CASTLE: Penny Johnson Jerald to Exit

CASTLE’s upcoming eighth season will be losing its captain: Penny Johnson Jerald (Gates) tweeted she will not be a part of season 8. (ABC reps have not returned a request for comment. UPDATE: An ABC rep has confirmed Jerald is off the show.)

“To my Castle fans around the world, as of late yesterday I am surprised and saddened to learn that I will no longer be a part of the Castle family,” Jerald wrote. “Thank you all for your support and love. Hugs from PJJ.”

Originally, when CASTLE star Stana Katic (Beckett) signed to return for season 8, ABC said the entire supporting cast had signed on to return, too. (CASTLE star Nathan Fillion signed his contract in April.) Off-screen, CASTLE will have new showrunners in season 8, as season 7 showrunner David Amann has exited, and longtime writer Terence Paul Winter and THE FOLLOWING showrunner/former CASTLE writer Alexi Hawley will take over.

(On a spoilery note, it’s possible Jerald’s exit indicates that Beckett will stay with the NYPD and be promoted.)

Jerald has been with CASTLE since season 4. She joined the ABC drama as the 12th Precinct’s new captain following the on-screen death of Captain Montgomery.

Will you miss Jerald on CASTLE?

Related:

CASTLE: Stana Katic to Return for Season 8
CASTLE Names a New Showrunner
CASTLE Season 7 Finale Photos: ‘Hollander’s Woods’
CASTLE: Nathan Fillion Re-Signs, a Showrunner Shift Planned

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