{
  "id": 15664155,
  "title": "Why Good Witch Star Bailee Madison Left The Hit Hallmark Series",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/why-good-witch-star-bailee-madison-left-the-hit-hallmark-series",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-19T22:12:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TVLine",
    "slug": "tvline",
    "url": "https://www.tvline.com/2287736/why-good-witch-star-bailee-madison-left-hit-hallmark-series/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Bailee Madison, the beloved actress who played Grace Russell on the hit Hallmark series Good Witch, announced her departure from the show in 2019 after five successful seasons. Madison, who was just 19 at the time of her exit, credited the show, its cast and crew, and Hallmark Channel for providing her with a supportive family environment during her time on the series. She also noted that her personal life often mirrored the fictional journey of her character, Grace, which inspired her to seek new opportunities beyond the show. In her Instagram statement, Madison expressed gratitude for the new adventures that lay ahead, stating that she was excited to continue her story. Her close friendship with co-star Catherine Bell, who played Cassie Nightingale, was evident, and Bell had expressed her hope for a reunion between their characters in a future episode. However, Madison chose to leave the show before that could happen. Despite her exit, Bell remained in touch with Madison and praised her for her positive attitude and vibrant presence on set. Good Witch fans were ultimately rewarded with Madison's surprise return in a baby shower-themed episode in 2021, as well as in the Season 7 series finale. Today, Madison has continued to thrive in her career, recently joining Adam Sandler's Grown Ups 3 in 2026.",
  "summary": "Bailee Madison spent five seasons charming fans as Grace Russell on \"Good Witch,\" but her departure left viewers wondering what happened behind the scenes.",
  "key_points": [
    "Bailee Madison left Good Witch in 2019 after five seasons.",
    "She credited the show and its environment for her growth.",
    "Madison surprised fans with return in 2021 baby shower episode."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}