“Chicago Med” is known for its dramatic twists, unexpected character exits, and shocking returns. One of the biggest surprises for fans was the departure of Jessy Schram, who played Dr. Hannah Asher, and her eventual return to the show. But why did the writers decide to cut her character in the first place, only to bring her back later? Let’s dive deep into the real reasons behind this decision!
The Introduction of Jessy Schram’s Character
Who is Dr. Hannah Asher?
Dr. Hannah Asher was introduced as a talented yet troubled obstetrician-gynecologist struggling with drug addiction. Her storyline was intense, raw, and emotional, making her one of the more complex characters in the “Chicago Med” universe.
Why Was Her Character So Controversial?
Hannah Asher’s drug addiction storyline was polarizing. Some fans praised the realism and depth, while others found it difficult to watch. However, Schram’s performance was widely appreciated, making her character memorable despite the controversy.
Why Did Chicago Med Cut Jessy Schram’s Character?
1. The Storyline Had Reached a Natural Conclusion
One of the biggest reasons for her departure was the completion of her redemption arc. By the time she left, Dr. Asher had overcome her addiction and was on a path to recovery. In storytelling, once a character’s major conflict is resolved, writers often move on to new narratives.
2. Creative Decisions and Character Rotations
“Chicago Med” follows a pattern of rotating characters in and out to keep the show fresh. The producers may have felt that Hannah Asher’s story had run its course and wanted to introduce new faces to keep viewers engaged.
3. Contract and Casting Considerations
Sometimes, actors leave shows due to contract negotiations, scheduling conflicts, or other professional opportunities. While there was no official confirmation, Schram’s exit might have been influenced by factors behind the scenes.
4. Fan Reception and Ratings Impact
Fan reception can sometimes influence character decisions. If a character isn’t resonating with the majority of the audience or isn’t contributing significantly to the ratings, writers may decide to phase them out.
Why Did They Bring Jessy Schram Back?
1. Demand from Fans and Producers
One of the main reasons for her return was likely demand—both from fans and the creative team. Hannah Asher’s arc was impactful, and bringing her back allowed the show to explore new angles of her story.
2. Unfinished Business in Her Storyline
Although her departure seemed final, there were still unanswered questions about Dr. Asher’s journey. Bringing her back allowed the show to dive deeper into her struggles and professional growth.
3. A New Direction for Her Character
When Jessy Schram returned, her character had evolved. This wasn’t just a rehash of old storylines—Dr. Asher came back with a fresh perspective, giving fans something new to invest in.
4. Strengthening the Show’s Cast
Sometimes, bringing back a familiar face is a strategic move to boost ratings and keep audiences engaged. “Chicago Med” has done this before, and it was a smart move to reintroduce a character fans already knew.
How Did Jessy Schram’s Return Impact the Show?
1. A New Dynamic Among the Doctors
Dr. Asher’s return added an interesting layer to the hospital drama. Her interactions with colleagues, especially those who knew about her past struggles, created tension and depth.
2. More Representation of Addiction Recovery in Medicine
One of the most compelling aspects of Dr. Asher’s story was her battle with addiction. By bringing her back, “Chicago Med” continued to highlight an important real-world issue.
3. A Potential New Love Interest?
Fans speculated whether Dr. Asher’s return would lead to a romantic subplot. While nothing was confirmed, her presence certainly sparked curiosity.
4. Boosting Viewer Engagement
Character comebacks often generate buzz, and Jessy Schram’s return was no exception. It created excitement and kept fans talking about “Chicago Med.”
Final Thoughts: Was It the Right Decision?
Looking back, was cutting Dr. Hannah Asher a mistake? Or was bringing her back the real masterstroke? The truth is, both decisions served a purpose. Her initial exit allowed the show to refresh its storylines, while her return brought a new layer of depth.
One thing is clear—Jessy Schram’s portrayal of Dr. Asher remains one of the most impactful performances on “Chicago Med.” Whether she stays for the long haul or not, her character has left a lasting mark on fans.
FAQs
1. Why did Jessy Schram originally leave “Chicago Med”?
Jessy Schram’s character was written off after completing her redemption arc, and the showrunners likely wanted to introduce new storylines.
2. Was Jessy Schram’s exit due to behind-the-scenes issues?
There was no official confirmation of any conflicts, but character exits often involve a mix of creative decisions and contract negotiations.
3. Will Dr. Hannah Asher stay permanently on “Chicago Med”?
There’s no guarantee! Her return was well-received, but like all “Chicago Med” characters, her future depends on the direction of the story.
4. Did fan demand play a role in her comeback?
Most likely, yes! Fans appreciated her performance and wanted to see more of her character’s journey.
5. What’s next for Dr. Hannah Asher on the show?
While nothing is certain, her return opens up many possibilities for fresh storylines, deeper character development, and potential conflicts.
