Throughout it's 7 year run, Star Trek: The Next Generation for the most part maintained the same cast. The exception is the character of Tasha Yar, as Denise Crosby left in season 2 because she felt she was not be utilized. Though cast members did change positions on the fictional Enterprise, everyone remained consistent. However, there were many times when there were considerations of changing the cast. Among the ones I am aware of: Patrick Stewart could have been dropped after season 3, the character of Argyle the engineer was under consideration to become a main character before the actor blew it, and there was fleeting consideration of killing off William Riker and replacing him with the character of Thomas Riker. None of these happened. However, novel series for example have been more daring.
What if, like Dr Who and a number of other series, Star Trek: The Next Generation changed the cast of characters over time? Much like Dr Who, this would allow a long term run for the series, as well as changes in characters, tone, stories, writers, locations, and so forth.
What if, like Dr Who and a number of other series, Star Trek: The Next Generation changed the cast of characters over time? Much like Dr Who, this would allow a long term run for the series, as well as changes in characters, tone, stories, writers, locations, and so forth.