Erinn Hayes Exiting 'Kevin Can Wait' Amid Season 2 Creative Reset
Kevin Can Wait is consciously uncoupling its central duo.
Erinn Hayes, who portrayed Kevin James’ wife Donna in Season 1 of the CBS sitcom, will not be returning for Season 2, TVLine has learned exclusively. The news comes just one day after the network announced that James’ former King of Queens co-star, Leah Remini, will join the show as a full-fledged series regular following a buzzed-about guest stint at the end of Season 1.
It is currently unknown how Kevin Can Wait will address Hayes’ absence, but a source confirms to TVLine that the sitcom is heading in a new creative direction in Season 2.
RELATEDLeah Remini Arrives on Kevin Can Wait: Grade the King of Queens Reunion
In the Season 1 finale, retired cop Kevin temporarily returned to the force as part of an ongoing undercover op with former partner Vanessa Cellucci (Remini). After the case was closed, Kevin came home to learn that Donna had quit her job as a school nurse after being passed up for a promotion, meaning both of them were now unemployed. At the time, the character insisted that he had no intention of going back to work full-time, but the door was at least left open for that to be a possibility.
In addition to James and Remini, the Kevin Can Wait cast includes James’ real-life brother, Gary Valentine, who played cousin Danny on The King of Queens.
Kevin Can Wait Season 2 premieres on Monday, Sept. 25 at 9/8c.
Your thoughts on Hayes’ departure?
Launch Gallery: Fall TV Preview: Your Guide to What's New
Related stories
Kevin Can Wait: Leah Remini Returning as a Series Regular in Season 2
The Amazing Race Finale Recap: Did Your Favorite Team Win Season 29?
CBS Fall Premiere Dates: Big Bang, NCIS, S.W.A.T., Young Sheldon and More
Get more from TVLine: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Newsletter
