Ensemble cast

An ensemble cast is a cast in which the principal performers are assigned roughly equal amounts of importance in a dramatic production.

This kind of casting became more popular in television series because it allows for flexibility for writers to focus on different characters in different episodes. In addition, the departure of players is less disruptive to the premise than it would be if the star of a production with a regularly structured cast leaves.

Television series with ensemble casts

• Chicago Hope
• Crossing Jordan
• Desperate Housewives
• ER
• Friends
• Grey's Anatomy
• Law & Order
• M*A*S*H
• Northern Exposure
• Picket Fences
• Star Trek spinoffs (Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager)
• The West Wing