Max Goodwin won’t like this news one bit: New Amsterdam star Freema Agyeman, who since the series debuted Dr. Helen Sharpe, who plays, won’t be returning in the fifth and final season of the NBC medical drama, TVLine has exclusively learned.
A source close to the show tells us it was Agyeman’s decision to leave. The actress recently began filming for Sky Original’s comedy series Dreamland alongside Lily Allen.
“Dearest Mother Fam. First of all, I want to say a huge, heartfelt thank you for your unending, dedicated and deliciously wild support!” Agyeman said in a statement to TVLine. “I feel very fortunate to have been in touch with so many of you over the past few years as I rolled in the shoes of Ms. Helen Sharpe and witnessed every ebb and flow of your emotional investment. What a ride! Thank you for being with me. She meant so much to me but it’s about time I hang up her white coat as I officially break the news that I won’t be returning for the final season of New Amsterdam.
“While I’m sad, as a fan of the series I’m also incredibly excited to see how the story ends,” continued Agyeman. “It was such a pleasure, Dr. Playing Helen Sharpe for 4 seasons – these writers built a badass! So grateful for the opportunity to share some of their stories! Fanfic — it’s up to you to tell the rest!! All the best family!”
New Amsterdam creator/showrunner David Schulner and executive producer Peter Horton added in a statement, “We wish Freema the best of luck in her next chapter and the doors of New Amsterdam will always be open if she wishes to return! We are very proud of the impact that Freema and Dr. Helen Sharpe over the past four seasons and are so grateful to have been a part of this story. As we begin our fifth and final season, we want our #Sharpwin fans to know we still have a few surprises in store for them.”
As fans of the show will remember, the Season 4 finale didn’t end well for Max and his (now ex?) fiancée Helen. After a season of navigating the couple’s new relationship, a move to London for Helen’s job, and a health crisis, Max and Helen became engaged. They eventually decided to get married in New York, but while Helen was due to fly to New York, an unexpected hurricane hit the city. On the ground in New Amsterdam, Max became concerned when he couldn’t reach Helen. When the storm finally passed, Max got a message from his fiancée: “Today was… words fail me. Call asap.”
Meanwhile, Max set up a makeshift wedding space on the rooftop of New Amsterdam. As he stood in his suit waiting for his bride, he received a call from Helen, who was still in London. “I can’t,” she cried. Shocked and dejected, Max told his worried friends, “She’s not coming.”
When New Amsterdam returns Tuesday, September 20th at 10:9c, there will be at least one doctor fully staffed: As TVLine previously reported, Sandra Mae Frank, who is Dr. Elizabeth Wilder plays series regular promoted for the show’s swan song.
#Sharpwin fans, how are you handling this news? Hit the comments with your reactions!