources.

1. Charlie Sheen and Angus T Jones – Two and a Half Men

In 2011, Sheen was let go from his television show after a public argument with its creator, Chuck Lorre. Typically, he expressed his feelings about the situation in a roundabout manner: “Now I can amass countless fortunes, never have to lay eyes on him again, and I won’t have to wear those ridiculous shirts for as long as he exists within our earthly realm.

Instead of saying that he criticized the show, his former colleague Jon Cryer, and the management who fired him in harsh terms, one could rephrase it as: He went on to express a range of vivid and somewhat unfavorable opinions about the program, his previous co-star Jon Cryer, and the executives who let him go.

To add to his frustration, the half-human Angus T Jones later joined him in disapproval, labeling the show as “filth” following a religious conversion. However, he did eventually apologize and remained on the show until its conclusion in 2015 (which, it should be noted, was not particularly well-liked by anyone).

2. Mischa Barton – The OC

If given a chance, Barton confessed that she likely wouldn’t have joined “The OC,” meaning we would still primarily recognize her as the eerie young girl from “The Sixth Sense.

She mentioned, “I almost didn’t do it, but I ended up very close to something in the world of cinema. Some people advise appreciating what you have, yet it wasn’t at all like what I had anticipated.

It could seem appealing to live in an alternate reality, one where our lives took a different course, but watching the “The Chrismukk-huh?” episode of The OC might make you realize that such a world would likely turn out to be quite unfavorable.

3. Chase Crawford and Penn Badgley – Gossip Girl

Why do many young, popular actors who rose to fame from teen series seem critical of the programs that initially made them famous?

In 2012, when asked about his future plans following the end of Gossip Girl, Crawford (the actor who portrayed Nate Archibald) mentioned: “I’ll be searching for my self-respect. I believe I lost it on set, perhaps around season two. By the time we moved into season three, it seemed to have vanished completely.

Actor Dan Humphreys, or rather Badgley, subtly jabbed at the series Gossip Girl during an interview a year later while marketing his movie Greetings From Tim Buckley.

He remarked, “It’s a wonderful sensation to feel proud – and it’s a fresh experience for me.” With this newfound pride, I carry myself with more confidence, no longer needing to apologize for the accomplishments of my past.

4. Shannen Doherty – Charmed

It’s not a hidden fact that the show “Charmed” started to lose its enchantment over its eight seasons. However, it seems as though Kerry, who parted ways with her character Prue Halliwell after three years, never found the series’ allure captivating.

In the series “Charmed”, she mentioned that there were certain instances where she delivered the rawest, sincerest acting performance possible for her. Everything portrayed was drawn straight from her heart.

Looking back at those scenes on the program, it struck me that they were not receiving the recognition they deserved. After all, they were from Charmed, which is more geared towards a younger audience of around 12 years old.

5. Katherine Heigl – Grey’s Anatomy

In 2008, Heigl chose not to put herself forward for Emmy nomination. She clarified in a statement that she didn’t believe she was provided with suitable material during that season to warrant an Emmy nod, and to uphold the academy’s integrity, she withdrew her name from the competition.

After a full year had passed, she spoke out against the harsh production team for requiring the actors to work an exhausting 17-hour shift. She further expressed her hope that this would bring shame upon them.

Goodness! In 2010, she departed the series amid some controversy, and later, Shonda Rhimes, the show’s creator, seemed to label her as difficult or unpleasant in a follow-up conversation.

6. Amy Jo Johnson – Mighty Morphin Power Rangers

Back in the ’90s, Johnson, who was known as the Pink Ranger, had some positive comments regarding the iconic show. She described it as a fantastic platform that provided her with a wealth of knowledge and experience.

However, in a 1992 interview, she had no qualms about expressing her concerns regarding the meager pay of the Rangers, stating that they were receiving, at most, around $600 per week. This was quite challenging as they were filming two episodes each week.

Unfortunately, it was found that the initial Power Rangers actors did not receive royalties, meaning they earn nothing from reruns – no income for the pink ranger whatsoever.

7. Billy Ray Cyrus – Hannah Montana

In 2011, Billy Ray Cyrus openly confessed that collaborating with his daughter Miley on the Disney Channel series “Hannah Montana” left him feeling deeply saddened and emotionally drained.

As a gamer, let me put it this way: That series of events has left my loved ones shattered. If given the chance, I’d rewind time. Just imagine us all together, unscathed, living our lives peacefully, normally, and joyfully – that’s what I yearn for. Absolutely, yes. I’d sacrifice anything to make it so.

At that point, Cyrus was recently separated from his ex-wife Tish, and he mentioned he wasn’t communicating with Miley at the time – however, their relationship has since improved, as they are currently on good terms.

8. Mandy Patinkin – Criminal Minds

Patinkin expressed that he had a completely different expectation, as he departed from Criminal Minds following two seasons in 2007. He hadn’t anticipated the show would involve depictions of women being killed and raped on a regular basis, night after night, day after day, week after week, year after year.

He stated that it had a profoundly damaging effect on both his inner self and character. Furthermore, he referred to his time on the program as the most regrettable public error he’s ever committed.

It’s not surprising that the character, Jason Gideon, met a gruesome fate off-camera following Mandy Patinkin’s departure from the show.

The inaugural print magazine from Digital Spy, titled “British Comedy Legends,” is now available! Grab a copy at your local newsagent or online for only £3.99.

Digital Spy’s debut magazine, called “British Comedy Legends,” has arrived! You can purchase it at newsstands or online for just £3.99.

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2025-06-20 17:49