Kevin James revealed why the writers killed off his wife on “Kevin Can Wait”
Fans were shocked to find out that Erinn Hayes wasn’t coming back for Season 2 of CBS’s Kevin Can Wait. And fans were even more shocked when her absence — ahem, death — was explained in just two lines during the season premiere. Star Kevin James finally revealed why writers killed off his TV wife, and although we get it, we’re admittedly still kind of shocked.
"I get that people are like, 'Whoa, why would you do this?'" James said during an interview with NYDailyNews.com. "But it really felt like this was needed for this show to drive forward."
Hayes’ dismissal supposedly had nothing to do with her talent or their onscreen chemistry. James said the death was needed as a plot device to give the show momentum.
"Now, I have to deal with my daughter in a different way, and she's gonna go to college, or one's getting married, or the holidays," James continued. "And it deals with things in a different, weightier way."
James also told NYDailyNews.com that the original concept for the show revolved around James playing a single dad. And realizing that there wasn’t enough tension to keep the plot going, a drastic decision had to be made in order to get the show to Season 3.
"We were literally just running out of ideas," James said.
James’ former King of Queens costar, Leah Remini, has since permanently joined the Kevin Can Wait cast as Kevin’s new love interest. Many fans will admit that this new set up is extremely nostalgic — but that might not be a good thing. In fact, many fans are still buzzing about the writers’ big decision. false
unfortunately this choice alienated some viewers. I have axed it from my DVR #KevinCanWait
— RSN80 (@RSN80) October 16, 2017
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Audiences will just have to wait and see if the show floats or sinks minus Hayes’ Donna, and hope writers don’t run out of ideas again. Otherwise, there might be another victim rewrite.
